Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Whoop de do!
Good post as usual Craig!

Jamie & Jack- thought you might be interested to know that Alan Dersowitz loves Holy Mole and buys it weekly! He likes the Yes I Candy too.

Americans must realize that our unilateral abrogation of the ABM treaty was tremendously destabilizing. Our relations have no chance of really thawing until we reach a genuine, mutually agreeable, solution as to how, together, we can achieve protection from distant nascent threats.

Carol

On the Teenagers

I tell the reckless kids in the neighborhood to do what they want, just don't do it in front of me.
I don't want to deal with the blood

Jack

OSH
So

how hot did you end up making the Holy Mole.
I love the hot stuff.

We got a thankyou gift from one of the neighbors. Thin peppermint sticks dipped in dark chocolate.

The sticks were small like coffee stirring straws.
Very good,
As if I needed anything to mess with the blood sugar.
And I have zero will power.

Jack

Thanks Craig, I had to write my last post twice because when I hit submit, I got that submission error and when I went back my entire post had gone into the ozone layer. After writing it all over again and submitting it, Craig puts up a new blog post. Can't win this morning.

Bush was an idiot (I know, thats repetitious)

Reading Putin soul?
Putin was KGB by definition he has no soul.

Jack

Hey Jack, Congrats on all your fine work in your neighborhood!

I ended up doing half the amount of batch #2 but can always make a Holy Holy Mole if requested. I think it works for the hoi polloi. Chocolate is predominate, then after some seconds the chili comes through and it is perceptible as smoked chili. Jamie preferred batch 1, which was way subtle and not always recognizable. I figured I'd compromise, thought most chili heads like a good shot of heat etc.
I love peppermint sticks dipped in chocolate. I use to make my own candy canes, neat but look very homemade. This winter we started dipping candy canes in chocolate. They made a nice presentation and taste good too.

So are they going to bury Michael today or are they going to stuff him and put him on display.
Would be a money maker.
While I like Elvis's music I never understood the whole Graceland shrine thing.
They are entertainers, not God.

Jack

Dex,

Even those of us who were in the initial contingents going over realized McNamara was a piece of work. And when he ordered commanders to notify, in advance, the Vietnamese of impending operations, all our fears were realized.

Kissinger is another devil in disguise.

No matter how good an actress she is, and how sincere her domestic actions as a peace activist were, I believe Jane Fonda's going to North Vietnam and posing on North Vietnamese anti-aircraft guns, was an act of treason that caused the loss of many American and Vietnamese, both North and South, lives. She has a leading position on my wall of perfidy.

Dex, on the three guys two bullets scenario, I respectfully disagree. In my eyes it would be Stalin and Hitler who should be plugged. You could pistol whip McNamara with the empty weapon.

OSH,

Thought of you when reading this in Politico.

If you missed this description of the Obama's
vacation at Martha's Vineyard vs. Nantucket.

"The Obamas have vacationed in Hawaii before, and they might have been expected to do so again.

But Martha’s Vineyard offers a less exotic, more subtly presidential image.

Though it can be considered a playground of the rich, the Vineyard is preppy, but not snobby,
wealthy but not gauche, powerful, but not without a populist touch.
“It is a rich community, but they downplay it in all the right ways,” said Christopher Tennant,
author of “The Official Filthy Rich Handbook.”

“It would be far worse to go to Nantucket.

Nantucket is more New York, more jet set, more Hamptons.

Martha’s Vineyard is more the Massachusetts vacation. You take a ferry out there. There are more day trippers and families."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/24463_Page2.html#ixzz0KZV4pOMp&C

I'm sure there will be tweets from the memorial service and nothing else will be happening anywhere in the world.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20090706/tc_usatoday/cybercrooksdescendontwitterwithspamattacks

Sea, I think minute pieces of habanero would be perfect for the true spice-heads. Not many and not necessarily in every bite. But enough that individual bites are made with real anticipation.

Sea, here's another idea for you. Anadama bread with chunks of chocolate tossed in. You could partner with a local bakery. Strong New England (Rockport) ties.

Flatus

I agree with you about the ABM treaty. Also, things further destabilized when they started building a missile defense, clearly aimed at Russia, within what the Russians believe to be their sphere of influence.

The Bush administration was locked in the past and could not move on. They were looking for another cold war, whether it was with Russia , China or the GWOT.
They didn't seem prepared for the complexities of the post coldwar era.

Jack

And the comparison between Elvis & Jackson that
the media can not resist.

"The King is dead, long live the King"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/opinion/07greene.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

I'm sitting here looking at the yard wondering if I have the energy to tackle it. I really should. Complicating things, today is grandson day. No matter how eager and motivated Adam is, I have my own system. And I know he would be really disappointed if he didn't have a significant role in doing things. So, I guess I'll wait until tomorrow.

Flatus

One year I grew Habaneros. I had a bag of them with me when I went down to the country. I stopped in a local bar and was visiting with a long time friend while his wife bartender.
I gave him some of the peppers thinking that he knew what they were. He ate one, set a minute, said "that's a bit hot". He then went over and gave his wife a big kiss.

After a few minutes she came over and slapped me on the head while complaining about the burning in her mouth.

So my thought for a slogan for the Chocolate covered Habaneros.
"Share the love"

Jack

"So my thought for a slogan for the Chocolate covered Habaneros. "Share the love""

Jack, why do I get the idea that you're a practical joker? :)

The wife got me up at 4;30 this morning. She should be in the air on her way to Chicago. That's why I'm so chatty this morning. But I need to get back to the grind.

I bought a vacant lot yesterday with a nice garage on it
It is next to one of my rentals and has been an eyesore for some time. I've been going over and painting the graffiti on it because of the damage the graffiti does to my property. Nobody wants to live next door to a graffiti covered building.
Any way the City has a case open on it for weeds and trash so I need to talk to them so they won't send a crew out and charge me for abatement. Then I need to mow the waist high grass.

Should be fun.

Jack

Jack, I can send Adam over to help. But, you'll have to feed him.

Seems to me a two-key enabling system for missile defense with Russia holding one key and we the other would show that we are really being straightforward as to our missile defense intentions.

[repost]

max:

"1. Obama doesn't have Saddam to deal with

2. Obama has a novel alliance forming without his help between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel

3. Hizb'Allah and Hamas have completely embarrassed themselves and are low in the local polls.

4. A revolution is ripping Iran from the insides

5. China is experiancing disorder in the East."

I don't know how you can attribute any of these except 1 to Bush. And with respect to 3 & 4 - the hard-line, nationalistic leaders would be much higher in the polls if Obama was calling them "evil-doers" and threatening to bomb their nations off the face of the map.

I am also not sure how 5 constitutes fruit since unrest within China's borders makes it less likely to take an active role in international issues. And China's engagement will be critical in terms of NK and improving the environment.

And I have often said that good can come from some of Bush's actions. But no good came from his arrogant and brash words.

Putin looks on edge dealing with Obama. Wonder how Putin feels about dealing with a black POTUS...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242020

Jack - this is America - home of the free and the land where Us Weekly and People outsell Time and Newsweek...

Flatus
That brings home the basic point "Who are we defending against?" Russia is the only country out there who has the capability. Take Russia out of the equation and you are defending against ghosts and "what if" fears.

Jack

Putin has polonium and isn't afraid to use it.

"Putin looks on edge dealing with Obama. Wonder how Putin feels about dealing with a black POTUS"

Warren
My thoughts too as I watched the photo op this morning.

Obama looked like the school master lecturing an errant student.

Interesting body language.

Jack

BW

True.

While Putin is no Stalin, he is close kin. and should be handled with a body armored hazmat suit.

Jack

I'm out of here
It's been fun but the real world calls.

Jack

I think world leaders musta really enjoyed George W. Bush. He was easy to outshine and out-articulate (even in a second language).

Even Mojo recalled this morning how Tony Blair made a much more compelling case for the war on terror and the Iraq mission than Bush ever did or could.

However, when many of these world leaders get onstage with Obama - I think some may be concerned about being outdone and some are probably envious of his popularity.

