COLLECTIVE MADNESS


“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."

Friday, August 27, 2010

Insanity is rampant but everything is going to be allright.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the no smoking sign. We may encounter some turbulence, so please remain seated with your seatbelts on.



The rampant insanity makes for compelling drama. Everyday brings another installment of  "As the Whirled Turns."  How almost two thirds of the Hindenburg's passengers and crew survived the fiery crash is a miracle. 

Another down day on Wall Street Thursday sent the Dow below 10,000 for the first time since early July. Fear in the market is being expressed by the continued rally in Treasuries and widespread chatter about an ominous sounding technical indicator: The Hindenburg Omen.

The Hindenburg Omen has a roughly 25% accuracy rate in predicting big market upheaval since 1987, meaning it's far from infallible but isn't inconsequential either. The indicator's creator, mathematician Jim Miekka, compares the Hindenburg Omen to a funnel cloud that precedes a tornado in a recent interview with The WSJ. "It doesn't mean [the market's] going to crash, but it's a high probability," he said.
Take heart, most of us will survive this crash. In the meantime, think of life as a series of ongoing adventures.

Just sit back, relax, enjoy the ride.




285 comments:

  1. I don't see no nekkid wimmin.

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  2. Oh well, this is what wiki says about the Hindenberg Omen:

    The Hindenburg Omen is a combination of technical factors that attempt to measure the health of the NYSE, and by extension, the stock market as a whole. The goal of the indicator is to signal increased probability of a stock market crash.

    The rationale is that under "normal conditions" either a substantial number of stocks may set new annual highs or annual lows, but not both at the same time. As a healthy market possesses a degree of uniformity, whether up or down, the simultaneous presence of many new highs and lows may signal trouble.

    [edit] Criteria
    These criteria are calculated daily using Wall Street Journal figures for consistency. (Other exchanges may be used as well.) Some have been recalibrated by Miekka to reduce statistical noise and make the indicator a more reliable predictor of a future decline.

    The daily number of NYSE new 52 week highs and the daily number of new 52 week lows are both greater than or equal to 2.8 percent (typically, 84) of the sum of NYSE issues that advance or decline that day (typically, around 3000)[3]. An older version of the indicator used a threshold of 2.5 percent of total issues traded (approximately 80 of 3200 in today's market).
    The NYSE index is greater in value than it was 50 trading days ago. Originally, this was expressed as a rising 10 week moving average, but the new rule is more relevant to the daily data used to look at new highs and lows.
    The McClellan Oscillator is negative on the same day.
    New 52 week highs cannot be more than twice the new 52 week lows (though new 52 week lows may be more than double new highs).
    The traditional definition requires each condition to occur on the same day. Once the signal has occurred, it is valid for 30 days, and any additional signals given during the 30-day period should be ignored. During the 30 days, the signal is activated whenever the McClellan Oscillator is negative, but deactivated whenever it is positive.[4]

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  3. We report; you decide.

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  4. Yes, Trish, do show your postings to that adolescent psychologist.

    And by all means show him/her mine.

    Don't forget to show her Dr. Hiss' posts (putrification) and your correspondence to him.

    Be sure to be seated first, because you are going to be stunned.

    O, and since adolescent docs are used to hearing all uncouth teens saying "fuck" etc, you may need to find a more original tag.

    See whit slinked back in the dead of night. ..still waiting for that manly response, old boy...avoidance comes to mind...another adolescent trait...

    Come on whit, out with it: Why did you censor my post? Stand up on your hind legs like a man and take your best shot. Win, lose, or draw, I'm gone. It's win-win for you. I just want you on the record. What, you wanted to hang with the kool kids?

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  5. Yes, Trish, do show your postings to that adolescent psychologist.

    And by all means show him/her mine.

    Don't forget to show her Dr. Hiss' posts (putrification) and your correspondence to him.

    Be sure to be seated first, because you are going to be stunned.

    O, and since adolescent docs are used to hearing all uncouth teens saying "fuck" etc, you may need to find a more original tag.

    See whit slinked back in the dead of night. ..still waiting for that manly response, old boy...avoidance comes to mind...another adolescent trait...

    Come on whit, out with it: Why did you censor my post? Stand up on your hind legs like a man and take your best shot. Win, lose, or draw, I'm gone. It's win-win for you. I just want you on the record. What, you wanted to hang with the kool kids?

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  6. It only takes a little green pill and you get the most amazing eight hour uninterrupted sleep you can ask for. It is extremely important to your emotional and physical well being to get the right amount of sleep each day. I'm glad Bob is taking that step to self healing.


    What's in my refrigerator...cucumbers, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, onions, pea shoots, coconut milk etc...I could make you an egg white omelet with vegan cheese and then use the same exact ingredients to make a salad for lunch.


    Mel

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  7. O, I noticed that the vampires were up last night worrying about allen...CREEPY...but there are meds, thankfully.

    Allen, as always, slept like a babe, with a babe. He didn't think of Dr. Hiss, DR, Trish, or Quirk once; instead, he dreamed of slicing through the water on a sleek ship.

    Remaining sober helps.

    DR, that Dr. Hiss thing is typical of your malady. Feel free to introduce any of your other little jackbooted friends. They will fit right in.

    Must make you proud Whit :) A real legacy maker, you. Show this site to the grandkids...Right...kinda like porn...

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  8. O, I noticed that the vampires were up last night worrying about allen...CREEPY...but there are meds, thankfully.

    Allen, as always, slept like a babe, with a babe. He didn't think of Dr. Hiss, DR, Trish, or Quirk once; instead, he dreamed of slicing through the water on a sleek ship.

    Remaining sober helps.

    DR, that Dr. Hiss thing is typical of your malady. Feel free to introduce any of your other little jackbooted friends. They will fit right in.

    Must make you proud Whit :) A real legacy maker, you. Show this site to the grandkids...Right...kinda like porn...

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  9. You're kind of living on the edge aren't you Melody?

    I mean eating them eggs and all.

    Kinda like preparing fugu, the tropical blowfish, yourself and eating it. Gambling with high stakes.

    You are one crazy chick.


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  10. Another pseudo Marine without a DD214.

    Just like his hero, habu.

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  11. Pa wasn't one of the states that the tainted eggs were distributed to.

    A few years back when it was the tomatoes that were tainted the little old lady behind me line as I was buying them said something about it. I told her that a touch of salmonella would do wonders for my constipation. She just looked at me.

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  12. And besides I like to live on the edge the edgier the better.

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  13. Covert Operations
    The billionaire brothers who are waging a war against Obama.

    by Jane Mayer

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  14. I look at it this way a few days in the hospital would be like vacation....someone cooking my meals, someone changing my sheets, someone bringing my meds and most important no interruptions when I'm in the middle of reading, watching my favorite TV show or talking on the phone.

