Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

First!

Obama is a workaholic!

BlondeW -- That article in the New Yorker was an eye opener for me...although in so many ways, it shouldnt have been....

patsi...sad truth. My and my hubby's recent brush with the local medical system has been an eye opener. I wish I could type more, faster...still in a cast (a blue one for Hopi blue experiment). Incompetent, expensive is how I found most offices...and you do not get what you pay for. But, so happy they do not kill you whilst trying to heal you...you are just happy to get away from medical care. My gf told me she quit telling her doctor about all of her pains and probs...he just gives her more pills and tests.

lol@ Patsi. . .I ran across that GG Liddy piece yesterday and as i read it I was thinking about you. Was even going to link it but thought, naw she'll see or hear about it.

Man, the wingnuts really aren't concerned much about the women vote. I would be curious to see Coulter, et al respond to a question about his comments.

I am headed outdooors for some Vitamin D and bird watching...safe weekend to all.

MY SMOKEOUT UPDATE: So far so good. I am off the nicotine gum now and onto Chantix, the prescription that reduces cravings. No cigs for a month, no gum for a week.

Best thing about Chantix is the "strange dreams" side effect. Last night I met Marcel Proust, but he sure does talk a lot. It was me, Imus and Marcel talking about food, but MP did all the talking in a French accent that sounded very much like John Cleese in Holy Grail. As you might imagine, I-man didn't like Proust very much.

Happy Weekend All!

Congrats, Craig! I've been hesitant to post here since I'm a white male and we are under attack right now. LOL! For those who missed Jay Leno last night:

"When I started this show, my hair was black and the president was white!" - jay Leno

Fun with shopping:

I was walking around WW thinking what it would be like to have a bunch of liberals/indies all here at the same time and in the same place In SW Luziana. I was LMAO. I could have gotten arrested for laughing alone but then they would just have to let me out Monday to go to work.

You would have to find and bring your own gun. Guns are not only welcome here, they are encouraged. But the State House did vote down the bring your concealed weapon to college law. Thank God.

Flatus would have to bring Stinky. Could put some 50 lb test line around her waist and set her out to forage in the woods across the street. Reel her back in in a couple of hours and we'd have dinner, meat and vegetables included.

Solar could bring Judy in for Sunday service but she would have to get over the fact that Catholic women can preach. If so inclined you could nap during the service but we'd all have to wake up for the karoake.

Any other ideas?

Should have known Craig that you were sucessful with your quitting smoking. There has been more rose and a little more plump in your cheeks.

And my Endocrinologist just called, on Saturday, my thyroid is now officially pronounced dead. (I did teach that guy nursing back 15 years ago before he went to Doc school) Now I have to start on some replacement therapy. I thought I noticed that cherry turnover on my hips this morning. I better hurry up and get the medicine before my next turnover tonight.

"I ran across that GG Liddy piece yesterday and as i read it I was thinking about you. "

Ha -- yes, Rez, my head started spinning!

"You would have to find and bring your own gun. Guns are not only welcome here, they are encouraged."

Hey carol,
I remember in the late 70s, several of us were driving from OK to NO for a conference and when we stopped for gas south of Shreveport the attendant came out with a pistol in a holster around his waist, John Wayne style. I guess that was a great crime deterrent in the Parish back then. At the time, even in OK, we had strict gun laws so it was an eye opener for all.

And Rez, I'm impressed. You know our little areas of local government around these parts are called parishes instead of counties. I think we are the only State that calls them parishes.

ct, maybe you, tony, solar and patsi can organize tm's very own "passa passa" each week and save the economy.

http://www.theroot.com/views/dance-could-save-kingston

come to think of it, n'awlins seems to have one of these every day.

Hi everyone. Weather's great in NYC. I just wanted to post some observations as perhaps some of my moderate remarks go unnoticed....LOL

1. DOD hints that a two war strategy is obsolete. Yep, right there on CQ main page. With what is brewing in NK, Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere, I rather doubt it is time to throw two fronts to the wind. Yes, I know they were talking two major wars, but how many smaller ones equal that? As Flatus and others have said before, the idea of fighting two major wars at once has long gone. Maybe a major war and a holding action. The Navy is a mess at the moment and air refueling is a mess too. Perhaps Obama should have the DOD get their shit together rather than lowering expectations.

2. Obama is right about pressure on Israel to halt settlements. First the history. In 1967 Israel told the Arabs that if they refused to negotiate for peace, Israel would slowly annex captured areas. Egypt made peace and got the Sinai back. Jordan made peace and today work with Israel to stop AQ and other terrorists. Yes, Arabs should pay a price for keeping war going for more than forty years, but Obama is right in demanding Israel stop expansion for now in an effort to get back to the table. Obama needs to say only that the two State solution will never happen until security issues are resolve, but Israel ought to get on the right side of public opinion for the moment. He is wrong however to make Iran a tool for leveraging Israel. He would also be foolish to ignore the historical novelity of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan uniting with Israel in oppositon to Iran. Obama runs the risk of missing this chance to block Iran and their terrorist proxies with a unique alliance before a dark cloud decends on the Middle East or Israel is forced to strike with Arab blessings. The speech in Egypt is the opportunity to show a new path rather than the good will gestures that have been spit upon by Syria, Hamas, Iran and other miscreants.

3. While I think Sotomayor's discrimination case presents problems (see CQ), having her clearly define her position now should be sufficient to get her through. I am troubled by her race gaffe, but as I said, earlier, she is a decent move by Obama and not the blithering joke of a Miers or Bork. The Republicans should avoid trying to make her some kind of Left Wing nutcase. But then, how often do partisan Republicans listen to the public mood?

4. NK is a dangerous crisis and the administration would be foolish to ignore the deep connections to the Iranian, Syrian WMD programs and the network of shipping and research between them and their friends in Boliva, Caracas, Moscow and China. Obama must start to shed the light on this axis or first threaten to shine the light in an attempt to get Russia and China to blink.

5. The Courts have not been kind to Obama so far on Gitmo, but I hope Obama prevails in the State Secrets case. One cannot make the case so far, that the O-team is wildly Left. Most of my comments are warnings not accusations. In fact, on several fronts, Obama seems to have listened to the center.

Good for Obama

Now please, refrain from calling me a RW today.

Thanks

For those following the whole Susan Boyle saga, this is the kid that is considered her stiffist competition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhBM7lvTDro

Craig, I'm trying to quit too though I am a runner (how stupid is that?).

Good luck and keep up the good work.

Has anyone here used the e-cigerette from China? I hear it is amazing.

Max,

That was actually a good rundown of current situation. I might have a quibble or two about the military. They are stretched so thin with multiple tours, incapacitating injuries, and deaths that only the current economic conditions are keeping them supplied with cannon fodder. Diplomacy had better work since there isn't any reserve.

Agreed that NK is a big problem. It is just too unpredictable and the only country with any influence would be China. Hillary went in February. She may need to do another trip or work heavily on that 3:00 AM phone while Obama tackles the Middle East next week.

It will be interesting to see the decision of the supremes on the discrimination case, since I happen to agree with with the two original rulings. Sotomayor wasn't ruling against the white guys, she was ruling in favor of the city's right to pull a test that didn't seem to screen properly and see if a redeveloped one would work better to achieve the diversity they wanted without sacrificing excellence. There is a good article on it today:

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/05/29/sotomayor-tape-reveals-views-on-ricci-v-destefano-discrimination-case/

Can't call you RW today, mqw and TIR have already been in today. You are safely ensconced in the middle of the political spectrum. :-)

"No cigs for a month, no gum for a week."

Craig, I knew you'd do it! Congratulations!
Carol mentioned the other day that stopping smoking is harder than stopping heroin. You're looking better and better Craig (not that you didn't always look good). I don't know if you saw the other day, that I said you've got a healthy glow about you, but I meant it.

Keep up the good work!

Jamie..thanks for Robert Novak update..

"You know our little areas of local government "

"Now listen. Did you ever hear of the Napoleonic code, Stella?

lol, For some reason (maybe John from Shreveport), I remember from a class I had years ago, the discussion about the "Code of seville or something" or it's probably when I had to go get my car out of impound in Orleans Parish and I was dumbfounded with what that was. :-)

Congrats Craig,

If you can do 30 days, you can do the rest of your life. The twinges will keep happening, but they will become easier to get past.

I haven't smoked since the Vegas get together. I still take a few deep breaths now and then

It's starting to look like America,,,around here,,,,on the corner,and across from me,,there is a new (about 8-9 months) single Mexican father with 3 kids,,,and can't speak a lick of Spanish,,,but a hard worker,,did a lot of new things around his house already,,

while I was cutting my neighbors grass,,,I saw and met the new black family,,they had balloons on the fence,,going to have a birthday party for one of the kids,,,,a little girl kept,,peaking at me over from the corner of the yard,,,and when I turned t leave,,she ran up to me,,,and said by,,by,,when I came here 29 years ago, where the new single parent lives,,,there used to live a family that welcomed Judy and myself,,,,,they gave Judy some flowers,,,and we talked out on the street when we saw each other,,,when they found out that I was Mexican,,they stopped talking to me,,,they only waved to Judy,,,,,,I used to honk at them ,,and wave frantically towards them,,,after a few seconds they would turn their backs,,,,and I would give them a loud laugh,,,it did crack me up,,,they sold to a minority,,,there goes the neighborhood!

Carol,,,,,sounds good to me,,,,but Judy wouldn't go,,she never does when I used to go out of Il for some work that would take a few weeks,,of day's,,,she would not leave her little boy,,,,,her little 35 year old boy would like her to leave tho,,,HA!
and You would not catch me near any Church,,,during the day,,,the boat,,help you catch up on all of the work, and ,,some live music,,
and all of this time,,,not a growl from the magster.

Max,,,,I don't think NK is such a big deal?,,,,if they mess around in that area,too much,China will snuff them out like a candle,,,take it easy Colorado,,,that's not a bad word,,,like saying take it easy hoss,,but Hillary is right ,,,we have to do something about them!,,,,but we don't have the man power to do much right now,,,unless we can get the sons and daughters of the congress ,,and senate critters,,and that will never happen,,,,,maybe the draft huh ?

yep........proust was a wordy little chap..........can't imagine I-man getting caught without his "shut up" button.......where was lou?

THanks Jamie. I agree with your comment about the military. I would only add that Obama then should point out we need to do some fixing, but budget worries would ruffle some feathers on the Left.

I guess I am saying that Gates, Clinton and Obama should make an updated case given the likely need for a plan B after the gestures from Obama fall on deaf ears. Obviously interdiction of illegal materials and arms and guarding against piracy is a new reality.

Under SEC of State has told CNN middile defense needs to be increased and Obama is still holding up such systems for Israel. I also think more could be done pushing Russia and China, but I do not get mail from Obama every day...LOL

I think one thing wrong I do here, is not to state more positive posts when I agree. I have focused more on when I disagree as my form of blogging tough love...ha ha ha (I forgot).

Maybe after some time agreeing when I do agree, some will be more comfortable when I disagree.

Vaporizor is better than burning tobacco if you can't resist. High Times can show one where to purchase one in the form of a cigerette. The e-cigerette is an electronic vaporizor that can burn what ever you put in it. It is amazing that after all these years we can't make a less dangerous smoke, or a car with fifty plus miles per gallon. Sad, but mostly stupid.

if cars got 50 miles a gallon, they'd just raise the price of gas accordianly.........

The problem will come when NK tries to ship more enriched U to Iran. They have started the plutonium reactor. Interdiction is the next nightmare, but China is key. If they know we will block sales what is their weapons good for?

How do we leverage China? They need high growth, so perhaps we could add new restrictions on the stuff we import but they don't import from us. The EU and the US must do something like getting the Chinese to interdict illegal materials under a UN mandate.

Something........

Carol,

Actually my brother's a Cajun, born in Lafayette.

Seems my mother got stuck down there for a bit when my dad was working for Rockwell oil and he suddenly got called up for service in 1942.

And I must be honorary Cajun since I made a Fat Tuesday trip and a couple to the Fairgrounds, plus both Jefferson and Delta Downs in the good ol days

If demand goes down and they raise prices, heads will really roll. Cellulosic...I love those three wheel motor cycles. Very stable and you could put an all-weather shell around the driver. Then get it to run on a battery.

I have a great idea. An umbrella for the summer sun that is a solar panel. It recharges batteries in the handle or a cooling ring to wear around the neck.

I have alot more ideas too.........

Well damn Rez, welcome to the family. I knew you felt familiar.

Rez, you probably know more about La. history than I do.

Delta Downs is spitting distance from where my stepfather lives. That's the track where I did that year or so of moonlighting on the weekends... probably close to 30 years ago. Where I learned about the racetrack culture.

Jamie, Is there room on the "Bird" for my, getting bigger, butt. And who am I sharing a ride with?

Susan Boyle's final performance. She sang "The Dream" again but with full accompaniement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPYuNyVxKU4

Where's DJ Cbob?. . Afternoon melody. R Newman's great

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmFQu_8u1TU

Diversity is the other favored act tonight

http://talent.itv.com/videos/video/item_200288.htm

Great dancers and really attractive kids.

Oh and Solar, do you agree that the best thing for a new child is exposure to a mother and father as opposed to gay parents or even a single parent?

This is the real question. If you answer yes (which I think has to do with genetic social imprinting factors see below), then it would seem the best arrangement of a mom and dad is most worthy of the title "married". Or would you say there is still a "range" beyond biology worthy of marriage?

In so far as gays and straights have no children this may be a valid notion, but there is another problem which I thinks changes the equation on same sex marriage v hetero marriage. And it is an important issue. Perhaps it might come first,

If two gay partners are allowed to by the State to adopt a child (which they are) why further mess with the children's head (if you are straight and believe that such gay exposure would do unduly confuse a child) when AFTER the State exposes adopted children to gay orientation and grants gays full control as parents over the child's life, the State deprive these gay parents the right to be called married? Daddy? Are You and Daddy married? Doesn't the State deem the child's legal parents worthy of the legal title married? At this point the answer should seem obvious unless one is hoping and going backwards one day and strip gay couples the right to adopt. Would this be retro active....LOL.

And thus I will now consider changing my humble opinion. In so far as the State grants the right of gay couples to equally share in the legal obligations of such parenthood they should be also granted the right to say "married". I would also add that by being gay parents for some child who might otherwise meet a more disadvantaged youth and life, a gay parental unit does in fact add to the reproductive fitness of the group. The altruism of those willing to parent off-spring adds to our biological fitness over time and play as much a role in their child's life as straight parents. If you don't believe that, then you should have opposed allowing gays to adopt children. WHy refight old issues? If we as a society entrust perentless children into the embrace of gay couples, can we deprive them in this case the right to tell their child they are married? I don't see how.

I think this is a center position even more people can agree on. Maybe even Obama. It is quite simple: ALL GAY COUPLES THAT ARE JOINT PARENTS ARE MARRIED or they can't adopt equally.

To those who say I have it backwards, your move with marriage first would lead to the next battle: should adoption go first to married hetero or married gays and a further struggle over what is "normal". One side will want adoption procedures to be "gender-free/orientation free" as though "one class of people have been deprived of their basic rights". The other will ask the question I started with.

I'm not sure any originalist intention envisioned such State "equalizing of the people" espoused from the relativism of popular currents........

Of course, I could be spouting nonsense,,,,,,,

I hope that was entertaining and have a great afternoon...................

Patd - Merci du compliment! I've decided that I love the sensation of communicating, and that's why I loved teaching and think I was a good one. When I realize I've connected with another brain clearly, I'm thrilled.

Patsi - I agree I should stop obsessing re being understood.. The funny thing is that I think I get that bad here only; maybe it's because we don't have eye-to-eye contact, and that causes a lot of mis-understanding.

Solar - when I was a little kid I was in constant motion and it didn't have any effect on my depression. One thing I do know that helps is just talking with different people, and I do mean different. Being among all white older females all day does lower me. If I went off my meds I honestly believe I'd end up sitting in a corner and slowly shrivel away.

Hoever, I realize that I've always been able to chat with all sorts of different people while being at my lowest point, walk away depressed and wondering if I covered ut up successfully.

No more about depression.
I think I do use this place as a diary sometime.

Cider vinegar is supposed to be a remarkable cure also. I just don't like the smell.

Max - I think the reason we don't have a healthier smoke is because smoke is un-healthy in itself. It's bad for the lungs.

That Liddy remark took my breath away.

Max

"Oh and Solar, do you agree that the best thing for a new child is exposure to a mother and father as opposed to gay parents or even a single parent?"

Better than a gay parent?,,,the operative word is parent,,,or parents,,right,,,,,well,,I would think that the millions of abused children by their own parents disproves this,,,,,,let go down a list,,,,raping your own daughter or son,,,by either parent,,,does this make them better,daily beatings.child prostitution (forced),,etc etc,,than one or two gay,,,or lesbian parents,,,that are responsible for their health,,,,MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY,,,

There are children out there that are committing ,or thinking of commiting suicide,,,there is no escape from these type of parents,,,,Max,,,in order to be a good parent,,,all it takes is one thing,,respect of another life,,,and common sense guidance,,,haven't know too many gay's but the few that I have,,,they are overwhelmingly good parent materials,,,and Tony Balony,,,would be one of the best,,IMO,,,and don't piss him off ,,I have a feeling that he can go toe to toe with you!!!

Diversity won and Susan Boyle came in second

Max, I think we know how you feel and you have the right to feel any way you want but:

"Results of research to date suggest that children of lesbian and gay parents have positive relationships with peers and that their relationships with adults of both sexes are also satisfactory. The picture of lesbian mothers' children that emerges is one of general engagement in social life with peers, with fathers, with grandparents, and with mothers' adult friends-both male and female, both heterosexual and homosexual. Fears about children of lesbians and gay men being sexually abused by adults, ostracized by peers, or isolated in single-sex lesbian or gay communities have received no support from the results of existing research."

http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/lgpchildren.html

Bethy,,,,,,Stay on you drugs,,,,,my point was,,and is that any type of physical exercise is goof for you,,for you bones,,,for your mental health,,,for your brain,,,and for your positive out look on life,,,,and your self...there a many drugs that are used to help,,,but with exercise,,they could be used a little less often,,or a little less strong,,,,Just saying,,,,remember when you used to say that HA!

Max, I had a mother and father, who were miserably married. I'm 58 and still working on getting over it.

Max, Did you smoke in the house when your kids were growing up?

Max

"mom and dad is most worthy of the title "married". Or would you say there is still a "range" beyond biology worthy of marriage?"

Biology has nothing to do with marriage,,,,,,,we are animals ,,first of all and if you know anything about biology,,we are not genetically inclined to marry,,,the gene for survival,,in both male,,and female,,allows for having more than one mate at at time,it is natural to roam,or for a lot of night calls to the nest above ,,,we forced the word Marriage on society,,,cos it made ownership laws a lot easier to define,,,the bible is full of laws,,,the ten commandants,,,,they all mostly deal with tho shall not steal,,humans, stay married for a lot of diff reasons,,,,but not cos of biology.,,,not going to pick the rest of it apart,,cos,,Sat day night,,,and Im going out looking for an attractive little birdie,,,,,NOT,,,,I chose not too,,not because it would be sinful,,,immoral,,or anything,,,just cos,,I would hate it if my wife did the same thing,,,all the other bs,,,is bs,,,to me,,,I know t hat there are more fine reasons,,,,but thats what I boiled it down too

and Solar, I seem to remember that you had a mom and dad that you are still working on getting over also.

Carol,,,,

Im over all of that,,,now that I understand why ,,,what happened,,,and why,,,that is why I am against organizes religion,,my mother,,,a very strong Annie Oakly type,,,a ranchers daughter,,,,ride,,shoot,,,and not afraid of anyone or life,,,,,was a strict catholic,,,that followed the bible to the letter of the law,,,tho shall obey,,,you are the property of the man,,,,etc,,,etc,,but now that I know how it all happened,,,it is all behind me,,,,,that is why ,,some of my brothers,,and sisters,,,are so religious,( religion is a way out of real life for most,,,I think,but when they wake up in the morning,,the root problems are still there),they can't talk about it,,,,forgive my father,,,I flew to Mexico,,,just before he died and forgave him,,,and than I forgave myself for all the stupid shit that I did,,I did not really know why I did some things,,but I have never,,ever hit my son,,,pulled his ear a cpl of times,,,and he knew that to bs me.