Coreen- thanks for the link. I know it's listed on the "filthy rich list" , which is true for the visitors, but we are actually the poorest county in the Commonwealth.
Now that it's in Politico and the Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/us/politics/06vacation.html?_r=1

, I can tell you all that he is coming and staying up the st. from me. Guess the Secret Service were freaking about his choice to stay in OB and wanted to keep it quite. The best part of the visit for me will be the opportunity to see the CATS again, they are so hot! Anyways, I have a second story porch and they'll be driving past my house daily. Sure would like to get Jamie here to man daily banners from the Trailmixers Think we could have some fun with that. Anybody in?

mornin'

Isn't there some sort of do on in LA today?

I got a kick out of Today and CNN looping the Palin fishing interview this morning. I wonder if Palin even considers the irony of her saying that she's getting out of the way so that Alaska can contribute to the US' energy independence and national security - which sounds to me like an acknowledgment that she is not up to the demands of those tasks.

OSH,

My sincere hope is that your clever candy confections find their way to the Obamas & that you are featured
in the media so that your business prospers.

sea,

I have a friend that has spent his summers on Martha's Vineyard photographing the nude beach people there for many years. In fact, he is there now. He is head of the Photography Dept at Clark University in Worcester, Ma. He is younger than I am but we both went to Mass Art in Boston.

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1246955468164200.xml&coll=2

Boner - what a bonehead. Ready, fire, aim.

And Ed Redell is not convinced by Palin's rationale for cutting and running.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/06/rendell-lays-into-palin-c_n_226438.html

My opinion, she's toast.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242051

HD, it's atough job, but someone has to do it. :-)

Hello Horsedooty! Tell him to stop by my shop New Moon Magick in OB, I'd love to meet him. I am making a body butter this month in honor of those beaches. It will be called Naked Chilmarkian After Beach Butter

HD- didn't mean to hit submit
Anyways, what a job he has!

I don't think Palin is toast unless she decides she wants out of politics.

If she goes down to campaign for Republicans in 2010 - the crowds will turn out for her and the money will roll in.

She is also very young. And although I agree with many of the criticisms leveled against Palin from both the right and the left - let's not forget that this Country elected George W. Bush as President . . . TWICE!!

Ok, he has been invited to visit your shop. I told him to introduce himself and tell you that "dooty" sent him. Now, whether he shows up or not is out of my hands. His name is Stephen.

Smart comments, Warren...and I will never trust the public to not get another bad case of stupid.

But as usual, no one in the media listens for those insider comments that really point to the probable core of an issue. Even as both sides trash Palin, both conservative AND supposedly liberal media outlets have been offering her a lot of money behind the scenes. The ethics charges, although none have come to anything, cost a LOT to defend. (Just ask Bill Clinton what it was like to be a target...)

I don't think she could afford to stay and keep up with the legal fees. Plus, another hilarious factor is that so many were saying those charges and her political wheeling and dealing had started to damage the state's ability to do business. She finally agreed.

Clarification:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/07/obama-u-s-not-giving-israel-green-light-to-attack-iran/

warren, when you put it that way ... the last sentence, that is, it makes sense, and Barnum would approve. Yeah, we'll see how well the speaking tour and book sales go - then the Faux News show, then we'll see. The question she would have to answer is "If you quit the Alaska governorship after 2 1/2 years into your first term because it wasn't fun anymore and people were being mean to you, why should we believe you will be able to stand up to a Democratic House and Senate - to say nothing of trying to continue to tame the economy and defeat terrorism (evil as we know it) for 8 years?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242010

Sea,

That is fun. Snap his picture and put up one of those "They love Us" celebrity walls.

Pogo:

That will be the question asked by people who are not voting for her.

And she will give an answer about not playing politics as usual and refusing to placate the elites and pundits inside the beltway - and her supporters will eat it up.

Again, I think her quitting midway is a valid critique that many on the right share. But it can be spun very effectively into a desire to protect her family and a rallying call to take on a very legitimate opponent, i.e., the media...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242053

Pogo,

there is NOTHING sexual or exotic about the photos Stephen makes. In fact, the beach people tend to be portrayed more a "feral" than sexy. It is a hard job.

"let's not forget that this Country elected George W. Bush as President . . . TWICE!!" http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242056

Good point Warren!
America, the land where anything can happen (and probably will).

Carol, We finally got our downpour (although I hear not as much down south of us to Houston). But it rained all night and still hasn't stopped. I love it.

She could also answer that question by running a winning campaign that would be heavily scrutinized - likely to an unprecedented degree.

America has a very short attention span and we often make sense out of the past by analzing the present.

In other words, if she runs a competent and successful campaign for whatever office she seeks - people will marvel at how she rose from the ashes, answered her critics, and proved she had what it takes.

If she loses, people will say - we told you she wasn't ready for prime time and she has now crashed and burned for all to see and her political career is over.

(Ironically - she could run the exact same campaign - and if she wins - the first story will be told - and if she loses - the second story prevails.)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242049

Pogo

I'm actually going to cut Palin some slack on this resignation move. Because of the Presidential election, she had been deserted by the state Democrats who used to help her with legislation. She wasn't liked by her fellow Republicans because of previous reform actions. She was way down in the popularity polls because of ethics allegations almost all of which have been dismissed. She couldn't get her appointees approved or legislation passed.

Maybe she should have hung in there and tried to change the situation, but in the middle of a severe economic downturn It makes a lot of practical sense to hand it all over to the Lt. Governor so that the state could get back to work without the destraction of her in the office.

She did make a comittment to serve for four years, but if you can't serve, you might as well get out of the way of those who can.

"(Ironically - she could run the exact same campaign - and if she wins - the first story will be told - and if she loses - the second story prevails.)"

Another interesting point. If you win, then you must have done it right.

"if you can't serve, you might as well get out of the way of those who can."

Yes Jamie, and it's too bad more politicians don't think like that. I think she may have thought she was doing what was best for the state AND best for her. What's wrong with that kind of arrangement.

I think her desire to cash in is one of the driving (unspoken) factors in Palin's decision.

She can make a ton of money now while her profile is high - rather than waiting till her term as Governor was done.

Jamie, well, I've heard of thinking out of the box, but this is ridiculous if she thinks she has politics in her future. If in Alaska she alienated her own party and lost the opposition party who had supported her reform efforts, I'm not sure how you could characterize her governorship as anything other than a failed one and her response as anything other than acknowleging that failure by cutting and running. She may be right - her presence may indeed make it very difficult to run Alaska with any degree of effectiveness - which says very little about her own qualities of leadership. In my experience leaders don't say, "Well this is too tough and I just am not the person who can get this done; here, you take over." Recognizing one's own limitations is a good thing, but when the limitations are the very qualities that are needed to be what one wants to be, then there's really not much of anywhere to go other than into some other field of endeavor. But I do understand what you and warren are saying - I just don't agree that she has a future in national politics. But then again, there's always the Barnum effect.

so, did any of you know that the president is protected by the "Dept of Law"? Sarah Palin seems to think so. Tell me again where she went to college? Stupefying!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/palin-department-of-law-p_n_226881.html

Obama Strikes Right Chord in Russia
"While the chiefs of staff of the two countries signed a military cooperation agreement, Obama touched the Russian head of state confidingly on the shoulder and whispered something to him. The appearance in the Kremlin was intended to demonstrate one thing above all: Here are two partners of equal status who together and with equal influence determine the fate of the world." http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,634696,00.html

Pogo
I think she helps the Republican Party of Alaska - she gives her Lt Gov a leg up in the primary and general since he will be running as the gov and she takes the possibility of the primary out of Young's future and keeps the Congressional seat Red.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242070

I agree Warren. I read somewhere that she was around a half million in debt. I don't blame her one bit for what she's doing. She's calling the plays (I think) and that's the way it should be. I would never defend her political views, but imo, she's entitled to them.

Pogo -- I think you give Palin more candidate credit than she should get. I don't think she stands a chance of being the nominee. That's gonna be Romney, expecially is the economy is still in the tank.

Palin was the most popular governor in the US until the vp selection with over an 80% approval rating.

Much of what was said about her was not true but never effectively disputed....from the fake library stories spread by idiots to the sports center in Wasilla being a boondoogle.
Most people have set opinions about her. The ones who don't like her will never like her and will not consider the national media's portrait might be incorrect.