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  15. As I said, one crazy chick.


    :)


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  16. Blogger whit said...

    "Sarah Palin is an attractive woman conservative Republican from Alaska.

    Not the sharpest knife in the drawer but very lucky to have come of age during a dearth of serious leadership.

    The country is in trouble. That's not a knock on Palin, I just don't think we have any Churchills, Reagan's or Thatchers ready for the starting rotation."


    Blogger rufus said...

    "Whit, I haven't seen any evidence that she's the least bit dull.

    She sure seems to understand what the people want. She keeps reaching down in the cabinet and pulling up Winners."






    That pretty well what summarizes my main problem with Palin. As a potential leader for the USA, still the most powerful nation in the world, it comes down to the above. That is pathetic but she very well may get to be POTUS anyway.


    On another note, related actually, Jon Stewart has been doing some funny bits on the 'follow the money' meme behind the VICTORY MOSQUE and the Glenn Beck style of reasoning. He does it with Fox News and the Saudi Prince who has a considerable ownership share in that Corpse.

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  17. Absolutely, ash.

    The suspect "Terror Sponsor" of that community center is the second largest shareholder of Mr Murdock's media empire, which does include FOX News and the Wall Street Journal.

    Which along with the $1,000,000 USD that FOX News directly contributed to the GOP Governors fund, pretty much seals the deal.

    FOX News and the GOP are just extensions of those Saudi Semites.

    Where is the outrage?
    The demands to boycott the WSJ, FOX News and Republican Governors?

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  18. Unique, Quirk, unique. Crazy adds a little mental alteration to it and my mind hasn't gone, yet.

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  19. My friends, allen, wear cowboy boots.

    It is your friends, in Israel, that wear the jack boots while murdering Jewish babies.
    A million of them, since 1979.

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  20. I'll buy unique Mel.

    But crazy?

    A mere colloquialism.

    Remember I grew up in the age of Austin Powers.

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  21. Rat states:

    It is your friends, in Israel, that wear the jack boots while murdering Jewish babies.
    A million of them, since 1979.



    This is a prime example of "jew-baiting". A classic demonstration of anti-semitism.

    There is no point argue with people like Rat. They have no shame, they repeat lies over and over again, hoping that repetition creates truth.

    What would be nice to see if others would point this out on a regular basis.

    To engage with this type of person on OTHER topics gives him a pass on his vile comments (like the one above)...

    Rat (and his type) are the perfect example of what the Issue is about the Ground Zero Mosque Imam.

    He speaks so well on so many issues, but when it comes to Israel, Zionism and even America his hatred comes thru loud and clear, but because he talks about other issues he is acceptable.

    Rat and the Imam support the genocide of the Jews. This is clear. This is why NOTHING he or the Imam says I give a hoot about.

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  22. Well if you put it that way, I'm game. But I never was a fan of Austin Powers.

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  23. Dear Dr. Hiss and AnonX:

    With all the gentleness of which I am capable, you are not real; consequently, you do not have
    DD214s.

    Sorry boys (?) but you are the figment of the imagination of a highly paranoid, schzoid personality with extreme OCD. As Quirk might say, could he, you are the product of a caricaturive personality, as evidenced by the past several threads.

    OCD - obesessive compulsive disorder

    is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety, or by a combination of such thoughts obsessions and behaviors compulsions...

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  24. So Mel, I noticed your new avatar.

    You been watching the 'Sound of Music' again?


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  25. Really?

    Or are you running some shit on the old guy?



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  26. I kind of liked the early MLD.

    The one by the stairs with the shadows.

    The feet weren't bad.

    The latest one, a little too impressionistic.


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  27. The fact that Israel provides women access to legal abortion is a good thing.

    There is a difference between an organism having inalienable rights and imposing the maintenance of those rights upon another is a distinction with a difference. Similarly an elderly sick person, brain dead say, does not have an inalienable right to be kept on life support indefinitely.

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  28. It is a prime example of disinformation, to attack the messenger, while ignoring the truth of the modern Israeli Holocaust, the murder of over a million Jewish babies, in Israel by Israelis.

    It is the true hallmark of their self-vaunted civilization.
    One that they want the reader to ignore.

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  29. Just sit back, relax, enjoy the ride.


    Is this what everyone is doing right now?

    Any insights from anyone?

    As Whit asked last night, Bueller?

    Trying to make sure I'm deversified right now and noticed I'm short on Reits. However, the VNQ shows a double top pattern over the past six months.

    Any insights on the next 6 months?


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  30. Hold on to your hat I think it will be a turbulent ride.

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  31. How almost two thirds of the Hindenburg's passengers and crew survived the fiery crash is a miracle.

    They did?

    Wow, never knew that.

    You look at the newsreels, you'd think no one could survive.

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  32. I'm sorry you feel that way, Quirk. It's going to stay that way until I tire of it which doesn't take very long.

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  33. "There is a difference between an organism having inalienable rights and imposing the maintenance of those rights upon another is a distinction with a difference. Similarly an elderly sick person, brain dead say, does not have an inalienable right to be kept on life support indefinitely."

    Don't really want to get into an argument on either. However, while I agree there is a difference on the first as you posit, I disagree with what I assume is your resultant position.

    I do agree with your position on the second.


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  34. I'm sorry you feel that way, Quirk.

    I doubt that, but nice of you to say so anyway.

    Hey, tastes differ.


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  35. Wow, never knew that.


    I was suprised by that too Bob.

    I new some escaped but expected that most perished.


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  36. Hold on to your hat I think it will be a turbulent ride.

    Thanks for the insight Ash.

    That will help me a lot.


    :)

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  37. Allen, reconsider. I think Whit just wanted one clean thread in honor of the troops. You weren't at fault, he just wiped you both out in a temporary fit.

    It won't be the same around here for me, without you.

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  38. The Lord is definitely on your side if you come out of that sucker alive.

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  39. What to do? Buy stocks before the November wipeout. They'll go up after.

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  40. I think the trend is downward Quirk for the near term but hopefully there will be updrafts as well (so one can put a decent short in).

    re. that other stuff - it seems to me if it applies for one situation there is no reason for it to not apply to the other. I open to suggestions that this thought is misguided.

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  41. ah, the prospect of revenge--

    By GLENN THRUSH | 8/27/10 4:25 AM EDT

    If President Barack Obama needed any more incentive to go all out for Democrats this fall, here it is: Republicans are planning a wave of committee investigations targeting the White House and Democratic allies if they win back the majority.

    Everything from the microscopic — the New Black Panther party — to the massive –- think bailouts — is on the GOP to-do list, according to a half-dozen Republican aides interviewed by POLITICO.