I simply think that if you treat your son,,or daughter,,as a human being,,,and respect them as such,,the rest follows..

I remember one year standing at the card section looking for a mother's day card. I was going for that I love you very much without all that stuff about because of all the love and affection you showed me, because she couldn't.

When I finally found a card that worked I told my friend standing next to me, also looking for a similar card, that I found it. There were about 10 other people in that same area looking for cards who almost knocked me over for the same card. I guess parenting just ain't that easy.

Do you blame the religion or the person needing that religion Solar? Or the person raising the person needing that religion? Or......

I guess it is forgive and forget and move on....

Solar, what a great response in your 5:12 post. You covered it all. Children need to see two loving faces with big smiles on those faces, I think.

It seems to me I've heard the phrase "original intent" a lot, here and elsewhere, lately. The phrase itself doesn't seem torn apart too much according to both words, tho, in my view.

I would say that the original intent is stated in the preamble to the constitution. The framers tell us what their intent is, and then they state how to change the constitution in case their plans don't work well enough.

That right there seems to me to be an admission that they might be wrong - I think it's also the safety valve which makes the constitution safe. We don't have to go to war to fix it - the method has been planned for.

Considering the clear statement of what those men were trying to achieve, and the actual method described for correction, I don't see what else you could claim to have been in their minds, unless of course, you can channel them. Maybe Scalia is so gifted that he can channel the framers.

That leaves, in my view, the decision of which one to channel, and boy wouldn't that create a traffic jam if you want to channel all of them. Then again, you could decide to channel just one or two, but that's rather subjective, I think, isn't it? Then again, you might be surprised at what you heard in the channeling since you can't be positive what any of them might choose to channel to you. What would do if you found out if your favorite disagreed with you? Would you admit it, or keep quiet about it and change the channeler?

I humbly suspect that we need to remember the intents set forth in the preamble, and get on with what will accomplish those goals today. Drop the words
"criminal intent" and just argue about what you think.

Just thinking.

Carol, I think Solar blames the religion, not the people needing it. I'll be interesting in how he answers too.

Also, I think the majority of people parent the way they were parented, until they can figure out a way to overcome it.

"maybe it's because we don't have eye-to-eye contact, and that causes a lot of mis-understanding." http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231846

I agree Bethy, not seeing responses usually makes it harder to communicate. Plus, the fact that we're talking to so many different people at the same time. We may all agree on many things, but surely we disagree on just as many

"Has anyone here used the e-cigerette from China? I hear it is amazing."
Max, I hear the same things. Great success stories. From what I understand, the smoke is a lot worse for you than the nicotine.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231848

Jamie, Thanks for keeping us updated. I am surprised and disappointed for Susan Boyle. But, hey second is prety great too. I'm sure she'll have a very successful career.

Carol,,,,,,I blame the individual,( same in politics),,as one we have choices to make,,for our selves,,and for our loved ones,,religion is the tool that used to seperate us from the rest of the world,,including our parents,,sons,,sisters,,etc,,,,,does it not say that if you look at another god,,that you must kill your father brother,,sister,,anyone,,,and that you should travel to the other side of the world and do it too,,,

I often wonere what the priest was thinking when he gave out the holy ghost,,,you know,,,when all of the lambs marched one behind the other so they can get a host,,,what was he thinking,,,,,,and I figuered it out,,,,in the case of the priest that did not look at children and sex objects,,,he looked at them as future baby making machines,,,,for the church,,,and all of the rest,,,,the same as anyone else,,,he was thinking,,about getting the hell out of there,,and go golfing,,,canlt wait for the Notre Dame game,,,,,,and damn,,,that one in the third row is HOT!

I don't think that spiritual gatherings are bad,,,but the agenda,,of those in groups,,,by that I mean,,my god is the real god,,yours is not,,,so you are the out group,,,,,how did the people that killed so many Jews ,,,the Nazi's justify the morality of it,,,they had to go home to a family that they loved,,children,,wife,,etc,,,so the only thing that I can think of is,,that the beutiful children and women,,were not in his group,,,not in his religion,,and not as important,,,??,,,,,,the little people want to be led,,,and the popes,,and greedy ones are more than happy to lead them,,,,l guess???

I just can't understand how intelligent people like Max,,,can say what he says about gay's,,,,parenting and all,,,it should be obvious that there are many many factors that make some one what they are,,,,and Im sure that some gay's should stay away from being a parent,,,there are shits among them also,,,look at,,,,oops

I was raised in the Methodist church but over the last 10 years attended the Catholic church because my mom and stepfather went there. Now just Church of the big river.

I always seemed to have a different interpretation of the Bible verses they read than the ministers did. I kind of molded them to my way of thinking. That wasn't always easy either.

What in the hell is an e-cigerette. Do I have to look it up or will ya'll just tell me?

"I guess it is forgive and forget and move on...."

I think, in some ways, that's the only choice we have, if we want to have healthy lives. That, and knowing they did the best they could, for the way they were thinking at the time.

Although, I 'also' don't think 'forgiving' is always possible, since some things are unforgivable.

Boy, I had you figured wrong Solar. You blame the individual?

Solar, It always erked me that when attending the Catholic church I couldn't take communion. There was an invitation but then that rule that you couldn't go if you weren't Catholic. I cheated and went anyway when I attended a church where no one knew me. Hope there aren't any Catholic police here.

Carol, The e cigarette is a smokeless electronic cigarette that I've heard about second hand only.
http://www.e-cig.org/

sorry,,,this is in the bible,,,

does it not say that if you look at another god,,that you must kill your father brother,,sister,,anyone,,,and that you should travel to the other side of the world and do it too,,,

WaPo article on Soto-Mayor's race related cases

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/05/30/court_watch_an_analysis_of_sot.html?wprss=44

Chloe,

The "Diversity" performance is up on my blog as well as a link to the final announcement of the vote.

The choreography the leader of Diversity put together to turn the dancers into "Transformers" was excellent

http://jdurward.blogspot.com

Oh Chloe I heard of that. One you can get your nicotine fix without all the hundreds of extra poisons/carcenogens.

Chole,,,,there is a lot of blame that goes to the church,,,look at what they found out about the Catholic church in Iriland ,,,since 1930,,,they made kids into child laborers,,making rosarys to to sell to the sinners,,,and molested them,,and the nuns did the same,,,these were mostly orphans is think,,,,but would it not be your fault for not knowing where you are putting your child at,,and in lwhos hands,,,does not history tell you that ,,organized religion,,,has killed billions of people,,,and if you did why would you say,,one bad priest does not ruin the whole church,,,,with all of this new information ,,,about priest,,,that has come to lite,,,can anyone please tell me how a parent,,,the married ones,,,that are not gay,,,send them to the offending organizations ,,the scholls ,,churches,,etc,,,sorry,,going to stop now,,,ready for a corny joke,,,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231870

Solar, One time, quite a while back, I asked you if you believed what was in the bible. You surprised me, in the most wonderful way, when you said, no you didn't, and went on to tell me the reasons why. I can't tell you how good I felt about you that night, the respect I felt for how brave you are. But then, you are always brave and honest. But sometimes, I'm not sure I don't hear some contradictions. (?)

Yes Carol, I hear the same thing. And I've heard some great success stories. Not being a smoker, I can't help but think it's a great idea, and if I were, I'd try it.

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/
Unbelievable performance Jamie. Amazing!
Thanks

Chlo,,

I don't even blame the bible,,,I blame the nitwit,,that reads it,,,,scratch that,,,d live forever,,,by believing others that say they read the bible and understands it,,,,,,,,,we require proof for any thing in life,,,,,,anything,,,,why don't we for religion,,,,,we are too lazy to find out,,,and afraid that there is no beer in heaven,,,they sold us a bit of bvs,,,going all the way back to the kings and queens that were gods,,,and lived for ever,,,,and it has only been a short while that people could even see a bible,,,it was against church law for the common people to read one,,,that is if you can read,,,,but now in modern times,,it is all the fault of the individual.,,I think?

" The funny thing is that I think I get that bad here only; maybe it's because we don't have eye-to-eye contact, "

I think that's probably it, Bethy....:)

"I think?"

Thanks Solar. I am so happy to see that question mark.
That tells me you're still open and looking for answers.

Chloe, You're right, I think, about the lack of a response making for mis-understandings, and even worse. Bill said that's one reason he never used email very much. I think we've been pretty lucky here in spite of that. I think we do disagree about many things and just make the decision not to say it, which is why, of course, silence can feel like acceptance or rejection.

That e cigarettre isn't really a "smoke", apparently which is what max wanted - a safe smoke, I think. It says it is a harmless vapor, and maybe that would be good for bronchitis. But if the mist is water vapor, I wonder where the water comes from - water carries germs so well. YCW! thats my new acronym for You Can't Win. I've always said, If you win, it's a sign you cheated.

Anyway, I think the e cigarette is really a sop for the hand-oral habit. Why not?

Solar - I thin you're being a little harsh. Most people are bombarded with so many worries that they are bound to make some decisions. I say give 'em a little rope.

I already agree with you on almost everything Solar.

"Unbelievable performance Jamie. Amazing!"

What a hoot! They remind me of Devo.

", I think, about the lack of a response making for mis-understandings, and even worse. '

I think that's what's so refreshing about you Bethy. In spite of that, you come out and say what you think. You're even kind enough to explain to us why you think it. You do this, in spite of risking rejection by someone who may disagree.

When we read your posts, we know we are reading something genuine and meaningful. And we know you aren't trying to change us, but just sharing your ideas with us, and enjoying the feedback.

Chlo,,,,about contradictions,,and the bible,,,I don't believe in any of it,,,some of it comes across as common sense,,yes,,,very little of it makes any sense,, but If any one can't tell me who wrote it,,than how do I know it true,,,,I can tell you that Moses did not write one word of it,,,but 5 books are attributed to him,,,I can tell you that,,,the life of Ramses and the account that is in the bible,,and what we have been tought is not pl usable,,he would have been too old,,and not a simple thing to be 100 % consistent,,,,and thanks,,,

Solar, If you don't believe any of it, are you discussing fiction?

Jamie, thanks for that link. What I'd like to know is why has that kid been toutted as Boyle's only competition?

Those young people were indeed flawless, and I don't mind Susan Boyle's second place.

I do not enjoy the kind of singing that little boy does, and was kind of disgruntled to think he might beat out boyle. I know many love his voice - it's just that I don't enjoy it.

Chloe - HA! I don't want to change anybody here cuz I think you're wonderful, and don't want to change anybody else because I don't want the damned responsibility!

The President and Mrs. Obama are seeing 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' tonight. If you have never had a chance to see the plays of August Wilson's "Pittsburgh Cycle", it is worth the effort even in amateur performances

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Turner's_Come_and_Gone

I feel the same way Bethy. I think everyone here is wonderful too.

Bethy

The finalists were all wonderful in their own way but as with most of these shows very diverse. There was something for everyone to love. There was one act I thought was horrid but the judges just went crazy over the humor (maybe it's a British love of Benny Hill type slapstick)

I think the third place was the saxophonist. So how do you decide who is best from a theatrical vocalist, and young hip hop dance group, and a jazz saxophonist. Each was great of the type. Just throw it up in the air and let the public decide. I'm sure they will all be working steady.

Just announced that a loser on American Idol got a five year multi million dollar gig in Vegas as a ventriloquist. :-)

Anyway, I like that ITV site for British entertainment. Between it and BBC, I can stay pretty well in touch of what is hot on the other side of the pond.

http://www.itv.com/

Bethy

"Solar - I thin you're being a little harsh. Most people are bombarded with so many worries that they are bound to make some decisions. I say give 'em a little rope."

Sorry ,,not on this,,,I do see your point and a good one it is,,,,but lets say,,,that any of the people you are talking about,,,lets say,,you tell one of them that his,,or her spouse was cheating on them,,,they would demand proof of it no?, by the way,,I read that,some where,but makes perfect sense to me,,,,

Ok ,,,this is the last of it,,,,,,I alway ask someone who is trying to tell me that everything is true in the bible,,,and talks about Jesus,,,if there really existed a town of Bethlehem,,,they of course say si,,,,I then ask them how come no proof that it existed was ever found,,they have found all of the other towns and cities,,,I say but not Bethlehem,,,there isn't any so far,,so we just have to believe that it did and all of its people did,exist,,That usually gets them off my back...

Yes Chlo,,

,it is all fiction,,,names are not,,,most of them any way,,,but ,,,how many brothers did jesus have,,,sisters,,what,,and who was Mary Magdaline,,,it has been found out that all of the bibles accounts have been just that fiction,,,mixed in with a little of truth,,and historical information,,,that makes some one like me,,look a little,,contradictive,,,but yes,,it is fiction,,,,they lived for hundreds ,,,and hundreds of year,,,the men,,,,,not the women,,,they only lived,,,for a little while,,the husband were so sad to see them go,,,but they had 50 more kids with other wives at the age of,,,200 years old,,,or more or less,,,start at the old testament,,,it is a very scary,,book of fiction,,,a very lungful,,secretive,,jealous god,,,that demanded his followers kill all of the people that were not of his tribe,,,,,,and now you have beautiful Jewish,,and Palestinian people killing themselves in part cos of this book,,,

a very vengeful,,,,not a very lungful,,,sorry

Ok ,,,All of this bible talk,,had left me dry,,,going for a bottle of ice cold bud,,,and a shot offffff,,,Jack daniels,,haven't seen Jack around too much,,so I can have some of his bottle HA!

Fat girl alert. I'm getting ready to plow into a BLT made with some fresh, home grown friend's mators I traded some fresh home grown prison squash for.

Solar,

There is a Bethlehem (House of Bread). In fact a couple of them though the most famous is in Palestine now. Whether or not the events claimed ever happened is another matter or even if they happened there, but the town itself is very real.

http://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/bethlehem.html

Thanks Jamie,,,will look at that,,,,,I don't remeber now what book,,,probably an anthropology one,,or an Archeological one,,that i read that in,,,but it said that they haven't found it,,,lets see where the link that you gave me takes us,,not to argue over,,,but it was there or it wasn't ,,some one is giving us the wrong dope,,and I don't like feeling like one,,,,I do that on my own enough without someone elses help...hope all is ok with you .

Carol, I'm eating half of a half pound fudruckers. I ate the other half when we went there for lunch. It is so good.

How are those tomatoes? There's nothing like home grown tomatoes anymore. It's hard to find good ones at he market.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231895

I told you that by your pic,,,you could use a few lbs,,not 20 or 30,,,,put that food down,,,,and walk away from the table,,,slowly,,,,what kinda nurse are you anyway?,,,a Dallas one,,,hehehe if I was there we would go dance some off that off,,at some cajun music tavern. Chlo,,,stop hanging around Carol so much,,,,no that I know how much you weigh,,,,,I don't need a picture,,,that completes the whole album,,,and now that it does,,im not going to have fun with it any more,,,cos what always mattered was what you looked like inside,,,I could alway see that,,and alway knew that you were a beut......Carol take it easy,,,,thats all im going to say to her.

Patsi,,,,,thanks,,,,same here.

Solar,

You might enjoy Michener's novel "The Source". It is about an archeological dig in Israel and as the go through the layers, it tells you about the people of the time that they hit. Michener combined research of many digs to create the fictional tell, and the stories are all based in fact with many historical characters surrounding the fictional ones. It is a fun read that can then set you off looking up many of the real events.

I don't believe in Beatles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv3ic6OOXns

I don't believe in hyperlinks, I just believe in me. That's reality.

Solar,
Whether your believe the New Testament is fiction or not, some how a radically new religion was born. What was attributed to Jesus was nothing like the typical Jewish dogma.

You Tom Cruise poster boy you.

ct..I question why anyone would visit a church and deliberately violate its strongly held beliefs about such things as holy communion.

This appears to be the height of disrespect.

Jamie

Thanks,,that is definitely what interest me,,and a fun read,,,I already wrote that down for future purchase,,,what i need to do is take a fast reading course,,,,I can read pretty fast I think,,,,normal at least,,,but there is so many things on line,,,and books,,and work related,,,literature ,,that im finding it hard to keep up with it all sometimes

One of the issues/countries we never see on our news programs: Zimbabwe

The past 25 years have wreaked so much destruction on what used to be one of the gardens of Africa It seems to be improving, but a lot of garbage still has to be uncovered and thrown out

http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/video/internationalus/the_new_zimbabwe_1.html

max

"I guess I am saying that Gates, Clinton and Obama should make an updated case given the likely need for a plan B after the gestures from Obama fall on deaf ears."

I completely agree and I trust they are working on several plan B's - but if you are suggesting that they start publicly discussing a plan B - I think you are dead wrong.

This was one of my major problems with W's handling of Iraq. Putting aside the decision to go in - I thought he made a critical error in going on national TV, just days before the authorization vote at the UN, to announce America's plan B - unilateral action.

The time for that speech would have been if the UN voted against taking action.

Bush gained nothing from that except some pats on the back from the Neocons. But he did manage to de-legitimize the UN and internation law and give more support to the argument that America is arrogant and does not play by the same rules it expects others to.

I know many people like to trash the UN and label it a joke. But a strong UN is in the US's interest. Because anything that is not handled by the UN falls on our shoulders. And that is a costly (and pehaps unsustainable) endeavor.

ssshhh - don't tell anyone - but I have been watch the Real Housewives of NJ today . . . I freakin love Jersey!

"If demand goes down and they raise prices, heads will really roll."

Demand for oil won't go down even if they invent cars that get 100 miles a gallon. And I see no reason why they can't make electric cars. The carts at the golf course seem to work just fine.

Anyways - the demand is not going to go down because of the development of civilization on a global scale is increasing exponentially. People who rarely used power are now being introduced to TV and AC. And those things can be addictive.

Done 1

I have never read the New Testament,,,and don't plan to,,,after reading the old..Testament,,,the basis for most religions,,,there is not need to,,,

I think that Jesus was just one in a long line of military messiah's,,,the gospels which depict a purely peaceful ,,and universal messiah,,,was after the unsuccessful jewish war against Rome... only after his death did Paul lay the ground work for the peaceful messiah.

"ct..I question why anyone would visit a church and deliberately violate its strongly held beliefs about such things as holy communion.

This appears to be the height of disrespect."

you can give your self holy communion,,,you don't need a priest,,,,and who is to say that the pries is in a state of grace,,,whatever that means,,,in order to give you holy communion?,,

On pbs,,,channel 11 here is a wonderful program,,,and it is ,make me feel spiritual,,,on great performances,,,

Well OD there is an invitation right before communion and I just took it. I didn't actually consider myself a visitor to the Catholic church since I was attending one more than most members do and putting quite a bit of donation in the plate.

I was going to join the church until I heard the lady leading the classes say they were doing a Novena for GWB to win the 2004 election. That definitely turned me off.

I never actually saw the contract that said I couldn't take it and I think it was OK with Jesus. And I think there is some little something in the Bible about judging people there OD. I can't exactly quote it. But there are parts of many religions and people who call themselves Christian that I find a little hypocritical. I guess that is why I stopped going and now attend the church of the big river. No one judges there and I am a lot closer to God there anyway.

It's all that warmth and acceptance you find in churches that are turning people away from them.

"there is some little something in the Bible about judging people"

Hear, hear, Carol!
Long live The Church of the Big River!

You can also say that it could be the height of disrespect to be a Catholic and be pro-choice!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231903

Don,

Actually almost all of the red printed stuff in the New Testament is Jewish dogma and still practiced. That is why the early Christians worshiped in synagogues at the beginning. They were considered a sect. Paul was the one who sold the salvation of the gentiles. The New Testament was hodge podged together 300 years after the fact by majority vote while picking and choosing from among all the bits and pieces of stories and epistles floating around the Roman Empire. The Maryans and Gnostics pretty well got thrown out on their ear in favor of the Paulists.

I hear ya ct.

I went to Catholic school for 13 years - but still have original sin. So in elementary school we would go to mass every Friday - and I would have to sit in the back row so as to not get in the way when everyone went up to get communion. (But I did not feel like an outcast and they even let me play Jesus in the Thanksgiving mass ; )

A few times I have taken communion - and I agree that Jesus was OK with it - and I only took it at times I was feeling holy (hah - whatever that means).