Couldn't decide which I liked better;

Sarah Smile, She's gone ( for today), Everytime You Go Away, or Maneater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Red3R17FlUQ

"If you feel like leaving you know you can go But why don't you stay until tomorrow? If you want to be free, you know, all you got to do is say so"

The media would be better off not doing wall to wall coverage of the Michael Jackson funeral because they don't have enough to say -as a result for most of the time they sound like maroons

Patsi - I'm not giving her candidacy any chance (my word was toast - if that's more credi than a potential future candidacy by her deserves, well then, OK) - that would be warren who doesn't seem to think that she is DOA.

kc, I'd like to see some popularity numbers from AK now that she has announced her resignation. I know that CNN was reporting this morning that nationally her approval numbers are about 44%.

Rez- love that blue eyed soul.

Oh, and Patsi, yeah, my money is on Romney as well. (Although I would dearly love to see a Sanford/Palin or Palin/Sanford ticket - if for no other reason than because the SNL skits would be absolutely amazing).

This article is about as fair a piece about Palin as I've seen.
It says her approval is about 54%

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070603491.html?hpid=topnews

Solar, you around? Lunch.

If the Republican primaries were today

I'd put my money on the Huckster unless he decides making money is better than being president

On the plus side, though, Palin retains high favorability ratings within the party, 76%-21%. Only Mike Huckabee has higher numbers (78%), although MItt Romney also does well (73%), showing both positioned for another charge at the GOP nomination in 2012. Newt Gingrich hits 65%. Neither Haley Barbour nor Tim Pawlenty break the 50% barrier, with 28% of people unsure about both. Even if they see the resignation as politically damaging, Sarah Palin remains one of the favorites in the party.
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/07/07/rasmussen-40-of-likely-gop-voters-say-palin-hurt-her-chances/

yep, KC - good article.

.... these numbers, folloing the presidential election loss, are interesting:

"Following the presidential election, 69% of Republicans felt Palin had helped John McCain's bid, while 20% felt Palin hurt. In the same poll, 71% of Republicans stated Palin had been the right choice."

"A June 2009 CNN/Opinion Research Corporation national poll showed Palin as the 2012 presidential co-favorite of the Republican electorate along with Romney and Mike Huckabee.[241] The same month, a Pew Research Center poll found that equal amounts of the general public viewed Palin favorably versus unfavorably, with few having no opinion.[242] This was roughly consistent with her ratings during the vice-presidential campaign. Among Republicans, however, her favorability ratings were very high, and greater than those for several other Republican political figures." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

KGC, I see you had already posted the important numbers.

Chloe
Thanks for the info on Court TV - I found Tru TV on my cable line up ..yikes and yuck.

On the Palin numbers, your survey is June, the numbers I posted are from this week and it will be interesting to see what happens once the furor dies down.

Palin's book and book tour is the next big thing. I wonder if she will go on Oprah now.

"I wonder if she will go on Oprah now."

Ha! I betcha!
(and look who we've all been talking about today.. I don't know how she does it)

Chloe

Palin turned down a post election appearance on Oprah but I think you are right --it's all about the book sales.

I think she is a very interesting person and in away has had it all -- a marriage, children and a career.

... and a great husband too Kgc.
I don't really know what to say about her, when I'm not defending her against the truly horrible things that have been said about her and her family. Like you say, a very interesting person, but I could never see myself buying her book.

I almost found myself speechless when you said that. I don't think I've ever heard anyone on this site say anything nice about her, but I may very well may have missed it. If she had been treated fairly by the media, etc., I probably would never have mentioned her name.

Chloe

We all complain about the sameness of the politicians but when someone who is different appears they are practically stoned to death.

I think she went into vp choice with every expectation of being fairly portrayed but instead was nickled and dimed on issues that were media sensations but mostly bullsh-t.

HD- Will keep my eye out for him!
Coreen- thanks for the good wishes

So Obama pulled a Palin and used the wrong title for Putin! Cute

I would say Obama looks nervous and overwhelmed

Romney will rise for the next Pres Cycle as the continued errors by the current government. People will look to have an experienced person with business intellegence - not what we have now

Well, when you put it that way, I'd have to admit how unprepared she was KGC (something I don't think I've ever said here). But I don't think she will ever be caught in that position again. You could even say that was McCains fault, plucking her out of nowhere, putting her on stage, without the proper preparation. I could almost liken it to an athlete who hadn't been in training (or had never even played), and therefore completely out of shape, being put into the finals. http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242097

so, did any of you know that the president is protected by the "Dept of Law"? Sarah Palin seems to think so. Tell me again where she went to college? Stupefying!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/palin-department-of-law-p_n_226881.html

Posted by: yo soy Horsedooty!

I about croaked over that one, Horse (Dooty? Which?:D). I was under the distinct impression that the only way there was a "dept. of law" that specifically protects the president was that Dubya kept a whole slew of crackpots who happened to have law degrees around him. The DOJ is SUPPOSED to be for all of us, although I'm cynical about that.

ktartiste - Palin is so cute.... Clearly not polished - but that is part of the charm.... and the key difference that helped Obama

Chloe

I think you are right about it being McCain's fault. Where was the famous blast fax machine. As soon as she was under assault they should have gone into action -- a lot of it could have been stopped in its tracks.

Back to the photo above - and of the other video clips and photo's

Putin looks annoyed by our Naive Neophyte of a President - and Obama has not had the better of his performance. ah ah stumble - where is the promter

But again he did well for such a lack of experience and the fact that now his own country he is below 50% approval rating and he has peeked out with the European's following the big speach in Berlin

3.5 to go or He goes through Change

Putin looks like he should be making guest appearances on little people big world. (just kidding)

Who cares about Putin anyway talk about old news and old school.

ktartiste - Palin is so cute.... Clearly not polished - but that is part of the charm.... and the key difference that helped Obama

Posted by: Ping Pong | July 7, 2009 12:43 PM

Hi Ping--depends on your definition of "cute" I guess--I never saw it in Palin myself. Just sayin'--As for Obama, he has got charm to burn, but charm only goes so far. Sooner or later he's gonna have to really put the bite on to get things done. Or, barring that, give up the idea that we can truly reach a bipartisan state of affairs with so few GOP moderates in DC.

Sorry. Knobite talkin' like she knows what's goin' on. I should stick to music I think.:D

"I wonder if she will go on Oprah now."
-----------------------
And do some "Fancy pageant walking " on the couches.

Application of the Reflective Film
I got 3 of the 4 reflector panels coated . Challenging work. Not hard , but challenging.

The glass comes in today. If that happens, we'll point it at the sun for the first time tomorrow morning.
I feel like a little kid waiting for the " Solar Santa " to arrive.

http://cbsolaroven.blogspot.com/

CBob

What is the first thing you will bake?

Thought for the day :
" Bachelor's wives and spinster's children are always perfect. "

All Palin, all the time here??? You all seemed worried about her! LOL! Last night I commented on Youtube about the Republican Congressman Peter King from NY on his comments about Michael Jackson. I said that Peter King should worry about the time when people stand up and say "No to Republicans!" Since they are getting their asses kicked in the most recent elections. Naturally, some guy responded directly to me by saying "The Democrats are screwing the country over worse than the Republicans ever did!"

1752 Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented programmable loom

1981 Solar Challenger powered only by solar energy crosses English Channel

Flatus...good choice for the two bullets, then we could find Kissinger and conk him on the noggin for good measure!

At Camp McDermott near Nha Trang, there was a small lending library ... I checked out a book by Wilfred C. Burchett called "Vietnam Will WIN!". How that book made it into that library I never knew, but what an eye-opener it was for me!
Burchett detailed how the loyal cadre of the NLF could not be beaten, no matter how long the USA stayed...every prediction came true! But , you know, that was 1970...even the officers knew it was a losing battle by then, and if one wanted to read a book by an Aussie author who could see the future, who gave a damn?

FLATUS: Here's that book...it's Wilfred G. Burchett , not C.

http://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-will-win-imperialism-internationally/dp/B0006BX0KA/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246987334&sr=8-14

"So Obama pulled a Palin and used the wrong title for Putin! Cute" Ping

Of course the difference being that Obama corrected himself and noted that Putin did use to be president.

Ping, you getting your approval numbers from the WSJ or just making them up? Gallup has him at 60%.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/politics.aspx?CSTS=pollnav&to=POLL-Politics-News

Flatus, that is an interesting perspective. You bring up Bush's unilateral abrogation of the ABM Treaty.