    Republican staffers say there won’t be any self-destructive witch hunts, but they clearly are relishing the prospect of extracting information from an administration that touts transparency.

    And a handful of aggressive would-be committee chairmen — led by Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Lamar Smith (R-Texas) — are quietly gearing up for a possible season of subpoenas not seen since the Clinton wars of the late 1990s.

    Issa would like Obama’s cooperation, says Kurt Bardella, spokesman for the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. But it’s not essential.

    “How acrimonious things get really depend on how willing the administration is in accepting our findings [and] responding to our questions,” adds Bardella, who refers to his boss as “questioner-in-chief.’

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  42. I'd suggest you are misguided but it's not an argument I want to get into again.

    I diagree with the law as it is interpreted but will have to live with it until it is changed.

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  43. Anyone know anything about the new big thing, cloud computing?

    By anything I mean who the key players should be moving forward.

    The groundswell for cloud seems to be building.


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  44. bob,

    Re: whit's deletion

    With all due respect, I disagree. Look at that thread. If Whit wanted to honor the alleged final withdrawal of combat units (something disproved the next day, by the way) he should have started at the top of the thread and worked his way down. My response to ash paled by comparison to the usual miscreants; indeed, it was more of a quote.

    No, bob, Whit took a shot because I called him on his pandering. It is that simple. Well, he can censor as much as he likes, that will not make him a better man. And he will be eatten alive by these nightstalkers he pampers.

    As to T's observation of "permaban", I suspect that attitude accounts for the overflowing "Comment" sections of her various attempts at retail blogging. It is hard to take too seriously a gal who can't remember her name from month to month and changes her religion with the regularity of Amelda's shoes.

    And, bob, whit did not even bother to remove your "N" bomb posts.

    No, bob, sorry to say, it's personal.

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  45. Cloud computing is like when bob was farming and got so good reading the clouds he could predict the coming weather better than the TV weatherman. True too.

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  46. One, ash, is at the beginning of the ride, the other at its' end.

    Major difference, those years in the middle.

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  47. true anon, but the pertinent point is the demand of a person to assure the rights of another. For example, I am not obligated to ensure you have the freedom to speak your mind. That freedom is your right but it isn't up to me to ensure you get it.

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  48. That article gives a pretty good overview Allen but that title is strangely partisan given the contents of the article - i.e. the author admits that these problems have been building for quite a while. His proposed solution echoes what I and others have said for awhile now - raise revenues AND cut spending is needed to balance the budget but the main problem appears to be that things are so far gone that the pain of that solution could drive US into a prolonged depression. The policy alternative appears to be for the 'arm's length Fed' to print up money.

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  49. ...but the pertinent point is the demand of a person to assure the rights of another...

    Keeping things general, Ash, I think yours is a simplistic view on responsibility.

    Most acts people take create a certain measure of responsibility even if it is only to themselves.

    You talk about having no responsibility to guarantee anothers free speech. However, that is an inappropriate example since from the way you posited the statement you had no direct influence on that person.

    The difference comes in when you have a direct influence on another person. At that point, you have assumed a level of responsibility like it or not.

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  50. It certainly is your responsibility, to assure that the personal rights of others are protected, if you are a citizen.

    Within, of course, the legal bounds of our representative governance.

    If the majority decide that murdering babies is legal, then it is. Even if it is morally repugnant.

    It is each citizens duty to defend the rights of the individual, as they see them.
    If the commonly held "Civilized" position is that those babies lack any humanity, well there you are. That becomes the Law.

    But the Law does not change the morality, the righteousness, of those decisions.

    The State holds the power of life and death over all its' citizens. It can demand your time, your money, property, even your life.

    To the extent that the State does use that power, that is the operative debate as concerns the balance between individuals and the State. As well as the State deciding which individuals to empower, at the expense of others.

    Which individuals the State will protect and which it allows to be thrown under the bus, or to the wolves.

    The how and why of those decisions, what both politics and organized religion is all about.

    Where the line between the rights of the individual and the power of the collective is drawn.

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  51. "By anything I mean who the key players should be moving forward."

    Going out on a limb here...

    Bill Gates.

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  52. Hey, chachapoya, how come we don't see you here more often?

    Unwilling to enter this thoroughly disfunctional family?

    Chachapoya?

    Is that that infamous cryptid reportedly seen throughout the southern states and Latin America.


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  53. rat wrote:

    "It is each citizens duty to defend the rights of the individual, as they see them."

    hunh? How so? Is this a legal requirement? Say you are walking down the street and 3 black dudes are beating on another black dude - are you suggesting that you would be legally required to put your life at risk and intervene to protect that person's rights?

    Quirk wrote:

    "The difference comes in when you have a direct influence on another person. At that point, you have assumed a level of responsibility like it or not."

    Yes, there is a duty of care involved in human interactions. For example a mother cannot simply abandon her new-born in an alleyway. She can, however, put it up for adoption ect.

    Take the example of the terminally ill. The family, and State, is not required to extend the life of the individual for extended periods of time using life support. The family has a choice as to whether the life support should be continued. Similarly a women who finds she is pregnant is not required, should not be required, to assume the risks of continuing that pregnancy to term. It is her choice whether to assume those risks. In both cases, the elderly, and the embryo, a life is at stake and the issue, in my mind, is the requirement placed upon individuals to make those lives viable.

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  54. Tis a cloud warrior, Quirk.

    You may be thinking of the dreaded Montauk Monsters

    If you don't listen to Coast to Coast for laughs and info, you don't know these necessary things.

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  55. Tis a cloud warrior, Quirk.

    It was a joke Bob.

    I looked it up on Google before I wrote the post.


    As to the "Monster", I was referring to a 'Chupacabra'.

    When talking of native Americans, I bow to your superior knowledge.

    When it comes to crypto-zoolology, I'll turn to my wife. She always has some cable show on big foot, chupacabra, or ebu gogo on.


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  56. heh :) Ebu Gogo, even I hadn't heard of that.

    Kinda cute little critters.

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  57. Ebu Gogo

    Look at that fine hair, would fit right into any disco scene.

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  58. to assume the risks of continuing that pregnancy to term.


    No one is suggesting anyone has to commit suicide. Most religions accept that given a situation where it comes down to your life or that of another, you have the more right to protect your own. Within reason. However, under your definition, the idea of responsibility is meaningless.


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  59. I don't think people come to this bar to drink, I think they drink because of this bar.

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  60. Any excuse for a drink.


    It's always five o'clock somewhere.


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  61. Every pregnancy carries risks quirk. It is up to the individual involved whether she should accept those risks. It is not up to the State to decide for her.

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  62. Every pregnancy carries risks quirk.

    Those same risks are evident prior to the pregnancy, thus the concept of responsibility.


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  63. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  64. are you suggesting there be some sort of 'questionnaire' with the answers determining whether an abortion should be made available?