I got real scared about hell and almost got baptized in 7th grade. But then I thought about an innocent little boy in Ehtiopia who had never even known about Catholocism and original sin - how could he go to hell?

I figured the God in believed would not let that happen so I never got baptized.

I didn't take communion where people knew I wasn't actually Catholic so in a way I was respecting their feelings. But when no one knew, I wasn't hurting anyone. I did give it some serious ponder there OD.

http://www.oldmontana.com/print7.html

Hipshot Percussion and church going.

I mean the "God I believed in"

We know Warren.

Alright - enough god talk - back to the crazy ladies from Jersey!

I guess I might be a Maryan Jamie but don't know what it means.

I really like the two Marys. One thing I kind of liked about the Catholic church was that even though they seem to be anti-woman, they did give a lot of credit to the Virgin Mary.

I strongly believe that Mary Magdalen is the mother of the church, the favorite disciple and my favorite saint. Maggie is named after her.

What a great show,,,,$325.00 to see Andrea Bocelli live,,,,but not to worry,,,not going to sell any of my blue Hopi,,,,have until June 12 th to come up with it,,,or im a gonna get arrested if they catch me crashing it.

Chlo,,, for you,,,but don't tell Carol,,,she will just hose me off,,or something like that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcrfvP11Hbo#

OK Warren. I'm cooled off now. Killing off my thyroid didn't exactly keep me cool.

Hey Solar, I can sometimes be a hot tamalette.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231924

CT The Maryans considered the Magdalene the greatest of the desciples and believed in the full power and equality of women. Needless to say this wasn't at all acceptable in a patriarchal society. The Church as it rose sort of gave lip service to the idea allowing the "Virgin" mother to supplant all of the fertility goddesses in existence at the time. This all led to all sorts of myths legends and divisions. It's all very interesting, but trying to figure out exactly what was going on at the time and who believed what is virtually impossible.

You had me confused for a minute Solar. I thought that maybe you had the hots for Bocelli and didn't want me to know. Ut oh Tony. Ya'll been hanging out too much lately.

Yep, I think I'm definitely a Maryan Jamie.

Your are an all the time hot mamalette,,get off the couch and turn on ,,,and about M M being the mother of the church,,you got that right,,,they kept her out of it for thousands of years,,,but the truth is out now,,,she was ,,,,,,his confidante,,all of the males were jealous of her,,,,,how many books were not allowed to be included into the bible,,,,hundreds,,and hundreds,,,I don't know,,,but the book of Esther,,,is,,should be a hoot,,,is it out on paper back now?,,Im being a smart ass cos I really don't know,,,what the and if anything is new,,since a few years back.

http://www.abmusica.com/ctp.htm
I looked up the translation.
Such beautiful lyrics Solar. Actually made me a little misty.

Right after I had my pelvic fractures a little over 4 years ago and was on some strong pain meds I did some reading about the origins of Christianity and Gnostic Gospels. Read books by Erhman, Meyer, and Pagels. It was all stimulated by the DaVinci Code book.

Unfortunately much of what I learned is in that ozone layer in my brain.

Back to Politics. janehamsher just tweeted @newtgingrich - in what world could this possibly be considered 501(c)3 activity? Pay Your Taxes, Newt

http://tinyurl.com/nzpfq9

In case the little link above doesn't work in here:

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2009/05/29/newt-gingrich-doubles-down-on-sotomayor-racist-claim/

Solar CT

The Gostic Gospels are on line if you want to read them. It is all still pretty much ancient wisdom mixed with ancient superstition mixed with views of God. Take you pick of what works for you.

http://www.gnostic-jesus.com/

Military messiah? Guess you haven't read the New Testament. I actually believe Paul was the more militant of the two. A real rule maker, while Jesus broke about all of the rules.

Jesus taught a lot of new concepts, like the fact there was a heaven. Even Jews today will tell you they don't know if there is a heaven. Being part of God. "I and the Father am one" Working and healing on the Sabbath. Meek inheriting the earth.

Paul was a cranky old man that even Barnabas couldn't get along with. He brought back the rules and the guilt, which priests love because it helps control the flock.

One of my favorite Bible verses. Ecclesiastes 7:16. Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?

I like that one also Don and I think I meet that criteria.

Chlo,,,it is on again,,,pbs always play them for two,,,three days in a row,,,it on at midnight my time,,,I think,,,,and im going to record it,,not the same as the tape,,,but better than nothing for free,,

Don,,,I agree with that,Paul was the most militant,,,and the one that got us here,,had a big fight with,,Mark? or I forgot,,and won,,if he would have lost,,,all of this would have been mute,,,and only jews would be reading that bible,,,???and are you giving me a hint,,,:-),,,no matter,,,that is what I should follow any way that is good advise,,,I tend to get carried away,,when it comes to religion,,

Jamie

Solar CT

The Gostic Gospels are on line if you want to read them. It is all still pretty much ancient wisdom mixed with ancient superstition mixed with views of God. Take you pick of what works for you."

like I said,,,I haven't read the new testament,,and don't intend to,,,but in the bible,,,I know that there are apostle that contradict each others writings,,,for an example,,,he was born from a virgin,,,and then there is no she wasn't,,,I won't go and find this now,,,but I could later at some other time,,,what is on now that Life after Humans are finished?

I can't believe Newt uses all-caps words in his statements. What an ASS!

It is so ridiculous to use her decision - one that was supported by her two collegues on the appellate court - as well as the district court - to call her a bigot. It is incendiary and cheap.

I love how out of one side of their mouths the GOP decries "activist judges" - and then out of the other side they call for a case to be decided on the basis of what they believe to be "just" - as opposed to applying the law.

The state politicians took the action against the firefighters - not the courts.

I have not heard one Republican politician actually discuss the legal merits of the case and point out how Sonia supposedly got it wrong.

Instead, ironically, they appeal to people's empathy for the firefighters and speak in terms of "outrage" and "injustice."

Pakistani army retakes largest town in Swat Valley

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090531/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan

This is good news, right?

,,,,you want contradiction,,,here is some good stuff

Blessed are the peacemakers,,,Matthew 5:9,,

,Think not that I am come to sen peace on earth,,I come not to send peace,,but a sword,,,,Whomsoever shall smite thee on they right cheek,,turn to him the other also

,,Matthew 26:52,,,Suppose ye that I come to give peace on earth,,I wil tell you nay, but rather division ,,,,luke 12:51

one more,,,there are lots of them,,,,,,,All that take the sword shall perish with the sword,,,Matthew 5:39,,,

,,,He that hath no sword ,,let him sell his garments and buy one,,,Lluke 22:36

Expedition Africa will be coming up on History Tomorrow. You can play the game ahead of time. Try not to die. You might miss the actual show. :-)

http://www.history.com/expedition/game/

Jamie,,,that right,,,I have that written down,,,,lions ,,tigers,,and snakes,,,great,,not o my,,,,should be good.

Why Solar have you done so much study of the Bible?

Jamie,,,,950 mile track to Zanzibar,,,who are they kidding,,,Ill go anywhere that theres is a good bar,,,,but not 950 miles,,HA

Ya know, Chloe, I have to admit that I did tell Max and Pogo that I would like them to change the way they talked to me. Max does seem to be much more pleasant to me, I think, and I appreciate it a lot.

Obama is a workaholic!

Posted by: Blonde wino Author Profile Page | May 30, 2009 12:06 PM

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

No Blonde, ................... Obama has the hammer, and he knows it.

It's a guy thing.

max

"I have a great idea. An umbrella for the summer sun that is a solar panel. It recharges batteries in the handle or a cooling ring to wear around the neck."

What type of self-respecting man to going to carry around an umbrella for the sun - much less one with solar panels to power his neck cooling ring! Hah - what a mental picture that paints. It is like Ed Begly Jr. and the electric car...

But serously, I am all for alternative energy. But I think much more progress could be made by cutting down some of the wasteful ways in which we use energy as opposed to just producing more energy.

When I trained for my new job - the girl I replaced had a space heater to keep her warm because we can't control the AC in the building and it is freezing!! I thought - only in America...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231947

The way I see it, you didn't ask them to change Bethy. You simply let them know if they're going to address you, then they're to show you a little respect. And in doing so, you directly helped everyone else on the site too, by setting standards. You also gave them a chance to clarify their intentions, which is only fair to them also.

You accomplished what you set out to accomplish, and in doing so, you also got it off your chest, which is healthy.

We are gluttons.

And trust me - I am all for gluttony. However, I think it should be targeted as opposed to a constant state.

It goes back to making tools, and the realization that you have control of something in this world.

Ain't nothin' like standing up, and realizing that you have the hammer. All you have to do is use it.

Men live for this.

"It's a guy thing."

What? Only guys know how to use hammers?

Carol

"Why Solar have you done so much study of the Bible?"

Because,,,my mom let my dad do what he did cos ,,she believed everything in it,,and still does,,,cos ,,even tho two of my family members are living,,they are lost to the rest of the others that don't believe in it,,,and to understand why so many people follow into wars blindly,,,once I understood it,,,that is when I was able to forgive my parents,,and myself,,,I say that religion steals family,,,because it does,,,my brother,,he is a very nice man,,but he admitted to me,,,that his religion comes before me,,,or his 2 daughters,,,or any one,,,I told him that,,,if I did believe in religion,,,and his god,,,that,,,,that is the last thing that he would want,,,,so,,,he was doomed for treating his family that way,,,and I researched ,,,evolution,,,the universe,,,,,science,,and that is how I became convinced that there was no religion,there maybe a god,,but he is not the one that looks over everyone's shoulder,,and sees what they are doing,,,,he must have something more important than that,,,it is all man made,,and used to separate us all,,,,,,,and if there is a god,,,there must be a devil,,,and no luck for 25 years or so,,,he won't make me filthy rich for just one day,,,take my soul the next,,,and give the money to some one that i want it to go to,,,,,,,

It was just a matter of understanding why ,,and I read a lot of its,,writings as some one would a new subject., that was just introduced to me?,,,

"I don't believe in hyperlinks, I just believe in me. That's reality."
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231902

Champ, for 'lords' sake, will you tell me what that means?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231952

Moderation as a rule, gluttony as the exception?
Selective gluttony, gluttony on demand?

Where's Sturgeon? Sturge, solve these puzzles for me, please.

I'm too tired to read the 400 comments that have appeared since my last visit here. If I had a TV , I could have stayed home today. but Nooooooo .... I had to go out and play Egyptian , and irrigate the fields.

Man, standing with a shovel at the end of May , watching all your little friends standing in the field. Smiling back at you. It's alright.

A man driven, huh Solar? It's neat to be around people who lust for knowledge and understanding. That's one of my favorite things about you people here. Do you know how foreign that concept is around these parts?

Here's the thought for the day, at the end of the day. ...........

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

Well at least the parts I have to spend most of my time in. Can't say that about everyone around here.

max

"do you agree that the best thing for a new child is exposure to a mother and father as opposed to gay parents or even a single parent?"

The logical answer is a mother and father. But it is not the right answer. Because life is not logical. It is variable.

So the right answer to your question is "it depends." As unsatisfying as that may be.

I was raised by a single mother and could not think of a better way to grow up. I also spent my summers with an uncle who acted as a father figure, have awesome grandparents and have grown closer with my dad as I have gotten older.

It was like I was saying - it takes a family to raise a family. No one or two people can do it alone - at least they should not have to.

A stable and loving environment often requires a whole family to provide emotional support, sometimes financial support, and a good supply of role models, mentors and baby sitters!!

Yes Chloe, it does get a little deep in here at times. I have to let it just fly over my head then.

Carol
I never said this,,,but in gods name,,,one of my brothers was caged for a week,,and my father threatened to kill him,,,if my mother divorced him,,,or if any one would do some thing to him,,,I found out where,,,and hit my father over the head,,,and got the keys from him,,,I tied him up,,,and told him that I would kill him ,,if he ever touched my brother again,,,he and one other are younger than me,,,and ,I used to fight against the gangs so they would not get hurt by them,,,or they join the gangs,,,they were my responsability,,,the older ones,,,had thier own problems,,,with him,,,and they did not want my mom hurt any more,,they couldn' t
keep her safe all of the time,,,,,and my mom would not leave him,,,she was told by our priest that she must obey her husband,,,I don't think that she told him all ot the truth,,,,and he went to church and mass at least 3 times a week,,,my grandmother and mother every day before work,,,,,
When my brother turned to the church,,,it was cos he could not handle it any more,,,he drank a lot,,,and when he joined ,,a,nd got religion,,,he did have the will power to stop,,,but thought it was a fuckin miricle,,,,and now he loves that big empty building more than his family,,,,,,I just wanted to understand it all,,,now that I do,,,it is behind me,,,I don't even mind talking about it,,,and to those that say,,,so what,,,the church,,and others make mistakes,,,,no they don't ,,,,it is all planned,,,why take a child and baptize them,,,why don't they let them grow up and decide for themsevls,,,,lots more,,,but ,,,

If this helps someone out there to understand,,,then I have no shame,,or embarrassment about it,,,and piss on the enablers they are just as guilty,,every time that some kid get abused,,,Huh Pope.

Don't worry about the previous comments C-Bob and just spread your wisdom. we're listening.

It's " Peter the Great's " birthday , a Gemini.... That explains a lot.

1672 Peter I "the Great" Romanov tsar of Russia (1682-1725)

"I have to let it just fly over my head then."

I've had to get used to that too Carol. I live in such a simple world (some might even say simpletons world).

1868 Memorial Day 1st observed when 2 women in Columbus MS placed flowers on both Confederate & Union graves

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231956

...tried to post a link to John Lennon's "God" (a good song to listen to while discussing theology), but it turns out the Dark Lord ain't allowed to hyperlink, which is probably for the better. So he posted that. Hey... you asked.

Chloe,

...tried to post a link to John Lennon's "God" (a good song to listen to while discussing theology), but it turns out the Dark Lord ain't allowed to hyperlink, which is probably for the better. So he posted that. Hey... you asked.

(...tried to post this with a link to your original question, but alas...)

why can't you hyperlink?

and this place,,with all of its fine people here,,,have been very therapeutic for me,,,if I needed it,,I got it,,if not,,,it didn't hurt,,,,thanks to all for letting me ramble,,,now for my second drink,,,and more nice calming music.

GOD- john Lennon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv3ic6OOXns

Ah. That's the good shit.

Whew Solar. Family pathology. It's tough. And I thought mine was bad. And as long as your brother is not hurting his family, that's a good thing. If it takes holding on tight to the church then let it be.

Looks like there might be quite a party going on in The Tower District tonight

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20090531/US.Gay.Marriage/

The anti quote at the bottom of the article is just plain silly. Tom Johnson obviously knows nothing about what goes on in "his community". There have been marches and parties in "The Tower" around Van Ness and Olive for thirty years at least. The whole area is restaurants, music, and theater.

chloe:

unfortunately i tend to practice gluttony most weekends. During the week I am all turkey sandwiches and yoga - and then the weekend it is pizza, beer and Johnnie Walker!

I have been forgetting to carry my camera lately, but my little sister appeared out of the blue today and shot a rather sunny picture in my mothers garden, of me working on the FF Focuser.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7263306&id=719390112#/photo.php?pid=7263305&id=719390112

Got the control rods made and installed. And we found a reason for it today.

Every day at noon this machine will ignite a fire cracker using the sun.

Today I attended the graduation ceremony at Howe Military School. My grandson graduated.
I am linking a short article about the speaker.
This remarkable lady knocked us flat...her story is astounding.
Even though she is a repugg..so what? That was all part of her plan to become an Ambassador of the United States.
http://www.umassmag.com/Winter_2002/PROFILE__SETTING_A_COURSE_243.html

Ok Warren, I get that. You're right and I think you have a good balance going there. I was just kidding around.

You're good all week and you let off steam on the weekend. That's what weekends are for.

Congratulations to your grandson Dexter. Sounds like a nice ceremony.

As an educator, having to teach some difficult concepts in medicine, I had to really work to find a way to make them as simple as I could. Nursing students can't just let it fly over their heads, to use the infomation, they must understand it. To teach it I had to also.

You lawyers need to do the same. Try and make it simple for the rest of us.

Humans are the only animals that wear watches.

Chimps.

Dolphins and sharks, too.

Is it the same way with the law Warren? Or is it he/she who is the most confusing wins?

We're glad we can help Solar. Ya'll got me out of the hole I was digging a while back. You might be sorry you did.

In the law - usually the simplest argument wins out.

(But it is often a complex process to get there. And one of the most difficult parts is putting complicated things into plain language.)

Dexter, Congratulations To your grandson. It sounds like an excellent ceremony

CBob Congratulations on the Petard hoisting

Good night all.

cloe:

I could probably practice a little more moderation over the weekend. Especially in terms of eating.

Craig -

I'd like to apply for the position of T-Shirt model at CQ :

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p51/coloradobob/Picture75.png

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231991

We probably all could use more moderation in our lives Warren. But we just have to practice control where we can, and do the best we can the rest of the time. At least you've got it down to a couple of days a week. That's better than every day. If it's really important to you, you'll eventually work it out on the weekends too. Just be glad you're accomplishing what you want on 5 out of 7.

I'm beat, nite.

Warren I understand you better on your pizza, beer and Johnnie Walker weekends.

Dex, congrats to the grandson and to you for your contribution to his getting here.

C-bob, you make a good model.

Nite Chloe, Jamie, John Boy and Mary Ellen.

buenas noches chloe.

And ct - that is when I tend to make the most sense!

Today I attended the graduation ceremony at Howe Military School. My grandson graduated.
-------------------------------------------

Atta Boy

Good bye May

Well the Crab King is about to play " Mustang Sally ". somewhere to the east, time to go write.

Solar,
I always link religion and intolerance because of an early experience in the war between Catholics and Baptists. That's why I mentioned intolerance as a method for some people to obtain power. Same with religion. Look at the Catholic Church, they're their own country.

A lot of people have misused the Bible over the years. I'm sure millions have been caught in the cross-fire.

There are some people that are trying to grow spiritually, and for some of those the Bible is a guidebook. Other people use different guides. I won't say one is better than the other. I have read the Bible often enough to know there are a lot of errors. I know there are even more mistakes in interpreting the Bible, which is usually done by the power holder and passed down.

You're obviously exploring your own path to maturity, which I think is great. But that doesn't mean the Bible can't be handy along the path.

I think one thing taught in the New Testament is that forgiving someone is the best favor you can do yourself.

And Solar what you see as your brother's neglect of his children/family may be just his attempt at coping and restraint considering the abuse he endured. He may be afraid of what he might do since that behavior is pasted down from one generation to the next. He may use his religion just as an excuse.

My secretary's husband helped with the fixing up of my camp after I bought it. He told me some of the stories of the abuse he had as a child. I thought to myself, with all that he endured, he missed a good chance to be a serial killer.

He doesn't stay at home to work. He travels most of the time. He mentioned that he just couldn't handle being around his family. I think he is afraid of what he might do. His staying away is probably best for everyone.

Thanks for the kind words about my grandson grad.
It's been really hard trying to find summer work; he's been there at school and he will spend the summer in Toledo before going down the road apiece to Bowling Green State University.
The valedictorian was a girl, one of only two in the class.
She must be what my folks would have called "a smart cookie."
She was presented a scholarship for college which totalled money in the sum of $51,000. Now that's a darn nice scholarship.!!

You are correct, CBob! Mustang Sally is starting up , betcha dollars to donuts! That old shagger loves that tune.

Solar, as I expected you did not answer the question. Is a mother and father preferable to gay parents? I have not even heard many gay advocates say no to this question. They simply point out that straight parents often do lots of bad things. There are alot of single mothers. But then so can gay parents do bad things. The question is whether there is any "natural" wiring in kids for a mother and father. Show me the data that says the outcome of child rearing has no impact on whether parents were gay or not and leave monetary consideration out or we can include Mormons....LOL

The second part of my post addressed marriage as a right for anyone who has been sanctioned by the State to adopt a child. Since gay adoption has not been around for a very long time, outcomes may be hard to ascertain and I would love to hear from those who know the adoption process. I assume the State would not allow the adoption by a couple who prefessed to encourage their child to be gay. I am sure straight parents encourage their children to be straight to the degree environment has an affect on these things. And please Solar, the fact Cro Magnon became dominant may very well be involved in the "concept" of monagamy, the family and social order. Despite the closeness of our genes, we are not exactly Monkeys and their are numerous species that mate for life. We will have this debate another night.