Biden and others claimed for decades that missile defense would only spur ballistic missile proliferation. Billions were spent under Star Wars that lead to first generation theater defenses and many billions more in the last decade with critics betting no good results could be achieved. The next two years will see a continuing stream of successes. Presently, we see missile proliferation accelerating for political reasons rather than missile defense fears while missile defense still climbs forward to reach meaningful effectiveness. We might as well retire our Navy should we toss out missile defense.

There IS this fundamental debate about missile defense itself and there is a leaning in the WH to advance counter terrorism warfare over conventional forces. Formerly, as I stated above with Biden, it has erroneously considered missile defense as primarily a conventional technology. Still, the author bellows who represents the WH approach makes lasers central to the unconventional.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6638694.ece

If you read the article, you will see the emerging role of lasers and speed of light technology. This is a violation of the ABM Treaty so I do not see how that could have survived our intent for the last two decades. Make no mistake 10,000 kw lasers are not far fetched and the defensive countermeasures makes life very tough on offensive weapons. Drones, robotics, space and cyberspace figure high as well. Bush discussed the obvious however he handled discussing it with Russia and China.

For some nations the WMD aspect of unconventional warfare (some say this also means unrestricted warfare) is important. I include this too because missile defense is primarily a defense against nukes. Several coutries including Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Israel, France are likely to possess either radiation reduced bombs or neutron bombs. These weapons figure in greatly to any equation about missile defense. To all who suggest tiny nukes or other myths: micro nukes are a misnomer. Clean bombs have been around for some time (some cleaner than others), but the idea of micronukes is largely a fantasy for physical constraints imposed by the laws of nature. Presently, this is the smallest nuclear bomb we have (barring the reality of a suitcase nuke).

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2001/10/47319

More on neutron bombs (although the article is somewhat dated)

http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Nwfaq/Nfaq1.html

As you can see there are various ways to reduce long term radiation by maximizing short lived initial radiation. The kind of micronukes 9/11ers talk about don't exist.

But back to lasers and missile defense, they represent a novel milestone that would seriously set back air borne and perhaps ocean borne threats.

Another related observation: despite the spin for a unconventional force from the WH and Gates, Lockheed scores huge (jobs and taxes) and the MIC pulls in serious dollars. F-35 appears to be the future. Nations clearly understand the need for conventional forces despite unconventional threats. Personally, I think we need both a conventional force and an unconventional one as one former Air Force General once suggested. Lasers, advanced transport and refueling, subs, mobile energy and fuel cells, space technology form a new backbone that serves both military forces.

As you note Flatus, we passed a new red line in 2000 and then followed with pre-emption lacking clear criteria. This contributed to degrading Russian/ American relations. We also must not forget Russian behavior, which has been poor in it's own right. Still, we tend to forget the Gore Agreement which approved Russian transfers to Iran and Syria nor do we understand the stakes in the great competition between advanced third parties in a multi polar world. Russia is feeling economic stress and China is witnessing things to come in their Western Regions.

Missile defense is the grail, like it or not and the new carriers have extra power for a reason. In less than a decade smart drones will be ubiquitous. Sea-hugging cruise missiles and supersonic torpedoes will fill the black market. We need to create a new frame work to build speed of light defenses with serious opposition and come to some international understanding regarding proliferation, weapon sales and traffic. Obama should be repeating Reagan's offer to share with the Russians, missile defense technology. The advanced nations have got to create a new tier of defense as the world acquires more advanced weapons. This must include Chinese militarization of Space and Russian proliferation of military technology to the world's most dubious regimes. Whether Obama can do this will be seen.

The Russians built their deterrence on their nukes. Their anger is that missile defense compromises their nuclear leverage. They are far behind in drones and missile defense as well as the radar assets the West has. They do not have the forces that the US and China have deployed and in areas around them, serious foreign firepower has been assembled.

Here is a snap shot on Russia's Southern border:

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/middle_east_graphic_2003.jpg

Please enlarge to see the position of Israel to Iran and Russia’s southern border.

Corey, I'd guess that the guy who responded to you was, uummm, a Repug. LOL

Ms Cracker -

Corn Bread on Friday .
But I plan to run it for at least 2 days empty , to "burn out the volatiles ".
And do temperature tests. The 3rd Art Market is this weekend , we'll roll it out to the public then.

"I should stick to music I think."

.... and I should stick to the weather.

KT, I think you are right: "charm only goes so far. Sooner or later he's gonna have to really put the bite on to get things done." Well said KT.

CBob

Very much fun to watch you at work.

KT, I think you are right: "charm only goes so far. Sooner or later he's gonna have to really put the bite on to get things done." Well said KT.

Posted by: chloe | July 7, 2009 1:29 PM

Thanks, Chloe.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242071

Pogo

I can't really see a national political role for her, but I'm sure she will have time to grab and cash in on the brass ring of fame. As far as "leadership" qualities, I never saw any in the first place other than an ability to deliver words written by others, so I don't expect any real leadership from her now.

Just my two cents' worth here, but Governor Palin is most definitely NOT cute. Unpolished is one thing, and certainly can be appealing; but what possible charm is there in being a totally ignorant and intentionally uninformed air head who completely lacks introspection and constantly blames everyone else for her own deficiencies? Palin's excuses for quitting are preposterous (unless all lame ducks are by definition useless resource suckers), and it was largely an appeal to pity: "It's not my fault; they're all picking on me." That sounds a lot more like Miss South Carolina or Miss California than a viable candidate for POTUS. And then she quoted MacArthur of all things, to explain her strategy; not to mention that she's so uninformed that she even got that quote wrong.

Frankly, she scares me, and she always has. When the going gets REALLY tough, then ... what? Vladimir Putin is picking on me? That sounds like George W. Bush, if you think about it. And probably even less-well-informed. We just voted that approach OUT. Why would we even think about going there again?

I'm sorry, but if Palin benefits from any of this based solely on her "charm," then it sets true feminism back about 100 years. Please don't make me feel guilty that I didn't have my own daughter spend more time on her pageant walking.

And as far as that goes, KT, where the heck IS the music I keep hearing about? ;)

OK, to change the subject - the ABA unanimously rated Sotomayor "well qualified."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/sotomayor-gets-amas-highe_n_226978.html

And here's the preview of the right's attack on Sotomayor.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/mcconnell-slams-sotomayor_n_226967.html

Gee, if it weren't for the fairly clear language of the statute at issue and the prior cases the District Court relied upon, to say nothing of the District Court's decision itself, McConnell might not look like the idiot he is. Now about those activist justices who ignored thelanguage of the statute and the precedents in order to change the law so that a Bakke result could be arrived at .... We are now officially through the looking glass.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242127

Jamie, you betcha. And AnnaMolly, it's OK, you can go ahead and tell us what you really think - no need to sugar coat it here. ;-)

Ms. Cracker -

I started journals, and diaries over the years , but never really stuck to them . Doing this project the past 2 months, with the site along side it has been a lot of fun.

I'm baaack.... well rested... ate too much... and sick to death of MJ....

hell... I didn't even realize Obama was going to Russia until I read this blog...

as for Sarah.... yeah.... so....
yeah, I know..... too snarky.... :0)
so here's a good opinion piece from the Christian Science Monitor on her....
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/07/02/in-alaska-many-pine-for-the-old-palin/

Obama's slip wasn't really substantive, and nitpicking is nothing more petty one-upsmanship on Chuck Todd's part. Vladimir Putin IS for all intents and purposes, the president of Russia, and Obama knows this. (Does Sarah Palin?) It would become apparent the moment that Medvedev actually tried to assert authority to stop Putin from doing something Putin really wanted to do. Medvedev's election was Putin's idea to begin with, in order to perpetuate his own power, just behind the scenes. He may have gotten a little more with Medvedev than he bargained for, but when push comes to it, Putin will show who's boss.

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622103820.htm

ate too much...

RR -
Have a glass of vinegar.

vinegar is also a great for cleaning...especially those raw veggies!

Sending you sunshine for the oven, c-bob.

Who’s the Boss Now?

In his second presidential year, Medvedev is flexing new muscles against Putin.
By Mikhail Fishman, Yelizaveta Mayetnaya and Darya Guseva | Newsweek Russky
May 15, 2009 | Updated: 4:57 p.m. ET May 15, 2009
http://www.newsweek.com/id/197789

Given the mess that is Russian, the question should be who would want to be the boss now?