    Were you raped? Did a condom burst? Did you use birth control but still got pregnant? Were you drunk? Are you a slut? Are you a teenager? Will your health be at risk?

    That isn't a viable option. No, the decision should be hers, and hers alone, to make.

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  65. Everyone has to make there own choice. That's why I don't like to get into it.

    It's a moral choice.

    How one decides it is up to them.

    That's fine with me.

    But I don't buy into the platitudes, moral relevatism, and rationalizations.

    Gotta walk the dog.


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  66. No, ash, you do not have to personally intervene, but you have a responsibility to call the police.

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  67. Am I reading you right Rat - every embryo deserves the full protection under the law? An embryo is a person in other words? If so, I refer you to my arguments suggesting the similarities between a person on life support and the families ability to choose to continue the life support or not and a pregnant woman's right to chose to be the life support system for an embryo or not.

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  68. Schwarzenegger on California Economy, Public Pensions and Our Fiscal Future

    For years I've asked state legislators to stop adding to retirement debt. They have refused. Now the Democratic leadership of the assembly proposes to raise the tax and debt burdens on private employees in order to cover rising public-employee compensation.

    But what will they do next year when those compensation costs grow 15% more? And the year after that when they've risen again? And 10 years from now, when retirement costs have reached nearly $30 billion per year? That's where government-employee retirement costs are headed even with the pension reforms I'm demanding. Imagine where they're headed without reform.

    My view is different. We must not raise taxes or borrow money to cover up fundamental problems.

    Much needs to be done. The Assembly needs to reverse the massive and retroactive increase in pension formulas it enacted 11 years ago. It also needs to prohibit "spiking"—giving someone a big raise in his last year of work so his pension is boosted. Government employees must be required to increase their contributions to pensions. Public pension funds must make truthful financial disclosures to the public as to the size of their liabilities, and they must use reasonable projected rates of returns on their investments. The legislature could pass those reforms in five minutes, the same amount of time it took them to pass that massive pension boost 11 years ago that adds additional costs every single day they refuse to act.

    And after they've finished passing those reforms, they could take another five minutes to pass legislation terminating the annuity give-away they passed in 2003 and ending the immoral practice of pension fund board members accepting gifts or even campaign contributions from lobbyists, salesmen, unions and other special interests.

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  69. Ash if you fail to see the difference between a young life full of potential being snuffed and an old brain-dead guy on life support we really have no basis on which to continue the discussion.

    It would be pointless.


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  70. Sure there is a difference Quirk but is it a difference that really makes a difference? Is a life to be valued based on how much experience is left to be experienced? How about a brain dead teenager, does that make a difference? Is a few cells comprising an embryo really a person? Are my sperm sacred? Is the Catholic Church's stand on contraception the way to go? It is a mighty funny line you are trying to draw treating two different human lives as different in kind. You might as well accept an embryo isn't a person until the second trimester if you are going to use that kind of reasoning.

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  71. Finally, a decent day on the S&P.


    Billionaire


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  72. Are my sperm sacred?

    Quite secular, we'd all agree.

    The world famous National Lentil Festival is on this weekend, folks. And you thought we were a backwater.

    And, Hot August Nights, with all the old cars, is coming up soon, followed by the Lewiston Roundup.
    And dove and grouse season.

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  73. "insanity"

    Don't know how I produced the non-link, either.

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  74. Schwarzenegger on California Economy, Public Pensions and Our Fiscal Future

    For years I've asked state legislators to stop adding to retirement debt. They have refused. Now the Democratic leadership of the assembly proposes to raise the tax and debt burdens on private employees in order to cover rising public-employee compensation.

    But what will they do next year when those compensation costs grow 15% more? And the year after that when they've risen again? And 10 years from now, when retirement costs have reached nearly $30 billion per year? That's where government-employee retirement costs are headed even with the pension reforms I'm demanding. Imagine where they're headed without reform.

    My view is different. We must not raise taxes or borrow money to cover up fundamental problems.

    Much needs to be done. The Assembly needs to reverse the massive and retroactive increase in pension formulas it enacted 11 years ago. It also needs to prohibit "spiking"—giving someone a big raise in his last year of work so his pension is boosted. Government employees must be required to increase their contributions to pensions. Public pension funds must make truthful financial disclosures to the public as to the size of their liabilities, and they must use reasonable projected rates of returns on their investments. The legislature could pass those reforms in five minutes, the same amount of time it took them to pass that massive pension boost 11 years ago that adds additional costs every single day they refuse to act.

    And after they've finished passing those reforms, they could take another five minutes to pass legislation terminating the annuity give-away they passed in 2003 and ending the immoral practice of pension fund board members accepting gifts or even campaign contributions from lobbyists, salesmen, unions and other special interests.

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  75. You're trying to make it too complicated Ash.

    Rationalization.

    It may not be a simple choice with regard to circumstances; but when it comes down to it the decision is yes or no.

    Bringing religion into this, especially organized religion, is a red herring. It's got nothing to do with religion. It's got nothing to do with the law. Law or no law anyone can get an abortion is they want if bad enough.

    No, it's a moral issue. Just you and you.

    If you feel the tissue is nothing until it's born, fine. If you are comfortable rationalizing the responsibility for that decision away, fine. Go for it.

    However, when for someone that doesn't buy that rationale, there is little point continuing the argument. No opinions will be changed.


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  76. Quirk, I think it comes down to who should have the choice - the State or the individual. In this case I think the woman should be given the choice, not the State. Similarly the family should be given the choice on whether life support should be ended or not. It is not a decision for the State to make.

    Which make me "Pro Choice" - and you?

    ReplyDelete
  77. You're pro-choice.

    Fine. Rock on sailor.

    If my position isn't clear to you, you are a little obtuse.

    I believe the rationale for the Roe vs Wade was fabricated by a liberal court pushing a political agenda. I don't see the basis for it in the constitution.

    However, as I said this has nothing to do with law or religion.

    It requires a decision on morals so I'm not in a position to criticize your decision. Everyone has to make their own decision on this issue.

    It's safe to assume I disagree with you.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  78. So you think the State should not allow a woman the right to make the choice is how I interpret what you've written. You think terminating a pregnancy is immoral and thus should be illegal. Right?

    ReplyDelete
  79. Easy Come. Easy Go.


    Cheerleader sued wrong company

    "An NFL cheerleader who thought she had won $11 million in a defamation judgment against a gossip website may have the result nullified because her lawyers sued the wrong company, politico.com reported Thursday.

    Sarah Jones, a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader and Kentucky teacher, meant to sue TheDirty.com after comments on the site in December suggested she had an affair with a player and also contracted two venereal diseases. The site is run by Scottsdale-based Dirty World LLC.

