Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

First!!! Its new to me...

Im a republican---get me outa here...............lol

dick cavett, dick gregory, geraldo and imus

I still think that Sanford's little scandal is all Colbert's fault for calling him boring. Now what can be worse than being boring? Hell, I never even heard of the dude before this scandal. He got a lot of free publicity.

Bad boy is where it is at these days. And it gave him room to be "saved".

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/beyond-the-arc-with-don-imus.html#comment-239573

Ha,Solar
I'll take the blame..You funny!! Dillio's there I said it...

And Tony, what are you doing up so early?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/weekinreview/21peters.html?fta=y

"Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader"

“The gay movement has always had a problem of achieving a dignity or a moral imperative that the black civil rights movement had, or the women’s rights movement claimed,” said Dudley Clendinen, who co-wrote the book “Out for Good: The Struggle to Build a Gay Rights Movement in America” and now teaches writing at Johns Hopkins University. “Because this movement is fundamentally about the right to be sexual, it’s hard for the larger public to see that as a moral issue,” he said.

By contrast, the moral authority that leaders like Dr. King, Ms. Friedan and Ms. Steinem could claim — and the fact that Americans did not look at them and imagine their sex lives — made it easier to build respectability with the public."

Solar doesn't mind being in the dog house. He knows we all like dogs here. He's just looking for a few pets.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239614

Hey Carol good morning

I have to be over in Orlando early.I'm having Lasik surgery on my left eye..Big three day weekend here..What about you?Off to work soon?

Yes, but it is Friday, thank God.

solon

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239616

Ha True!! Ah yes we are all dog lovers here..I think Solar is doing pretty well for himself....My Jessie is fast asleep on the sofa and he just got up an hour ago...

Good luck with your surgery Tony. Have you already done the other eye?

Good Morning Mr,Sturge..

Been loving your posts regarding the Republican men and there problems....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239622

gracias, amigo....i particularly like your posts on your experiences with the auto industry..........

Morning all, just stopping in, thought I was over the hump but the oompa lumpa is MIA and we suspect she isn't returning. anyways off to an antique show, made 48 pounds offudge yesterday so hope I can return tonight and kick back for a bit.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239621

Thanks Carol
Nope.I'm just doing one eye(Monovision) for reading.Its that special thing that happens after 40..It took a few years to get me but now my arms aren't long enough...I don't need glasses for distance and Grace drives me crazy losing those glasses so I opted for this fix..

"law of negative compensation which exacts itself on the very talented....."

--dick cavett

I see this morning that the Iranian ambassador is trying to suggest that the CIA killed Neda. They know they are in trouble and want to dump the blame on us. I don't think it will work.

I think the Republican party can retire their FAMILY VALUES diatribe.
humpff......

Best line I've seen on the web about the Sanford fiasco: "Looks like the GOP is now outsourcing mistresses."

tony.......i always wondered about that little bit on sanford and son where fred digs into his drawer rummaging thru all these pairs of glasses..........until i began to have to keep a pair of them on my face, and then I knew......lol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239624

Good morning Kathleen
OMG are you shipping fudge?? I think it just might be for your shop only..When you do ship again I'm going to be the first in line..

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239628

Welcome Syl

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239630

Ha Sturge
Loved that show..Aunt Ester(Lawanda Page) Fab!!

woke up one day and realized i was rummaging thru a cigar box full of reading glasses of different strengths......god bless old Redd...........

aunt esther: The Hunchface of Notre Dame............

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239629

Good Morning Patsi

Good one Indeed!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239634

Most of my clients have them all over the house.Grace is constantly leaving hers at clients homes and they get mixed in with theirs..We keep spares in both cars,we don't want to miss a speck of dirt!!

Yes Patsi, I liked that one too.

I heard yesterday that the diabetes education center I started years ago was fixing to close. The hospital is dropping the program because many insurance companies are no longer reimbursing for education. I was told that even Medicare was only allowing for two hours of education. The education will go back to being done inpatient, when the patient is not in a teachable mode.

Isn't that interesting. We are now looking at health care reform and health care institutions are moving in the opposite direction. Go figure.

Good Morning. Son off to Hawaii for 20 days. Cats demanding sustenance or they attack.

Craig..... ROFL! and great shirt...
and maybe another way to expand the GOP base would be to breed them....
here's to hopin' to see some wee ones popping out with all this fornicatin' going on...

Tony.... good luck with the eye thing.... glasses suck... but it's better than trying to read a blurry page...

I LOVE Sanford and Son..... Redd Fox rocks!

Syl.... welcome to the blog...

The GOP doing some moral slumming to be just like the rest of us. Nice angle.

Now to ATM:

CNN is just such a joke sometimes. They had Dr. Gupta trying to do a post-mortum about a minute after they decided to announce MJ's passing. MSNBC was first with the news, since human tragedy is a race.

Would the media have bothered to cover Iran at all if MJ had passed last week? Farrah got coverage because of the late hour of the news and the fact that she's been ill and they were prepared. It's very sad, but the things that pass for news...

I was glad to see that MTV actually remembered what videos were and played them.

Headline of the day. Linked to USA Today by Yahoo on my homepage:

"Without treatment, cardiac arrest kills quickly"

From the link Tony posted: " “Because this movement is fundamentally about the right to be sexual, it’s hard for the larger public to see that as a moral issue,” he said."

It's possible that the real argument should be: Gay rights is about the right to be normal.

There is the real issue as far as I am concerned. Human beings are wired differently. Some are heterosexual, some homosexual, and others asexual. That is inborn and it is NORMAL. It is reality. When everyone gets that, then we can move ahead with ease.

Patsi, I think an issue that goes along with yours is the fear that many men have. That a friendship or association with a gay person will 'tarnish' or confuse their own sexuality.

I think that's a good point, Flatus. And it's interesting. I know a lot of homophobic men, but few women who are nervous about knowing or being friends with lesbians. Men do seem more concerned about sexuality. ...Probably because they don't go through labor...that'll put sex into perspective! :)

Patsi,

Women are probably more comfortable because we understand the word "No". Men aren't always clear on the concept. :-)

And, that's why it's such a concern for senior military officers and senior NCOs. Although they, in general, understand and are sympathetic to sexuality issues, they have a junior enlisted and officer force who are at their peak of 'nervous' sexuality, and who will go to extreme measures in demonstrating their 'straightness'. Even to the extreme of violence.

That's the sad and unfortunate reality and why the most senior people generally support 'don't ask, don't tell'.

And now, Stinky is taking me shopping.

" 48 pounds fudge "

Wasn't that a Tennessee Ernie Ford song ?

Thought for the day :
" Statistics are often used as a drunk uses a light pole: For support rather than illumination. "

[to tune of carolina in the morning]

noone likes a whiner
who deserts his carolina
for exploring

nothin beats a tweeter
who sees the sweetie as he greets her
so adoring
and tweets him strolling with his girlie
on the beach so early
in the morning

all the morning papers
for us do record
all the pretty love words
from his heart that poured

if they had alladin's lamp
for only a day
they'd make a wish
and here's what they'd say

nothing could be finer
than the governor resigner
his seat in carolina
in the morrrrnnninng.

This made me wonder how things have changed or
have not changed----40th anniversary of the "Stonewall
riots" in New York City

'The Real Mob at Stonewall" NYT

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/opinion/26truscott.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

And more things to consider---

"Why so few women in infidelity club?" (Politico)

Great observation by former Rep. Pat Schroeder----

"I guess men in power are terribly attractive to some women,
but I don't think that women in power are attractive to some men."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24236.html

my apologies for the rhythmic mishmash in 9:04 post. hard song to parody-ize, confusing meters.
where's al jolson when you need him?

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

Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard has unveiled a prototype of the solar-powered plane he hopes eventually to fly around the world.

The initial version, spanning 61m but weighing just 1,500kg, will undergo trials to prove it can fly at night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8120026.stm

The internet suffered a number of slowdowns as people the world over rushed to verify accounts of Michael Jackson's death.

Search giant Google confirmed to the BBC that when the news first broke it feared it was under attack.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8120324.stm

The microblogging service Twitter crashed with the sheer volume of people using the service.

"Jailed Iran reformists 'tortured to confess foreign plot'

Amnesty reports apparent attempt to implicate defeated presidential candidate in conspiracy to overthrow regime"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/26/iran-conspiracy-torture-reformists

Patd, Well done! So many good posts here this morning, and, to find out that OSH owns a bait shop!

Flatus, Thanks for pointing out that article in USA today. I went to it, as I was not sure of the difference in a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest. I'm not sure how long it was before they found him, but it doesn't sound like he had much of a chance without immediate CPR. I am shocked at how fast the heart can start beating, before it kills you.

"Without treatment, cardiac arrest kills quicklyJackson most likely had ventricular fibrillation, an electrical disturbance of the heart that occurs when the heart begins beating 400 to 500 times a minute —" http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-06-26-jackson-cardiac-arrest_N.htm

Dexter, I liked your Mark Twain quote so much that I hope you don't mind I brought it over to the new thread. Yesterday was so sad with Farrah and Michael going in the same day.

Mark Twain on death:
"Life was not a valuable gift, but death was. Life was a fever-dream made up of joys embittered by sorrows, pleasure poisoned by pain; a dream that was a nightmare-confusion of spasmodic and fleeting delights, ecstasies, exultations, happinesses, interspersed with long-drawn miseries, griefs, perils, horrors, disappointments, defeats,humiliations, and despairs--the heaviest curse devisable by divine ingenuity; but death was sweet, death was gentle, death was kind; death healed the bruised spirit and the broken heart, and gave them rest and forgetfulness; death was man's best friend; when man could endure life no longer, death came and set him free."
- Letters from the EarthE
Posted by: DexterJohnson Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 1:54 AM

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239628
Syl, Good to see you are back today. Hope you stick around.

"A Republican national committeeman, an Upstate newspaper and the governor's former spokesman called for Sanford's resignation. Early polls show a majority of state residents think the governor should step down."

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1115107.html

imo, what really upsets them is that he chose a foreign make instead of american.

Now the Puget Sound orcas have been accounted for

When the Southern Resident killer whales came south out of Canada over the weekend, all three pods were together for a time.

http://pugetsoundblogs.com/waterways/2009/06/24/now-the-puget-sound-orcas-have-been-accounted-for/

".... Human beings are wired differently. Some are heterosexual, some homosexual, and others asexual. That is inborn and it is NORMAL. It is reality. When everyone gets that, then we can move ahead with ease."

Yes Patsi.... It's that simple. Well put!

Jon Stewart -
Sanford affair is just another example of foreigners taking jobs Americans won't do.

""A Republican national committeeman, an Upstate newspaper and the governor's former spokesman called for Sanford's resignation. " http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239674

OK Sturge, Patd's post reminded me of what you said earlier this morning (on the previous thread):
"While democrats may enjoy seeing another republican clinton-castigating much-more-moral-than-thee blow-hard pee in his pants on live tv, it's his own, his republicans, who will stone him into resignation...." http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/beyond-the-arc-with-don-imus.html#comment-239606

Bethy, I'm sorry if I mis-stated what you meant on the quote of yours I carried over yesterday.

Thought for the day: To have a real world strategy, one must acknowledge the real world.

Chloe: Thank you for reposting Dexter's MT's piece.

It's schadenfreude that fuels the SFW internet.

"Sanford affair is just another example of foreigners taking jobs Americans won't do."

Hilarious! (guilty pleasures, sometimes I feel guilty at the things I laugh hysterically at)

Joe, I'm glad you liked that quote too.
I've really enjoyed your contributions since you've been here, and find that I usually agree with the things you say.