Ping:

"I would say Obama looks nervous and overwhelmed."

You would say something negative no matter what Obama does or says over there.

KGC...Putin still sits like he is the supreme russian punk! A small man with a lot of attitude.

I was really surprised seeing the mail truck coming up the street today.

KGC...Putin still sits like he is the supreme russian punk! A small man with a lot of attitude.

Posted by: Blonde wino Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 2:17 PM

A stereotype wrapped up in a cliche.
Putin and Shrub understood each other. Not a compliment.

CBob....
YUCK! I'd rather pickle myself with wine....
here's to wishing you much luck with your oven this coming weekend....

gimme a break Ping.

"ah ah stumble - where is the promter"

Obama stops and starts because he does not always just rattle off talking points.

Sure Hannity doesn't stutter - but that is because all he does is repeat himself 20 times in the course of an hour-long show - no matter what the subject.

Have at it with your Obama is naive and too liberal arguments - but considering W, Palin, and Boehner to name a few - you might as well stop with the Obama is not smart arguments if you seek to have any credibility at all.

RR -

I working on a thank - you for the "Photon Funders", should be a hoot.

Now back to the spark lab.

Where we have John Hiatt & Sonny Landreth
in heavy rotation
"Riding With the King"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_CUzuitxSI

The photo of bush&putin...they both have that "Sanford" look. Bush and Putin --soulmates, maybe? Jerks, well, of course!

And as far as that goes, KT, where the heck IS the music I keep hearing about? ;)

Posted by: AnnaMolly | July 7, 2009 1:53 PM

Okay, all right already!! LOL--I posted one bit on the Martha Mitchell thread but alas couldn't find a link to the particular piece I had in mind.

No classic country today, though. I'm in a bad emo/psycho place and nothing works except Loreena McKennitt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2CFM4ev-g8

Surely you recognize that one.;)

Posted links to more of her tunes at Fairweather.

(Oops. I think I just blew my knobite cover.:);))

The glass is here .
This is better than getting an electric train under the tree.

CB, I have gone to your site, but not many of the photos are accessible through our firewall (don't ask me). How big is the actual cookking area in the oven? I assume (yeah, I know) that the majority of the interior has to be clear for the sun's rays to get to the mirrors.

Riding with the King - wonderful. I saw Hiatt just after Clapton bought the song for his album with BB. Absolutely incredible concert.

Interesting insight on DOJ / Obama position about Cheney information already leaked.

http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2009/07/07/cheneys-lawyer-has-already-leaked-the-content-of-cheneys-interview/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242151

Toot Toot Chugga Chugga

You are The Little Engine That Could

Oh, one bit of news for classic country buffs:

Ferlin Huskey was hospitalized last last wk. for treatment of COPD and congestive heart failure. He's 83.

Patsi can no doubt tell you a lot more about him, but I always loved his Simon Crum comedy routine and this one song in particular:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ4rvIdNAXM

for the sheer theatricality of his vocal.

Pogo -
10.89 cu. feet . As these things go, it's huge.

It has a ratio of 8.82 to 1 .

For every square inch of glass , there are 8.82 square inches of sunlight entering the oven. Now that's just raw numbers, and I won't be 100% efficient ........... I fact far from it. But that's the number I'm using as a baseline.

Now , I'm really off to the spark lab.

Surely you recognize that one.;)
Posted links to more of her tunes at Fairweather.
(Oops. I think I just blew my knobite cover.:);)) ~ KT

Surely I do. And thank you. Sorry to hear you're in a funk, but it was a perfect choice for me, too, especially considering what I'm doing this p.m. By the way, if it's any consolation, the cover wasn't very good, anyway. ;)

Damn, Bob, that IS huge. Forget corn, You could damn near roast a pig in there - but I bet the cleanup would be a bitch.

By the way, if it's any consolation, the cover wasn't very good, anyway. ;)

Posted by: AnnaMolly

Dang. I thought I had it down pat!;)

Good background on the situation in China

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31780068/from/ET/

If you weren't watching the service, this was one of the highlights: Jennifer Hudson singing "Will You Be There"

http://www.comcast.net/video/Jennifer-Hudson-Sings-at-Jackson-Memorial/1174431579/ABCNews/newest/

Senator Franken sworn in today...

sixty votes Mitch..ain't that a bitch

I see Alberto Gonzales has been hired as a professor by Texas Tech. Texas Tech hired Bobby Knight when he was radioactive. If Bernie Madoff ever gets out of prison, maybe he could be chair of their economics department?

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 3:56 PM

60 senators.

That's one where max's crystal ball was fogged up last Summer. :-)

And for you Tour de Francophiles, after today's team time trial Armstrong is now in 2nd place, fractions of a second behind Cancellara. This is getting interesting - Lance isn't content to be a domestique this year. The Pyranees shoudl be interesting.

Warren - Now do not be selective... you need to read all the posts as I have been very complementative to Obama. I like his take action but do not like that eveything must go through the government

So to the trip this week and comments from what I have seen and heard on Obama with this trip - He clearly is a fish out of water compared to his normal very smooth self. Come on admit it

But for his everything must be governement - and yes

"Where was the famous blast fax machine. As soon as she was under assault they should have gone into action -- a lot of it could have been stopped in its tracks."

Not surprising to me. Both Hillary and Palin got the same treatment from the party hacks.

"That sounds a lot more like Miss South Carolina or Miss California than a viable candidate for POTUS. "

Sexist BS. Let's get REALLY cute with the oinking....shall we GIRLS? We've got to stop being dupes!

Please -- do not use gender-based language and try to say you are a feminist.

Yes, I seem to recall some comments about shrill, and other similar stuff wrt Hillary. But see, Patsi, it's only sexist if it's about a younger, attractive repug woman. Now cast your mem'ry back there, la, and you might remember this little joke from the man who put Palin's name in the news - Johnny Mc - "Why is Chelsea (Clinton) so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." Cute, dontchathink? And the main spokesmen for the repugs - Hannity and Limpballs, were mercilessly brutal about HIllary. Frankly, I think the repugs, any repugs, have a lot of damn gall calling anyone or anything sexist.

I always thought that the King was Bob Wills.

You can't call a black man Sambo and try to pass yourself off as a Civil Rights activist.

"Frankly, I think the repugs, any repugs, have a lot of damn gall calling anyone or anything sexist. "

I don't take your point...does that make it cool for liberals to join in?

Posted by: Patsi Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 4:25 PM

It was pretty stupid on McCain's part to allow it to get going.
Although less malicious and more incompetent on his part --the party probably malicious.

Wolfe Blitzer going for the Ann Curry fake emotion award -
jeeze

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 3:56 PM

Senator Franken sworn in today...
I forgot to add this little video ditty with my comments. I noticed only a handful of Repubs offering congrats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne0drDwkXU0&feature=player_embedded

HD, I think you may be right, but Hiatt listened to Elvis and BB King and was into the blues, rock and country as a kid, so who knows - coould be Elvis, coud be BB, could be Bob Wills - but hey, Hiatt had the good sense not to say who the King was. Ennywho, he released that song on an album of the same title in 1983.

Patsi ~ What???!!!

Patsi, I don't necessarily have a point, other than as a response to Palin claiming she is being treated differently than other politicians who quit their gigs early - there's a shitload of wailing and gnashing of teeth out there by repugs who I'd be willing to bet were just as harshly sexist about Hillary, Janet Reno and Madeline Albright, just to name a few, who thought they were just being funny and gave not a thought to the fact that most of their criticism of those women was sexist. And no, it doesn't make it cool for liberals to join in.

Well, I'll be moseying along now. Have a good evening.

You learn many things over time. I'm assuming that if I played for the Boston Red Sox I would be starting in this year's All Star game. It doesn't matter what my stats are. My beef last night was that my comment on Youtube was directed at Peter King/Republicans, yet somebody went out of their way to personally respond to me. By the time I got his personal reply they had stopped allowing comments for the Peter King video. Any comments about anyone be it Democrat or Republican is wrong, IMO. Condoning comments made by others simply because you don't like the person the comments are made about doesn't sit well with me. That's what always drove me nuts. I could say that Bush sucked as president and someone would say, "Well, it's not as bad as what Bill Clinton did!" I got that Republicans/Conservatives did not like Clinton. I also get that liberals don't like Palin, just as I get that Republicans/Conservatives probably don't like Obama. But, constantly bashing those people to get that point across does nothing for me.