    But due to a clerical error the complaint named the offending website as TheDirt.com, which is owned by Los Angeles-based Dirty World Entertainment Recordings.

    U.S. District Court judge William O. Bertelsman on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles-based Dirty World Entertainment Recordings to pay $1 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages for failing to respond to the lawsuit filed in February.

    But it appears Dirty World Entertainment Recordings was incorrectly named in proceedings. Jones' attorneys should actually have been suing Dirty World LLC.

    TheDirty.com founder Hooman Karamian was named in the complaint but said neither he nor his company was was ever served in the case.


    Courtesy of FOXSports.com

    .

    ReplyDelete
  80. As I said this is not a legal issue but a moral one.

    I am, however, against the state writing into law something I oppose on moral grounds thus implying if not stating explicitly that it condones those actions.

    If you fail to see the distinction, I'm sorry.

    .

    ReplyDelete
  81. Somehow, this has been automagically deleted TWICE.

    Try try again:

    Schwarzenegger on California Economy, Public Pensions and Our Fiscal Future

    For years I've asked state legislators to stop adding to retirement debt. They have refused. Now the Democratic leadership of the assembly proposes to raise the tax and debt burdens on private employees in order to cover rising public-employee compensation.

    But what will they do next year when those compensation costs grow 15% more? And the year after that when they've risen again? And 10 years from now, when retirement costs have reached nearly $30 billion per year? That's where government-employee retirement costs are headed even with the pension reforms I'm demanding. Imagine where they're headed without reform.

    My view is different. We must not raise taxes or borrow money to cover up fundamental problems.

    Much needs to be done. The Assembly needs to reverse the massive and retroactive increase in pension formulas it enacted 11 years ago. It also needs to prohibit "spiking"—giving someone a big raise in his last year of work so his pension is boosted. Government employees must be required to increase their contributions to pensions. Public pension funds must make truthful financial disclosures to the public as to the size of their liabilities, and they must use reasonable projected rates of returns on their investments. The legislature could pass those reforms in five minutes, the same amount of time it took them to pass that massive pension boost 11 years ago that adds additional costs every single day they refuse to act.

    And after they've finished passing those reforms, they could take another five minutes to pass legislation terminating the annuity give-away they passed in 2003 and ending the immoral practice of pension fund board members accepting gifts or even campaign contributions from lobbyists, salesmen, unions and other special interests.

    ReplyDelete
  82. My Arnold post has been deleted for the third time.

    I saved the page before it disappeared this time.

    ReplyDelete
  83. testing

    Schwarzenegger on California Economy, Public Pensions and Our Fiscal Future

    For years I've asked state legislators to stop adding to retirement debt. They have refused. Now the Democratic leadership of the assembly proposes to raise the tax and debt burdens on private employees in order to cover rising public-employee compensation.

    But what will they do next year when those compensation costs grow 15% more? And the year after that when they've risen again? And 10 years from now, when retirement costs have reached nearly $30 billion per year? That's where government-employee retirement costs are headed even with the pension reforms I'm demanding. Imagine where they're headed without reform.

    My view is different. We must not raise taxes or borrow money to cover up fundamental problems.

    Much needs to be done. The Assembly needs to reverse the massive and retroactive increase in pension formulas it enacted 11 years ago. It also needs to prohibit "spiking"—giving someone a big raise in his last year of work so his pension is boosted. Government employees must be required to increase their contributions to pensions. Public pension funds must make truthful financial disclosures to the public as to the size of their liabilities, and they must use reasonable projected rates of returns on their investments. The legislature could pass those reforms in five minutes, the same amount of time it took them to pass that massive pension boost 11 years ago that adds additional costs every single day they refuse to act.

    And after they've finished passing those reforms, they could take another five minutes to pass legislation terminating the annuity give-away they passed in 2003 and ending the immoral practice of pension fund board members accepting gifts or even campaign contributions from lobbyists, salesmen, unions and other special interests.



    testing

    ReplyDelete
  84. so far, so good, all I changed was the "testing"

    ReplyDelete
  85. Whit told me to put it into Notepad first Doug.

    It worked on one I was having a hard time posting.

    You may want to try it.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  86. The unborn human should be protected by the State.

    The woman had her opportunity to choose, prior to inception. Once she conceives, the choice is not only hers, but the States', as well. On that there is agreement.

    The several States protected that unborn human for hundreds of years. That was the Law, in those of the several states where such Laws were applied.

    The State then decided that the as yet unborn human, no longer deserved or could even be provided the protection of the State.

    Modern civilization being what it is.

    If it was up to me, the State would protect the most helpless amongst us, not allowing other individuals to decide their ultimate fate.

    The woman had a choice and made it.

    Once another life was involved, the State should protect that life from violent dismemberment and death.

    Obviously, that is not the case, today. Nor will it become that way again, soon.

    It does not change the reality that we have killed 50 million of our own. Or that the majority, the totality of US, have accepted it.

    Just as the Germans accepted the Nazis and their industrialization of death. The people of the US look the other way, or deny the humanity of the yet unborn.

    The first step in genocide, is to deny the humanity of the victims.

    Learn it, live it, love it or leave it.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hey, chachapoya, when responding to Bob I mentioned a joke.

    I was just talking about the second part of my post.


    Thanks for the suggestion on cloud.

    I meant what I said about you showing up more.

    .
    .

    ReplyDelete
  88. desert rat said...
    The unborn human should be protected by the State.


    But the LAW of this land America doesn't agree with you.

    Love it or Leave it.

    Accept the LAWS of the USA or don't..

    After all, among all of us at the Bar, you have murdered actual humans that have been born.

    Listening to you for being a moral compass is like asking Hitler whether he prefers his Jews gassed or incinerated...

    ReplyDelete
  89. "The woman had a choice and made it."

    Say she had no choice in the matter - rape for instance, or failed contraception. In this case does she qualify to legally terminate the pregnancy under your view of things rat?

    ReplyDelete
  90. That was a good link to the Washington Times editorial, T.

    Thanks.

    Unfortunately, the Military has been burying it's head in the politically correct sands for some years now.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Mel's link was perfect, too.

    "I'm going to soak up some sun. I'm going tell everyone to "lighten up."

    That's what the EB regulars need to hear.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I would love to attend Lentilfest, bob.

    My local Mediterranean restaurant serves the best lentil soup you will ever taste.

    Yummy!

    It's owned and operated by a Palestinian family who have a bunch of thoroughly Americanized girls who just want to have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Who wouldn't want to have a little taste of the Palouse in the Microbrewery Tent on a Friday night?

    I mean really, if we were there, would you still want to clean my clock? Or tip a cold one with me?

    ReplyDelete
  94. This morning at 4:16 Rufus said,
    The Fridge is loaded. I've got two bud lights, and a T-bone. Anything else you find, you can have.