On to another subject for your late night viewing:

Some sobering news. It seems Pakistan has been building deep launch sites and storage facilities for a survivable second nuclear strike force against India in the event of a nuclear war. They appear to have 60 nukes now pointed at India. In irony, this diversion of money has lead the more dangerous problem of insurgency within Pakistan now threatening the nuclear force.

http://www.timesnow.tv/Al-Qaeda-plans-for-nuke-takeover-in-Pak/articleshow/4318300.cms

A day ago I mentioned the spread of Iran’s proxy Hizb’Allah to various places around the Middle East and even world. Perhaps this recent activity could explain to non believers the danger inherent in ignoring facts regarding Hizb’Allah. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-shadow30-2009may30,0,2242157.story

Right now the very fighters Gates plans to stop making at far less than their intended numbers to replace out aging fighters, the Raptor is on its way to Japan as a lethal strike option for North Korean facilities and missile sites protected by advanced air defense. Syria and Iran are improving their air defense systems as well. Americans should note that if North Korea warrants our Raptors, then how much nonsense is it that these superior fighters are useless cold war relics?

Numerous shipments of weapons to Hizb’Allah has made the next round of conflict far more dangerous than the last. Obama recently approved weapons sales via Turkey to Lebanon while delaying air defense systems to Israel. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/5413267/Likely-Hizbollah-electoral-victory-in-Lebanon-raises-prospect-of-new-tensions-with-Israel.html
With terror groups such as Quds and Hizb’Allah expanding operations into Yemen, Somalia, SA, North Africa and the Far East in coordination with an alliance of various States providing increasingly sophisticated weapons, several hot spots are reaching critical turning points.

My wish would be that like Kennedy, Obama comes to understand the weakness of his initial assumptions and forecasts regarding the activities of our adversaries. There is still time to make better moves to counter their obvious strategy to exploit the impression of our retreat and a fallback from our willingness to get involved in expensive actions or commitments.

Personally, if I was Obama I would have told Merkel that Germany was doing squat in Afghanistan and therefore had better rescue Opel. Maybe that’s exactly what he said. What is more expensive? Saving Opel or saving Afghanistan?

Max -

Have a cracker.

Warren, I stand by what Hillary said during the vote for the authorization of force. My understanding was that Bush floated the idea of extending smart sanctions and another round of inspections in exchange for Russia and France agreeing to abstain in a veto should Saddam refuse to go along.

Bill said later, he thought he might have gotten them to agree buying some more time and eventual a UN resolution later that would have given Turkey cover to participate. We shall never know, but I agree the signals and PR by Bush was a grave problem all along. Bill said in an interview for CNN, that he doubted Saddam would go along for long and that war was inevitable. Another example of mispeak was Bush's failure to capitalize NATO's first reaction after 9/11 and bind them into a far greater committment in Afghanistan when he had the opportunity.

As far as Obama's signals. So far, almost all the players good and bad have said that plan B has not been mentioned privately to anyone. Iran is now blaming the US for attacks in Iran. They are on the verge of victory in Lebanon. No matter what it sounds like here, Obama's moves and gestures have discouraged our allies of Freedom in the Middle East and emboldened our enemies. He needs to counter that with a degree of public words. And listen to yourself after defending last summer, Obama's promise to publically declare our intentions. Remember his Pakistan strategy? He wnet on for days defending the need to have transparent and clear declarations of intent so the American people know what's going on. Do you?

not too creative tonight are you Bob?

Sounds like you have all the crackers....

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/2009/05/026353print.html

Interesting take on Obama's restriction of speech...

night all

Well max I assume that the US intent is to make progress through diplomacy. So I see no need to start talking about all the nasty things we might do if talks don't work. In some quarters - that could be taken as a threat - and might not facilitate negotiations...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231963

Great post Warren.

"Max - Have a cracker"

LMAO!!! C-Bob -- I believe what I love most about you is your ability to cut through the BS and make your point. Max -- please know that tortured meandering around a subject generally means you don't really know what you are talking about.

"not too creative tonight are you Bob?

Sounds like you have all the crackers...."

LMAO again! C-Bob sails right over Max's head.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231889

I know I am getting in late on this subject but I always heard it was "Joe Turner Been Here an' Gone. That is the line I know of. As in "They tell me Joe Turner been here an' gone" Artistic license I guess.

TN Gov vetoes guns in bars bill:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090531/COLUMNIST0101/905310353/Column++Gun+bill+veto+shows+Bredesen+still+has+his+spark

ct..reading your several responses, I think you are quite aware that your taking holy communion in a Catholic church was disrespectful.

Being disrespectful is your right. My not appreciating it is my right.

Best Wishes..

OD -- I must say that I absolutely disagree with your assessment. And I disagree for religious reasons. How DARE the Catholic church or any other sect of Christianity hold itself above Jesus Christ? Because by denying communion to any Christian that is precisely what they are doing. I don't often enter into religious arguments, but this one displays such arrogance of attitude that to me it is nearly blasphemous.

"Pakistani army retakes largest town in Swat Valley"

Ruth is still Sultan of Swat.

OD, I don't want to fight with you. You are usually a pretty neat guy. I'm sorry I offended you. That Catholic church was my mother's church. My mother had just died and she was one of the most important people in my life. I spent most of my life dedicated to taking care of her and losing her was very hard.

That church represented a way to be both still be close to her and to be close to God. I needed both at the time. I had to drive 60 miles to get there each Sunday. I could have found another church but it wouldn't have been the same.

very veird Crabfest ........kind of a 3 Sally night........but the strangest thing was when the old fellow, at least in his eighties, starts to stand on his chair and dance.....his people stood up around him, but then the old feller starts to make for standing on the table.......I figure surely somebody's going to stop him.....nope......they all steadied the chair and attempted to steady the table, which unfortuneately was not a 4 legged table but one column in the center....we're sallying away, and i see the bar help moving toward the old dude to intercede when the table begins to tip and down on his back to the floor goes our aged customer......that's gotta hurt, i figure........no way that can be good ..........he gets up and seems to be alright, but I know that old man's gonna hurt today and he'll be lucky if he didn't break half his bones........

Moral......if you're out with your aged relatives.......keep 'em off the tables......

catholic church---schmatholic church.......that church so fulla crap they eyes are brown............

Thanks for the laugh Sturge.

And OD, no matter what you think, being disrespectful was never my intention.

disrespect for the church is MY job..........lol

This has all helped me understand Solar and his feelings so much better.

I think we had our Sunday school lesson today. A very sad one for me. Usually this place puts a smile on my face everyday.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232000
You're even smarter than I realized Carol. And I already knew you are REALLY smart, so that's saying somethng. As KGC would say, can I associate myself with that post. I agree with 'every' word, and wish I could have said it so well.

"A very sad one for me."

Ah, Carol. Don't let anyone drag you down in their self righteous hole with them. Stay up here with the rest of us. We need you.

They are going after Ms. Sotomayor for admitting that her past life experiences may influence her decisions. That will always be the case for all of us. Absolutely no getting around it. It is nice she is honest about it. It is better to recognize it than to be oblivious to that fact. When you recognize it you can keep it in check. Sometimes it never pays to be honest.

Thanks Chloe, Patsi.

It rarely pays to be honest. But we need to do it anyway.
Good for Ms. Solomayor.

That should read sometimes it doesn't pay to be honest.

Sorry for the misspell of her name.

reg. never
Are you sure you didn't have it right the first time? :)

She's has not learned to be a politician yet. Hopefully she'll never learn. That's one bad thing about politicians, they tell you what they think you want to hear not what they really think.

"they tell you what they think you want to hear not what they really think."

If they didn't, they'd never win.
Let the bad guys complain... I think she'll pull it off.
Once she does, she won't have to play their games anymore.

It's nice to know we will have another person on the court who thinks like a woman. Need a whole lot more of that.

Go Philly!

The American Debate: Life experience is a factor for all judges
"Are we supposed to believe that white male judges have never been influenced by their lives as white males? How come "life experience" is trumpeted as a scary concept only when the life in question belongs to a Hispanic female nominee? How come, whenever a white male is successfully tapped for the U.S. Supreme Court (thus far, 106 out of 110), nobody voices concern about the potential jurisprudential impact of the white male life experience?"
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20090531_The_American_Debate__Life_experience_is_a_factor_for_all_judges.html

Women rule!
Like I've said before, if I had my way, they would.

To weigh in somewhat late on the Catholic communion issue: isn't part of tolerance respecting other's point of view? If the Catholic church wants to restrict communion to its member, isn't that the institutions right to do so? If I go into someone's house shouldn't I respect their customs?

Sadly Chloe is that many women don't realize the potential of their influence. They still cater to men because they need to. They have a low self esteem.

Many of the women I see in jail allow their men to drop in and get their needs met and then leave to hang with their home boys. Some are even willing to do time for their men. It's crazy. I wish I had the time to work on their self esteems but I don't except what I can do while I am with them.

The only social services that's available at our place comes from the pastoral care department. We have seen what that can do.

It amazes me how many intelligent women define themselves and their importance by whether they have a man in their lives.

"If I go into someone's house shouldn't I respect their customs?"

Good point. And we all have different customs. If you came to my house, you might find out I have completely different beliefs and values than you. That doesn't mean I'd push those values on you and expect you to change. I'd be hospitable and discuss the the things we had in common.

TM is about our differences, as well as our commonalities. And we should be able to discuss things here, without worrying about being ridiculed and criticized. I someone disagrees, then disagree. But why attack someones character for feeling differently about something.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232015

Horsedooty,

Sorry I missed your post. August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle that includes Joe Turner (named after the song) is a great American work. I've only read it and seen clips of some of the Broadway performances, but even in script form it leaps off the page. I would love to see a full production. Nice date night for the Prez and his lady.

Beats clearing brush for the cameras.

"They still cater to men because they need to."

That's exactly why Patsi fights so passionately for women Carol. So the environment will change, and women will have a chance from a very early age to realize their equality and potential.

Gotta LUV You Tube

Clips from the LIncoln Center production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZm5WGcuHRQ

Patsi, Sorry, I shouldn't have said that as though I were speaking for you. That was simply my take on things.

That's right Pats, respond to a series of facts and some straight forward logic with some havesome crackers. Yep, that is profound cutting through BS. Perhaps you can explain why my posts last night were BS. That is such a respectful response.

Amost as brilliant as Bob's. For the record, please explain to all why a mother and father isn't the best role model for a child.

If you can. And please leave out the Bullshit or have a cracker.

Down to the wire now (I Hope). Mn Supreme Court to hear the Coleman/Franken Senate Race arguments
on Monday

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/46508587.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

Hey guys I did learn something from the experience. I recognized that some churches don't have what I feel are Christian values. You must either believe everything they dictate or you aren't welcome. Some of you don't realize you aren't really welcome either.

Because of it I quit going and won't ever go back to the Catholic church. You win but they don't.

Beliefnet told me that Catholic was my least compatable religious choice. Like I said it was all about trying to be close to my mother. I know she was cool with it.

picture of a happy horse neighing to the world

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=B2&Dato=20090528&Kategori=SPORTS&Lopenr=905280804&Ref=PH

It's definitely time for a new thread Craig. Wake up boy.

Just another cranky Sunday. Do do. Wish it was Monday. Do do.

"Well max I assume that the US intent is to make progress through diplomacy. So I see no need to start talking about all the nasty things we might do if talks don't work. In some quarters - that could be taken as a threat - and might not facilitate negotiations..."

What progress? Name a single achievement. In fact EVERY gesture to negotiate has been met with refutation. North Korea, Hamas, Iran, Hizb'Allah, the Taliban , Chavez and even Castro has responded to talking with activities that have upped the opposition to the US. Fidel refuted his brother's remarks a day after Obama talked nice to Cuba after several SA leaders trashed America. Iran is presently accusing the US of terrorist bombings in Iran. I could go on but it is clear our adversaries are having a good laugh and already the adminsitration is having second thoughts about their approach. They will have to do far more than send out Hillary every few weeks to talk tough.

IN fact, one can make the case that so far the moves by Obama has escalated the possible acts Israel, Egypt and others may be forced to take.

Women rule? Women are being systematically raped in Darfur. Women are going on trial in NK and Burma, they are oppressed in Iran and have acid thrown in their faces in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Some here even suggest that two good men are as good a role model as a good mother and a good father for a child.

Perhaps we might make reality a bit closer to the cheer leading, yes?

I am not an apologist for the Catholic church, but I did go to Catholic schools, and one important takeaway for me was the principle of the 'primacy of conscience.' Under that theological principle, an informed Catholic, with prayerful reflection, not only has the right, but has the obligation to follow his/her own conscience on matters of morality. This principle is conveniently left out of post-modern (conservative) teaching, and it can obviously be abused if the words "informed" and "prayerful reflection" are ignored. But it clearly means the people who say that you must believe all or none, that criticize 'cafeteria Catholics' are not entirely correct. The theological argument goes on that the Church's teachings are (by definition) informed and reflective, and therefore carry very great weight -- but they are not the last word.

Anyway, that's what I was taught.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232050

Max, The best role model for a child is a loving, responsible adult dedicated to the child's welfare and eventually to their success in becoming a loving, responsible adult as well.

The number and sex of those devoted to the child really isn't all that important except as it affects the security of the young person. Usually, the more adults and mentors the better. One of the failings of the modern nuclear family is that it is often removed from a wide circle of relatives that friends to provide the greatest number of outlets for a child to find themselves in relation to the world.

As to crackers and parrots. It is the same thing we have mentioned to you before. When a post is too long, many of us just scroll past in order to get on to all the topics here while a shorter post with a link might get a better hearing for your views.

P.S. I am chatting hear this morning, and procrastinating going out and weeding my vegetable garden instead of going to church, so you can draw from that any conclusion you wish to.

You misunderstand that horse's look there Pat. That is what is called a scent savoring look. I read about it in a horse book. That horse smells a young filly in the area and he's getting hot.

As legal quibbling goes, this case could get very interesting. Is a Saudi Prince, as a member of a ruling royal family, a sovereign nation or are they an individual?

US backing removal of Saudi royal family from a suit by 9/11 victims

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/31/national/main5051884.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_5051884

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-231864

"I just can't understand how intelligent people like Max,,,can say what he says about gay's,,,,parenting and all,,,it should be obvious that there are many many factors that make some one what they are,,,,and Im sure that some gay's should stay away from being a parent,,,there are shits among them also,,,look at,,,,oops"

Solar
I understand Max,very bright but no common sense...I think he's a nice man and very polite but he doesn't think outside the box.Life of course isn't black and white and has many shades of Grey...Hence a lot of beautiful families with gay parents like some of my gay male friends who have come together with there Lesbian friends and had children..A very lovely thing....I of course no that people like Max will not consider them to be a family because the parents happen to all be gay..Its OK, because time is not on there side...

max......ideal might be man and woman parents in a family of love..........next best would be a family of love.......man and woman parents guarantees absolutely nothing about the quality of the parenting for a child.....divorce come to mind?

it's just oblique to narrow good parenting down to the parents' being a man and a woman when probably most know that good parenting takes place when you have a home with love and respect in it........being a man and a woman raising a child, again, is no guarantee of anything at all.....

so pass a law which says all families must henceforth be families of love and respect.

"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
--- Leo Tolstoy

cartoon exemplifies imo why the state should only deal in civil unions and on an equal basis for consenting adults.
let those who want frills and something extra in the way of ceremony, ritual, ethnicity, etc. look to their individual church, synagogue, mosque, temple, druid circle,etc.... but (kisses) keep it simple, stupid, et separate.

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/27/one-man-one-woman/?editorialcartoons

I want to mention, as I did last night, that I sure enjoy reading Warren on his pizza, beer and Johnnie Walker weekends. I can understand him and I don't have to have a drink to do it.

tony.....did you ever make it to bendigo when you went over? I saw you said one of your friends was from there......

well.... it's finally done.... Rick and I planted the blue corn yesterday....
didn't know if I was gonna find the time..... but Rick is more excited about the corn than I am.... so he made sure it got planted...

we did take some pictures..... but being the Luddite I am... I need Rick's help to upload them to CBob's site and he left early this morning to fly to Houston for a week long training session..... we'll do it next weekend....

cajunjoe.... as Chloe said.... that's a good point about going into someone's house and respecting their customs....
here at TM.... Craig has asked us not to do ad hominem attacks..... this is Craig's house.... IMO.... OD broke that custom.... and IMO... that makes him and Carol even....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232061

ct, so? couldn't he still be a happy horse neighing to the world "wow, i smell a hot mare in the neigh-borhood!!"

Lol Carol. Our female paint, America, does that a lot. When she's happy, when she see's someone she hasn't seen in a while, or if she knows she's about to be fed. Now, that's not saying she wouldn't do it if she saw the good lookin' stud they have next door.

Now that I think about it, I think it's a smile.

Pat, check out this youtube video. You will see this horse displaying that scent savoring look.

Sorry Pat I forgot to put the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY1hbyHim6s

the horse is laughing at that guy on crutches.......horse wasnt raised right............

" If the Catholic church wants to restrict communion to its member, isn't that the institutions right to do so? If I go into someone's house shouldn't I respect their customs?"

The Catholic church respects no one but the Catholic Church. Just ask all the children it allowed to be molested, and the women it viewed as nothing more than baby factories. And that's just in recent years. We won't go into the history..

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232020

Carol
Very touching!! I understand very well and I have much respect for you.I went along with the Mormon church for a part of my life because of family.I finally opted out of course ,I didn't fit there version of what it is to be one of God's children. The response you received from OD is yet another example of how intolerant people involved in organized religion can be..Its my way or the highway..I'm with Solar I wish that organized religion didn't exist its responsible for much of the trouble in the world..Keep smiling,PLEASE.....

And that doesn't let many organized religions off the hook. As a Christian, I believe many of them turned their backs on Jesus Christ long ago.

"I sure enjoy reading Warren on his pizza, beer and Johnnie Walker weekends."

Yes Warren, Please don't change

and all you folks that think mind that bird would have beat rachel if the track were longer didn't take in consideration what he was really trying to catch up to her for..... and in front of all those people.

Patsi: "The Catholic Church respects no one but the Catholic Church."

Nobody is making you belong or go. Fortunately, there is no compulsory or state religion around here.

guess what.........at a time when the catholic church was an actual power in the world they spent a lot of time using jeebus to torture, burn, and maim people.........torquemada as a representive of christ?
it's still the same church but they have not that power now.......and i remain convinced that if they did have that power, they would use the jeebus again to wrack bones and burn flesh......

"if jesus had been executed 20 years ago, little catholic school children would be walking around with tiny electric chairs hanging around their necks......."

-lenny bruce

I'd have to say, I don't understand all the vitriol.

Cheer up: watch this. It'll make your day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXPcBI4CJc8&feature=related

I find repressive churches vitriol-worthy.

joe.......sorry.......youre right......I'll put my anti-catholicism back into my pocket........lol

Carol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232000

My brother is a very nice person,,,and did not neglect his daughters,,,he has put them thru college,,one of them is a Nurse,,and the other two are married with great kids themselves,,,

and yes it is good that he cling to his religion,if he was to start sliding back to drinking,,,,but that is not the problem that I see ,,,it is the preference of of his church over his family,,,he would chose to give up his family,,,if the pope told him to do so,,,that is whats wrong,,not that he isn't a loving person,,,I have gone with him to ( knights of Columbus) give old peoples baths,,and clean their house,,,,but he told me that he does it out of duty,,to the church,,not that he really wanted to do it for that person,,,I think that,,,,that is backwards,,,and is the reason he does every thing in his life now,,,,,,so when I say that the church steals families,,,what I mean is that they steal,,,their soul,,,,,ask ,,,any very religious person,,,,,if they don't answer,,,they picked the church,,,,,my brother,,,flat out told me,,,that if the pope told him to leave his family,,,he would,,,and what you see in O D,,,is but 30% of the intolerance of someone that believes,,,

Here is what I would have said to him,,,,,What if that priest that was giving the communion,,was one of the child molesters,,,( the priest that married me one of them ,,,in my eyes,,im not really married by the catholic church,,,he was not pure,,his soul was dark),,all of the people that he gave communion to,,was not recognized by God,,,or was it?? extrapolate that to marriage,,to baptizing and all,,,none of them are valid IMO ,,,did a lot of thinking,,,and they can't give an answer other than,,,,yes they are,,,their intent ( the people's ) was there in the first place,,,,,,,well if that is what they believe,,,,,then you don't need them,,,to do any of the things that they do,,,marriage,,,and all.