Anna -- I am saying we cannot keep using these demeaning descriptions whether we like someone or not.

Corey....
Amen!
human beings are human beings....
they span from Mother Teresa to Hitler... and everything in between...

as if having the label of "liberal" or "conservative" attached makes one something other than a human being....

"Does that mean we beat 'em, pa? We won! We beat them females! We kept 'em in their place! Us men folks don't want women runnin' our town, do we pa?" - Opie Taylor when Ellie Walker announced she was dropping out of the race for Mayberry city council.

If anyone thinks it's sexist to say that Sarah Palin is not qualified for national office just because she is cute, please tell me -- to my face -- exactly HOW that's sexist. That's just fact. She's not qualified, and being cute is the only thing that keeps her in the eye of the media. The two beauty queens I referred to were, like Sarah Palin, totally unqualified, even for the positions they held. How is it sexist to say that? Sexist AND cynical is having the audacity to choose an obviously unqualified woman to run for national office, just to capitalize on her being female. Cynical is believing that ANY woman would or should be acceptable to female voters -- e.g., Hillary Clinton's supporters -- simply because she's a woman, and regardless of her qualifications or where she actually stands on the issues that are important. If anyone had a right to be insulted by that kind of thinking, it was Hillary Clinton.

This article may be helpful for sorting the issues out. Unless Eugene Robinson is sexist, too.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070603141.html

"If anyone thinks it's sexist to say that Sarah Palin is not qualified for national office just because she is cute, please tell me -- to my face -- exactly HOW that's sexist. That's just fact. She's not qualified, and being cute is the only thing that keeps her in the eye of the media. "

Sorry -- but I think that is BS. If you see it all about her "cuteness" then we probably shouldn't even be having a conversation.

"ktartiste - Palin is so cute.... Clearly not polished - but that is part of the charm.... and the key difference that helped Obama"
Posted by: Ping Pong Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 12:43

I think this is what set Anna off.

Anna, Sorry. Come to think of it, I don't want to speak for you. That was just my take.

And Mitt Romney is qualified how to be president?
Because he inherited money? Because he was a creepy hedgefund manager?
Because he was a one term governor? that he bought and paid for

Sorry -- but I think that is BS. If you see it all about her "cuteness" then we probably shouldn't even be having a conversation.

Posted by: Patsi | July 7, 2009 5:33 PM

Could we not agree to this: that Sarah Palin is unqualified because she is poorly educated on most of the issues of moment in this country, she is intellectually incurious and likely to remain so, she appeals to a base that is largely poorly educated and intellectually incurious, and the media needs simply to acknowledge her lack of qualification and move on to something else?

As do the rest of us?

Patsi ~ I see Hillary Clinton as being about something more than just being cute. Sarah Palin not so much. If you think that's sexist, so be it. But totally agreed as to your point about not having this conversation. ;)

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | July 7, 2009 5:42 PM

Mitt Romney isn't qualified either. If you knew me, you'd know I've always said that.

KT ~ Agreed. And thanks for the music.

The only legal qualifications to be president are over 35 and a born in the USA citizen. After that everything is a judgement call.

"she is intellectually incurious and likely to remain so, she appeals to a base that is largely poorly educated and intellectually incurious"

I really liked the way you put that. But I'm not convinced that Palin is intellectually incurious and I think that the poorly educated have a say also (poorly educated and intellectually incurious are two different things).

Anna, I hope you don't take any of this too personally. I honestly think it's just hard for us all to get across what we're thinking in this kind of format. It's an incomplete picture.

Im poorly educated. ( I did not like-or able to use-what they were teaching) GED in the Marine Corps, but there is nothing that im nothing curious about.......nothing. I resent that remark, as condescending; ...... ignorant of the people like me. Im no B. Gates, but mmmm seems to me,a not so intelligent comment!!

She was-is cute, therefore she was picked for that, and nothing else, that sets women back a little to say this, she was a mayor, and a Governor, did she pull the wool over all of the educated in Alaska.....she was voted in just cos she was cute. I think that is what is being said is sexist?>

Regardless...if she was a dumb as a door knob; she ran for the v p of the United States, the first R' woman to do it. She made history, who else had done this. Timing is everything, she was there, she took her shot. I wish her the best of luck in the future. Now I am going to forget her. I did not like her politics is all. For that matter I did not like Obamas, Chicago style politics either, I still would like a complete explanation about W. Ayers. I don't believe what has been said. Warren don't start with me. :-))

Solar, I don't think most people think about what they're saying when they say poorly educated. Sometimes I think they mean bible thumping, gun toting, bigots (remember?), but instead say uneducated, which is meant to be insulting to everyone who didn't go to college, I guess. The term 'uneducated' was really overused in this last election, and I really hated it. It's just another form of prejudice, another label they use. If anyone thinks intelligence and education are the same, then I strongly disagree.

And in the meantime, Al Franken is now in the Senate! Good for him for fighting the good fight.

Anna and KT, I sure hope you don't give up on us here. This is what we do. Over talk everything. :)

Bible thumping, gun toting, and bigots are likely to be educated, but I get your point. Thanks Chlo, Did U ever find Carol?

She showed up this morning. But hasn't been here recently, which I shouldn't be either. I've got to get to my work now.

There is a difference between "unschooled" and "uneducated". You can be without schooling and still be very well educated even if you had to do it totally on your own. Abraham Lincoln was "unschooled".

"Uneducated" implies not only a lack of learning but an unwillingness to learn.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242196

Anna
I won't say Eugene R. is a sexist but he sure was biased in his reporting during the Democratic Primary!! I wouldn't trust a word written by him concerning Hillary Clinton....I know,I Know he's a Pulitzer Prize winner....

Dear Ry Cooder, I apologize most humbly for mis-typing your last name. I thought you were brilliant and creative with Maria Elena. I hope you weren't offended. Sincerely, bethyboo

AnnaMolly, I agree with you, but don't think she's in the news cuz she's cute - don't even think she's cute. I think she's tiresome, frankly, cuz she says so much that is meaningless. I've said before, and will say again, she has simply stopped thinking. She lives with opinions and 'facts' that she learned early in life and isn't interested in growing. She's comfortable with herself. and thinks she's right, and isn't ever going to challenge or doubt what she thinks. Boring as hell. She doesn't wonder. Wondering is a necessary mental attitude and activity.

The media is fascinated with her because she's good copy due to the fact that she puzzles everyone. Anna, I think you are right re the cynicism involved in picking her for vp. McCain didn't want to give any of the men the leg up that running even in a losing ticket would have given them. I also don't think he expected to win or even wanted to. He can now claim to have put a woman on a repub ticket - how high-minded of him.

McCain's people really handled her badly, too. All of the re-makes were wrong and they must have been pretty insulting to her cuz they sure made her mad.

We're going to hear re Sarah Palin for years, no matter what. I hope they have finally got the message to leave her kids out of it.

Solar, You are not un-educated (and you know it or should know it.) You are self-educated and often that is much better and deeper than school- educated. I saw no insults there - nobody here could doubt your education.

As I mentioned before, I'm trying to keep a list of what I'm tired of. Michael Jackson dominates my list, but I'm thinking of adding the word 'f**k', and dry weather. You guys and your thunderstorms are making me so jealous.

The little I saw of that rehearsal tape of mj's, I thought didn't look so good.

Ok, I'll shut up now.

Do not like to jump in to others' discussions, however,
I would like to say to you, Solar Crete, that your presence here & the comments you offer are witty, funny & filled with wisdom beyond what often is associated with an education.

"And in the meantime, Al Franken is now in the Senate! Good for him for fighting the good fight."

He is a little too liberal for me: But I really admire the way that he did not let Coleman have his way. He showed the ability of being tough, and won't be bought by the special interest groups. He is in it for the people, imo, there should be a lot more like him.

Solar, I want to say, as well, that you are the most curious person I know.

Tony,

Could not agree more with your assessment of Eugene Robinson (actually I rarely even skim
his columns now).