    Call me whatever you want, just don't call me "late for dinner."

    Medium rare, please and if it's not too much trouble, a frosted mug.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I mean really, if we were there, would you still want to clean my clock? Or tip a cold one with me?

    Well, that question is a little unfair.

    You're kinda stacking the deck.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  96. Whit, I'm impressed that's the exact message I was sending when I chose that song and you pick it right out.

    AND driving home from work I was listening to your link by Cheryl Crowe and thought, I should go home and post this at the EB. Well, because I always want to have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I love it, "o".

    And still may leave it.

    I accept the position of the government. It is what it is.
    I do not deny it.
    Nor do I excuse it.

    That is the difference 'tween you and me. I accept reality.

    You refuse to accept reality, with regards Israel and the million Jews they've legally killed in the last 30+ years.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Quirk,

    Re: Roe v. Wade

    At last an issue upon which we can agree!

    As I recall, the perp came to Jesus and fessed up to the con of the Court.

    ReplyDelete
  99. The Israeli Holocaust worse than any actions the Muslims have taken towards Israel, since its' founding in 1949, from any rational or moral perspective.

    That's the reality of Israeli self-loathing.
    Some type of deeply instilled guilt permeates their 'civilized' society. While they project that loathing upon the Muslims, as seen from here.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Another standard Abrahamic tactic, they pray that their merciful God will strike at their political foes.

    Financial Times -

    Last week in Lille a Catholic priest announced that he was praying that French president Nicolas Sarkozy would have a heart attack.

    ReplyDelete
  101. DR, AnonX, Dr. Hiss, T. Rex et al:

    As usual, your facts are incorrect.

    "'Israel has lost more than one and a half million Jewish children to abortion since 1948. In a country of about 5.5 million Jews this number has great demographic significance. Imagine how much stronger Israel would have been today with one million more Jews,' a statement from Efrat says."

    Since you did not bother to link, I saved myself the trouble of reciprocity.

    The period is 62 years, not the 30 you claim. Why did you need to prevaricate about something equally horrific in any event? O, that's right, you are here for entertainment...a regular Uncle Miltie...

    ReplyDelete
  102. The United States more at risk from its' own accepted mores and standards than from the Muslims of the world.

    We've killed more of our own than any enemy has ever dreamed of.

    And think nothing of it.

    Another part of our modern barbaric and uncivilized culture and civilization.

    Which, according to you, is a Jewish invention. Of which you are continually and proudly boastful.

    Baffles me, really, that you take such pride in the Israeli legally killing a million Jews, in Israel.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Oh, so the Israeli have killed a million, five hundred thousand Jews in sixty four years. Rather than a million in thirty four.

    Any bets both numbers are accurate?

    But, mea culpa, regardless.

    The chart I referenced went back to 1979 and added up to a million, more or less.

    Thanks for the more accurate body count, upping the total by 50%.

    All the more barbaric, really.

    ReplyDelete
  104. The Israeli now reaching 25% of Hitler's Holocaust total, but in Israel's case, there is no end in sight.

    At least the French are merely deporting the Romanian Gypsies.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Tip a cold, of course, Whit. I'd offer some lentils and summer sausage too. What we always used to take camping.

    I think Melody's picture is really nifty, floating around that meadow, sort of poetic like, pointing upward.

    ReplyDelete
  106. There's really not a lot in the way of winerys around here. The place for that is Walla Walla, Washington. A lot of the old row crop land has gone to grapes there.

    ReplyDelete
  107. PHOENIX — The first of 532 National Guard troops are set to begin their mission in the southern Arizona desert on Monday under President Barack Obama's plan to beef up U.S.-Mexico border security, although they won't have any law enforcement authority.

    Authorities would not say how many troops would start Monday, but said waves of them will be deploying every Monday until all 532 are on the Arizona border, likely by the end of September. In May, Obama ordered 1,200 National Guard troops to boost security along the border.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. contributed $1 million to the Republican Governors Association.

    So?

    "Senior executives, on-air personalities, producers, reporters, editors, writers and other self-identifying employees of ABC, CBS and NBC contributed more than $1 million to Democratic candidates and campaign committees in 2008..."

    Read more at the Washington Examiner:

    ReplyDelete
  109. I'll sprinkle in a little bad news: (Since no one else has today)
    From Business Insider

    Government spending contributed +0.86% to the 1.6% GDP growth value, which was one of the highest quarterly government contribution to GDP since at least 2007. The only quarters to beat it since the beginning fo 2007 were Q3 of 2008 and Q2 of 2009, at +1.04% and +1.24% respectively.

    Sans the 0.86% government spending boost, U.S. GDP would have grown by just 0.74% during Q2 of this year. This is shown by the right-hand bar above.

    ReplyDelete
  110. Did you know that while your waiting for someone to post a new comment on the thread, that there's a fortune to be made without leaving the comfort of your computer chair?

    I have discovered vast wealth waiting to be harvested.

    Send $1.00 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to....

    For EB patrons only, a hint:

    It's no wonder the African nations are so poor, they are bleeding millions and millions of dollars.

    Act now and you will receive bonus (insiders only) information about the treasure that can be yours, all without leaving your keyboard.

    But you must act soon. This is a limited offer available only to the first 100 respondents.

    ReplyDelete
  111. There are a couple of ... "so" ... there whit.

    From the other networks the contributions came from individuals, not the Corporation.

    Beyond that NewsCorp is a Wahhabi front company. Its' largest outside shareholder described, by FOX News, as a "Radical Muslim".

    Radical Muslims are now using media front companies to contribute to the GOP and the money is accepted, not returned.

    What a difference a decade makes. Rudy Giuliani, when Mayor of NYCity, turned down a $ million USD contribution from that same Saudi Prince.

    There is the "so", the GOP Governors taking Saudi money for themselves, from a Wahhabist Saudi Prince, money that Rudy Giuliani turned down for the City of New York.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Where is the War on Terror, amongst the GOP?

    Where is the "War on Islam", when Republican Governors take Wahhabi money?

    That is the "so".

    ReplyDelete
  113. The Republican Governors taking money from the same source that is funding the "Victory Mosque"!

    ReplyDelete
  114. ...while you're waiting

    Please excuse the typo, my assistant, Mbuki, is a slow learner.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Give it a rest partner. Can't you see, I'm trying to do business here?

    ReplyDelete
  116. Let the GOP take the rest, I still remember 11 September 2001.

    Maybe the GOP Governors have forgotten?

    ReplyDelete
  117. Sign me up Whit.


    Hell, make it $2.00 for me.


    This isn't from Nigeria is it?

    I'm still waiting for the guy to get back to on another sweet deal from there that I signed up for.