Carol,,,,and in the past this intolerance by the church,,,the popes led to the deaths of entire towns,,,cities,,they would kill anyone apposed to them,( brother or son),just as any ,ruthless dictator, or brutal, king ever did,but the bigger point that I want to make,,,is the church is still doing the same things,,,,in the bible,,,it tell the Jewish people that they must have the holy land,,,and to kill their enemy's,,will get quote( I think that Warren put it up last week),,but that is only one of the reasons that I think,,religion is why most of the world is always in war....we attacked Iraq,,,remember cos Bush listens to a higher father,,,than the one he has here on earth,,,he is a true born again,,,so is Cheney,,,Delay,,,how do you think that the court stole the election from Gore,,,,,,religion ,,,the abortion issue,,is the strongest issue for them,,,and for most Catholics that voted for bush,,,,,,they went against the American family,,as chose to elect a president that they knew was going to war as a crusader,,,so my problem with religion is what it does to the whole world,,,,keep watching people like O D ,,,and you will see the need to be the right religion to be in,,,or die,( the soul),,,they are expandable,,just Muslims,,,or Hindus,,,no one is worth Gods love,,or mine,,,if you are not Catholic,( and the other religions ,,feel the same way),,,the main reasons why the offending priest were moved from one parish to another,,,and why the are not excommunicated,,,they are the soldiers for the Pope.imo,,,,and the last thing,,,not one of my brothers or sisters,,,abused their children or others,,,I don't buy the premise that if your father did it ,,,then you will too,,,,but I do agree that most need help to understand it all, it is not in the blood,,or in the genes,,,it is about the power of one person over the other.

off to get some exercise in,,,later,,,and this was my last post about it,,,I hope for a while,,,I have taken all of you time,,but there is need for me to get this info out there ,,,now that I experienced it and understand it

Don

agree with your 12:33 am post almost 100 %,,

"I think one thing tought in the New Testament is that forgiving someone is the best favor you can do yourself."

Like I said,,I have never read the new testament,,,,,I traveled to Mexico,,,to forgive my father,,,he cried like a baby for day's,,,we went for a walk,,,that was the first time we ever did, I then forgave myself,,,for hurting myself,,,not so much others,,,,off to get some exercise in,,,later,,,and this was my last post about it,,,I hope for a while,,,I have taken all of you time,,but there is need for me to get this info out there ,,,now that I experienced it and understand it

Yep, forgive and forget. That's are lesson today.

tony.....did you ever make it to bendigo when you went over? I saw you said one of your friends was from there......

Hi Sturge
Yes, I have been to Bendigo many times,Castle Main too..I spent Christmas Day there 3 yrs ago.I have been there a lot because my friend Baz's partner Kane is from Bendigo.I have meet his family many times as they all wanted to meet and talk with the American,that would be me..Bendigo today is very dry and desert looking.It still small but has a mall and lots of little shops and businesses,McDonald's,Cole's,Safeway...I would imagine its changed much since you were there in 63...

I think ALL religions are primarily about power and control.... the Catholic Church just happens to be the best at it, IMO....

I do respect everyone's right to choose a religion or not.... and when I am in a church for whatever reason (usually a funeral or a wedding) I try to be as respectful as possible....

but my private thoughts while I'm there are mine.... and if the parishioners could hear them.... let's just say it wouldn't paint a very pretty picture....
although.... I do admire a lot of the artwork in some churches....

CJ

I don't think it is Catholicism or Christianity under attack as much as either of those groups as being "those who wield power" over others and religion as a means to promote dissension among human beings. When doctrine overwhelms love, kindness, and understanding, then it is doctrine that has betrayed the religion.

I agree with Renee's points -- especially about the artwork. :)

Things you wouldn't normally hear in a suburban household if you didn't know Colorado Bob:

Scene: Son just back from early morning golf game. Mother cutting up cantaloupe for breakfast.

Mother: Well, Chris what are you going to do today?

Chris: Well Maw - I think I'll go water the corn.

tony.......next time you have the opportunity, ask your friend if he knows Stewart Cramer, in former times from Rose St.......we stayed with their family when we went over......

All this reminds me of a Reformation course I took in college -- half nuns and half athiests --- and me. One day during the usual fighting between the two factions the professor asked me why I never took part in the discussions. He said, "I happen to know you are a believer." And I said, "I don't consider the arguments they have as having much to do with faith."

Patsi and RR

Add me to the love the art crowd as well as love the music. Even try to get to a midnight mass at Christmas when practical. High mass and full chorales are a great show.

Of course if you have asthma, the swinging gold censers and heavy incense they contain could be hazardous.

A new fun way to watch the Sunday dribble (It's not ALL drivel)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/31/tv-soundoff-sunday-talkin_n_209455.html

I also really like simple rural churches....
the ones we visited in New Mexico I considered folk art in and of themselves...

and I LOVE the mosaics on mosques....

Carol.... I want to make sure you know that my statement about you and OD being even did not mean that I thought you did something wrong....
you were obviously trying to find a way to honor your mother.... and I think what you chose to do was beautiful.... and, IMO.... your private personal right....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232092

HA HA,Renee your just brilliant...I agree about the art work!! In thinking back on my 2 trips to Europe the Churches and their art work do stand out as truly beautiful..Thanks for pointing out something positive about religion....

"Do unto others that which you would do unto you."

"Love your neighbor as yourself."

"Never attribute to others malice of intent, where stupidity is an adequate explanation."

Sort of the basis of my religion.

"tony.......next time you have the opportunity, ask your friend if he knows Stewart Cramer, in former times from Rose St.......we stayed with their family when we went over......"

Sturge
I just copied and pasted your comment to Baz in an E-mail.I would have used the Magic Jack and called but its 1:25 Monday morning in Melbourne..

I agree that the art in the churches are fantastic,,,when in Mexico,,,they are the most beautiful of all the buildings,,,most towns,,and villages,,,and I did admire the talent that it tool to build it,,and as a builder,,,the dedication that it had to take to get it done,,,,,,but I also thought about,,,all of that space ( all of the churches in the whole country) all of the $ that went into,,,all of the labor time that went into it,,,all of the land,,,that could have been used to house,,people,,,$ to feed and educate them,,etc etc,,,but it is just the reverse,,,I saw that the poor people gives some of the $ that they should keep to feed their families,, to the church,,,they got the labor,,for free,,,(slaves),,,they pay no taxes,,,,they are always asking for more and more $ to fix the roof,,,and the new alter,,,and the new airconditioning etc,,,,what % of this $ goes to the vatican,,,can we even take a peak at where it is spent,,,and then,,,they ask for help from contractors,,,that do the roofing,,,they either get it done for free,,or at a huge discount,,,Power,,,,and Greed,,,,,,in the Church,,and Power and Greed in all governments,,around the world,,,,,the church,,,and government,,,,,,are MA,,,,,and PA,,,, do what they say,,,,and teach ,,period,,,,pretty buildings that house some great vampires,,,and I want a stake thru thier hearts!!!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232105

Joe
I wish we had more people following you in your religion...Yes wonderful things to live by...

This is what I'm coming out with in today's Sunday school lesson. Often religion is used to justify intolerance and meanness. That is sad. The Christian religions are no better than the Muslin religions in that area. I guess that is why people are moving away from formal religion and toward finding other ways to be spiritual. I think we are getting more spiritual these days. We need it to be well rounded.

Man is a psycho-social-biological-spiritual being. You can't neglect one area and have a sense of well being. Namaste.

Now off the mow because if I don't it will compromise one of the above aspects of my well-being.

pretty buildings that house some great vampires,,,and I want a stake thru thier hearts!!!

OMG Solar
You funny...I have laughed now so hard I don't know if I can take any abdominal exercises today...I may have to just do my hour stepper and be done...Later on I'm making Vince and I cubed steak and baked potato's with my homemade Blue cheese dressing for the salad...Fattening time that's what Sunday's are too me..HA

Thanks Tony,,,,,I did not lose a minutes sleep over all of this talk,,,Im just sorry that Im so forceful about it,,,I don't know any other way ,,to say it all,,,,,

Im glad that you don't take Max seriously ,,and don't lose a minute sleep over his scientific manipulations,,,,if you really read between the lines,,,of his mother and father bs,,,it is all about religion ,,,that is what is tought,,,only a mother and papa,,can be a good family,,,,smack,,,women shut up while Im talking about god,,,,

Today Judy is at church for a cpl of hrs,,,she loves the singing,,and loves being in the choir.,,,,and that is the true way to make some one else happy,

Here ,,,,,,if you can make your self happy,,,not abusive things,,,but like Renee she loves her craft,,,well seeing her so happy about what she does,,,that makes her husband Rick very happy,,,and Visa Versa,,,,,it is that easy,,,now if she was not happy about it,,,how would he feel,,,a happy home with a mother and a father,,,,is great,,and makes for a happy normal kid,,,,now the opposite is true,,,if they are always unhappy,,,how is that kid going to feel,,,like shit,,,,,,and that is the bottom line no?

Now,,,I would be a happy kid ifin I was to be in Florida ,,,swimming with the happy,,,happy armidillo family,,,just cos you can't get them out of there,haha

Here is an example from todays NY Post of what makes my head spin about churches abusing religion:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05312009/news/regionalnews/molest_bill_pols_catch_holy_hell_171795.htm

Tony.....
last year my elderly Irish friend and I read D. Brown's "Angels and Demons" together.... she was brought up in South Boston in a very strict Catholic household.... she now abhors the church.... her reaction to the end of the book was "oh boy.... they almost blew up the Vatican... too bad they didn't succeed".... my reaction was one of being horrified over the thought of anyone trying to blow up the Sistine Chapel......

but Solar's point about all the money spent building and maintaining those churches is very valid, IMO.... that money would sure feed a lot of poor people....

time to go outside.... everyone enjoy your Sunday!

See... Catholicism is the only religion that gets bashed around here specifically. Every other Christian denomination usually gets branded with a "fundamentalist nuts" label, but not much beyond that. Anybody critical of Judaism? Nah... who wants to be categorized as an anti-semite? Anybody critical of Islam? Nah... who wants a fatwa issued against them? Catholicism is just an easy target for wanna-be iconoclasts.

"I don't consider the arguments they have as having much to do with faith."

patsi, my sentiments exactly

The little Christian Church I attended as a child could get a bit too hell-fire-and-brimstone for me, but overall it was fairly olerant. We attended an area church camp every summer. I haven't seen these famous Jesus Camp shows that are out now -- but I have to believe they are nothing like what I attended. The most intrusive thing that happened was that they liked kids to come down front and be "saved" several times per two week period. But I had been baptised since I was about seven years old and explained that I saw no reason to do it again. I never got criticism or pressure over that, either. Nor did the others who felt that way.

We had everything from art classes to bible classes, but for me the two best times were morning and evening meditations. You were given a daily concept -- usually some Jesus lesson of good will -- and at dawn and dusk, you walked along out into the hills to sit by yourself and think about what the lessons meant and how you could incorporate them in your life. The hillsa round the camp were all sage, so especially in the morning, the smell was just wonderful. Even now, the smell of morning sage makes me feel at peace with the cosmos.

renee, tony, solar... re art in mexican church
if you travel just a little south of there, the religious art work in guatemala in many of the tiny out of the way villages cleverly combine the indigenous religions of old with the catholicism imposed upon them. one marvels at the many ways humans adapt to survive.... not just physically but mentally and spiritually.

Pat,,,,,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232118

Thanks for that,,,,I did not make that connection before,,,but very logical,,now that U mention it,,,,sorta like they did in Mexico,,,with the tall tale about the Virgin,,appearing to that little nobody Indian,,,(rez will be proud of me,,,I did not say Injun,,oops) little by little they are the largest corp...in history,,and the oldest,,,

I blast Judaism all of the time,,,and the Fn,,nuttty muslims that go on Jihad,,,,,,they are all just as bad,,,,,but here on the blog,,,it is mostly catholic,,,and O D is a catholic,,,and that's how the argument started officer,,,that last part is just a joke.,,,,but there is always something new,,,some new atrocity that the catholic church,,,and or priest,,,in the news,,,,for a week,,,there has been a story,,about a catholic priest and his lover,,,the pics of them,,at the beach,,,,at parks,,underneath blankets,,,and a lot more,,they keep it alive.

flatus, are you familiar with the buddhist group in indiana?... think the dalhi lama's bro has some connection to it and he (dl) visits there and the gethsemene monastary (dl was friend of thos merton who monked there) nearby in ky.
here's a story you might find interesting...especially some of the census type data comparing american religious activities:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090531/NEWS01/905310388/1008

Here is the lineup for the Belmont Stakes. Race is next Saturday. Get your selection in ASAP. Entrance window for contenders closes on Wednesday. If another horse is added, I'll let you know.

Brave Victory Rajiv Maragh
Charitable Man Alan Garcia
Chocolate Candy Garrett Gomez
Dunkirk Rene Velazquez
Flying Private Julien Leparoux
Luv Gov Miguel Mena
Mine That Bird Calvin Borel
Miner's Escape Jose Lezcano
Mr. Hot Stuff Edgar Prado
Nowhere To Hide TBA
Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux

Favored horses after Derby Winner Mine That Bird are Charitable Man, Chocolate Candy, and Dunkirk.

While all the horses are considered three year olds (thorobreds are all born on New Years Day for racing purposes) they all have different foaling dates. Dunkirk is the old man in the group since he was actually foaled in January. Mine that Bird is the baby in the crowd since he didn't arrive until May.

Now,,,I would be a happy kid ifin I was to be in Florida ,,,swimming with the happy,,,happy armidillo family,,,just cos you can't get them out of there,haha

HA HA
Come to Florida there's plenty of dillo's to go around..
If the Armadillo's go for the pool I may have to get a gun..HA HA No no...

Solar, you don't have a clue what you're talking about. Religion has nothing to do with my rather explicit reasoning which obviously has gone over your head. Where the hell do you have the evidence my remarks had anything to do with religion? It must kill you that one can have totally rational positons that object to third term abortions and gay marriage as equal to straight marriage.

Where did I once bring religion into it? You claim to love the idea of anthropology. You profess a respect for science and reason and I assume evolutonary theory. When caught in a corner, you resort to irrationality and BS claims like your last post. If this is the extent of your ability to debate, then I am sorry for you.

On another front, Obama has gone out of his way to Hug Hugo and make nice to Cuba. How has this overture worked? As I mentioned before the clock is running down and pressure is building for Obama to stiffen up and start formulating his plan B. The obvious results so far has to increase the trend to diss the US position and take advantage of our retreat from principle.

"The meeting comes at a delicate time in President Barack Obama's outreach to Cuba. Already, his administration has lifted travel and financial restrictions on Americans with family in Cuba. In addition Sunday's news that Cuba has consented to restarting immigration talks, Cuba has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, and on hurricane disaster preparedness.

Cuban leader Raul Castro and his ailing brother, Fidel, have reacted coolly to the easing of restrictions and demanded an end to the decades-old U.S. embargo on the island.

U.S. officials have ruled that out _ and Cuba's return to the OAS _ until Cuba makes moves toward democratic pluralism, releases political prisoners and respects fundamental rights.

But Cuba's Communist Party daily Granma ended a three-day denunciation of the OAS on Friday by saying Cuba "does not need the OAS. It does not want it, even reformed. We will never return to that decrepit old house of Washington." AP

And for Tony, I mean no disrespect as I have advocated for civil rights and made the strong logical arguement that the State is inconsistent in granting adoption rights to gay couples and somehow think these couples don't deserve the title "married". I have shaved my head for years before it was cool. Working in the West Village oftne made people think I was gay. I have some idea of the situation and can empathize. You will have to show me where I have either a racist bone or a homophobic one. My arguement is strictly about the right of a Democratic society elevating the biologically consistent construct of evolutionary change. If people think Liberal means relativism of everything and that all things are equal, Liberalism is sure to suffer a defeat when people have had enough.

Solar is free to show me one shred of evidence that our anthrological history indicates that gay coupling was ever given the same status as hetero coupling. Despite the logic of my arguement and that the biological majority have some shred of rights in a Democratic society, Solar still professes his spin of reality as the obvious truth. Sounds like religious dogma to me without any evidence, despite whatever history he may have had with his parents. At least Warren answered the question and said logic would suggest heterosexual couples offered the most consistent ( and I would added genetically inclined social imprinting) role models for children. It is rather funny Roe is based on the "natural viability" of the fetus to exist outside the womb, but that nature has little role in society favoring one parent unit over another. This is yet another case of bias feigned as Liberal thinking.

Save your snide remarks for Obama, who appears to support my view.

Thought for the day :
" To criticize the incompetent is easy; it is more difficult, to criticize the competent. "

1930 Clint Eastwood San Fransisco CA, actor (Dirty Harry)/mayor (Carmel CA)

0070 Rome captures 1st wall of the city of Jerusalem
1958 Dick Dale invents "surf music" with "Let's Go Trippin"

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232115

Champ
I condemned the Mormon's earlier in my comments..Organized religion there all the same to me....

Chloe,,,,lets pick a horse,,never went riding with you,,Im up front,,,so grab on tight ,,,like XR says,,,and if Carol goes along,,,,she can ride the tail HA!,,,how is my hoss Cheyenne doing?

"I blast Judaism all of the time,,,and the Fn,,nuttty muslims that go on Jihad,,,,,,they are all just as bad"

Solar, your eqivalency here is appalling. Name one Jewish terrorist group on the US or EU watch list. I guess you have little concern of the truth of your rants.

Being a Jew, you have just compared my religion which does not even demand I believe in GOD to OBL and the destruction of the WTC. Get a grip, your threads are embarrassing.

You will have to show me where I have either a racist bone or a homophobic one.

Max
I don't think your a racist or homophobic because you disagree with me on this issue.I just think you use science in a BS way to justify your inner beliefs that heterosexuals are somehow superior to homosexual people like me...I also think this way of thinking has lead to not only violence and death of gay people in some cases but to the continued practice of discrimination against gays...

APIAC

Get a grip, your threads are embarrassing.

Max
You see you find something said that effects you a Jew as offensive..I feel the same when I read your superior bullshit directed at gays...

Solar
Carry On
I learn much from you and your well thought out posts..

AIPAC,,,,,THAT IS

PORT HURON, Mich. -- Squirrel. Thief. Patriot.

A brazen squirrel has been grabbing small American flags placed in a Port Huron, Mich., cemetery and carrying them up to its nest, which now looks as if it's bedecked in bunting.

http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1120ap_us_odd_flag_filcher.html?source=mypi

It's kinda funny how most people here wanna keep religion out of politics, yet religion has been discussed here a lot the last 24 hours. Just sayin'.

I do not think I am superior than you. I think heterosexual couples are a more natural and biologically consistent role model for children. Let's stay on the facts of the debate. Evolution is based on differential reproduction and society for many thousands of years has sought stability in straight marriage. It is no less perfect than the behavior of gay parents. Are you really suggesting that gay marriage is consistent with our anthropological past? And by what logic would preventing more than two people getting married, or even minors with adults be any differnet than same sex marriage? Becuase their are three? That is actually MORE consistent to our anthropological past. If there is some natural logic against that, why diss the logic against same sex marriage? What make three worse than two if there is no difference between gay couples and straights?

Gay rights have improved considerably and bravo. Until there is exact equality in every sense, you won't be happy even though gays are in the vast minority and cannot reproduce? I love how women are silent in not even opposing the claim that two men are just as good role models for a developing child as a mother and father. I guess women don't rule. Can you see the insult in that Tony? Can you see the insult in saying a child doesn't need a mother anymore than a child needs two men?