"To have a real world strategy, one must acknowledge the real world. "

Isn't it amazing how difficult that is for some people, AnnaMolly.
Can I call you Anna? (Anna and Molly are both such beautiful names, a couple of my favorite)

Thank you, Chloe. But you only 'usually' agree with the things I say??? ;)

feeding frenzy begins

"A TV station in Argentina beat the paparazzi to the punch, said the New York Post. A video of Maria Belen Chapur has already surfaced on the Internet. (watch a Spanish-language news report by a woman identified as Belen Chapur)."

http://www.theweek.com/article/index/98088/The_race_to_find_Maria_Belen_Chapur_pictures

Ok Joe, I must admit..... So far, always.
I thought I'd better cover myself, in case you say something in the future I don't agree with. But not to worry, I'll be sure to let you know. :)

... for what it's worth:
"Rasmussen is out with a new poll showing that 46% of South Carolina voters think Governor Sanford should resign. That's the best number yet for the embattled Sanford, after two poll yesterday, one from SurveyUSA and one from Politico/Insider Advantage, showed those in favor of Sanford's stepping down at 60% and 50% respectively. Overall, that's a three poll average of 52%". http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2009/06/26/threes-a-trend-for-sanford/

Iran cleric calls for execution of rioters

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE55N24020090626

Anna is fine, Chloe. And thanks. I think Chloe is a beautiful name, so we're even. ;)

Here's a good example of what I meant by my comment -- The other day Mitch McConnell said the American people don't want government-provided health care. His remark blissfully ignored what 73 percent of people said they DID want in the latest polling. That highlights how little McConnell interacts with reality. Unfortunately, Congressional democrats, judging from the current wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth, seem to live in the same unreality. Their alternate reality seems to be populated by insurance company lobbyists and paved with corporate campaign contributions. Sadly, if we don't get national health care in this country, it won't be because of Mitch McConnell. It will be because of democrats.

interesting new appointment at state sans fanfare

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iH_JfqQ7i1_YKTl_4YX5sm0Od7sw

"That highlights how little McConnell interacts with reality. Unfortunately, Congressional democrats, judging from the current wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth, seem to live in the same unreality."

Anna, Wouldn't it be nice if these guys actually 'represented' us. To do that, you're right, they would have to actually be aware of the reality of things. Unfortunately, they each have their own agenda, and see everything through that filter.

This is the last thing I will post on the Sanford situation,....
"One week ago, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford was an aspiring presidential candidate in need of name recognition. Now he's a national laughingstock who would probably jump at the chance to join a witness relocation program.

Until this week, Sanford's claim to fame was his rejection of federal stimulus dollars and the stunt of carrying two piglets into the state House chamber to lampoon pork spending. It turns out there were three little pigs in the House that day, and the one they call governor chose the wrong stimulus to reject." http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/25/EDON18DT5D.DTL

... out and about now.

GOP reality show:
More like Biggest Losers! LOL

...or "Desperate Housewives".

listen up, tmrs:

"new term in international affairs -- 'the Central Region,'"

http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/

patd - ha! And I keep think-singing (to the tune of "How Are Things In Glaucamorra") how are things in Argentina this fine day?

Sure is quiet in here today.

Or is there a problem with the site.

Not many people hanging around today,
I guess all the talk about sex jog a memory or two "Oh yeah, sex, I remember that"

It looks like me and the good governor of SC are the only people not getting any today. At least so far.

So to take your minds off of sex and back on violence
Seems a Southern civil war reenactor got a bit too into realism and brought a loaded gun to the event and a northern reenactor got a bit too much realism. Didn't change the outcome the North won.

http://hamptonroads.com/node/514146

How about some sax but no violins

Charlie Parker - All the things you are

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTORd2Y_X6U

OK
Just for all of you sax and violins

The Bird backed up by strings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4Huw-aJi8

Jack

Posted by: SolarCrete | June 25, 2009 6:47 PM :
"The guy I wrote about-that joined the Marine Corps ( yeah XR- a Marine-wanna make something out of it ?) "

I manage to control any desire to fight Marines, thank you. During the war, the fellas who were in my unit, including Spec 3 XRepublican, mostly figured that the Marines were on our team.

You mentioned that if you had it to do over, you'd go zoomie. I had a couple of pals who did that. One was in a radio hut near a runway at Tan Son Nhut when that part of the base was briefly overrun. Luckily, they didn't look in the Hut. Another pal was at Tuy Hoa just after it opened for business, and remembers sleeping to the lullaby of mortar thuds on several nights. According to these guys a few zoomies were killed, an several were wounded. So, while they didn't get the full treatment like the jarheads did, they didn't come out unscathed either.

Certainly, if I had to do it over, I'd plan early to put my name on the 3 year list with the Coast Posties or the AF, rather than get swtuffed into a 2 year stint with the Grunts.

xre.....and that's ezactly what my old man had me do.....the list for the coast poasties, that is.......know why a coastie has to be at least 6 feet tall?
so if his boat sinks he can walk ashore......

Just looked at the thermometer-- 99.7 here in Columbia

Posted by: anon-paranoid Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 2:20 PM

I could try to liven it up with a few new Micheal Jackson jokes, but that would be wrong...

'swtuffed' is supposed to be 'stuffed'.

I hope that the Iranian protesters get better organized for the next round. The pro-democracy forces would be wise to infiltrate and either use or neutralize the basij militias. That way, they might win the next round.

When the price of oil is high, the panjandrums in oil-rich countries are able to feed and clothe the poorest of the poor through such organizations as the basij and revguards. When the price of oil is low, the fascist monsters don't have the same resources to squander. Therefore, a higher degree of freedom is likely when oil prices are low. In some countries, one can substitute diamonds or gold for oil, and find the same correlation of high price to low freedom.

Unfortunately, unrest in Iran makes the oil market jittery. When they get the jitters, the oil bulls bid up the price of oil, and in doing so, make it possible for achmedinajad and other oil tyrants to lavish cotton cloth, turkeys, and bags of potatoes on the families of militia members.

The key to eliminating the Iranian tyranny is a crash program in the West to replace petroleum with other energy sources ASAP. The big Q is, can we de-petro the Western World faster than redChina's and India's thirst for oil grows ? Consider that there are now more 'middle class' people in India and China than in the US. They all want cars and air conditioning. The faster we replace our 19th Century petro-based economy, the better.

Bob, have you linked this yet?

Solar Airplane Debuts Before ‘Round-the-World’ Flight
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/06/solar-impulse/

Mr. sturgeone,

I always thought that you Coasties only had to be able to swim to shore.

I salute the most senior Service.

When the current issue of Wired Magazine arrived, I came across this fascinating article:
Cutthroat Capitalism: An Economic Analysis of the Somali Pirate Business Model
http://www.wired.com/special_multimedia/2009/sp_cutthroatcapitalism

It really is good and is what MBA-ing is all about. And it's topical and readable--and worthwhile.

I see that the markings on Piccard's plane are in English. It makes me proud to be an Anglophone. ( :>D)<

Don't mess with the Coast Guard--one of my grandsons is trying to enlist. Don't know if he'll make it--he's got to convince them that he's not allergic to shellfish.

oh, why not......it's a nice tune............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rC9WxzBPKw

sounds eerily (suspiciously?) reminiscent of the theme from "McHale's Navy"................lol

see what i mean?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8E8trKZGbE

In case you want to learn to moonwalk. Here's the lesson

http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#1Hw8E8/www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1907320,00.html/

... wouldn't ya know it, Jackson's cardiologist would have a link to Texas too.

Michael Jackson's cardiologist identified
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090626/ap_en_mu/us_jackson_doctor_2

I can't figure out how they towed the doctors car from Michael's house, but can't find the doctor. Weird. That's what I get for reading rumor.

The 911 tape has been released, and the doctor was with him when he collapsed, so I guess they do have him for questioning.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/entertainment&id=6886269&rss=rss-kgo-article-6886269

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239640
Thanks Renee...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239648

Patsi
Thanks for that.You broke it down.."It's possible that the real argument should be: Gay rights is about the right to be normal."
BRILLIANTLY put...

GOP Real World Strategerie?

By Craig Crawford | June 26, 2009 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

fixed your typo

http://business.smh.com.au/business/weve-lost-36-of-wealth-20090626-cztp.html

"We've lost 36% of wealth"

"AUSTRALIAN households have lost an extraordinary 36 per cent of their financial wealth since the economic crisis began.

Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics put combined household wealth at just short of $787 billion at the end of March, down from a peak of $1246 billion in September 2007.

The total includes household wealth held in cash, bank deposits, bonds and shares, but net of borrowing. Significantly it excludes wealth held in the form of superannuation and real estate, and both of these have also dived since the crisis began.

Financial wealth per household as measured by the Australian Financial Accounts has slid from $159,000 to $98,000 - its lowest point for more than three years. Per person it has slipped from $58,900 to $36,200."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24249.html

"Joe Biden reaches out to gay community"

"Vice President Joe Biden told gay and lesbian Democrats that he doesn't blame them for their impatience and promised that the Obama administration will begin to push more strongly on the issues they care about, including the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Speaking at a LGBT fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, Biden acknowledged the anger many gays and lesbians have toward the White House, and he pledged to "put some pace on the ball."

"I don't blame you for your impatience," Biden said. "I hope you don't doubt the president's commitment."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24249.html#ixzz0JZe328Qn&C

Posted by: chloe Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 4:47 PM

I'm hearing conflicting reports regarding the location of his death... some are saying he had a stroke in the children's hospital.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239736

M'Lord, When all else fail, check in at TMZ. They always have the most accurate scoop. :) ..... (I think)

TMZ has just received a tape of the Michael Jackson 911 call made yesterday at 12:21 PM from Michael's house in Holmby Hills, Ca.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/26/michael-jackson-the-911-call/
.... I also read that he was just 5 minutes from UCLA Hospital.

Tony, Let us know how your eyes doing.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239736

M'Lord, When all else fail, check in at TMZ. They always have the most accurate scoop. :) ... (I think)

TMZ has just received a tape of the Michael Jackson 911 call made yesterday at 12:21 PM from Michael's house in Holmby Hills, Ca.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/26/michael-jackson-the-911-call/
.... I also read that he was just 5 minutes from UCLA Hospital.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239736

Chloe. . Hello

Craig, it is interesting that you picked such a topic for today. Why? Because Obama has moved exactly in the direction I predicted and basically called Ahmadinejad an asshole today. Actually I wish he would. Yep, he could be the first American President to call a miscreant ewngineered leader of a tyranical regime an asshole. And it would floor Republicans. Free Republic wouldn't know what to say.

I will spare everyone why Merkels tough words are suspect as she has done little to suspend her country's largest in the world exports to Iran. Maybe she should do something instead of pretending to be tough. Obama was different than Merkel. He lent some support to Mousavi today and said there is already a frame work Bush established with Europe, Russia, China and the US to deal with Iran. He has now tied Iranian action to his offer to talk directly with the Mullahs.

Obama even used my words which I often say here: "the clock is ticking" on the nuclear bomb program. If any of you have taken the time to review the video tape from Tehran yesterday, you could see throngs of Iranians battleing government thugs in the streets. The people managed to kill at least a half dozen who tried to run them over on moptorcycles. It is breathtaking seeing unarmed citizens take on thugs, many who the Mullahs have hired from Hamas and Hizb'Allah. North Korea and Iran, Hamas and Hizb'Allal and even Russia have pushed Obama more towards a GOP view of the world.