    .

    ReplyDelete
  118. Reuters) - The Muslim center planned near the site of the World Trade Center attack could qualify for tax-free financing, a spokesman for City Comptroller John Liu said on Friday, and Liu is willing to consider approving the public subsidy."


    Tax Free Financing For Mosque?


    .

    ReplyDelete
  119. I had inherited over a million US dollars from Nigeria, for some good deed I had done long ago for a Mrs X?, but I forgot to call the lawyer involved concerning my windfall. She remembered me in her will, after all these years. Real nice letter I got, though. Had a letterhead, and everything.

    ReplyDelete
  120. Please excuse my typos, I pretty excited about this deal.



    .

    ReplyDelete
  121. No, I can fix up with deals like you would not believe, my man and I can tell you are much too smart and worldly to fall for those fake Nigerian deals.

    No, I assure you, these opportunities are much better and on top of that, you are protected by the rich diversity. This means that your exposure, such as it is is spread over a number of areas. Most of which, have no risk whatsoever.

    You are a smart man. I can tell that you know that the early bird gets the worm. Yes, my friend. Your secret key to unimagined wealth will whisking along the ether as soon as your remittance is received.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Both you guys could use some work on your syntax.

    That's not a tax for sinning, but means how you put words together.

    If you're sending out mailings, you need to get it write.

    ReplyDelete
  123. I know bob, but like Mr. Quirk, I am in an expansive mood and excited to share these wonderful opportinities with my friends. Although I see unbelievable deals all the time, I have never seen the opportunities like today and yes, I rushed the righting.

    Please, bob, I implore you, do not let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Do it for your posterity if not for your posterior.

    ReplyDelete
  124. You are a smart man. I can tell that you know that the early bird gets the worm.


    Wait a minute.

    I got sucked into one of these worm farm deals a couple times before.

    Do take me for some yokel?


    .

    ReplyDelete
  125. Well, by this time, was sure I would be back in CONUS, but no such luck. It looks like Wednesday.

    ReplyDelete
  126. HURRY!

    We're friggen' losin' it here!

    ReplyDelete
  127. hey, wait.


    I didn't mean 'do take me for some yokel'.

    I meant 'Do you take me for some yokel?'

    yea, that's better.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  128. I got sucked into one of these worm farm deals a couple times before.

    Do take me for some yokel?


    My goodness gracious, no!

    I too was taken in. Back in the '70's, I lost everything I had on a rat ranch in Mexico.

    I would never do that to a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  129. OK OK, put 5 on my bar tab.

    Trapped Chilean Miners

    Looks like they'll get out, but they are going to be down there a long time.

    ReplyDelete
  130. Rotana board discusses News Corp tieup

    Riyadh:
    Tue, 24 Aug 2010

    The top management of Saudi-based media group Rotana met under the chairmanship of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud to discuss the latest developments at Rotana after its strategic alliance with global media giant News Corp.
    ...
    Pierre Daher, president of Rotana TV Channels, and the members and representitives from News Corporation including Marc Heller, Gary Davy besides Charlotte Burr, vice president of Star Group and Michael Nelson, CFO of Rotana also attended the meeting.

    Prince Alwaleed has a strong presence and influence in media through his investments in media and entertainment in the Arab world, and beyond like the Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG), News Corporation and Rotana Holding, said a company statement.

    Within a short period, Rotana has become the owner of the largest Arabic film library and Arabic music archive, it added.

    Rotana distributes, produces, and manages many of the most popular Arab artists in the region and also owns a bouquet of leading channels and employs over 1,300 employees located across the Middle East.


    In the "War on Islam", FOX News and the Wall Street Journal are in the enemy camp!

    Glory be, what hypocrisy!

    That is if there is a "War on Islam"

    ReplyDelete
  131. Chinchillas, whit, they were chinchillas.

    Maybe that was lost, in the translation.

    ReplyDelete
  132. FOX Nes, here in Phoenix reports:

    Arizona's drug and human smuggling cartels are finding their newest hires in Phoenix bars, law enforcement officials say.

    The state's high unemployment rate and proximity to the Mexican border is making for fertile recruiting ground, as investigators say cartel members are singling out individuals desperate for money and employment.

    Capt. Kevin Zumbo, of the Illegal Immigration Prevention & Apprehension Co-op Team (IIMPACT), a multi-agency unit in the Phoenix metropolitan area focused on illegal immigration-associated crime, told MyFoxPhoenix.com that the cartels are looking for U.S. citizen who can easily blend in with society and not alert authorities.

    "Whether they meet someone in a bar or restaurant, they will recruit anyone," Zumbo said. "Right now, as we speak, it's happening every day."

    Recruiters for the cartels often flash large sums of money at the potential new hires who are targeted to bring drugs, guns and people to various locations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

    "Citizens know how to blend in," Zumbo continued. "They know if they are stopped they won’t be detained."


    But can FOX News be trusted? It is are owned by Wahhabi and their foreign born US citizen sympathizer.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Can we trust a naturalized citizen, in this time of turmoil and strife?

    One that takes money from Wahhabi Princes and distributes it to the GOP, through their co-owned corporate front.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Time for another cipro. (8am and 8pm PST)

    I believe in cipro, but if it don't work--

    You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

    ReplyDelete
  135. It's been a while but yes, it was chincillas but since everyone's gotten so anti-fur I usually omit that part.

    There were rats (and cats) involved in the ranching operations. I rather not go into any more detail than that.

    ReplyDelete
  136. Arizona's drug and human smuggling cartels are finding their newest hires in Phoenix bars, law enforcement officials say.


    Probably them damn bear ropers.
    There's no money in bear roping anymore and those guys are plain crazy.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  137. August 19, 2010 10:37 pm ET by Terry Krepel

    On the August 19 edition of Fox News’ Hannity, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani criticized Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who has proposed building an Islamic community center two blocks from Ground Zero in New York, suggesting that supporters of the center “don’t want to answer questions about the imam saying that America was an accessory to September 11.” Giuliani added: “That’s the reason I gave the money back to the Arab sheik or prince who gave us $10 million, because he wanted to say that American foreign policy was an accessory to September 11.” Hannity chimed in: “And by the way, that was the right and courageous thing to do.”

    That “Arab sheik or prince” who made the donation Hannity praised Giuliani for returning is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who is the second largest shareholder, after the Murdoch family, in Fox News parent News Corp.

    Oops! Awkward!

    ReplyDelete
  138. Daughter just pulled in, I've got to see how the horse back class is going. And the Sahaptin language class.

    ReplyDelete
  139. Well actually? It sucks ass but then I didn't have to tell you that.

    ReplyDelete
  140. $ 10 million was returned, by the Mayor, not $ 1 million.

    Mea Culpa...