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242215

Hi Chloe
Good point. I refuse to let anyone stifle my thoughts and opinions based upon what education level I have attained..I learned this from working on an assembly line for years.I had family members who would even refer to me as a shop rat(jealousy of wages and benefits) but I look back now and I can see just how smart It was for me to spend 25 years(since i was 18) toiling at GM....

Bethy,

Thank you, I think that I was talking for all of us, self educated or otherwise: I do think that there is less and less of an excuse not to be educated tho: We now have all the educational tv that can fill in, the internet, etc, etc.

Coreen,

Don't ever talk to me....if you can't call me Solar, just kidding of course. Thanks for those kind words, since I read, and think about everything that you post. But that did make me feel good. I don't take compliments very well, but I guess we all need one once in a while.

Anna Molly,

My bad, for not trying to talk to you before I bit your ear off a little: I usually like to nibble on ears a little, so give me break about that outburst ok? El Diablo made me do it. And like Chloe said , sometimes it part of who we are here. Be on the look out for some thing that I say.......let me have it, right between the eyes...or bite my ear off also......unless You want to nibble first. :-)))))

Annamolly, I agree with what Solar and Chloe just said.We snap
back quick comments some times, and I get affronted, and all that jazz. It passes. One thing, tho, be warned about Solar. He meant all that about nibbling. Then, he cries,"I'm innocent, I tell ya!" He thinks he's a colt.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242227

Coreen
Same here.I'm glad for him that he received the Pulitzer.Eugene has no credibility with me especially after going along with the whole Bill Clinton is a racist BS.......

HUh, What did I say? Im, inno,,,,,,,,,,,,,not guilty over here!

Hey Beth, You warming up to that space trip yet? If not, we have plenty of time, you will.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242213

Solar
OMG your so smart! I am constantly blown away by your posts.The information you dole out is priceless,no shit!!! I feel so much smarter after being here for a while now and you are one of the reasons..

I would like to take XR with us. He would be a hoot, and a hell of a Martian, Historian. HA!, that is if he is not talking in tongues like he is sometimes, then we will just put him back in the box.

"She lives with opinions and 'facts' that she learned early in life and isn't interested in growing."

Wow Bethy, that's really what happens to some people, isn't it. They make all the important decisions before they are around long enough to realize they may have been wrong, and then never change their mind.

"bite my ear off also......unless You want to nibble first."

You wish Solar. Anna, just go ahead and bite. Hard.

Hi Tony, You made all the right decisions, and now you've got the life to prove it. :)

Tony,

I have to find an article that I was reading: About there might-is-are more than two sexes. Science is talking about the in between s. the proven, be right back, maybe see if I can find it. I don't think this is totally new, but the genetic proof-one slight variation, and wahla, I like that word, wahla, is that a word?

"Tony, I think the measure of how far gays have come is by how many end up conservatives. NOt that I would like that....One myth might be that gays are always very LIberal. Not true."

Max
I agree.I have met my share of conservative(fiscally conservative generally) gay people especially before the 2000 election.I think I read somewhere at the time GWB got a million gay votes.I don't know if that figure is true but it wouldn't surprise me considering he ran as a so called compassionate conservative,ha ha what BS...I think the Republican Party would have to turn away from the religious right wing nuts for gays to identify themselves as conservatives in any tangible way...After all were hated by them,oh yes I've heard love the sinner hate the sin..Its hate just the same....

"You wish Solar."

Thats what Patsi, usually says to me, but I didn't mean anything by it...I tell you, Im innocent here!. Ok , IM outa here before Carol shows up and pulls my ears.....off.!!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242238

Solar
Sounds interesting.If you find it give us a link...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242237

Hi Chloe
Thanks! Your life sounds great too...I think your at the top in making good decisions also...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242239

Where is are Carol???? Its after 800pm well for some of us,Carol phone home....I mean check in with a post...

Just back from an extended weekend on the Outer Banks. My its far away from all the hypertensive politics of the 24 hour news cycle. Although we did make the national news when a fireworks truck blew up on Ocracoke Island and killed two people in a July 4 tragedy.

Solar, I think you are thinking of 'voila', french for there it is. It's pronounced vwahla. You need to proniunce the 'v'.

Chloe, I think they observe what is going on around them and analyze it, come up with an understanding and explanation that satisfies them, and feel they know. They just don't question; they don't wonder; they don't doubt. Of course, it's even easier if one lives in the context of religious beliefs and faiths. The greatest enemy, in my opinion, is dogma. Once it settles in, people will rest on their laurels and never progress.

It seems to me that dogma is more palatable to conservatives, because they tend to be more comfortable with a status quo,
which tends to inhibit progress, but progress isn't the same as revolution. Of course, I'm just pondering out loud, and kind of making it up as I go.

Maybe what I mean is that I think if there's no progress, revolution is going to come for sure. If that's so, those imams better loosen up, huh? Maybe Sarah Palin's dogma has been bruised.

That's enough outta me.

I know everyone's tired of the 24/7 MJ, including me, so I was glad to see they finally had a public service/memorial to move on. I'm sure it's not over.

I did see the program today and was mainly struck by one of Rev Al's observations. As much as I dislike his pretentiousness most of the time, I don't think he was exaggerating when he credited MJ for helping Obama's win.

“It was that comfort level that kids from Japan and Ghana and France and Iowa and Pennsylvania got comfortable enough with each other so later it wasn't strange to us to watch Oprah on television” . “Those young kids grew up from being teenage comfortable fans of Michael to being 40 years old and being comfortable to vote for a person of color to be the president of the United States of America.”

V-wah - la, thanks Teach.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242246

Bethy, I loved that post and love it when people think out loud like that. Don't ever say that's enough out of you. It's not. Keep sharing with us.

Good evening folkes. I heard someone calling. Yes Chloe we finally got some relief. I didn't get much, less than 2 inches, when others around me were getting 6-8. I'm not complaining except about losing power for 3 hours last night.

The temp has gone down some making spending time outside much more pleasant. I just finished feeding the plants and walking the Magster.

Hope's everyone is doing well. I also tried to get up to date with the MJ Memorial this afternoon. When all of ya'll have been pounded with the media coverage, I have not. No cable/satelite, remember? I have to work to get the info. I did find that website Solar linked. So now I can get some CNN.

Solar, Tony, hi. Solar, I'm not the ogre you make me out to be. I'm very tolerant ya know. I actually like MJ and Sarah P. I wouldn't vote Sarah for president but I find her interesting and amusing. I think Dateline is interviewing her tonight. I'm watching. Gotta get my Sarah fix. I'm telling you watch out for that girl. She's got something.

"Maybe Sarah Palin's dogma has been bruised."

Bethy, Now you've got me pondering. Maybe that bruis isn't such a bad thing.

Carol,

There I go again, Carol, U are not an ogre, or anything close to one, just someone to have a lot of fun with, is all. What I like most about U.....is that U know who U R. You have looked at that mirror that I keep talking about, and like who is looking back.

About that site, Im tyring to get them to get the "live" History int. and the science channel. That would be great for people that I know, that won't, or don't want to spend the $ for cable, or sat. PS L & L

If you look over everything else the GOP has to offer, I think Sarah P, so far, is one of the most interesting options.

Carol, I'm sure we got at least 6-8" of rain, it was a real downpour. It's an absolute miracle that we didn't have a power outage, but by this afternoon it was sunny again.

Glad to hear Maggie made it through all the noise ok and that she's doing fine now.

No Solar, when I look in the mirror, I don't always like who looks back. Actually I try to avoid mirrors.

Joe, Welcome back. Did you take pictures?

Nice when you can get away from 'everything' like that for a few days. Sorry to hear about a fireworks truck blowing up though.

Did anyone see the video where that shadow walked into a wall in the distance. I saw it on Larry King last night. There is supposed to be a youtube of it. I will try to find it. I bet MJ is still hanging around. He got a pretty nice send off today. Now he can go into the light.

Well, I think that you R great: ....I'm now pissed at myself for making you feel bad, sorry.!!!

Ghost of MJ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw2cQ9K5rJ0

Someone also saw his image in a tree. Expect to have frequent sightings from now on.

Chloe, I suspect we all need to get 'bruised' at times, or maybe we just will. I think it comes when we get too big for our britches.
(Now, that's a folksy old saying.) I truly believe smug goeth before a fall.