Would you even grant adoption rights to a gay couple that said they would do their best to encourage their children to be gay. Or do you object to straight parents trying to encourage their children to be straight? Since when does the rights of a minority surpass the rights of the majority to encourage their cultural values be they religious OR consistent with biology and our anthropological past?

Max,,,,Fareed Zakaria,,,is on talking about NK,,,with a NK person,,lets take a listen to people that he has on,,,and not the people that want to push more wars,,

Thanks Tony,,,,,but I do wish that I could write it down,,,like it is in my mind,,,,it comes out a little incoherent,,,I think that is why my post are so long,,,and I share the same thing with Bethy,,,the need to be understood,,I have known this for a long time now.

Solar

He said on the terror watch list. AIPAC is a lobbying group not a bunch of bombers driving trucks into crowds for the soul purpose of murdering as many people as possible. There is simply no equivalent of organized terrorist activities from Israel.

There have been acts by the military that could be labeled as terrorism of a group, usually as a result of an attack, but nothing similar to an Al Qaida seeking to destroy a whole people.

WICHITA - George Tiller, the Wichita doctor who became a national lightning rod in the debate over abortion, was shot to death this morning as he walked into church services.

http://www.kansas.com/news/breaking/story/833730.html

Max,,,,,,I also think that the Jewis people,,,not the government are beutiful people,,,,,and my parents,,,are fair play,,since I brought them into it,,,,that part of them,,,the religious part,,,are shit,,,so I did not mean anything personal,,,sorry if I offended you personally,,,but yes,,,,the bombing of UN buildings,,while children and women were the only ones inside,,,(that has been proven now) is an act of terrorism to me,,,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232132

Patriotic squirrels wrapping their young in old glory... gotta love it since they aren't likely to leave.

max:

The clock you are watching may be running down - but fortunately - Obama and his team are working off of a different clock.

And Max - I said you argument about having a mother and a father was logical - but I also said it was incorrect.

AIPAC is like OBL? I did not see Obama address OBL and tell them what wonderful friends he was to their cause, did I? I do have two speeches Obama delivered to AIPAC and he even accepted their money. Did he accept money from OBL or Hamas?

In regard to gay marriage I present claims you have not even begun to refute. Instead you make unsupported and untruthful comments about Jews and think that is just what I did in regard to gays. Were you trying to teach me something?

Bullshit and you know it is. You continue to embarrass yourself with rather poor debating and a lack of facts, but I doubt anyone but me will call you on it. Jews aren't in many countries trying to kill their leaders without cause or trying to destroy a member State of the UN. Complete idiocy which you seem rather confortable with.

And the stupidist thing is that you are now saying your claims regarding Jews are like mine against gays. What rubbish. As far as Orginalism, try reading the Declaration of Independence. What a pathetic religious document, right? You are more concerned with an America you think ought to be, than what America was fashioned into long ago. And don't give me BS about our "progress". That doesn't mean we become what you think we ought to be. The process is largely built upon the will of the people and a consistent evolution of law based on the Constitution. Our founders were very aware of the problems with slavery and even regarding women as chattel. Because we do progress doesn't mean the end point is the relativism you suggest disconnected from anthropology, biology or the dangerous world we have ALWAYS existed in.

"A film from the 1939 World's Fair showing a Chrysler being built in Stop Action animation. Originally filmed in 'Three-Dimensional Polaroid Film.'"

http://boingboing.hexten.net/2009/05/30/how-chryslers-are-ma.html

"Complete idiocy which you seem rather confortable with."

..."with which you seem rather comfortable." You're embarrassing yourself, Max.

Jamie

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232136

My bad,,and apology to you and Max,,,,,but I still don't like what they lobby is for,,,and raises a lot of money that is used for war,,,they are indirectly in the conflicts,,,imo,,,but not going to argue over it again,,,but you will find out some interesting things about,,,what is really behind it all,,,the water in the Lituni River...that Im going to show XR,,,,the info I promised

Hello muddah! Hello muddah!
I don't know if you are one or you're the uddah!

Hello fadduh! Hello fadduh!
Won't you tell me why the hell i even bodduh!

Does that make Max a strict constructionist construction worker?

"Chloe,,,,lets pick a horse"

I'd like that Solar. Can you give me your favorites, and I'll check them out.

Oh that strike on the UN is debated. Militants were firing from the shelter of that building and Israel has video tape of launches from beside the building in the past the UN deny to this day. I linked them here last year. Video tape is pretty damning evidence. It was clear some soldiers commited crimes and should be held responsible. Still that pales behind the carnage Hamas and Hizb'Allah has created in their drive to destroy the State of Israel. Again Obama does not support your position Solar. The UN is horrible in being fair on this count and local witnesses who came forward right after the strike told journalists they saw militants firing at Israelis, but later Hamas scared the shit out of them and they were too afraid to come forward. Recently the UN released a report that shows their monitors in Lebanon have completely failed to prevent Hizb'Allah from rearming under their noses. It was also known that Hamas used UN buildings for a long time so please don't tell me that actions in the heat of a war Iran and Hamas started amounts to Israel as a terrorist nation. Unlike Hamas who systematically used children as shields and started firing missiles after a cease fire was not renewed on their part.. It is clear you think all things equal which unfortunately reflect to me rather shallow thinking.

You talk with little reflection, but I won't take it personally and I don't mean to get personal here. Some posters are more emotional than others and I value your right to say what you feel. I just think you write what you feel without substantial reflection. I can empathize with some of your points but your mindset destroys much of the reality of the actual situtations you speak about. While I sometimes disagree with Jamie and others, they do have facts on their fingertips and can toe a logical line. Sometimes when I don't support my claims they link evidence to the contray. You are all over the place often showing a rather poor grasp of facts which rarely keep you from ranting.

I have got to run, but I do appreciate the lack of any RIght Winger comments thrown at me and again, I think we have kept this under the nasty line of debate. Don't think my objects mean I don't value you debate or you as people I share some ideology with. I will say that I think Hillary was closer to my views during the primary than many of the views supported here. She would object to Solar's comments and not support gay marriage probably for similar reasons. In fact on these two issues, Israel and same sex marriage, Obama is closer to my position than Solar's. I don't hear the same comments thrown at either of them.

Later boys and girls..........It is so beautiful today in NYC.

Hell with it,,,,,I will shut up for weeks,,after this,,and will just show XR the link,,here at TM,,,so,,,first post

XR,,,,not able to povide the link,,,it won't let me,,,so most will be copied,,and the site now calsl for an email,,,,,that I won't give,,,so

Going to start with this,,,please forgive ,,,spelling,gamer, and all,,everyone has been very gracious about this,,,thanks.
I want t start by saying that water in the Middle East, has alway's been a source that people covet. Reginal rivers of the Jordan,Nile, Uphrates, and other rivers share a substantial percentage of their surface water recourses with neighboring states, and they have ( one or the other) tried to put up dams, that would have cut of water to others that depend on it significantly,,that depend on it,,not totally but would created a shortage. For example,,,

politicians and analysts assert that the next major problem in the Middle East will be control and use of water. Security of water supply is becoming at least as important as territorial security. Thr resolution of water related issues is essential for the success of the Arab-Israeli peace process. Many Israeli policymakers view the water supply from the Litani River as a promising solution to their country's impending water crisis. However, the Litani River, whose entire basin is in Lebanon is crucial for rebuilding and effectively integrating that country in the post-civil-war period. Specifically, the waters of the Litani are essential for agricultural and industrial development of southern Lebanon. This competition for water, a prized resource in a water-scarce region, makes the river a potential source of serious international conflict in the future and complicates the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The conceptual premise of analysis presented is that countries suffering from resource scarcities, perceived or real, tend to reach beyond their borders. If access to foreign resources is obstructed or denied, countries with superior capabilities seek to establish such access by pressures that may range from peaceful interactions such as trade agreements to coercive actions involving the military

The diverse and opposing religious groups, which include Turks, Arabs, and Israeli Jews, exacerbate the situation. For example, in the late 1970s, a water pipeline from the Nile River to the barren Israeli Negev desert was proposed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. However that gesture . of peace prompted negative responses in Egypt, Israel, Ethiopia, and Sudan. In Egypt, planners asserted that the waters of the Nile would be insufficient to meet their own country's future needs. Although many Israelis were optimistic about the proposal, some officials objected because they thought it was dangerous to depend on a former enemy and untried friend for such a vital resource (Gerti 1979). Ethiopia reacted by declaring its intent to construct dams on the Blue Nile, the largest tributary of the Nile, which led Sadat to threaten military intervention (Starr 1991). Relations between the two countries were tested again in 1989, when it was rumored that Ethiopia, with Israeli aid, was building dams on the Blue Nile. The recent end of the civil war in Ethiopia and the potential settlement of the conflict in southern Sudan was not good for Egypt, a downstream state. Political stability and rapid population growth in drought-prone upstream countries will likely result in further efforts to harness the Nile drainage to improve their agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Just an example of things in tha hood.

Now,,

The long disputed Jordan River has waters in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel. The river constitutes a main source of fresh water for both Israel and Lebanon. The issue of fresh water is especially acute in rapidly developing Israel, which obtains approximately 35 percent of its water supply from the Jordan River. Israel is consuming virtually all its replenishable annual water potential of 1.9 billion cubic meters, as well as an additional 400 million cubic meters from desalination plants and diminished aquifers. Sixteen senior Israeli hydrologists recently reported that the country is using its water reserves 15 percent faster than they can be replenished each year (Jerusalem Post 1990a). On a per capita basis, Israelis consume seven to ten times more water than do Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, and approximately two to three times more than do their Lebanese and Jordanian neighbors.

In winter 1990, water in the Sea of Galilee dropped to the lowest levels ever recorded, which led the Israeli water authority to consider emergency measures to restrict water discharge to prevent a decrease below the crucial level of 212.5 meters below sea level. For the last five years, Israel has implemented water-rationing schemes that mainly affect the politically powerful farming sector, which consumes more than 70 percent of the country's water supply.
The migration of East European and former Soviet citizens to Israel has resulted in a vast increase of its population. Consequently, it has began to build one hundred thousand new houses, at that time,,,and ,,,,many of which are on the West Bank, and it is made long-term plans to boost output of electricity. This situation exerts additional strain on the already overextended water supply. A lack of water resources is alleged to be one of the motives for the 1967 war, in which Israel occupied the West Bank (al-Bargouthi 1986; Saleh 1988). The water supplies from the West Bank constitute as much as 40 percent of the water consumed in Israel. The primary sources of this water are two aquifers that originate in the West Bank but extend into pre-1967 Israel.

Craig,,,if you kick me out,,,I understand,,,but,,,2nd post

The vision of a Greater Israel, held by some Israeli political factions encompasses the currently occupied territories with their vital resources. Use of this vision as a governmental policy has been an obstacle to the land for peace formula on which the Arab Israeli peace talks were based. The outcome of that formula would be a gradual end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, which some Israelis call Judea and Samaria, in exchange for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Arab countries. A geographical application of the policy was demonstrated in a full-page advertisement that the Ministry of Agriculture placed in leading Israeli newspapers (Jerusalem Post 1990b). The advertisement argued that a Palestinian state on the West Bank, whether sovereign or autonomous, would draw on the water resources that are vital to the survival of Israel. Relinquishing the land to a potential Palestinian state would likely result in the repatriation of Palestinian refugees, whom the advertisement referred to as poverty-stricken humanity, from surrounding Arab countries. That in-migration "would generate an impossible strain on the already over-extended water supply and inadequate sewerage system, endangering even further Israel's vulnerable and fragile source of life." The commentary concluded with the assertion that "it is difficult to conceive of any political solution consistent with Israel's survival that does not involve complete, continued Israeli control of water and sewerage systems, and of the associated infrastructure, including power supply and road network, essential to their operation, maintenance and accessibility" (Jerusalem Post 1990b).
These statements accent old and new realities. They strongly underscore an Israeli feeling of great dependence on the water resources of the West Bank not only for everyday use by Israel but also for its continued national existence. The advertisement also gives credibility to previous reports arguing that, although territorial physical security was a concern for Israel in 1967, the water resources were at least one, and perhaps the prominent, factor in Israeli strategic calculations. Moreover, this advertisement amounts to an official policy shift that binds territorial and resource security. Relinquishing the water-rich western slopes of the West Bank would be perceived by Israel as surrender of its water sovereignty and a threat to its national existence. This position could seriously complicate the peace process and set resource security as the new context for the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Because they ( the Israeli ) utilises of all its renewable water resources and the predictes water deficit huge amounts of water, Israeli occupation of the water rich area in southern Lebanon raises questions about Israeli's water needs,,,,,. Israel has had historical interest in the Litani River, whose entire flow is within the borders of Lebanon. The river rises in the northern Biqa'a Valley and runs southward to Beaufort Castle, where it turns westward to the Mediterranean Sea. Diverting the Litani's water southward is an old proposal, first suggested in 1905 by an engineer who concluded that the waters of the Jordan basin would be insufficient for the future needs of Palestine (Saleh 1988). He recommended that waters from the Litani River be diverted into the Hasbani River, a tributary of the Jordan.
Prestatehood Jewish interests in the Litani River were made explicit in letters from Chaim Weizmann, head of the World Zionist Organization (wzo), to various British governmental officials in 1919 and 1920 (Weisgal 1977). In a letter to Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Weizmann argued that Lebanon was "well watered" and that the river was "valueless to the territory north of the proposed frontiers. They can be used beneficially in the country much further south." Weizmann concluded that the WZO considered the Litani valley "for a distance of 25 miles above the bend" of the river essential to the future of the Jewish "national home" (Weisgal 1977, 267). Nevertheless, the British and the French mandate powers retained the Litani basin entirely in Lebanon. David Ben-Gurion, a leading Zionist and the first prime minister of Israel, suggested to a 1941 international commission on the question of Palestine that the Litani be included in the borders of the future Jewish state. The commission recommended that seven-eighths of the river's waters be leased to Israel (Saleh 1988).
Access to the Litani River was a concern during Israel's formative years. The diaries of Moshe Sharett, an Israeli prime minister during the mid-1950s, reveal that Ben-Gurion and Moshe Dayan, chief of staff and defense minister, were strong advocates of Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon to the Litani River (Rabinovich 1985). In the wake of the 1967 war and in view of Israeli territorial gains from three of its four neighbors, Dayan reiterated his long-standing opinion that Israel had achieved "provisionally satisfying frontiers, with the exception of those with Lebanon" (Hof 1985, 36).
Decision makers who perceive scarcities in their own state will meet demands by using their specialized capabilities to control territory and people farther and farther from its boundaries (Choucri and North 1972, 90). Specialized capabilities, including political influence, economic performance, and military skill and hardware, tend to determine the type of peaceful or coercive pressure that a resource-deficient but capability-rich state can apply to improve its access to foreign resources. Israel's water scarcity is leading to high-risk strategies that it can use with confidence because its military, economic, and political capabilities are superior to those of Lebanon.
The hyrdostrategic significance of southern Lebanon is rarely considered as an explanation of current Israeli occupation of the security zone there. The zone stretches along the northern border of Israel and straddles the westward bend of the Litani River. Israel unilaterally established the zone in 1978, after Israeli troops invaded and remained as a hegemonic occupier.

Last post,,,,a lot shorter than my Jesus post

The vision of a Greater Israel, held by some Israeli political factions encompasses the currently occupied territories with their vital resources. Use of this vision as a governmental policy has been an obstacle to the land for peace formula on which the Arab Israeli peace talks were based. The outcome of that formula would be a gradual end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, which some Israelis call Judea and Samaria, in exchange for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Arab countries. A geographical application of the policy was demonstrated in a full-page advertisement that the Ministry of Agriculture placed in leading Israeli newspapers (Jerusalem Post 1990b). The advertisement argued that a Palestinian state on the West Bank, whether sovereign or autonomous, would draw on the water resources that are vital to the survival of Israel. Relinquishing the land to a potential Palestinian state would likely result in the repatriation of Palestinian refugees, whom the advertisement referred to as poverty-stricken humanity, from surrounding Arab countries. That in-migration "would generate an impossible strain on the already over-extended water supply and inadequate sewerage system, endangering even further Israel's vulnerable and fragile source of life." The commentary concluded with the assertion that "it is difficult to conceive of any political solution consistent with Israel's survival that does not involve complete, continued Israeli control of water and sewerage systems, and of the associated infrastructure, including power supply and road network, essential to their operation, maintenance and accessibility" (Jerusalem Post 1990b).
These statements accent old and new realities. They strongly underscore an Israeli feeling of great dependence on the water resources of the West Bank not only for everyday use by Israel but also for its continued national existence. The advertisement also gives credibility to previous reports arguing that, although territorial physical security was a concern for Israel in 1967, the water resources were at least one, and perhaps the prominent, factor in Israeli strategic calculations. Moreover, this advertisement amounts to an official policy shift that binds territorial and resource security. Relinquishing the water-rich western slopes of the West Bank would be perceived by Israel as surrender of its water sovereignty and a threat to its national existence. This position could seriously complicate the peace process and set resource security as the new context for the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Because they ( the Israeli ) utilises of all its renewable water resources and the predictes water deficit huge amounts of water, Israeli occupation of the water rich area in southern Lebanon raises questions about Israeli's water needs,,,,,. Israel has had historical interest in the Litani River, whose entire flow is within the borders of Lebanon. The river rises in the northern Biqa'a Valley and runs southward to Beaufort Castle, where it turns westward to the Mediterranean Sea. Diverting the Litani's water southward is an old proposal, first suggested in 1905 by an engineer who concluded that the waters of the Jordan basin would be insufficient for the future needs of Palestine (Saleh 1988). He recommended that waters from the Litani River be diverted into the Hasbani River, a tributary of the Jordan.
Prestatehood Jewish interests in the Litani River were made explicit in letters from Chaim Weizmann, head of the World Zionist Organization (wzo), to various British governmental officials in 1919 and 1920 (Weisgal 1977). In a letter to Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Weizmann argued that Lebanon was "well watered" and that the river was "valueless to the territory north of the proposed frontiers. They can be used beneficially in the country much further south." Weizmann concluded that the WZO considered the Litani valley "for a distance of 25 miles above the bend" of the river essential to the future of the Jewish "national home" (Weisgal 1977, 267). Nevertheless, the British and the French mandate powers retained the Litani basin entirely in Lebanon. David Ben-Gurion, a leading Zionist and the first prime minister of Israel, suggested to a 1941 international commission on the question of Palestine that the Litani be included in the borders of the future Jewish state. The commission recommended that seven-eighths of the river's waters be leased to Israel (Saleh 1988).
Access to the Litani River was a concern during Israel's formative years. The diaries of Moshe Sharett, an Israeli prime minister during the mid-1950s, reveal that Ben-Gurion and Moshe Dayan, chief of staff and defense minister, were strong advocates of Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon to the Litani River (Rabinovich 1985). In the wake of the 1967 war and in view of Israeli territorial gains from three of its four neighbors, Dayan reiterated his long-standing opinion that Israel had achieved "provisionally satisfying frontiers, with the exception of those with Lebanon" (Hof 1985, 36).
Decision makers who perceive scarcities in their own state will meet demands by using their specialized capabilities to control territory and people farther and farther from its boundaries (Choucri and North 1972, 90). Specialized capabilities, including political influence, economic performance, and military skill and hardware, tend to determine the type of peaceful or coercive pressure that a resource-deficient but capability-rich state can apply to improve its access to foreign resources. Israel's water scarcity is leading to high-risk strategies that it can use with confidence because its military, economic, and political capabilities are superior to those of Lebanon.
The hyrdostrategic significance of southern Lebanon is rarely considered as an explanation of current Israeli occupation of the security zone there. The zone stretches along the northern border of Israel and straddles the westward bend of the Litani River. Israel unilaterally established the zone in 1978, after Israeli troops invaded and remained as a hegemonic occupier.

Dark Lord that was funny. Actually, I often improvise when building using the site realities to create the most solid construction and save time. Rarely would I advocate to a client they completely gut and build a construct that doesn't fit the space, lighting or foundational materials. And if their stlye is far from mine, I take a pass.....