Is that what you meant Craig? Or was there some other more pressing issue that you were really expressing sacracasm about?

Okay, it was a long day and my typos show it....

Sometimes you have to get down to the curb if you want to visit with Champ. :-)

max, Can you tell me whose gonna win the series, I need to make some serious money.

MY biggest prediction of all time was to bet $1000 before the start of one football season long ago. Franco Harris saved my young ass with his catch against the Raiders. I predicted the Steelers and the Cowboys would meet in the super bowl and the Steelers would win. Unfortunately two of the clowns I bet at 8 to 1 odds skipped town and I ended up with just $900 and a used Sony Trinitron,

The only thing I can predict in terms if Iran is that before they mount a nuke on a ballistic missile, someone will either terminate their leadership or seriously damage their nuclear program. If it gets to that, I wouldn't be surprised to see the first use of neutron bunker busters. I hope that major oil worker strikes and continued rifts in the leadership bring a more peaceful change to Iran. If Merkel simply suspended trade, the regime would fall. All we really need is for something to turn the Russians around. China would follow and that would be that.

Let's face it - Iran and North Korea are the most dangerous nations. The others can be isolated if their financing and weapons supply is reduced. In a safer world there would be a peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

I predict that Craig will not make Chinese action to block the internet, his lead topic tomorrow.

I predict that Obama will not be caught having an affair in his first term. I predict that Oberman continues to be an idiot with more assertions like that "secret trip to Iraq" bullshit.

I don't make predictions about baseball until a few weeks after the all star game. After Boston beat the Yankees, I have laid off the series.....

That's fair max, here are the current odd from one online service.

Arizona Diamondbacks 175/1
Atlanta Braves 35/1
Baltimore Orioles 350/1
Boston Red Sox 9/2
Chicago Cubs 12/1
Chicago White Sox 40/1
Cincinnati Reds 45/1
Cleveland Indians 70/1
Colorado Rockies 45/1
Detroit Tigers 14/1
Florida Marlins 40/1
Houston Astros 150/1
Kansas City Royals 80/1
Los Angeles Angels 14/1
Los Angeles Dodgers 5/1
Milwaukee Brewers 18/1
Minnesota Twins 40/1
New York Mets 14/1
New York Yankees 4/1
Oakland Athletics 125/1
Philadelphia Phillies 12/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
San Diego Padres 150/1
San Francisco Giants 50/1
Seattle Mariners 50/1
St Louis Cardinals 20/1
Tampa Bay Rays 22/1
Texas Rangers 20/1
Toronto Blue Jays 40/1
Washington Nationals 3000/1

"I predict that Obama will not be caught having an affair in his first term. I predict that Oberman continues to be an idiot with more assertions like that "secret trip to Iraq" bullshit."

HA Max
I agree with this statement.Your a visionary!! You Funny!!

jack,

here is patricia vonne and johnny reno and his sax maniacs in Austin at Antones

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239701

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6en1oCNr79E

Posted by: Rezdog Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 6:52 PM

Those are good odds on LAD.

Jays are an even better bet...

Good Stuff Rez...

Tony, it figures I have to make a few trips downtown this weekend in MANhattan. I guess I will run right into Gay Pride Day......I worked in Chelsea today and people are gearing up.

I should post my picture here and have you say, "Good Luck Max"...HA

And Craig, here's a good one:

Hollywood's Real World Strategy

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mtapson/2009/06/24/the-whitewashing-of-soraya-m/

Something tells me the Mets have a better chance than the Cubs. That doesn't seem right....

Mets... pfft.

Posted by: Rezdog Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 6:32 PM

Hold on, I'm getting another conflicting report... stand by.

Hey DL, I'm more of a football fan, but the Mets are just a half game out. Rain is holding up the game at Citifield......against those Yanks

Have you been to Citifield, yet, Max? Shea was gross, but the stands provided a nice view.

Mike's untimely passing makes me reflect on how for one of the most-talented performers in the world (an icon) - happiness still seemed elusive. In a culture addicted to the trappings of fame and money it is a poignant reminder that happiness does not come from a bottle, a bently or all the broads in the world (or Argentina) . . . it comes from within. "Live Your Life"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDxsM5jLNxM

It could be when MJ jumped the shark. But it is a catchy tune!

The republicans' whined all week that Obama didn't promise support for the Mousavi camp; didn't jump into Iran, opening a 3 war.

They prattled 'toughness', as if there were a viable revolution in Iran to which we owe a debt. As if Neda Soltan were a casus bellum. It's all dirty hogwash. Obama and his team know better.

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

X-rep - don't leave out NK.

War is the Neocons go-to manuever.

I think many in this last election realized we were headed in the direction of another world war. And it is up to Obama to avert - or lead us through.

These are critical times. (But i suppose every generation says that at one point or another.)

Interesting - Ban Ki Moon (head of UN) was talking about the response to Iran on C. Rose - and he stressed the importance of the world to speak with "one voice." A corrodinated effort.

I remember when I was an intern for a professor who studied use of force law.

The tough thing about International Law is that the actors are also the legislators. In other words, laws and precedent are set by both words and actions.

(It probably freaks NK out to have South Korean as head of UN.)

This guy needs to talk less about ideas - and more about state interests.

It is in China's existential interest to not have a nuclear war break out in North Korea - its neighbor.

Along as it has nuttin to do with nuts, LB

The dodgers are playing the mariners this next round so we'll see if those odds hold up.

I'm still a Bosox fan, right above the yankees. There's no price on them even now.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239763

Ha Max
You should jump on a float and be one of those Hot straight guy construction contractors we love to make over!! It would be fun,Hillary had a ball ...I think your man enough for it....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239763

Oh and Max
Yes post your picture I would love to have face to put with your posts....

Tony, is this what you're looking for :)
http://images.google.com/images?q=uncle+fester&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_en___US232&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=CnxFSt2XCIK1tges5uHUBg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=766303553

Ha Flatus
Yes perfect! :^)

Posted by: Rezdog Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 9:31 PM

You must have the same news reader I do. Wait- this just in...

I think max had something more in mind like this . . .

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=fptb-hptb6-501-s&va=albert+einstein&sz=all

Posted by: Flatus Author Profile Page | June 26, 2009 9:56 PM

LOL- look at Flat mixing it up!

(I love URLs on which clicking isn't necessary)

Jeez - I guess everybody has plans on Friday night. I need to go out . . .

Re: Sanford resignation:

Dark Lord didn't call it. Damn!

(...still think it's coming eventually)

XR - just testing my 50 year old Latin - should it be casus belli?

The sign is a bit of a jolt (but I agree with the sentiment). And hey - it's Lennon.

(Plus it has the name Lucy in the title!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2wvJUZYQ7o

a Latin expression meaning the justification for acts of war. Casus means "incident", "rupture" or indeed "case", while belli means "of war".

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

bethyboo is one cool chick.

Olbermann was stunned after he got done i’viewing Deepak Chopra . The i’view starts at the 2:14 mark of this video…it’s all you need to know, as KO told Chopra at the end of the interview…stunning, must-see interview, trust me.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/31574845#31574845

Well, I have to admit I have heard it used in speech, but I did know, when I heard it, that it was right The really funny thing is that I was probably one of the worst Latin students in history.

I can still name the cases, but I used to have index cards with the possible cases for each ending, i.e. if a noun ended in 'i', it might be plural masc nom and or sing masc gen, or 'ae' was plural feminine nominative. I think. I also remember 'arum' or 'orum' were plural genitive of fem and masc/neu. You can see I can throw the words around but they don't land right.

I remember hic haec hoc and huis huis huis and quorum quarum quorum - and have no idea of what they mean. Wasn't there a cuis too?

But I don't think I ever translated a sentence in an exercise. I stillmanaged to learn a lot about words, I guess.

I wasn't trying to correct xr - I just wanted to see if i could do it again. One of our da's put a sign on his office door re the 3 Irish boys murdered with a bomb, and that da is a real Latin nerd. His sign said Requiescat in Pace. Believe it or not, it seemed to me it should be requiescant , plural, and I asked him. He didn't mind it a bit, but was he surprised. Now that's from French lessons.

Would someone tell me why I got C's and was thankful for them in Latin? I don't know why I didn't flunk it really.

How's that for a long dull late night post to help you get to sleep. I'm off to read. Nite.

What Will Republicans Do if Obama Steals Their World Strategy?

(or a loooong late night observation of the Iranian crisis)

Okay Republicans. Listen up.

Obama now has two weapons against Iran we Americans did not have under the last administration. We have reset our international perception at Iranian expense and we do not appear to the world to have tried influencing Iranian internal dissent. Thank you England, we owe you one.

This has put a different and more effective pressure on Iran which eluded us under Bush. With the Stoning coming out in theaters as clerics in Iran call for the execution of protestors, the wind has filled our sail slightly since the Great Blowback cut us down. Iran is falling back into deeper isolation with Obama coming on stronger each day in an obvious and impressive way. With every pathetic move by the regime, Obama is stepping forward with jabs to their face.

Republicans, do you notice this is becoming a no lose situation for the US? If Iran steps backwards into a kind of Islamic North Korea, they lose. If the Iranian people win and the regime splits up, Khomeini loses. He may even hang. Yep, Neda may very well get the last laugh and because of this clerical fear, the regime already suggests the CIA killed her. They are trying to create myths again to shield them like they did over their role in the Shah’s coup or the fatal purging of their military after their revolution which opened the door to Saddam’s attack. Obama has made this clerical myth spinning more difficult, whether you like Obama or not.

If Iran does get more militant and oppressive, there will be little Russia and China can do to continue their support. The clamp will come down with Iran squaring up against the Arabs, the Jews, Europe and the US with the Russians and Chinese too embarrassed to intervene.

I rather doubt Obama sees that as all bad. But do the Republicans? Iran will not win this radical battle internally or externally with the heart showing now on the streets of Iran or the opposition to them in the world the Mullahs have created. The world knows what is going on there and the danger of Iran’s weapons and proxies. The hardliner Mullah’s foolish proclamations of fair elections and public executions will merely bring the final split among them and decide which ones one get hung as traitors. This knowledge Obama now has to his advantage. And in part, this advantage came from the art of “not doing”.

Republicans, Obama has the very same military options Bush did with the added knowledge that Egypt and Saudi Arabia would like nothing better than cracking Iran. We now have a bit of repair after Iraq. Most importantly, Israel would be under little constraint if Mullahs get out smarted into new mistakes. The protesters IN IRAN cry out for the West to act. How many Iranians does it take here and in Iran that warn of letting the Mullahs get the bomb, before we listen?

With Iran more isolated should they torture their citizens, our military option becomes more credible and Obama has some real leverage he did not have in January against Iran. While you Republicans helped create this new tide by standing tall, your political failings producing your fall have allowed Obama to reap the reward. It is hard, however, to see how McCain would have spun this better. He does have meddling all over his face. Still, the proof between the two politicians is in the outcome of where Obama gets and there is a long way to go.

Iranians are becoming aware for the first time, the extent their rulers have made deals with Arab militants while estranging them form moderate Arabs. The images of Arab thugs beating Iranians on the streets of Tehran is an embarrassment to moderate Arabs. That Hizb’Allah and Hamas are such obvious traitors to Arabs and moderate Islam is another tool in the Obama world opinion hand bag. And perceptions mean a lot. He can use these images and facts to exploit our adversaries’ weaknesses.