I just wonder how shaken she is, and I do think she is shaken, My god, how could she not be? I don't know that she'll change much; maybe she'll just get a chance to calm down and become her old self. I don't enjoy her myself - maybe it's the way she presents herself. I think she's beautiful. I think she's energetic. I just keep waiting for her to say something with any depth to it. I also think that's some of what drives the media - they can't latch on to comments cuz I don't think there's much to offer. Maybe it's the words she uses, or even the way the talks - it's not easy to grip on her ideas. Look at what we've all been saying - it's mostly about what she lacks. I suspect she did a better job at governor than it seems.

As for people who wonder, they're often thought of as crazy, I think. Some times people just listen and say, that's neat. Look at the stuff Cbob throws out there for free. Jack looks at his neighborhood and wonders how he's gonna change it for the better. All the stuff these guys talk about in construction and other kinds of building - that's what pondering and wondering brings about, and why I like it even if I can't understand it.

I heard a scientist say once that growth is out only proof of life. I agree. Growth comes from exercising that muscle between our ears, wondering and pondering. Ms Palin herself makes me wonder, but what she says doesn't.

Once again, I think I'm done - stick a fork in me.

Ct, Say it ain't so! You avoid mirrors?????? I avoid cameras, but that's different. I think you're strong, tough, kind, and funny. not to mention an incredibly hard worker. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that.

"I don't know that she'll change much" http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242261

Bethy, That's the way I meant it, about the bruise maybe being a good thing. I was thinking maybe she'll rethink some things, and come out the better for it. And once again, I agree with the rest of your post too.

Carol, I second what Bethy said: You are strong, tough, kind and funny. And may I add very honest and likable. It's an honor and a pleasure to know you.

nite (I am soooo sick of hearing myself talk, I need a break)

Thanks guys.

I just caught a glimpse of Sarah Palin being interviewed and heard bout 25 or so words. She said she wanted to work for somebody who would work for the the things that made America great. I had a feeling she was tired of the election process. I also figured out what bothers me so about her.

She seems to have no sense of history, of proportion, of the existence of other places and peoples. She talks about America
only; she sounds to me like a teenager. I don't know if that's because that's all she knows or because she is talking to her base. I just know that, to me, all things are relative, and America is great in relation to other countries only. America can be greater. There is no finish line to cross in greatness. She doesn't get that, and would call me a bad American to think so. On my list of things I'm tired of goes the phrase values that made America great. The credit for that is shared with other things.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/07/the-putin-primary.html#comment-242247

Rez

I watched the service as well. If the news had covered the death and then covered the memorial that would have been fine instead of the 24/7 slobberfest.

I talked to my son and despite all of the rumors neither of us believed the tabloid stuff. Yes he was twisted by an unusual life and probably just wanted a happy childhood, but he was a magnificent talent and the send off was lovely. Now if they would just leave it at that,.....

I doubt we will be that lucky.

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | July 7, 2009 11:20 PM

Maybe so Jamie, but I suspect Rev Al was there to protect and serve MJ's legacy more than anything. That's his and always has been his routine. He does a good job.

If Ms Palin was so bad, so tawdry, so without intellectual curiosity, so unsophisticated, so small-town, how in the world did she become the most popular governor in the US?

Goodness, where would some of the male candidates fit in, someone like Will Rodgers or Estes Kefauver or Walkin' Lawton Chiles?

I saw mention of Alexis de Tocqueville a couple of days ago. Taking a look at some quotes attributed to him helps me put things in perspective.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/alexis_de_tocqueville.html

Flatus sed: "how in the world did she become the most popular governor in the US?"

I've seen this over and over and not sure from where this is designation is coming. Maybe the National Enquirer, McCain/palin 08 campaign, National standard, or what.?

My guess, she never was the nation's most popular governor.

Flatus- Sorry, obviously I really wasn't addressing your point but only the condition on which it was based.

cajunjoe: heard all about the Ocracoke tragedy...horrible...I am an Outer Banks vacationer, been there many times, once we rented a huge house north of Kill Devil Hills a mile or so , right on the beach...$4500 a week, back when times were good, just a few years ago. I just can't imagine doing that ever again, even though the rent was split four ways .....

BTW, I went to Will Rogers High School and imho, him and SP are in different leagues. He's was also a Cherokee from OK , although I don't hold that against him.

I enjoy Rev Al. I know, I know. He at least answers a lot of questions with either yes or no. I hate answers which begin with explanations.

Flatus, I myself didn't mean that I think she's tawdry, if you were speaking to me. I don't know that she's so bad. She just irritates me. As for being without intellectual curiosity, I personally think she just stopped being curious when she thought she had the answers.

As for un-sophisticated and small-townish, I don't think they are necessarily. detriments. Emily Dickinson could be said to have been both. I have read that Palin was a very successful governor and from what people say about that, she was a different person then,seemingly very involved in her own territory.
She seems to have broken with many old supporters.

All that being said, I suspect there are times in governing any
group when very different skills and talents are needed. Maybe her skills and talents were just what Alaska needed at the time.

As for de Tocqueville, we're truly luck to have his writings to give us perspective. He can cut thru the casing and get right to the meat. He was referring to what he saw almost 200 years ago so some of what he noted has evolved, but I think think my faavorite was something I decided long ago was maybe the most important part of the constitution - it has a built-in correction
process. If this doesn't work, here's how to change it peacefully. As a matter of fact, to my mind that puts paid to the 'original intent'malarky. Just saying.

Cajun Joe @ 4:03 -

Say it so Joe , say it ain't so .

"Everybody steady - up ! "
"Steady on the front !"
"Steady on the back !"

" Here comes the tone for the shot !"

Beep
Beep
Beep

BAMA !

Census Bureau: World's 65 and Older Population Will Triple by 2050

Here's an interesting one to ponder Jamie.

http://tinyurl.com/lypkn7

I KNEW that Martha Mitchell was on to something when "they" said she was crazy. They being the same men who have all but ousted Sarah Palin.

Sadly, Martha's been all but lost to the dusty cobwebs of history.

Loved seeing Bill O in the Mickey Mouse hat. Hope someone does something with that.

Just think of what it TOOK to pull off the Michael Jackson funeral today. A cast of thousands scurrying to take care of ALL those details.

tt

Rezdog, very few of us reading the 2050 predicted census will be here to enjoy it.

tt

When bush said, "In 2001, Bush said he "looked the man in the eye" and got a "sense of his soul," praising Putin's trustworthiness.", it was bull feathers then and it's bull feathers now!

Wadda jerk! {both of 'em}

tt

True tt, I think I'll feel lucky to see the 2020 Senseless. My poor grand daughter will be in her 40s. I linked it b/c Jamie's always thinking about world population info.

Rez, your grand daughter will be in her 40's?

Geeze! Puts it into more perspective.

tt

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
It Is Done, Tomorrow We Point It At The Sun -

The taping of the reflector edges, the glass install , final assembly. To all the friends who made this possible , many thanks.

http://cbsolaroven.blogspot.com/

------------------------------
Now the forecast at Lubbock for tomorrow, er a today -
" Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. South southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. "

I'll be at 500 degrees by 11 A. M. folks.

PS -
I finished on the 28 ann. of the flight of the first solar airplane.
Under a full moon. On 7-7-09 at 9 pm.
Have to scratch around, but there must be some sort of magic there.

PS -
I finished on the 28 ann. of the flight of the first solar airplane.
Under a full moon. On 7-7-09 at 9 pm.
Have to scratch around, but there must be some sort of magic there.

Yes bethy - Palin is no Emily. It seems like Sarah has been an extroverted extrovert all her life.

Very good Charlie Rose re: Russia.

http://videos.komando.com/2009/06/18/african-thunderstorm/

It ain't country, but it's different. Some may enjoy it.

Ping:

"So to the trip this week and comments from what I have seen and heard on Obama with this trip - He clearly is a fish out of water compared to his normal very smooth self. Come on admit it."

I see it on this trip. And have also seen it - thinly-veiled - at several other big moments including the Inauguration, the speech to Congress, the speech in Cairo and even the first time he checked out Air Force One.

But I like that. It is very human. Even though such things tell us very little about what goes on behind closed doors.

Interesting editorial in the NY Times about the G8:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/opinion/08wed1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Carol- figure he'll hang around for while as it was sudden.

You're not going to have Dick Nixon to kick a Round Danny Moore.