I have learned that if the construction isn't solid, the finish won't last. It might look impressive for six months but the cracks and weaknesses bring down what appeared to be a smart and satisfying design.

Yep, some lessons for more wordly endeavors.......

Lawmower pondering time. I can do that riding on one of those hoveround ZTR mowers. I couldn't ponder if I had to push one. Can't pant and ponder at the same time. My lessons today:

One thing I thought is that maybe what OD said is more a reflection of his feelings about me than the church. He evidently doesn't like me or he might have just blown off what I said. I can handle not being liked, except by some of you here. I would be extremely sad if some of you guys didn't like me.

Two, I should think long and hard about what I say before saying it. Or in this case, writting it. Make sure it isn't something that may offend someone here or it is not something that might come back to bite me in the ass. My ass has been properly bitten. That goes for you, also, Ms. Sotomayor.

I want to dedicate a song to my sistas here. That includes some of you brothas, if you are not offended joining us sistas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDh94eQTAk

Get up everybody and sing.

Carol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232120

Pat, there are many different flavors of Buddhism. The dominant Korean practice is quite similar to Zen. But, it is an amalgam of Taoism, Confucianism and pure Buddhism. And, of course, like with most religions, people believe their preacher to be better than their neighbor's.

A modernized form of Buddhism becoming more popular in Korea, especially with younger people, is Won Buddhism. From what I know of if it, it is less rigorously structured than traditional Korean Buddhism.

We practice our own version composed of what's important to us.

So far as I know, Korean temples in the United States are uncommon; there are many more of the Southeast Asian variety. Perhaps that's because until relatively recently there were few Korea Towns in the US--Koreans were mostly engaged in the professions and followed wherever their professional activities took them. In other words, they became part of the larger community even if they weren't completely assimilated.

The strident religiosity of this morning's conversations is certainly alien to Buddhism.

Solar, I will not invoke the wrath of the Dark Lord. I will present a response to your citation (you should list the citation as I do) some other time as I have already posted too much and distrupted the daily chatting.
All I will say for now is this: What you completely ignore is that only aggression by Arabs led to military action by Israel. They did not invade to steal water. Surrounded by Arabs who meant them destruction, it was not crazy for leaders in Israel to consider their strategic positon which included the golan and the issue of water. Do you know how much water is under the Sinai? And do you know where all the oil is? Under a peaceful relationship, none of the strategic moves your article implies would be necessary. There is ample resource for all under friendly skies which is the ultimate misfortune of present Middle East. With Israeli knowledge and Arab resources, man power, the region should be booming. And ISrael always offered the land back should the Arabs make peace. If they didn't, Israel said they would slowly annex the areas. Tell me what other country wouldn't? Despite your article, not one move by Israel was prompted by anything less than Arab agression followed now by acts by Iran and AQ (see recent nabbing by Jordan of AQ plotting attacks against Israel). And of course Solar, you are aware that nukes can desalinate water and there is ample solar for power in the negev. Israelis leaders are well aware their future is bright and resources not a problem were there an end to the bullshit the Muslim world has been beating them with for more than forty years, or should I say 60.

Tony, my pool is getting very close. It's inviting enough to go swimming in but needs to be clear enough where the sparkle hurts your eyes to look at it when the sun is shining down hard. It's taken only 9 months of labor to almost get it back.

really sorry about that last double post...this was to be the last post

Shortly after establishing the zone, the Israeli army prohibited drilling of wells there (al-Bargouthi 1986). Moreover, after the 1982 invasion, Israeli army engineers carried out seismic soundings and surveys near the westward bend of the river, probably to determine the optimum place for a diversion tunnel, and confiscated hydrographical charts and technical documents of the river and its installations from the Litani Water Authority offices in the Biqa'a and Beirut (Cooley 1984, 22). Israel also controlled most or all of the waters from the Hasbani and Wazzani rivers, which rise in Lebanon. Over the years, there have been reports of water siphoning from the Litani into the Jordan River basin, a distance of less than ten kilometers (Cooley 1984; al-Bargouthi 1986; Saleh 1988; Abu Fadil and Harrison 1992; Gemayel 1992).
The average annual flow of the Litani River is estimated at 920 million cubic meters, of which an estimated 480 million cubic meters is measured at the Khardali Bridge near the westward bend of the stream. Before the river empties into the Mediterranean Sea, an estimated 125 million cubic meters of water is consumed in the Kasmieh irrigation project. Permanent occupation of southern Lebanon and continued access to the Litani could augment the annual water supply of Israel by up to 800 million cubic meters, or approximately 40 percent of its current annual water consumption. This volume is attainable only if Israel reoccupies the Karaoun Dam, as it did between 1982 and 1985, and if the zone's subterranean springs, aquifers, and the Wazzani water flow are included (Baalbaki and Mahfouth 1985; Al-Nahar 1986). The Karaoun reservoir has a storage capacity of 220 million cubic meters, which is used for irrigation, domestic and industrial water supply, and hydropower. Furthermore, the largest single withdrawal from the Litani is the diversion of 236 million cubic meters annually through the Markaba tunnel to the Awali River for hydroelectric generation to supply Beirut and other coastal areas. In fact, 35 percent of Lebanon's total production of electricity comes from the Litani waters directly or from the Markaba-Awali diversion.

XR,,,this is a huge factor,,,
Another attraction of the Litani River is the high quality of its water. The salinity level is only 20 parts per million, whereas that of the Sea of Galilee is 250 to 350 parts per million. Many aquifers in Israel are stressed, especially along the coast, and the water in them is increasingly brackish. The water of the Litani would lower the saline level of the Sea of Galilee, from which the National Water Carrier channels water to much of the country. "It is this purity that makes the Litani very attractive to the Israelis, who have developed their National Water Carrier System with a view towards potable (as opposed to irrigation quality) water" (Naff and Matson 1984, 65).

Water production by desalination is costly, and cloud seeding to induce precipitation is not always controllable. Turkey proposed a peace pipeline to meet the needs of numerous southern water-deficient countries, including Israel, but importation over hundreds of kilometers of unfriendly territory is seen in Israel as untenable and easily subverted, thus a threat to national security. It is therefore becoming increasingly evident that the only feasible solution, in terms of water quality, volume, and proximity of the resource, to Israel's growing water problem is to tap a nearby source, namely the Litani River.
No one can yet document categorically that the Litani waters are being diverted, because large tracts of land near the crucial westward bend of the river are cordoned off by Israeli troops, which prevents researchers, journalists, and United Nations observers from approaching the area (al-Bar-gouthi 1986; Al-Nahar 1990). Independent water analysts, however, have reported that Israel has been diverting some water from the Litani River into the Jordan River (Collelo 1989, 117) by tapping the massive underground water resources. Hence the measured flow of the Litani is not affected (Cooley 1984, 22-23).
The weak post-civil-war Lebanese government and Israel's continued occupation of the security zone make it difficult to prevent an Israeli role in the use of Litani waters. This could be accomplished either through a unilateral water-diversion scheme, which appears to be the solution now, or through bilateral negotiations, in which the security zone would be used as a bargaining pawn to reach a water-sharing agreement with Lebanon (Amery and Kubursi 1992a).

Im afraid that the new Israeli government that is now installed will take over the water ways,,and the hell with the rest of the people in the area,,,thanks

Flatus, my Rabbi once told me it is possible for a good Jew to believe in Zen. Contrary to what some have said here, many Rabbis consider Judaism more of a cultural and ethnic committment (and one of blood line from the mother) than a belief in a particular religious viewpoint. I have always tought that was very enlightened.

It is shocking however, that some Jews consider self-loathing as an acceptable "Jewish" viewpoint....LOL

I would say I'm spiritual and have found Zen and Tao particularly interesting as well as some ideas from Gurdjieff....

No Solar, this is called leverage as the result of the Arab refusal to negotiate. Every adminsitration here understands this. Now that Abbas has been willing to walk the road map things became different. Iran and Hamas complicate a situation that was ALMOST resolved under Clinton.

And the ISraelis should do what your article suggests. It is leverage and shows how incredible the region could be if the nations worked with each other than fought.

I just watched the Preakness again. Mind that Bird started dead last and then his jockey stomped on the gas peddle. He had to manuver through and around all the other horses to come up and he did. Just a little longer and I think he could have left them all in the dirt.

Flatus did your grass kick your ass yesterday?

My corn is up to about 5 inches now. Enclosure is holding. I guess I wait until the corn outgrows the enclosure to take it off??

Jamie, are any of the horses new to theses three races or were they all in at least one of them.

Max

"I would say I'm spiritual and have found Zen and Tao particularly interesting as well as some ideas from Gurdjieff.."

I really like this,,glad that you said it,,thank you,,,and to say that ,,,the Vedanta philosophy,,is in part all of these,,,,and teaches that we are all part of all,,,,

There is one thing that ,,,they say Jesus said,,,( Done 1)

"When you make the two one,,and when you make the inner as the outer,,,and the outer as the inner,,and the above as the below,,then shall you enter )the king dom) I am the light that is above them all,,,I am the all, the all came forth from me and the all attained to me,,,Cleave a ( piece of) wood, I am there,,lift up the stone,,,and you will find me there"

I like this cos I happen to believe that we are all part of it all,,we are all IT,,,we are all GOD,,,we are earth,,wind and fire...the eastern philosophy are much closer to what I would except as a religion that does some good,,,but ,,,give them time,,,I hope t ha im wrong,,,but will they catch up with the western world's and other religions,,,and become more like them...I hope not,,,,I have a book,,by Thomas Cleary,,,that I haven t read,,but will now,,

I CHING,,,the book of change,,,he wrote about,,,,Buddhism,,,Taoism,,also,,t hanks

"how incredible the region could be if the nations worked with each other than fought. "

Another point of agreement,,,,,,but we keep messing things up,,,did not bush,,,give $ and arm,,to the opposition of Hamas after they were elected into office,,,even after he said,,,that they were democratically elected,,,don't get me wrong,,,I hate Hamas,,,for the harm they do to women,,and children,,,,but we should get the hell out of t her,,,,,,Max,,,,,big question for you,,,,,How did Israel,,,get their first nuclear weapon?

Chlo,,,,some of what I just said in that book,,,,,and you pick,,,,I can go for the ride,,,and hold on to you,,,carol,,,u still ride on the tail,,:-))

I do want to make one thing clear -- I get just as heated by protestant fundamentalist high handedness and dogma as about Catholic-same. (Flatus -- they'd all be wise to be a little more Buddist-like.)

"When you make the two one,,and when you make the inner as the outer,,,and the outer as the inner,,and the above as the below,,then shall you enter )the king dom)"

Did that come from the Gnostic Gospels Solar? And what is the name of heaven does it mean?

CT,

I think the only one new to the lineup is Brave Victory

:"Security of water supply is becoming at least as important as territorial security. Thr resolution of water related issues is essential for the success of the Arab-Israeli peace process"

Solar that is true everywhere. Potable water is going to be the oil of the future: worth fighting and dying to control.

When you have too many people trying to use the same rare resource, you are going to have trouble. At the rate population is growing, we are all going to be joining the urine drinking astronauts.

Bethy

http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=294996&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=8435191

I will say that I think Hillary was closer to my views during the primary than many of the views supported here. She would object to Solar's comments and not support gay marriage probably for similar reasons.

Max
You don't know Hillary's reasons for not supporting gay marriage are similar to yours.I choose to believe its about politics and votes and I believe the same thing regarding the President...Your argument carries no weight with me..If you were gay or really cared about anyone who's gay all of your so called Anthropological BS would go out the window...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232157

Hey Carol
Glad your finally almost there..9 months that's a long time..I wish you could take a dive into my pool.Its really clear and 84 degrees...

I just found my own answer to my question Solar. It is in the Gospel of Thomas. The secret sayings of Jesus. That one is still a secret to me.

http://users.misericordia.edu//davies/thomas/Trans.htm

"The strident religiosity of this morning's conversations is certainly alien to Buddhism."

flatus, what conversations?
btw, is the one you called "won" as pared down as soto zen is compared to tibetan buddhism?

"Catholicism is just an easy target for wanna-be iconoclasts."
dark/champ, perhaps the catholic church as fair game for joke making is equivalent to the white man or dumb blonde..... guilt-free pc sin

Carol,,,he is saying that he,,,we are made of everything,,,everything that is mother earth,,,,,the dirt,,,the rock,,,the sea,,,the trees,,,and everything in the sky,,the universe,,,we are all part of the universe,,,just tiny specks that make it all one,,,,he is the ALL,,and what I say,,,is we All (every breathing thing),,is the All,,,if there is a god,,,we are All IT,,,,

Here is a program that I have,,and ,,and is talked about very little,,,,record it and watch at some other time when,,you feel like it,,,,,,but it is a great program,,,,,,

http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=284134&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=5329512

at 5:30 my time,,,on naked archeologist ,,,,,,,an examination of Moses,,,,that they say he wrote the first five books in the bible,,,,all Religions have gone to war cos of this,,,,,and the truth about WHO WROTE THE BIBLE,,,,like I said,,,a great program,,,for those that want the truth,,,,I even wrote it down,,,in case of lose of my tape

welcome to crow man.
or was that a play on cro-magnon because of our rather prehistoric dabblings today in the nether world of religion?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232146

crow, your lyric has a certain spiritual message in it. was that intentional?

and why in sturge's name are we spending another beautiful sunday arguing religion when we could be picking nits and bettting on horses....

jamie, please put me down for dunkirk even tho i want calvin to win his triple crown for jockeys.

Thanks Jamie for the link to Expedition Africa. I think I will be able to watch the programs online after they have aired.

Spent almost four hours on the yard yesterday, Carol. And, managed to stay away from the trees. Then, this morning Squeaky came over and we went to Home Depot and bought screen repair stuff and replaced the screening on seven of the windows that had been done-in by storm and sun. We have a bunch more that I want to do, but they'll have to wait for another time.

By then, it was too late for my nap so I waited for my 1400 meds, then some people stopped by and now I'm doing this and in a few minutes I'll go 'build' our meds dispensers for the next week. Combination of busy and tired.

Pat, I'm not a student of comparative Buddhism. Here is a site that talks about Won Buddhism:
http://www.wonbuddhism.org/

Oh, forgot, I haven't heard if BW wants to ride tandem again. But, I know that I want to be on the Bird. Hope she'll join me--fourth time has to be the charm.

I need to fix some screens also Flatus. They have been messed up since Rita. I didn't have anyone do it because I know I can do it. Only problem is that I haven't yet.

the amish'' now thats the real troublemakers'' riding
around in their horse and buggies all uppity like they
are special or something''' have you ever seen any
black amish '' Hispanic amish? think about it

patd, You will be in the saddle with me on Dunkirk despite my little side bet on Mine That Bird for sentimental reasons.

Flatus, I'll assume you and BW on the Bird unless she tells me differently.

Flatus, I'm riding Mind that Bird also. I think Solar is also. It might be a tight fit especially after all those cherry turnovers and I still have one more left to eat before the race. I guess I will just have to get in the sweat box and take the Lasix like other jockeys do to lose weight.

Music of the 60s on LBP Monday night at 10p. Focus on 65-69. Not sure if it is on other PBS channels.

I'll be the old lady sitting on a nice comfortable chair, waving at all of you jocks as you ride by!

I haven't and won't any longer ride a horse. My body can't tolerate any more falls Patsi. With my three cement filled vertebrae I would definitely be an invalid if I did fall. I think I'll join you in a comfortable chair, one of those chairs you can lean back in and have your feet higher than your head. I have one those and it is soooo comfortable.

There'll be enough of us that we'll be able to carry the poor horse half the distance. With that kind of support he'll win easily.

I asked my neurologist if I could just fill em all up and be the bionic woman but I forgot you have to have that bone space to produce your blood cells.

Hey Flatus I guess there won't be any room for Calvin. I guess he can just run along side of us.

or side of ya'll I mean.

Oh, he's got the ride?

Carol

I don't know which horse Chlo picked for us,,,I didn't know that you had one already,thanks any way for thinking of me,,,I wonder if Sea is going to show up,,she might want the candy ass again,,,that is if she can tear herself away from all the chocolate mud wrestling she is doing I'd like to see that,,,I know she has been very busy tho...

Mind's gonna win guys but it's OK by me if you want a loser.

Carol, come along on the Bird--we'll have them hook-up a sulky so you can just tag along.

Last Titanic survivor dies at age 97

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/8070095.stm

mqw..... your 3:39.... now THAT was funny....

Carol... I do think you're being a bit too harsh on OD.... he did say you had a right to be disrespectful and said best wishes.... that doesn't say he dislikes you.... just dislikes what you did....

Jamie.... my heart is with Mine That Bird.... but I'll plank my butt on Summer Bird.... I like the name.... maybe Ivy will ride with me for obvious reasons...

Actually Flatus I'm not sulky anymore. I got over it. LOL

Just finished watching one of my all time favorite motion pictures: Two For The Road. You can't beat a movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney with great quotes coming at you in almost every scene and ends with

Mark: Bitch
Joanna: Bastard

And a Henry Mancini score:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgI85YLZhzM

And One of the Best Songs Ever:

tou-shay

ct
whats a matter for you eh boo '? i dun told you five or fo
time'git in dat kichen and fix up sum a dat gumbo good

Solar, I know nothing about horse races, but I like these two horses. Look at them (or any others), tell me what you think, and that's what we'll do.

Charitable man and Dunkirk
http://www.nyra.com/belmont/stories/Notes05312009.shtml

check out their recent racing history tab:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/dunkirk/2006

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/charitable-man/2006

Then theres Miners Escape too

Patsi, Tony, etc..

I made a simple satement that I thought it was disrespectful to attend a church and violate its rules.

I have been called intolerant, violating the rules, etc..

That is so blatantly false, I won't dignify the remarks with much of a response.

To set things straight. I am not an apologist for the Catholic Church.I have numerous disageements with the Church.

But..I would never attend any church and violate its rules. It is the height of disrespect. If you disagree with the Church..work for change outside or inside the Church.

Chlo

I used to be a drunkek,,,and now I'm a charitable man,,,lets go with charitable,,,unless you feel like getting drunkert hah

Solar, The jockeys

Velazquez to ride Dunkirk
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30893049/

Alan Garcia rides Charitable man (a beautiful horse)
http://www.ntra.com/stats_bios.aspx?id=25220

http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=related&id=39320

I was hoping you'd say that!
Charitable man and Alan Garcia it is.

Solar, Glance over at that last link
http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=related&id=39320

I want to apologize for my disgraceful disrespect which I never intended. I don't want to start a war here. It is ashame that something as wonderful as communion can lead to this. I also realize that I should not have shared that experience. I will try to think more before I write.

ct..have a nice day. I think I'll stick to politics and movie recommendations.

Fourth Way found to fight cancer:

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20090531/US.MED.Cancer.Vaccines/

Jamie, Did you see to put us down for Charitable man?

OD, discussing politics can be just as dangerous. Maybe even movies?

Couldn't find any posts where I called you intolerant, I looked, even though I did mention that religion can be used to justify it. Didn't intend to upset you. Usually like your posts. I learned my lesson.

That cancer vaccine sounds like they may be onto something Jamie. But I wonder how long it'll take to get something like that going? I can only imagine.

Carol...
oh stop that you lovable smoo.... :0)

IMO.... humble or otherwise.... we all ought to be able to post about whatever experiences we want..... share whatever stories we want.... post about whatever issues we want....

the only time I think before I write is when I invoke the name of another TMer...
and yes.... sometimes I've insulted a few on purpose....

Chlo,,

,,hes back on top,,,and lets be charitable,,,and split the winnigs with that Tony Baloney dude , if he lets us use his pool,,,,,Im going to put on my ten gallon sombrero and ride over on America,,but I will have to hold him back a little,,probably won't be able to resist running against those other nags himself?

But..I would never attend any church and violate its rules. It is the height of disrespect. If you disagree with the Church..work for change outside or inside the Church.

See what I mean,,,,even after all of this discussion,,,he is just worried about the church,,,never once did he ask why,,Carol felt that way,,,and does not except the reason,,,that she did it,,,she did it for her Mother...so in any church of any god,,,that should be good enough,,,,communion,,,is just a ritual,,,of control anyway!!!

ct..you aren't the one who called me intollerant..i'm so tolerant I will let it drop..