The real key now is whether the Mullahs can cause mayhem in Iraq as the US pulls out. If Iraq remains relatively stable and McChyrstal assembles a potent force in Afghanistan, Iran is increasingly surround by a tough wall. If on the other hand, the Taliban prove elusive and Iran is successful in destabilizing Iraq, Obama will be forced to a. recognize Patraeous was right about the need for more sustained force in Iraq and b. his central strategy in Afghanistan will be questioned with Pakistan still hanging in the balance.

And remember democrats, without the GOP breathing down Obama’s neck over his every foreign policy move, the world would hardly buy the notion that Obama really isn’t trying to influence events in Iran. Without his critics, who would swallow the perception that the US wants to appease radical regimes, turn a blind eye towards nuclear weapons and is no longer a friend of Israel.

Perhaps Bibi understands the game going on and the only way Obama can seem credible to many staring Iran down, is for the US to keep a safe distance at the moment. Was there a different starting gambit in January?

Republicans, face it. This is a game of chess. It took almost a year of Obama’s gesture parade to get to this remarkable point, whether Obama delivers or runs away. That the Mullahs might execute Iranians would have in no way been changed by what Obama said a week ago. The protesters are no less angry now than after the engineered election. They understand what’s going on in the world with even the UN blasting the regime before Obama’s stronger words today. Supporting Mousavi today is quite different than supporting 13 days ago.

Now what a nice situation we are in for change despite the saddening violence and oppression in Iran. The US is not the loudest or the first to condemn these crimes. Behind this new wave Obama is trying to create, we can more easily justify our military options should we take them and this new leverage of options is exactly the geopolitical position Bush had lost. I won’t argue the reason why Bush lost it, but merely state the observation that Obama enjoys a dbit more favorable situation with Iraq playing not an unimportant role. Do Iranians envy a US created Democracy in Iraq compared with their impending electionless tyranny You bet. What we do from here will decide how principled we are in defeating radical tyrannies in both Iran and North Korea. Both nations have made terrible moves and if Obama proves to be an effective counter puncher, we can finally lead a new tough sanction regime, encourage the disintegration of clerical control and isolate and disconnect, Iran’s proxy network. It cannot run without money. It can’t survive international justice, should we finally arrive at an understanding we need it in Iran’s case.

For all you Lefties that cheered Iran’s proposed monetary policy for oil and accused the Bush administration of basing US military policy on monetary policy, what a crazy world it would be now. The radical regime of Iran telling the world what a just monetary policy is and dumping the dollar, instead of now facing the possibility of economic strangulation by Liberals and Conservatives loath to see women second class citizens, Mullahs with nukes, or public executions of political dissidents.

Say, which side do you stand on Kos and Huff? I can’t wait for CommonDreams headliners a month or two from now.

Oh yeah, it may be a whole new ball game Republicans; you might even have to support our President unless you prefer the migrating crowds of the anti-war Left, or give up your Real Strategies to the White House.

Hope the length doesn't kill you all which is why I posted this at 1:25 AM......

Tony. send me you email and I will forward it to you......

maxtrue1@yahoo.com

I

Dex, I saw the KO interview. I've never given MJ much thought, but I'm not surprised at all.

tt

FYI, KO has a blog, of sorts.

http://keith-olbermann.dailykos.com/

tt

fancy footwork.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVSgx7gKc_k&feature=related

Heads up everybody, Colorado Bob is about to bring his fast-ball. All next week, here comes this oven I've been making . It's so close I can , smell it.
2 days from today, will be 1 man , working for 5 hours , everyday, for 4 weeks. That will be my man power number, it's very good.

I like it a lot. And I did it in a "hot shop" , just a big ass fan, & 3 garage doors. Upper 90's for a week. It was 97 tonight at 7:30 P.M.

I'll almost be done, ....... but then that's next Tuesday afternoon. Hammer & Tongs till Next Tuesday. Buckle your chin straps . I have 2 - 600 degree thermometers they are ready to go.
Next week, you catch " Sun - Light " in a bottle, with Colorado Bob .

Send me old welding goggles , I need a lot of them , .......... I have a lot of scouts to teach. Like I said, Hammer & Tongs boys and girls, Hammer & Tongs.

If it's clear Tuesday morning, I will fire this oven, at 9:00 A.M. By 11:30 A.M. we will pass 500 degrees. When that happens, I will say a few words about - Maria Telkes, the giant who's shoulders I stand on to night. Hammer & Tongs. Maria made 437 F- F in 1959.
By the 4th of July it'll be the biggest, hottest solar oven in Texas, I'm about to feed a lot of starving artists with it, & teach everyone about ' 1 watt per square meter." .
I'll need all your help . Building it was the easy part.

http://cbsolaroven.blogspot.com/

The new clips tonight are killer.

But the really cool part , starts tomorrow. I move on the reflectors, they are very simple. They will be killer.

I'm ridin' with the King.

THE BLACK KEYS - SHE SAID, SHE SAID

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

-------------------------
Music to slam steel by .......................

I pulled a 42 year - old - bend out of my ass today making the door for this thing.

It was a perfect moment with the Pixto & Wilcox. I was 17 , and remembered every move. Paul Harvey was on the radio.

Another work song -
The Vogues - Five o'clock world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXKRwqBmC4A
-------------------

Everybody pick - up their hammers. You hear me now. Bring it , bring every oz. you can swing. And when you're tried , and you can't go on, I want 15 more min. with your hammer.

And beat on the thing that needs the work most.

You hear me now. Bring it , bring every oz. you can swing.

Good intel Dex.

Bethy - u probably got C's cause u are too good with the English language. But a good vocab is important in any language.

I don't want any sissy hammers , for this exercise ..... we're all swinging 24 oz. waffle faces. You hit your thumb, it's "aidos" for the next 3 weeks,
Your left thumb looks like a pizza.

You hear me now. Bring it , bring every oz. you can swing.

"What Will Republicans Do if Obama Steals Their World Strategy?"

Realize that spreading democracy is an age-old strategy for increasing peaceful relations between nations. The rub is figuring out how to do it.

"We have reset our international perception at Iranian expense and we do not appear to the world to have tried influencing Iranian internal dissent. Thank you England, we owe you one."

Thank America. I think the 2008 election - and the attention and passion it generated - culminating in America electing Barack Obama went even further than the Cairo speech.

The Hammer -
The all purpose installation tool ..

"Iran is falling back into deeper isolation with Obama coming on stronger each day in an obvious and impressive way."

Iran's isolation came on strong when W included it in the Axis of Evil. I am sure the WWII reference was apparent to more than just the NeoCons.

Isolation is not always a good thing.

max

"If Iran does get more militant and oppressive, there will be little Russia and China can do to continue their support."

You underestimate Russian and China.

And the fact that the US engaged in a 3-front war might be in their interest. Especially with a country far from their borders.

http://www.dating-world.net/guide/russia/map_of_russia.htm

(I swear this was the first map i came across with Russian China and Iran - and i was looking for maps!)

wu wei

"Iranians are becoming aware for the first time, the extent their rulers have made deals with Arab militants while estranging them form moderate Arabs."

patronizing.

"Do Iranians envy a US created Democracy in Iraq compared with their impending electionless tyranny You bet."

Nonsense.

" Kid, I want you to beat like hell, while stand on this wrench . ........ Hit it right there, ............ as hard as you fucking can. "

Good morning, where the heck is everybody?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239805

cbob, that'll be a hot time in that town that night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkV1E0sBZ0&feature=related

good morning, sea

if it's not too personal to ask, did you get your butter crunched? last we heard you were having some technical difficulty. sounded like a bad day at the chocolate factory.

Ya know in the death of Michael Jackson I wanted to blame this Dr. who was living with him. After listening to that link someone posted of KO(I'm a little news deprived out here) interviewing Chopra and hearing the other stuff coming out, I am starting to see another picture immerging.

Michael obviously had a substance abuse problem. With all he dealt with in his life that's no wonder. With his extreme celebrity, it is no wonder that he could get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it.

I wondered why a cardiologist would leave his job to go live with MJ. It looks now as if this guy was hired to monitor MJ while he prepared for his upcoming tour. They must have known about Michael's drug use and didn't want it to interfere with the tour, thought this Dr. could keep him safe. Dumb idea, at least for that unlucky Dr.

While the Dr. was probably administering a controlled amount of drugs, MJ was probably supplementing with all kinds of stuff he had stashed all over. Now the Dr. has all kinds of 'splaining to do, will probably tarish him forever.

The serious problem with narcotic analgesic use is that even though a person develops a tolerance to the euphoric effects of these narcotics and needs more and more to achieve it, they don't develop as much of a tolerance to the respiratory depressing effects of these drugs. At some point they take too much and just stop breathing and die. It happens more than anyone wants to think.

I wonder if they thought to have a apnea monitor, crash cart, a team for resusitation, and some narcotic antagonists around? I don't think so. Probably a good nurse would have been a better idea. They know all the tricks of the trade.

In my small community, with a shopping malls of pain management Drs right across the border in Texas, we have a serious problem with deaths from overdosing. If any other medical problem was killing at that rate, there would be an emergency epidemic declared.

Those Drs in Texas are handing out suitcases of narcotics and giving their cards out where they practice down the road. (Hope theres not a mad rush to Texas now.) From what my inmates say, they don't even lay their hands on them to examine them.

Narcotics are wonderful pain relievers and are seriously needed by some but their use must be managed carefully. In our area they are trying. They require a driver's license number when filling the narcotics so law enforcement can monitor whether people are Dr. shopping or getting mulitple narcotics from multiple sources or more than necessary. Best they can do.

It also appears that Michael already accepted the fact that this was how he would go and most who knew him knew it also. It was just a matter of time. What can you do with someone who is such a big celebrity??

something's fishy about hrc limiting her travel right now. this is the "energizer bunny" we're talking about. can't see anything curtailing her activities other than an over-riding strategy from above. what's up?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/26/AR2009062603595.html?hpid=sec-politics

Pat, as we get older, post surgery, post anesthesia recovery takes longer. I say she should take it easy until the cobwebs are cleared out.

And I never saw Michael Jackson as a pedophile. After hearing the interview with him about how he thought it was wonderful to let children share his bed I realized that he was just a person who was never allowed a childhood. He wanted to recreate it, he wanted to be a kid again.

He opened up in that interview. He revealed his heart. He was just a grown up kid. He thought that people would understand. He over estimated the impathy that people would have. Most people don't have the ability to be impathetic. They just heard kid and bed and started judging him. He was very different and as we all know, in our society, different is not well tolerated.

Well now Michael, you can be a kid again. You are free!

There was one really interesting article in this morning's Journal. It wasn't the obligatory analysis of the Sanford Affair, but a profile of Warren's son, Howard Buffet and the work he's doing in Africa. He's kind of a Colorado Bob type of missionary. Here's the link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204621904574246440378843148.html

The link may require registration--I hope not because it's really a worthwhile read.

Hey Patd, yes I got my butter crunched, thanks for asking, and it was fun. wink.
The oompa lumpa finally called last night and said she had left the island- surprise- she said her family has to sell their dairy farm in Vt. Oh well, think I have another gal moving in tomorrow. Sure hope so.

I was a personal assistant to the daughter of two very well known people. They jump from Dr. to Dr., and get the house staff to do whatever. I wouldn't have anything to do with those shenanigans. I lost my job. My friends who continued on are recently no longer employed by her and I'm relieved. Its just a matter of time with her too and am the fingers won't be pointing at any of my friends when the shit hits the fan.

" He was very different and as we all know, in our society, different is not well tolerated.
Well now Michael, you can be a kid again. You are free!"

Carol, When you talk, I listen. Your posts about Michael Jackson were so insightful and 'empathetic' (you're one of those people that can relate). I hung onto every word and agree with it all.

Dex... thanks for posting that interview with Chopra... you're right.... it was stunning....

Carol... I never believed Jackson was a pedophile either... and your 7:23 was interesting.... that's a world completely foreign to me.... if I have need, I'll take an Advil.... and even though I joke about wine... I have one glass with my dinner... it's a big deal when I have 2.... I don't like feeling out of control...

My sister has come home for a long weekend. We haven't seen her for a year as she has been out straight between working and doing the last bit for her masters degree in teaching. After 8 yrs, she's finally done with school.
It was good to see her and we had a good day yesterday. She's cooking dinner for all of us tonight... eggplant parmesan. This should be interesting because as a kid, she could barely boil water.

those little michael vids reminds me of this little kid. hope his is a happier childhood and future.

and ct/joe, this one's for you guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P1c3nGyrCg

Sea...
My sister was a fill-in nanny for a long time for the rich and famous. She would work whenever someone's regular nanny needed time off and they would call her agency. She was able to get the really big gigs because.... sorry, this is true... she was older and white. Some of the stories she would tell about these people were pretty amazing.... although not unexpected. Warren is right. Having lots of money (and fame) isn't all it's cracked up to be. IMO, living one's life on one's own terms is the most important thing. Or at least as much as anyone can.... we all know shit happens.

Yesterday they were playing his music all day on the radio.Some people at the antique show were dancing and giggling. I know his music has this power, but it just made me wanna to hear his sweet voice in some of his ballads.

is = was

..... nice to know they're still working on health reform
"The Senate Finance Committee is pressuring hospitals and insurers
to follow the lead of the pharmaceutical industry and pony up to help pay for health reform, industry insiders say.

They are shaking people down, and it’s fair to say that includes a broad range of health care stakeholders,” said a health care industry insider, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly without fear of retribution. “They’re playing hardball, and they’re serious about it.

The next big deal is expected to be negotiated with hospitals. Lawmakers are looking to the industry to offer up $150 billion to $220 billion in savings, according to five health care insiders.....The deal could be a make-or-break moment for the legislation. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24271.html

oops, wanna cry

RR- Maybe you ought to tell her you'll make the salad and get a nice of bread too, so you know you won't go hungry.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239837

well, heck still isn't right.... should read "hope his was a happier childhood and will be a better future."

I'm with you RR,, money and fame sure don't fix your problems. I've worked for lots of them, hots of nonsense but I can say that Ted Danson & Mary figured out how to do it right. They are really wonderful and have a nice life.

oops again, lots of nonsense

"Maybe you ought to tell her you'll make the salad and get a nice of bread too, so you know you won't go hungry."

LOL Sea!

El Martillo.......except 28 oz. waffler......

still looking for those goggles......many boxes.....

On June 15, Obama addressed the AMA, and according to the June 29, 2009 issue of BusinessWeek, said the following concerning medicine in the U.S has been turned "from a profession-a calling-to a business. And that's not why you became doctors."

Seems a bit hypocritical as there hasn't a similar cry from the White House to reduce fees charged by trial lawyers? Would this have anything to do with Obama being a lawyer? Someone explain to me what is the calling of a person who becomes a lawyer?

"The American Trial Lawyers Association is a professional and business organization designed to provide high quality, relevant, and innovative legal programs which are essential in dealing with current issues facing the trial lawyer."

"American Medical Association To be an essential part of the professional life of every physician. The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues."

Just got back from tending to my corn. It's growing. I had to open up the top of my rabbit excluding enclosure and thin it to give it room. I left a pic on Bob's blog.

Thanks Chloe. If I have only one person who listens to me, I'm glad it is you and that is enough for me.

It is still hot as hell out there. No rain and temps as high as 104. No Rush L, no global warming here!

Now off the Wally World. Too hot to do anything else. It's sad to live in paradise with all my neat toys to play with outside and have a temperature consistent with Hell!

flatus, thanks for that wsj article. liked this quote especially:

“I’m watching this thinking, ‘They are going to destroy the last forest,’” Mr. Buffett later recalled. “It was an epiphany for me: The hungry can’t worry about conservation. I realized you can’t save the environment unless you give people a chance to feed themselves better.”

wish tho' that he would also take care on his own farm to insure against the harm of massive monoculture. maybe a bit of that no-till farming approach he's promoting in africa would help to preserve/conserve things here.

And one more thing, people seem to be more tolerant of a person when he/she is dead. Some people just have to die to be understood and appreciated.

And Chloe, I do know what it is like to be different. Being a single woman all my life is different. I heard the whispers, "what's wrong with her?"

I watched a lot of people, including my mother and two sisters make the wrong choices in relationships and spend years miserable. I didn't want to be miserable or make anyone else miserable and the right person never came along. I didn't have time to go on a scavenger hunt. I was too busy with my education and career. That's different.

It is more acceptable to marry five times than be a "single woman, having never been married". That is what the lawyers put on any of my mortgage/legal documents. It feels like I've been branded "warped".

Carol....
you're only warped if you believe you're warped.... :0)
I read an article recently in the Christian Science Monitor that stated here in the USofA singles and/or people living together now outnumber those of us living as a married couple.... so you are no longer unique. So what if the dumb lawyers haven't quite caught up with this fact yet.

Sea...
Funny you should mention that. It's my job to bring the bread and wine tonight. I picked up a focaccia and bought a couple bottles of Il Bastardo. My brother and his wife are bringing the salad. Michelle claims she makes a killer eggplant p.... I'm praying she's telling the truth... :0)

"That is what the lawyers put on any of my mortgage/legal documents."

No Carol. You have not been branded. That's just your interpretation, it's not real. The lawyers do that to make sure it's known that your legal decisions and holdings are yours alone, and no one can ever lay claim on them.

Being 'different' is a compliment, imo. Those whispers you heard are the same whispers we've all heard from ignorant people. I hate to say unenlightened, but hell, that's what it is.

Carol, your life and everything in it is probably just the way it should be. And the times you feel it's not, you have and will change it. Just enjoy... and rest assured. You did it your way, that's what's important. (I have learned so much from you)

"Some people just have to die to be understood and appreciated. "

I think you'd have to change that statement to make it completely right. Maybe something like 'some people die 'without realizing' that they were understood and appreciated by so many'.

Carol/Chloe

RE: caption "single woman" on loan documents---

please know it is not your attorney that would do that--
it is the lender (bank)---over the years I have usually
seen that with lenders with their origins in the south/southwest.

Banks based in the northeast rarely have that caption
it is not a legal requirement (but an indvidual bank's
policy.

By the way, I would also object to such a clause on a
loan document for myself.

Coreen- Funny you mention the south, was just going to tell Carol her life might be a tad easier up north, seems to me that women's roles are somewhat less defined by society here.

Or maybe we just have thicker skins up here, need it for insulation.

Yes OSH I do believe that at least in the northeast
(here in CT & your neighborhood)--I think that the continuing fight by/for women & their rights has proved a bit more successful/receptive.

I know that I would have a very difficult time being an attorney in a southern state--I tend to have a somewhat quick response---though tempered over the years.

Shit, I never would have survived in the south, well at least GA. Southern men and me just didn't mix especially when I was in my late teens , early twenties. The games the sexes play were played by a whole different set of rules back then. I guess I always felt patronized and they just thought they were being polite.

"--I tend to have a somewhat quick response--"

That's allowed in the south (although, relatively speaking, I haven't lived here that long). Coreen, I've found something we have in common, a quick response. Although, I've more often been called a hot head.

Things are changing in the south, just like they are every place else.

Obama issues signing statement on $106B war bill

"President Obama signed the $106 billion war-spending bill into law Friday, but not without taking a page from his predecessor and ignoring a few elements in the legislation."

http://tinyurl.com/q7gr46

I don't know the specifics and am sure wouldn't undertand all the implications anyway, but I don't agree will these signing statements irrespective of their purpose or whose making them.

These need to be challenged as to their constitutionality before something crazy happens as a result. As if Bush didn't do crazy already.

Just because Bush did something does not mean it is automatically wrong. That is a short cut to thinking.

I would rather see the substance of what Obama signed first.

Warren,

Then why have specific articles in legislation if Presidents can pick and choose the ones they're willing to ignore or recognize?

Further, to me it's like a line item veto with no Congressional override.

I have recently become friends with someone who lives in Australia. I asked her what opinion did Aussies have of Americans. She stressed that it wasn't an opinion of us as individuals, but as whole. We discussed many things. Most of the things we discussed are things we have all discussed here. I'm sure that most of you would do what I do and point to Bush as a reason Aussies feels the way do about us. She said she was very glad that Obama was in charge now. That said,she touched on a few ways that Australia differs from America. She mentioned gun laws. She said that only farmers have guns in Australia. She doesn't presonally know anyone who owns a gun. People in Australia do not keep guns in their homes. She also mentioned various things like racism as well. I guess that they don't have that in Australia. It was kind of an eye opening conversation.

Rez, when Bush started setting those precedence with signing statements and finding other ways to abuse his presidential power, I knew if would be something that would continue with the next president. No one wants to give up power. They just think it is OK when they do it and they think there is a good reason to do it.

I read that Gov. Sanford is comparing his struggle to that of King David. Interesting how these Republicans can use the Bible for their own benefit. Wasn't he and the other naughty boys Republicans very judgemental of Bill Clinton?

Maybe they should have thought earlier about Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

Now I'm not judging here, it's just a ponder.

Is there Truth in Reality?

It's a philosophical question.

tt

Warren, thanks for reading it. I can't address all your responses now. I will add this:

""...we do not worship Iran we worship Allah, for patriotism is another name for paganism, I say let this land (Iran) burn. I say let this land go up in smoke, provided Islam emerges triumphant in the rest of the world."
Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini

You underestimate Persians. You confuse the particularly radical Shia fnatasy of the hardliner Mullahs with the general love of Islam in Iran.

"We are from the tribe of Quraysh and our supporters are Arabs and our enemies are Iranians. It is clear that any Arab is better than and has higher standing than any Iranian and any Iranian is worse than our worst enemy." Hussein Ebn Ali (son of Ali), the third Imam of Shia Muslims - from: Safinatol bahar va madinatol ahkam va al-assar - Source: Haj Sheikh Abbas Qummi. page 164

The Iranian people (more than you think) understand that their Mullah's are not exactly nationalists which is why they changed the name of Mosaddeq Street in Tehran. Mullah's are trying to use nationalism to stir up hatred against "outside" interference, but the people see through this farce as the clerics are anything but nationalistic. They are Islamists and could care less about the Persian culture.

Signing Statement:

Today I have signed into law H.R. 2346, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009." This Act provides the necessary resources for our troops while supporting ongoing diplomatic and development efforts around the world.

We face a security situation abroad that demands urgent attention. The Taliban is resurgent and al Qaeda is increasing its attacks from its safe haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The funding provided in this Act will ensure that the full force of the United States is engaged in an overall effort to defeat al Qaeda and uproot this safe haven.

At the same time, funding contained in this Act will provide resources to help create political and economic stability in post-conflict areas. These funds will assist Afghans and Iraqis in protecting and sustaining their infrastructure and building their capacity for more responsive and transparent governance. The Act also provides critical support for continued U.S. diplomatic and development activity in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

In addition, this Act includes funding for other domestic and international issues, including nearly $8 billion to enhance our Nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of the H1N1 flu outbreak. It also expands the resources available to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by allowing it to boost its lending ability. Many developing countries are experiencing severe economic decline and a massive withdrawal of capital, and the IMF needs to make sure it has the resources necessary to effectively respond to the current financial crisis.