"split the winnigs with that Tony Baloney dude"

Great idea! Tony, What ya say?

Carol, All this talk about respect. What about the respect that should be shown to you?

I can't see you being condemned here, in front of the whole world, for something that many can not fault with anyway.

find fault with

I've been kind of a blog hog this weekend. I can see how I could step on someone's last nerve with all my blabbering. I don't have any interesting people around here to talk to. I'm sure there are some but I would have to go on a scavenger hunt to find them.

Here's what I have so far:

Brave Victory Rajiv Maragh
Solar, Chloe Charitable Man Alan Garcia
Chocolate CandyGarrett Gomez
patd, Jamie Dunkirk Rene Velazquez
Flying Private Julian Leparoux
Luv Gov Miguel Mena
Flatus, BW Mine That Bird Calvin Borel
Miner's Escape Jose Lezcano
Mr. Hot Stuff Edgar Prado
Nowhere To Hide TBA
Renee, Ivy? Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux

You haven't stepped on anyone's last nerve.
He always defends the church and is offended if anyone here says anything negative about it. IHaven't you heard it in the past? t's not you!

Jamie, again you left me off my pick. I'm feeling a little offended here. I want the Bird or I will will flip you one Jamie. Is that OK RR?

Carol....
ROFL!..... you go girl!

and I know how you feel.... I have only one friend.... beside Rick... that I talk politics and/or religion with here in this little town.... I LOVE the diversity of opinion on this blog....

Renee, Ivy? Carol (ct) Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux

That's OK Chloe. I'll stick with the Church of the Big River. Everyone here can make their owns rule and then they can follow them. My rituals includes a cherry turnover in the evening and reflux a few hours later.

The Church of the Big River. Everyone welcome. Come as you are.

Noooooooooooooooo Jamie. Mine that Bird. Sister do you need some Aricept or something?

Brave Victory Rajiv Maragh
Solar, Chloe Charitable Man Alan Garcia
Chocolate Candy Garrett Gomez
patd, Jamie Dunkirk Rene Velazquez
Flying Private Julien Leparoux
Luv Gov Miguel Mena
Flatus, BW, Carol Mine That Bird Calvin Borel
Miner's Escape Jose Lezcano
Mr. Hot Stuff Edgar Prado
Renee, Ivy? Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux

"George Tiller Killed: Abortion Doctor Shot At Church"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/31/george-tiller-killed-abor_n_209504.html

Not a good church weekend.

oops....that Summer Bird thing was my fault Carol.

Jamie, Thanks for doing the whole horse thing for us, as well as everything else you do. We don't deserve you, but still appreciate it.

I didn't even know there were two Birds in this race. I would expect BW to snag one of them since she does have a thing for birds. Like your bird pics BW. I like birds too.

Chloe, Solar is waiting for your pick. He wants to ride with you. You will just be seeing the backside of the Flatus and me.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232234

Atta girl,,,,put the other jocks to sleep by saying that,,,,and the other one is eating cherry turn overs,,,all the time,,,lets see how we can work on the others,,,,that Patd gal is a though cookie tho,,,and Flatus,,has that military discipline,,,but maybe we can get BW to share her vino,,and get him to relax ..and there are others that we need to find how to overcome,,this is not a free ride gal,,,do some research,,and do something!

I have Chloe and Solar on Charitable Man ... mind changes?

Summer Bird and Mine That Bird are half brothers as both were sired by Birdstone.

Mine That Bird's dam was Mining My Own
Summer Bird's dam was Hong Kong Squall

Here is a picture of my pardner,,,,,Chlo,,,,aka, S S S.....Side Saddle Sally,,,,

http://img30.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oakley9.jpg

I don't know how to break this to you Solar, but no side saddle for me. More like this: http://www.geocities.com/f_o_t_h/foth-main.htm

Solar, keep your weight down! We want to make it as easy as possible on that horse.

Jamie,,,no changes for me and Chlo

Here is a picture of my other riding partner,,,,,that cowgirl from the SEA,,,,don't let her good looks fool u none,,she's mean,as they come,,,,,once saw her shoot up this fellow up NY way,,,and made him dance to the music.

http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33707picofsea.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33707picofsea.jpg

Chloe, get your hose out. The tamale is overheating again.

Celine Dion / Elvis Duet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO10pkOLERQ

Martina McBride / Elvis Duet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8yQLbMtPFA

Craig,

DC VIGIL FOR DR. TILLER: The Fountain at Dupont Circle at 9pm tonite for 15 mins.

Have you flushed out your radiator recenty Solar?

That was super cool Jamie. Where do you find this stuff?

My peps here. Who needs cable TV??

Just kiddin you Solar. You didn't pick up your toys and go did you?

Just got back ,,,putting out the garbage for pick up tomorrow,,,,,,,hey what kinda question is that,,,,I been here all day in church,,and can't think about stuff like that,,,dang now I have to go to confession,,,you recon,,,that anyone ever told the truth ,,,to the priest listening,,,,I thought about it,,,,,and no,,no would tell another human being,,their inner most secret sins,,,no one so communion is a bust!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232248

CT

Virtuoso googling :-)

Unlike people, the genealogies of most race horses is online back at least four generations and eight for some of the real super horses.

Here is the one for Mine That Bird

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/mine+that+bird

To check on another horse, just type in another name in the little search box for "Horse" at the top

He hasn't really shown his pedigree yet, but Dunkirk is related to darn near every great horse who has ever ran.

http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/dunkirk3

CNN's A. Cooper just raced and lost a swimming race with M Phelps,,,on 60 min's ,,,how cool is that?,,,I switch it when Rooney comes on,,,little tired of him.

Anderson lost to Phelps. Who knew? Anderson can swim?

Into The Storm (about Churchill) on HBO in ten minutes.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232200

"...my heart is with Mine That Bird.... but I'll plank my butt on Summer Bird.... I like the name.... maybe Ivy will ride with me for obvious reasons..."

Renee - I was still slogging my way through Sunday school here when I got to your post...ha!...you'd already read my mind on both counts...two "Birds" with one stone, so to speak...lol.

So, Jamie, I will indeed sit behind Renee on Summer Bird.

(^_~)

P.S. I did get to spend my Saturday with the Cahaba Lillies...they are so amazing to see "in real life" because it's more than just the seeing...it's the smelling, and the touching, and hearing...all those sensations are gifts of the river. Not even the four-foot water moccasin daunted me...it was quite awesome to watch all the canoe traffic stop dead in the water until Mr. Moc had fully crossed the river. lol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232206

OD
I certainly never intended to hurt your feelings.I enjoy you and respect your opinions but I take nothing back you were being intolerant in expecting Carol to live by the rules you chose to live by regarding the Catholic Church...It is you who owes Carol an apology...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232220

Chloe
I say yes!! I love you guys...I had a few drinks with Vince so right now I love everyone....

Tony, I love ya kid. I am hoping we can drop this. I owned up to my bad and learned some valuable things. I don't want to hurt OD anymore.

Seeing your pool Tony helps to motivate me to get mine looking good. Even though I don't use it, there are a few people who would like to.

I need to be around water. It must be the Scorpio in me, a water sign. Now that I have my river, I don't need the pool. What is your sign Tony?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232263

Carol
I'm a Cancer...I don't want to hurt OD either but he has to know he's wrong....Carol you bring us Joy.....

Ah ha. You are also a water sign. No wonder. I was going to ask if you were either Cancer, Pisces, or Scorpio.

Thanks Tony, the feeling is mutual. I'm been so damn happy lately I needed a little sadness today to make me really appreciate all the happiness.

I know the weather here has turned when I'm sipping my first glass of Sun tea.

OD,. . Not that it's any of my biz but something was telling me today that you are a her. Sorry if I am mistaken but seems to me this came up before. Not trying to start anything. Peace!

Speaking of intolerance. People do take their religion seriously.
I was a at Presbyterian Church one time that had a closed Communion. I was glared at. I always wondered when Jesus granted them godhood to judge.

BTW, jewish groups do perform terrorist acts. It's just not called terrorism when they do it. Like the USS LIberty. Look how many years that attack was hushed up.

Right now it's muslims bad, lsraeli's good. That could change at any time. At the end of the day people are people, none worse, none better.

I'm having a work party next Saturday. Christmas in June. I have had a Christmas party out here the last two years and this year I wanted another one when it was warm but not too warm.

Even though I'm not a real social person, I do like to host parties a very few. I make some good dips and great BBQ sauce. A shrimp dip, a artichoke dip and Carol kick ass BBQ sauce, kind of a sweet and sour BBQ sauce.

The river rats next door are getting the pontoon boat up and running so we can take swamp tours. I'm gonna take off Friday to get ready.

That's artichoke spinach dip. I made up my own recipe combining all the good tasting fat from many others.

I'll try to keep the noise down.

I'm telling you my BBQ sauce could win an award. It's that good.

You're right Don. Lots of killing done in the name of religion. Never made sense to me. Jesus would be very sad. What's so hard about loving one another.

and if you're different from me then it just gives us more to talk about.

who says hendrix and the buddha are incompatible concepts... this kid just hasn't sown his wild oats enough yet

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/31/dalai-lama-osel-hita-torres

flatus, thanks for the link... reminds me a little of the rev ike tho', their merging spirituality and materialism banner

oldsea, heard on the sports news today that chocolate candy is one of the favored at belmont....omen?
hope you're not too much up to your elbows in fudge balls not to join us sports at the rail.

I was going to shut up for a while,,cos I have been talking so much,,,but

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232268

I had forgot about this,,and remember now that some said that it was a deliberate hit on the U SS Liberty,,cos they had intercepted an order from Israel,,,their military,,,to execute thousands of captured Egyptians at Sinai,,,,,and you are right,,,they ( all countries ) take turns,,being inhumane,,,

Jamie,,,,, the women on this African series,,,is a past movie,,,beauty contestant winner,,,or something like that,,,and gave it all up,,I think that I saw her when that guy from Australia was alive,,Steve?,,,,before he died from that sting ray' sting,,,she looks a lot thinner,,,but that's her,,I remember her talking about this series now.

"..i'm so tolerant I will let it drop.."

Passive aggression, OD. You were very hard on Carol. When all she had done was respect her mother.

"he did say you had a right to be disrespectful and said best wishes...."

Renee -- I want to give this one up...but gotta say that saying someone is disrespectful then throwing in a "best wishes" is even more than passive aggressive. It's hostile.

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

This might just might be a good time for a story. I made a comment one morning and to my comment Sturge replied, "machine and AC." I had already left for work so I couldn't tell my story but here is my response from many days ago.

I was in my 30s at the time and working at the University teaching nursing. I had two three week breaks before and after the summer session. Them were the good old days. The second break came about the same time they were cutting rice. My stepfather(sf) was a farmer and farmed just about everything he could and still lost money.

Since farmers, around cutting season, are always short of help, he asked if I would drive a combine . I said sure, so he set me up with one. I was the lowest in the peaking order of drivers so I got the combine with no AC.

Before I got started he took me for a spin around the field once and then I was then on my own. I worked all day and it was very dusty and hot out there. When I got home I was so dirty that all you could see of me was my white of my teeth when I smiled.

I told my SF that if I was to continue this venture he would have to get that AC fixed and he did. Anything for his favorite step daughter. I got out the next morning early and cleaned out the little cab on my combine and put on some white jeans for my day of work. I brought a little ice cooler packed with food and refreshments. The cab was ice cold.

When I got to the field to start my cutting another combine needed a jump start. I backed up ,my little two story building, that is what a combine looks like, to let them get a jump off my machine and while waiting I was standing on the little platform outside the cab eating one of my sammiches.

Somehow I took a little misstep and down I went. Landed in a ditch full of water. Maybe even with a snake or two. I was covered from head to toe with mud. I just knew the other hired hands were cracking their sides laughing at me in my white jeans covered with mud.

I was so wet that I couldn’t even use the AC I had fixed. Another dirty day. I didn’t have to worry about a third day because the fan went thru the radiator later that day and my combine was out of service. Rice farming wasn’t in my destiny.

Years later I was standing outside talking to my SF’s senior hand Harold. He wasn’t a big talker. I asked him if he remembered the day I fell off the combine dressed in my white jeans and he said “yeap”. I asked if he hurt himself laughing at me and he said “nope”. I asked why not? He said, “ cuz it happen too many times to me”. That answer really surprised me.

Sorry but I don't have cable out here.

New legal battle in Guantanamo

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3dzVrnNwlXn6DBt1kIu_EIzoJzwD98HGSM00

Posted by: don1one | May 30, 2009 8:03 PM :
"Whether your believe the New Testament is fiction or not, some how a radically new religion was born. What was attributed to Jesus was nothing like the typical Jewish dogma."

The words in the Gospels attributed to Jesus put him within the mainstream of Judaism. It is obvious from his participation in one Jewish ritual after another throughout the synoptic Gospels that Jesus IS a Jew. The men at the ford of the Jordan even call him Rabbi, although the European interpretors try to hide this by using the word 'Master' in place of 'Rabbi'.

IMO, Jesus as a word, a fish, a fisherman, a lamb, a shepard, an actual crust of unleavened bread, an actual sip of wine, a pacifist, a warrior, an anchor, a boat or life preserver, ad nauseum, is all fiction made up by post-Jesus, Greco-Roman, story tellers and theological fabulists.

IMO, Jesus as a word, a fish, a fisherman, a lamb, a shepard, an actual crust of unleavened bread, an actual sip of wine, a pacifist, a warrior, an anchor, a boat or life preserver, ad nauseum, is all fiction made up by post-Jesus, Greco-Roman, story tellers and theological fabulists.
---xrep

beautimous

The only Jesus I know is Mexican. Actually his cousin is Jesus, too.

Good shots.

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/readers-photos/

I need to take more pictures.

Had a colonel who was proud that God was his co-pilot and Jesus was his crew chief.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232284

XR, Sturgeon

They hung a lot of shiny and fanciful baubles on that Christmas tree. Unfortunately, all the whimsical decorations often get in the way of the good message underneath. But that message is central to all religions when you strip off the mythology ---- hold hands, play nice, clean up after yourselves and if you are really, really good you can have a cookie.

4:00 AM comes early. Give my regards to the night shift.

Thought for the day:

"Give a man a fish,you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day."

Susan Boyle rushed to hospital -

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/35754870.html

Don't tell me you follow that LJ community, Jamie!

Anyone ever watch the Joseph Campbell interviews with Paul Moyer. Mr. Campbell does a much better job of explaining the differences in what Jesus taught to the basic Old Testament beliefs. Then of course Peter opened up Christianity to the Gentiles after his vision, Paul moved the Sabbath, and it's all been down hill ever since.

However, I did work with Jesus all the time in San Bernardino.

For those that don't believe in the writings of the Old and New Testament (or Bible and Christian Bible), is there a spiritual guide you use as a reference? Do you even believe in seeking a more spiritual life?

You don't hear of too many documented ghost sightings now that everyone has a digital camera, eh?

When and if the US moves out of the role as the sole hegemont - I do not think another country will replace it.

Who the heck would want to?!

It is in most nations' interest to put in place a structure that would allow the US to stop being the world's police officer.

And we can move away from the mindset of competition. Because no country wants to step into the US role. Not China or Russia and countries like Iran and NK would rather be Public Enemy No. 1. It is in no counrty's long-term interest to try and bear the load that we have shouldered this past century.

Tackling the problems of hunger, nukes, energy and the environment - are going to require cooperation rather than competition.

And it sure would help if we could devote less of our resources towards blowing one another up.

don1

Joseph Campbell is the best. That is a great series.

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

I think the Bible is one of the great spiritual references. Not only does it have the necessary parables (which require us to look within) - but it has that whole divinity thing and plus you can find it in most hotel rooms.

Most spiritual guides find ways to resonate those principles that cajunjoe expressed upstream.

I also like to use the Ocean as a spirtual reference.

Carl Sagan,,,,,puts it nicely for me

How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded,,"This is better than we thought . The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said,grander ,more subtle,more elegant? Instead they say, No, no, no my god is a little god,and I want him to stay that way. A religion, old or new,that stressed the m magnificence of the universe as revealed by modern science m ight be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths,

And Espinosa,,,the glass grinder,,,is the most spiritual philosophy that anyone can find IMO.

I would recommend a book called ,Looking for Espinoza,Joy Sorrow and the feeling brain,,,you will get a two fer,,,the evolution of the senses of morality,,,and an Idea of how A Eisenstein admired Espinoza,,and adopted his views,,,,,,catch you later.

and Richard Dawkins,,,,The God Delusion

Sorry ,,,,that would be the evolution of ,,,,feelings,,and emotions,,,which came first,,,and how it the led to morals

solar
don't get all preachy anti religion as some are pro religion'' at some point you just got to let people believe what they want to'' every body's not as highly
intilectually evolved as you are

gross out! sacha baron cohen lands head-on-lap of eminem .
eminem is MAD and storms out of MTV awards, as bruno's bare butt is spinning out of control...WEIRD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQuxzoV1x4s

dex
thanks ''but no thanks' some things are better left unseen

"""For those that don't believe in the writings of the Old and New Testament (or Bible and Christian Bible), is there a spiritual guide you use as a reference? Do you even believe in seeking a more spiritual life?"""

Posted by: don1one | June 1, 2009 12:09 AM

Don1 - Your last question sounds a lttle snarky, as if it's hard to believe one can be spiritual without having a guide. Is that what you mean?

Because I consider myself very spiritual and while the teachings of Christ are involved, I would say that I don't even have a guide and do not believe in the Bible. People who don't believe in any holy book and don't use guides are not freaks, by a long shot. There are likely more of us than of real bible students.

Patsi..Perhaps you should take a few weeks off from the blog. You take things a little too seriously.

bethy
i believe you are right .there are a lot more of us than
political and religious leaders are willing to admit'
my stance on religion and other social issues such as gay marriage and abortion is that i don't have the time or inclination to be in somebody 's personal life'
its all i can do to take care of my own''leave me the
heck alone;; and we will get along just fine

Rez..I'm a he..There are some people on this blog who stereotype based on sex.

Who is Carol..Some of you need to gety a life..

"Patsi..Perhaps you should take a few weeks off from the blog. "

Thank you so much for your suggestion OD. "Have a nice day."

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/05/this-was-recess.html#comment-232309

Trapped in the corner, out of defense options, Attack, Attack Attack.

A sure sign of some one who feels in their gut they have lost the argument, but are too stubborn to admit it to the world.

Good luck OD

Jack

bethy! Me snarky? Well, no this time. Genuine question. I have met people that don't believe in an afterlife and think this is it. I'm always curious as to what motivates them to be better people if there is no anything after life. The race as a whole could get better, but in my opinion we haven't gotten any wiser in the thousands of years of recorded history because becoming wise is a personal journey and not learned like knowledge.

The hidden message is that I don't think the Bible is the only one true way or the only right way for everyone. So it is actually a comment of humility (or as close as I ever come) not of arrogance.

New Thread

Solar,
I think people limit god to fit their universe all of the time. A simple example is that the patriarchal society of King James never used the female names of God in their translation. I take the position that I don't know.

One last comment. There is a lot of superstition associated with the bible that is handed down in the indoctrination camps of the religious education centers. That's one reason I like Joseph Campbell, if for nothing else than giving a completely different view of what is meant. I have done classes in comparative religion and have an English version of the Koran, have studied several type of Buddhism, been to temple, and read whatever I can get my hands on. Good friends are involved in many different spiritual movements. I'm curious about all of them. Or what you've just learned from life itself.

There's a lot of wisdom on this board. What I'm asking is what is your inspiration?

Say what you will about the Bible, but it has given many beautiful words and phrases to the English language.

"Coined by God"

http://www.amazon.com/Coined-God-Phrases-English-Translations/dp/0393020452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243863760&sr=1-1

"in my opinion we haven't gotten any wiser in the thousands of years of recorded history because becoming wise is a personal journey and not learned like knowledge."

... well then, maybe that is the answer to your question of where they find their inspiration. Maybe it's simply living that provides it. What better teacher than life itself?

I never have understood why people 'need' religion to keep them good, as though they're afraid they can't do it on their own.