However, provisions of this bill within sections 1110 to 1112 of title XI, and sections 1403 and 1404 of title XIV, would interfere with my constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations by directing the Executive to take certain positions in negotiations or discussions with international organizations and foreign governments, or by requiring consultation with the Congress prior to such negotiations or discussions. I will not treat these provisions as limiting my ability to engage in foreign diplomacy or negotiations.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/27/obama-issues-statement-on_n_221821.html

Ok - so the first 4 paragraphs are just a lead-in - the last one is the substance.

So is his statement inconsistent with the following:

"Summary

The United States Constitution divides the foreign policy powers between the President and Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy. The executive and legislative branches each play important roles that are different but that often overlap. Both branches have continuing opportunities to initiate and change foreign policy, and the interaction between them continues indefinitely throughout the life of a policy.

This report identifies and illustrates 12 basic ways to make U.S. foreign policy. The President or the executive branch can make foreign policy through:

1) -- responses to foreign events
2) -- proposals for legislation
3) -- negotiation of international agreements
4) -- policy statements
5) -- policy implementation
6) -- independent action.

In nearly all of these circumstances, Congress can either support the President's approach or seek to change it. In the case of independent Presidential action, it may be very difficult to change policy in the short term; in the case of a legislative proposal by the executive branch or treaties and international agreements submitted to the Senate or Congress for approval, Congress has a decisive voice. In most cases Congress supports the President, but it often makes significant modifications in his initiatives in the process of approving them.

Congress can make foreign policy through:

1) -- resolutions and policy statements
2) -- legislative directives
3) -- legislative pressure
4) -- legislative restrictions/funding denials
5) -- informal advice
6) -- congressional oversight.

In these circumstances, the executive branch can either support or seek to change congressional policies as it interprets and carries out legislative directives and restrictions, and decides when and whether to adopt proposals and advice.

The practices illustrated in this report indicate that making U.S. foreign policy is a complex process, and the support of both branches is required for a strong and effective U.S. foreign policy."

http://fpc.state.gov/fpc/6172.htm

Warren,

Then simply, if you don't agree to the legislation with ALL it''s language and attachments then don't pass it or sign it as the case may be.

"Just because Bush did something. . "

Is not the sole reasoning for my opinion. I'm against any gov 't official obeying only the laws they deem proper for them.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239876

btw, that's just some fp Specialist's opinion. I don't think we should operate our government based upon some bureaucrat's opinion. That's why I initially suggested these PSS should be challenged by courts.

money problems? here's Woody Guthrie's song about The Jolly Banker, Wilco cover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81lOwEnb03w

Carol,

I do agree with your comment inre continuing prez power abuse. I'm sure nothing was lost on Bush's 8 years with Obama's crew.

As to MS, I'm not real familiar with the OT, but , imo hypocrisy is the goopers stock in trade.

Rez

But you have to also consider that Congress may be overreaching as well.

Power grabs are not unique to the executive branch.

This ought to jerk a tear or two:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK25cfzdTTg&feature=player_embedded

True, Warren and remember I'm a big O man supporter too.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239877
I agree with you, Rez.

The reality, though, is quite predictable gridlock if the Executive vetoes everything.

Perhaps the remedy is for the Congress to involve the Supremes the moment the signing statements are issued.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239801

Hey Max
I sent it to you.Thanks, tbassham@cfl.rr.com

"Michelle claims she makes a killer eggplant p.... I'm praying she's telling the truth."

renee, maybe you should think again re prayer.

Eggplant will kill prayers or not.

As usual the media is in full over kill bathos. The prisoners in the orange jumpsuits were a nice touch, but Ben was a love song to a Rat.

Presidential signing statements are not necessarily a problem since most are just commentary on the law. The problem with the Bush statements were the percentage that actually changed the intent of provisions within the law being signed.

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

The Obama statement doesn't specifically say he will not observe the law, but rather he would not allow some provisions to interfere with what he believes is a Presidential perogative. Certainly there needs to be some judicial revier.

One big way Congress can control Presidential actions: Power of the purse. You can start a war, but if Congress doesn't budget the money, it's hard to keep it going.

Posted by: jamie44.myopenid.com Author Profile Page | June 27, 2009 5:14 PM

Come again? You talking about that Thai prison dance thing?

Posted by: patd Author Profile Page | June 27, 2009 4:17 PM

I happen to make a good "eggplant parm", as well; I substitute chicken for the eggplant.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239896

i prefer the Thriller routine. Those guys are good. Lotta "time' to practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnk7lh9M3o

Maybe Carol can get her crew organized with some sort of Cajun bus stop routine. :-) I'll be waiting on the video.

The interview with Chopra was very good indeed. I've been thinking that, if Michael wasn't a pedophile, all the jokes and comments and mis-understandings must have really hurt him. Perhaps he was seriously depressed from his childhood on - not perhaps, probably. How horribly sad.

I hate these signing statements, too, and wonder who will take up that torch. They create legislation. I'm afraid it's a perk of the office neither side will want to giv e up because they want to enjoy it when they're in power, like the filibuster. It will have to be some one out of the government completely and forever. Start with a law suit.

Warren, I think I got c's in Latin because I was impatient, or worse. I really don't deal well with messes like Latin sentence structure and noun forms.
I'm very glad I took it tho. I good friend took 4 years - can you believe it - and said that was how she learned her English grammar! Mighty price to pay.

Animal lovers will enjoy this. You might also want to link on some of the other sites shown - interesting.

www.imtiredof.com/smile

sorry.

www.imtiredonline.com/smile/

I may have to go shopping. It's too hot - 95.

www.imtiredonline.com/smile/

sorry - can't get it to do right.

"Maybe Carol can get her crew organized with some sort of Cajun bus stop routine. :-) I'll be waiting on the video."

Rez, those inmates looked a lot healthy than my bunch. It's amazing that they could get that many together to dance. I thought it was sooo cool. It made me cry. I hope Michael can see all this.

AN article on what we do now to collapse the radical shia regime in Iran which features items I already mentioned here often:

"Iran Sanctions: Still A Viable Option?
By Victor Comras

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to address a Canadian House of Commons Foreign Relations Subcommittee concerning the potential use and impact of sanctions on Iran and its quest for nuclear weapons. This oral testimony can be found here. At that time we were all awaiting the outcome of the Iranian Presidential elections and there was much speculation that a significant change might be in the offing. The outcome of those elections did effect change, but few could have predicted the context or direction those changes took.

We are now faced with an even more dangerous Iran – An Iran in the throes of a domestic upheaval that has illegitimized the government as representative of the Iranian people, hardened its position vis a vis the outside world, and made productive dialogue with Iran’s current leaders a virtual impossibility. What Western government leader would, in the present context, now be willing to engage with, and thereby strengthen and re-legitimize the Ahmadinejad administration and his Mullah regime overseers?

Yet, through all the turmoil in Iran there is no indication that those now ruling Iran have indicated any willingness to change course, or slow down their unmonitored uranium enrichment and their daily advances toward nuclear weapons capability. Each day brings Iran closer to that irreversible point after which Iran’s neighbors, and the rest of the world, must consider Iran to be nuclear weapons capable. It is that point that risks setting off an unstoppable proliferation of nuclear weapons programs in the Middle East, and beyond.

If dialogue with the current Iranian regime is not now possible, other options must be pursued. And the one option that stands out is for the West to apply significant sanctions pressure against the Ahmadinejad regime, and the mullahs, IRGC and other quasi military forces that are upholding it. We don’t need a UN Security Council resolution to accomplish this. But, we do need our European allies and friends, and other countries opposed to what is going on in Iran to join us in apply such measures. Europe remains the key. Western Europe alone accounts for Iran’s largest slice of trade and largest sources of revenues. Together we must impress also on the UAE, and especially Dubai, that it can no longer do business as usual with Iran with regard to circumventing sanctions Iran, or providing Iran’s corrupt leaders a safe place to deposit their money.

Let’s be clear. The low-impact sanctions now on the table simply will not work. We need to move forward now on putting in place sanctions that really target Iran’s political and economic vulnerabilities – the elements that can truly heighten the stress on its leaders. These vulnerabilities include Iran’s fragile financial system, Iran’s energy sector, Iran’s transportation and communication sector, and Iran’s elite investment entities..

Iran’s leaders will only change course if and when they are convinced that the international community will, in fact, take the steps necessary to deprive them of the resources they depend on to retain their positions of power and authority, or that they have squirreled away. Iran’s Mullahs and favored business leaders must be made to feel the pinch of sanctions. So far they have enjoyed a free ride, and with corruption running high throughout Iran’s ruling circles, there is quite a bit of their money outside Iran that could and should be frozen.

Europe, Japan and Canada should be convinced to join with us now also in cutting off Iran’s access to high tech items, including potentially dual-use, equipment and expertise. Together, we must put Dubai and the freeport of Jebel Ali on notice that we will no longer countenance their acting as intermediaries for transshipments of such goods to Iran.

With a daily consumption of more than 18 million gallons of gasoline Iran must now import some 180 to 200 million gallons of gasoline per month. The availability of gasoline exports to Iran should be curtailed. Rising petroleum prices have already been the cause of civil unrest, and gasoline shortages could have a significant impact on local business activity and put increased pressure on Iranian leaders to alter course.
Europe, Canada and Japan should also act restrict Iranian ship access to their ports, and refuse to insure or re-insure, or at least impose extra premiums on insuring, Iranian ships and cargoes.

Travel restrictions on Iran’s leaders should also be broadened, and cultural, sporting and scientific exchanges with Iran curtailed.

These are examples of measure that can be taken now to convince Iran we mean business. These are the kind of measures that give us our last best chance of heading off a graver crisis just a few years down the road.

June 26, 2009"

Divest all Nokia stock from your 401k. The author above was negligent in pointing out the negligent role of Germany.

Very cute Bethy!
http://www.imtiredonline.com/smile/

(just make sure you copy all the way to the left, so you get the http:// also, then it will turn blue into a link...then hit preview to see if it works)

Bethy, It won't turn blue 'until' you hit preview.

Tony, sent it. I think somehow I got squashed a bit in reformating the picture....LOL. That's me after a piano fell on my head.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239909

Hey Max
Got it.HA HA,good luck downtown or getting past wherever the parade is...Like I said you belong on a straight boys Tradesmen float so that all can enjoy...Very nice photo and your dog is cool too....

"Blood will be born in the birth of a nation"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KlVZ9CLg3E

I don't know what Jim was smoking . . .

(but pass some over here ; )

No bogarting.

Supreme Court to decide final 3 cases on Monday

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090628/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_what_s_left;_ylt=AoCs1AplZEuE9NhbcGQKXmGyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTJ0a2RzbTZ2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNjI4L3VzX3N1cHJlbWVfY291cnRfd2hhdF9zX2xlZnQEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA3N1cHJlbWVjb3VydA--

Bad day on the Oklahoma Turnpike.

Obama Scoffs At Ahmadinejad's Demand For Apology

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/26/obama-scoffs-at-ahmadinej_n_221701.html

I wonder how many good days there have been on the Ok. turnpike........

"I wonder how many good days there have been on the Ok. turnpike........"

Oh sturg I've had a few goods tails I could share. :-)

Oops, I mean tales.

I guess you had to be there.........lol

Obama needs to articulate the "us vs. them" strategy in a clear voice.

And not US vs. them. But the collective voice of nations telling these rouge governments how it is. Not in the brash and blunt terms of recent memory. Obama's words can do much more to spread democracy than Bush's bombs.

But keep in mind - there is a deep-seeded hate on the other side. I know a lot of people like to look back fondly and take pride in our actions during the wars of this century. And I do too. But I am American. And we won those wars...

The attrocities of those battles have allowed militant clerics to hijak Islam and make it religious to kill Americans.

I am just imagine the story from the other side. But the good news - is that many of those blood feuds will die with the old hardliners. If we can steward this world onto the next generation - a more color-blind and open-minded generation - things will be OK.

(Especially if the blood spilt now is kept to a minimum.)

These are critical times. We all knew that this past election. But there is a lot of work ahead. History either way.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239918

"Oops, I mean tales.
Posted by: Rezdog | June 28, 2009 12:12 AM"

rez, suurrre.
as sturge might say, me thinks that gaffe was porpoise-full.

some interesting ideas in this article, but don't think they would fly here.

"Tomorrow's publication of "Building Britain's Future", followed by the schools white paper, marks a critical attempt to rejuvenate Brown's government. But it was derailed in advance yesterday as Richards..... predicted in an article for the Progress thinktank that Brown's blueprint would have the same impact as "a mouse treading on the toes of an elephant"."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jun/28/fines-pupil-bad-behaviour

"Mr Holbrooke said that existing programmes of eradication had not reduced by one dollar the amount of money the Taliban earned from production.

"Spraying the crops just penalises the farmer and they grow crops somewhere else. The hundreds of millions of dollars we spend on crop eradication has not had any damage on the Taliban."

"On the contrary, it has helped them recruit. This is the least effective programme ever," Mr Holbrooke added."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8122622.stm

renee, hope you survived the eggplant parm.

Flatus, last night I got to give the meat tenderizer trick for red ant bites a really good test and it worked well.

With no rain for a month, the grass has been dying. I enjoyed not having to mow but finally decided that brown crunchy grass didn't look so good so I started a little watering.

There were no ant mounds in sight when I went to move my hose. Next thing I know both feet and ankles are covered with red ants. I couldn't even hose them off, they had their teeth in me.

I ran in and used some hydrocortisone with meat tenderizer mixed in. I have used it before for one or two bites. It didn't stop burning for 30 minutes but instead of two feet full of pustules, this morning I can barely see where they bit me. I have about 20 bites on each foot.

I would say that was a good test for using the meat tenderizer. Also my feet are very tender and juicy now..

Carol
Ouch! Oh man have I been there with those fire ants.I will have to give the tenderizer a try.I also treat my lawn with Diazon from Ortho.It seems to really help.I originally started treating so Jessie wouldn't get fleas and ticks and its been an added plus...I have a client that I do handyman work for and she recently hired Tru Green to treat the lawn and the ants are gone..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/us/28stonewall.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

"Political Shifts on Gay Rights Lag Behind Culture"

"For 15 minutes in the Oval Office the other day, one of President Obama’s top campaign lieutenants, Steve Hildebrand, told the president about the “hurt, anxiety and anger” that he and other gay supporters felt over the slow pace of the White House’s engagement with gay issues."

I'm really glad it worked, Carol. I'll try to remember to pick up some tenderizer when we go to the commissary. I know we don't have any in the cupboard devoted to herbs and spices.

It's amazing how many different things I have that I've only used once. Like ground cloves and cardamon. And how many things I have multiple open containers of, like poultry seasoning and Italian herbs.

I did our yard yesterday. Having an irrigation system really helps me keep things looking good. Although water is expensive, replacing a yard is _really_ expensive. And our water usage for the close-in yard is mitigated by our sprinkler-free backyard wildlife habitat.

Depending where we are in it, it's either our woods, or the jungle, or the swamp. It really is special.

The elderly father of the family that used to live next door was accosted by fire ants in his yard in North Carolina. He didn't survive. Very sad and scary.

I guess with no rain they were hiding in the soil under the grass and my watering brought them up. I watch carefully for the mounds but there were no mounds.

My tenderizer was a little old also but it worked. If you have red ants around, I would recommend keeping the tenderizer and some hydrocortisone in your first aid kit. I'm sure you have to use it right away.

...and the ants are gone.

Tony, I have really good results with Amdro. Following the label instructions, it's cost effective, too.

I have several bags of diazanon in what passes for our basement. I plan to use it only for an 'emergency' because it gets rid of all the bugs, even the useful ones, and takes away the food from the critters that depend upon a supply of bugs.

Brute force assaults, although they appear effective, really don't work because the fire ants tunnel over to another area and start the mound building process all over again.

Tony, being so close to the river I don't want to use pesitcides. Also I like that some of my critters keep other critters under control. I think all my lizards keep the bugs off my plants. Poison will kill them and/or the bees and I have lots of bees.

Tony, how did your eye turn out?

""Political Shifts on Gay Rights Lag Behind Culture"

Speaking of which, Tony, I heard a great line yesterday on NPR:

"Republicans like Mark Sanford have decided to destroy their one-man/one-woman marriages before same sex marriage can do it."

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239935
Flatus
So true.I have noticed at Roses (my client)house that they have just moved next door.I live in a controlled community and they take care of everything as far as lawns and insects.I was also using Amdro before they started with the Diazon and it worked very well but they just moved around. I still have many lizards especially in my pool enclosure and there so nice to take care of the spiders...I do use the diazon every 3 months myself because the area behind me is filled with ticks.It does good but every so often like 2 weeks ago Jessie gets a one, no fleas though so far...

Carol
I understand regarding the use of pesticides and being so close to the river.I do think my use is not the best thing for the planet but a necessary evil here in Florida.In fact if the lawns aren't treated in Florida you really can't have one.The Chinch bugs are treacherous here and can take a lawn in the blink of an eye...

Tony,

Things you might have on hand. The source for meat tenderizer is either Papaya or Pineapple. Sticky, but in a pinch - start smearing.

This is the reason you can't use fresh pineapple in jello. The bromelain prevents jelling. Also, you can use pineapple juice as the base for a tenderizing marinade rather than the powdered meat tenderizer.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239937

Hey Carol
Beautifully! I can see everything so clear even the smallest of print with no glasses...The procedure took about 30 minutes total and very little pain or discomfort..I asked the doctor yesterday if I could resume my workouts and he said go ahead kill yourself,hes a joker.I think this is really a great thing and I highly recommend it.Its costly though $2000 for one eye...

jamie, smeared on pineapple nice idea. can imagine sitting poolside smelling like a pinacolada. maybe even stick a little paper umbrella behind the ear.

pineapple for the bug bites
coconut oil for the sun bites

tony, re eye operation, does it distort your perspective vision since one eye sees far and the other near?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239938

Hey Patsi
HA HA and it appears at the moment to be true...I have read how Sanford preached against gay marriage saying it would destroy marriages between a man and a woman. Its only fitting that he be shown if your marriage is destroyed its generally one or both of the participants in that said marriage that do the destroying...I'm sorry for all involved and I take no joy but its nice to be shown examples of hypocrisy so others can see through the BS...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239940

Jamie
I do generally have Pineapple available.I will definitely start smearing it on my next bite.I hate those bumps that appear and they itch for days,thanks

Pat, I would have the same worry. I'm very sensitive to changes in vision. If one eye did something the other couldn't it might really mess me up.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239944

Pat
When I tried monovision for one day with a contact it did especially when I first put it in.As the day wore on though it got better and better.I had a little feeling of being off balance after the surgery but that has completely gone away.I would suggest to anyone ,do the contacts in one eye (monovision) for a while and see if it works for you.The doctor did say the brain eventually adjust for this in most people...I have not drove at night though.The doctor said that some peoples depth perception is affected during night driving in which case you might want to wear corrective glasses while driving.If that should be the case its ok with me as I'm stationary and I wear sun glasses all day anyway...

RebelliousRenee reporting in here....

I'm still alive..... Michelle's eggplant p was really really good.... she spared no expense and it was very rich and delicious.... a small piece was all anyone of us needed.... it was great to have the family together....

now off to a Sunday brunch....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239949

Renee
Thanks for checking in..Have a great day,hope its getting warmer for you..

the more i see of ms sanford, the more i figure those two deserve each other............

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239942

Patd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbgv8PkO9eo

And the above group's previous employer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uw03hS_EMY

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28rich.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th&adxnnlx=1246197768-waEVPmy4%20Hxq8fUIfVPvGg

"40 Years Later, Still Second-Class Americans"

"But full gay citizenship is far from complete. “There’s a perception in Washington that you can throw little bits of partial equality to gay people and that gay people will be satisfied with that,” said Dustin Lance Black, the screenwriter who won an Oscar for “Milk,” last year’s movie about Harvey Milk, the pioneering gay civil rights politician of the 1970s. Such “crumbs,” Black added, cannot substitute for “full and equal rights in all matters of civil law in all 50 states.”

As anger at White House missteps boiled over this month, the president abruptly staged a ceremony to offer some crumbs. The pretext was the signing of an executive memorandum bestowing benefits to the domestic partners of federal employees. But some of those benefits were already in force, and the most important of them all, health care, was not included because it is forbidden by DOMA."

Sorry to bombard you all this morning with gay civil rights issues but this Frank Rich article was terrific!!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239947

Carol,

The one eye laser treatment is just the permanent version of the one eye contact lens.. Not quite sure how the brain does it, but it concentrates on the eye that's needed at any particular time.

The Rich piece was great, Tony -- thanks!

Music to light the burners by -

HOT CHOCOLATE : EVERYONE'S A WINNER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ohe1dPFsMs
----------------

"Let's all be safe out there " ...............

" Let's all ' safen - up '' "..........

Homer Simpson

"Not quite sure how the brain does it, but it concentrates on the eye that's needed at any particular time."

I don't know Jamie, my brain is pretty stubborn. It doesn''t want my f___king with it. It thinks it's already over compensated as much as it can.

Practicing up for the fourth of July celebrations
(well actually the third of July) we are entering the Monte Rio Water Parade as the Russian River Peace Navy

It's pretty amazing they were able to turn and manage with the peace sign mounted that way. A local band had written a song for us so we have a soundtrack. It's a at night so the peace sign and the boats will have lights.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31303776@N02/3667901579/

Billy Mays has died. Ark of the Covenant found. End times are here.

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker Author Profile Page | June 28, 2009 12:12 PM

Pretty cool, KGC. Loos as if you made a catamaran out of two 'noos?

darkone

exactly and one of the builders is an perfectionist carpenter

I like it KGC. Is one of those peeps on the boat you?

Almost looks as if you are carrying a little ectoplasm with you. Anyone you know who has passed on hanging out with ya'll?

If you are not sure what I'm talking about go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectoplasm_(paranormal)

You're livin' the dream, KGC; I'm jealous. I need to get out on the water myself.

Carol
nope I took the picture

Hey KGC

Lights and music --looking good!---- & glad to see you are finding a way to stay a little cool---saw that its pretty
hot out your way.

Hope you can share a night shot of the parade "float".

Coreen

I plan on taking pics the night of the event and hopefully some folks on shore will take some too. The Guerneville Armada left before dark but I know the others were staying to test the el-wire and other lights. I think the guy who fabricated the peace symbol did a great job --our float captain and chief admiral designed it and we all have ceramic pendants of the same design.

KCG

Just echoing how wonderful the river looks. Have a wonderful time over the holiday.

tony, just to be on the safe side for the first few days you may want to avoid getting near breakables until you're real sure of your altered depth perception. and watch out for stairs.

On a lazy Sunday---here's a food word quiz by way of
"Top Chef"--- Have to admit I have no idea what these
terms mean----Pretty sure that some of you guys
do.

"The Great Food Word Quiz: Plucked from Top Chef.
'How many do you know?..."

http://www.att.net/s/editorial.dll?bfromind=18222&eeid=6650611&_sitecat=1183&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=0&ck=&ch=hg&site=attportal

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239954

jamie, thanks for the above. nairobi trio always a welcome treat and always puts things in the proper perspective.

renee, thanks for the update that the meal was a success. perhaps boiling water just wasn't her thing. maybe if she had just been given eggplants to cook instead.

just checked in on the solaroven site and looks like brother bob could use some help. maybe we should pass the plate around again.
and while it's passing, let's all sing a little celebrating the harvest music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLF0AlHjS1s&feature=related

used to think they were singing about bringing in sheets. kinda wondered about that and why that would make them so happy.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239976

HA Pat
Good Idea! I have 3 clients tomorrow and only 1 with stairs.I will take the elevator for a change...Grace does all the dusting(breakables) anyways and I do all the floors and bathrooms,beds etc..I just returned home from the gym and no issues with my regular workout routine...So far its just been a good experience...Nice today to walk though Publix and pickup everything and read it so clearly...

As nearly as I can tell the current hopes for the Republican Party are with Huckabee and Romney. If Huckabee can be a credible national candidate why isn't there discussion of someone like Tom Campbell. If the Republicans had a brain in California they would nominate Campbell for gov but I think they will go with celebrity candidate Meg Whitman and we will end up with Governor Newsom. Governor Newsom the concept would be proof on sterioids of the Peter Principle.

Bloodless(?) coup in Honduras:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090628/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_referendum

Thanks Tony.
I just got back from the West Village. What a convergence of people. Picture twenty large oil workers from Texas dressed in white wedding gowns, make-up and wigs waving from the top of a twenty-foot stretch limo. One year I was with three other construction workers with power tools and tool belts. We were renovating a store on Christopher Street as the parade passed. When we walked out everyone thought we were a float unto ourselves.

I really wish we would take a few thousand of the meanest looking guys on parade (or lesbians) and have them face down the Taliban. Now that would be an irony I would love.

Max, go for it! And take some of those Special Ops guys on horseback, as well.

Bob''s Fundables page is "finished". Can't make further contributions, unless I've missed something.

found myself due to circumstances beyond my control out in the night last night......i stopped in at the crabfest locale in time to see these two techno-geeky looking dudes......a late model guitar and a kurzweill sympathizer going thru the P.A..........they did "Billie Jean" and "Beat it"........powerful music.....first time i've ever seen a jackson tune performed in a bar since "Rockin' Robin".........

I feel some egmont overture, bacon and eggs coming on........

damn.....that tv was looking mighty bleak and then there's denzel in Quinn the jamaican copper

i feel like burgess meredith on the twilight zone ........god, I hope I dont step on my glasses........

Sturge, how often does your band play and do ya'll do any Michael Jackson tunes?

I dont know one except for the old rocking robin......one night a week...........I did the learning on the fifties and sixties......michael copied the same folks i did......rhythmn and blues............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epev3esCykM

jackie........he got busted and dehumanized in columbia oncet cause he was caught with two white girls in his motel room....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJGXfr7sFS0

clyde with questions a lover might ask........

Lloyd..........

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

three on a match

okay, okay........one more.............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIS1Fj01yi0

that's known as 4 on a sawhorse..........an archaic carpenter tune........

not tune........saying........an archaic carpenter saying........(where's the gilbey's?)

anybody here ever drive a studebaker?

a bear in his natural habitat..........studebaker

I drove my aunt's studebaker lark.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9AX9DDPwLo

it could have been a hawk........can't remember......maybe it was lark cigarettes and hawk car.........

I am up with the older and more sluggish larks.

--Robert Benchley

my entourage has appeared with steak and crablegs.....i fear that I may become irrelevant in the next few hours..........damn......i think i just stepped on my glasses.....................

".i think i just stepped on my glasses....................."

I sure hope they were empty :)

it was this one

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1950-1959/1951-Studebaker-Commando-green-fa-le.jpg

the glasses were half empty.......as is always, as most philosophers know......the case.

my poor old aunt.......died with a pot of green beans on the stove..................

alone in a house with a pot of green beans........

she had liquor and two packs of cigarettes............she was good to go..................lol

her name was annabel and she was born in 1900.....so I guess she was a flapper of sorts.....as much a flapper as one can be in alabama in the period.................her youngest brother was on guadalcanal and Iwo.........george..........

annabel, but we called her Bede.....(beedie)...........and she burnt her candle from both ends until the ends met in the middle and were reduced to a low flame over a pot of green beans with bacon..........

as god is my witness.....i will never be hongry again.........

---Scarlett Witzgenstein

UNDER.......UNDER a damn pot of greem beams........goddammit

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/06/gop-real-world-strategy.html#comment-239983

Max
Great.Sounds like a fun thing to witness.Oh yes we love the Tradesmen..HA HA,your a good sport...I have only been to gay mardi gra in Sydney,Australia and that was a blast.."I really wish we would take a few thousand of the meanest looking guys on parade (or lesbians) and have them face down the Taliban. Now that would be an irony I would love." Oh ya,gays to the rescue!! We also love super hero's...I think that's what its gonna take...

she used to have these 20's and 30's Ronson table lighters and i remember seeing the cigarettes in round tin cans........about 5" in diameter...............

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://wyeriverantiques.tripod.com/camel.JPG&imgrefurl=http://members.tripod.com/wyeriverantiques/id21.htm&usg=__MnhKjFjsMXzSb080JGQo3G544dI=&h=408&w=376&sz=42&hl=en&start=22&tbnid=JYHlkor0YpYpcM:&tbnh=125&tbnw=115&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcigarettes%2Bin%2Btin%2Bcans%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20

she was a corker.

When those old post-war studebakers first came out people would joke about which end was the front end. So a guy in cleveland cut two of them in half and welded the front ends together so the car had headlights and a steering wheel pointing in both directions.

her husband at that time (1954) came home to the farm in birmingham, up the long slag driveway in a very bright black and gold 1954 Oldsmobile.........later made famous by old burt reynolds in some movie or another..........

he let us run up and down the electric windows........my dad figured he stole it somewhere........

I'm watching Dateline about the day Michael Jackson died. They are suppose to have an exclusive on the final minutes.

They were interviewing the cardiologist's attorney. That attorney has to be lying thru his teeth. Nothing he says makes any sense. It now makes me suspect of the Dr. if these are the statements they are making to the police.

Attorney says that the Doc was unaware Michael was still taking any narcotics. Hah. Michael supposedly picked that Doc and from things that Chopra said he wouldn't have picked that Doc if he was going to withhold narcotics from him.

There was question about the Doc doing CPR on the bed. That was suspicious. To answer that charge the attorney said the Doc was doing CPR with one hand behind Michael's back for support and the other doing chest compressions. If he was doing that he needs to take another CPR class, maybe even his first one. And this was a cardiologist? Don't want him working on my heart. Someone needs to really check into this guy's medical license. He may have gotten it online.

I smell burned beef.....................thank you all, and next time you must all gather at the house of Flatus.....he has a big kitchen and loves company............

(right, flate?)

michael jackson, elvis parseley.......same deal.....small house in gary indiana/tupelo mississippi to show biz hall of fame.....with no real skills to enable them to cope........the answer for both was drugs......the latest doctor was just the latest doctor......

If i have 8 Ko-zillian dollars and I want oxycontin........what are the odds I can't find it? sliiiiiiiiiiiiim.

And who was doing all the talking to 911 while the Doc was supposed to be alone with Michael doing CPR?. The guy making the 911 call almost sounded casual and talked for a while and didn't even seem short of breath. Why wasn't he helping with CPR? Anyone doing CPR only has seconds to make a call and should put the phone down and resume CPR. Was it someone else who called and who was it?

maybe that was michael's PR guy..............

gather at the house of Flatus.....he has a big kitchen and loves company............

(right, flate?)

Sure, Sturg, sounds good. Just let me know when so that Stinky will make sure we have enough kimchi.

The guy sounded like a former military cop.

I think i'm going to scrounge for the bucks to go see zappa's son dweezle play his dad's music towards the end of the month......

saw zap in columbia long ago......

Lawyer said the Doc didn't give him Demeral. Chopra said Michael wouldn't even talk to him when he brought up his drug abuse so Michael wouldn't have asked for a Doc who would withhold drugs or keep them from him. Lots of holes in this story people.

That Doc should realize that if he doesn't tell the truth when it does come out it will look really bad for him.

I'm also thinking that Michael's tox report will look a lot like Presley's. Presley's looked like the drugstore's narcotic inventory.

That Doc should have attached an apnea monitor to Michael when he slept. That's what I would have done if I had to stay with him and I would have had an injectable narcotic antagonist close at hand in case he did go into respiratory arrest. Fine Doc he picked.

Ship of Fools. Katherine Anne Porter.

No recourse.

I hope maybe somehow michael had a pot of green beans on the stove....................

Listened to the 911 call again. Someone else made the call. They mentioned that the Doc was pumping his chest but didn't mention him doing rescue breathing. Without rescue breathing, pumping the chest is useless. And if the Doc had one hand behind Michael's back then he couldn't have been doing rescue breathing. It takes two hands to hold the head in a position to blow into the mouth.

maybe tomorrow y'all can pick up the pace just a little?

lol

i am a pilgrim..........pilgrim...............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuOzYjvbE4A

Had Shane on one of the movie channels last week. It was better in 3D

shane, don't go.........

Whoopee, I'm getting a thunderstorm and rain! Didn't remember what that looked like.

I love thunderstorms!

I love a thunderstorm too especially since we haven't had rain in about a month. Got more wind than rain. It blew over my mator plant. I hope it didn't damage it. Froggy says I only got a quarter of an inch of rain but since the rain was driven sideways it may have been a little more.

Politicians gone wild.

Rumor has it that Edwards had a sex tape???

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/06/28/2009-06-28_aides_tale_of_john_edwards_sex_tape.html

"Mind Reading"

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5119805n

(The geeks like to call it "thought identification")

This technologiical advancement should provide an interesting religious discussion in the future.

I have a theory re: the religion of technology.

There are 3 characteristics usually embodied by God.

1. Omniscient
2. Omnipotent
3. Power to create life

And I see technology advancing after these three ends. With the internet and satellites - man is attempting to reach omniscience.

With nukes, jets, drones (and probably all kinds of stuff we don't know about) - man is pursuing the ability of omnipotence.

And the ability to create life is an aged-old pursuit of mankind.

You gotta love the Daily News!

"I wouldn't say I'm a playboy, I prefer the term womanizer."

-warren

And I mean that as a joke. I have tended to go from one healthy long-term relationship to another (anlong with plenty of solitude). Never been much of a dater. And I am horrible at picking up girls at bars...

But anyways, by the term womanizer means I love and respect women. And time with them is often more meaningful than the mindless nonsense us guys get into when left to our own devices!

Guilty as charged.

Just don't get on any turnpikes. :-)

One has to get up early to get one over on patd.

Has it ever occurred to anyone that with all this talk about the "Public Option" - the govt isn't really getting into the healthcare business, that is actually providing care and treatment.

No. That would make too much sense since it seems to fall square into the state's responsibility to do its best to ensure the security and well-being of its people.

Instead, the govt is getting into the "health insurance business." Big difference. Especially coming on the heals of a meltdown of the financial service industries.