    As I was saying, what a difference a decade makes.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Farmer bob, he is a very smart man. Not!

    He never pays his bar tab and thinks I am going to give him the secrets of the universe on credit.

    "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

    ReplyDelete
  142. From Story of "o"'s favorite source, World Net Daily, the Saudi Prince claims to be able to influence FOX News, even down to the 'screen scroll' and story graphics.

    Shareholding prince claims change made
    after he called Rupert Murdoch


    Posted: December 09, 2005

    A Saudi prince who owns shares of the Fox News Channel claims he persuaded network chief Rupert Murdoch to change a screen banner during a broadcast that identified the recent unrest in France as "Muslim riots."

    Speaking on a panel at the Arab and World Media Conference in Dubai Monday, billionaire Prince al-Walid bin Talal criticized U.S. media for being generally "pro-Israel" and said Arabs are not doing enough to counter that, according to Middle East Online.

    The prince then pointed to his own experience as an example of what can be done to shape media coverage

    ReplyDelete
  143. During the violent street protests in France one month ago, the prince said, Fox News ran a banner at the bottom of the screen that said "Muslim riots."

    "I picked up the phone and called Murdoch ... [and told him] these are not Muslim riots, these are riots out of poverty," al-Walid said.

    "Within 30 minutes, the title was changed from Muslim riots to civil riots."

    Asked by WorldNetDaily to respond, Fox News Channel spokeswoman Irena Briganti said she was not aware of any phone call from the prince but acknowledged the network changed the banner after receiving complaints.

    "We had several calls from people around the world and discovered the issue was a little more complicated than how it was being characterized," she said.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Hey, so I go to the library to return some books and to review their Value Line copy.

    So I'm going up the stairs and here goes a gaggle of teenage girls running past me. They are all wearing those schoolgirl outfits, the plaid skirts and white blouses.

    Evidently, the library is offering weekly presentations on Anime for the next couple of weeks.

    Anyway, I don't want to sound like a pervert or anything but I've always liked that look.

    I went to a Catholic all male high school. Right next door, divided by only a driveway and a fence was an all girls school. They all had to wear uniforms, the plaid skirts and white blouses. My sister went there for a couple years before changing to public school.

    She hated wearing the uniform. I guess most of the girls did. I liked them. Now I guess it's only big in Japan.

    Say Mel, you don't have any pictures with that plaid skirt look do you? I mean for your avatar.

    .

    ReplyDelete
  145. Yeah, Mel...How about it?

    ReplyDelete
  146. Nevada Voters Unhappy With Both Reid, Angle

    "A new poll in the closely watched Nevada Senate race confirms what many had already suspected: many voters are going to be holding their noses when they cast their ballots in November...

    "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had the support of 45 percent of likely Nevada voters, while Republican challenger Sharron Angle was running neck-and-neck with 44 percent.

    Fifty-two percent said they had a negative opinion of Reid, while 39 percent have a favorable view. As for Angle, 43 percent viewed her unfavorably and 32 percent favorably...


    Two Losers But One Will Win

    It would be sweet to see Reid taken out. But the joy would be tempered by having Angle in there.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  147. Mexico massacre investigator missing; blasts hit TV and police stations

    Los Angeles Times

    An official investigating this week's massacre of 72 migrants was missing, while possible car bomb explosions rocked a TV station and police station in the same violence-torn state of Tamaulipas.

    ReplyDelete
  148. Example Set by First Military Tribunal Case Has U.S. Wary

    "After working for a year to redeem the international reputation of military commissions, Obama administration officials are alarmed by the first case to go to trial under revamped rules: the prosecution of a former child soldier whom an American interrogator implicitly threatened with gang rape..."

    No One Said it Was Going To be Easy

    .

    ReplyDelete
  149. Mr. Simpson Has a Cow

    "What are we to make of Alan Simpson, the co-chairman of President Obama’s deficit reduction commission, who recently referred to Social Security as “a milk cow with 310 million tits”...

    Colorful codgers can be a welcome diversion in mediocre situation comedies, but you do not want one to be the public face of your deficit reduction commission...

    "I hereby offer a two-part proposal for fixing Social Security:

    MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS Immigration in general is a Social Security plus, since new arrivals tend to be young, and likely to contribute to the retirement system through payroll taxes for a long time before they start collecting. But illegal immigrants never get to collect at all. Their money only goes one way, toward benefits for the rest of us. Arizona retirees, tear down your walls.

    TAX LONGER LIVES Some experts, including people in the administration, believe that Congress should raise the age at which people can retire on full Social Security benefits, which is currently 66 and will rise to 67 for younger workers. Personally, I will be happy to rally around this idea the very second that the White House announces there is a large pool of job opportunities for unemployed 60-year-olds that are going begging.

    "The theory behind raising the retirement age is that people are living longer these days. However, the Americans who do all this extra living tend to be wealthier than the ones who expire before they can cash their first pension check. Right now, only the first $106,800 in annual income is taxed for Social Security. Get rid of the cap, and you will be making the folks who are causing most of the problem pay for the solution.
    Finally, we could make a rule that it is unacceptable for people who are collecting large government pensions to make fun of retirees who want to keep Social Security benefits the way they are. Particularly if they try to be colorful about it..."


    Lovable Old Curmudgeon

    .

    ReplyDelete
  150. US in Middle of Arms Race as it Escalates in the Middle East

    ...Yet most of these political considerations are no longer relevant. Hopes for substantive, direct talks between the U.S. and Iran have not materialized.

    "The Russians, meanwhile, were persuaded to renege on their military contract with Iran in return for other U.S. strategic concessions, as well as a promise from Saudi Arabia that Moscow will be compensated for its lost arms sales.

    "And, just as importantly, Washington realized that its conciliatory policy towards Teheran was increasingly perceived as a sign of weakness by pro-Western Arabs in the Gulf, who remain apprehensive of Iran's growing military might.
    So, arms sales returned to the agenda. The shift in the American stance came in June this year, when Michele Flournoy — the Pentagon's top policy official — toured the Gulf region, promising to upgrade the region's missile defenses, and vowing that the U.S. “will never tolerate” any threat to its allies.

    "Since then, announcements of new U.S. military deals have been coming thick and fast..."


    Feed The Flames

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  151. I'll see what I can do.

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  152. But for now I'm on my way out the door for the day to spend quality bonding time with my best friend and partner in crime. Who knows what today will bring.

    Maybe I'll have a story or two for you Whit. Since you are about the only one that listens.

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  153. If you come back with some good stories Mel, let's do a guest barkeep post.

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  154. Geez, Mel.

    Your visits have become so spotty and infrequent of late, you should know we treasure every time you deign to grant us a few moments.


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  155. Mel is spotting?

    ---

    The graduate with a Science degree asks, “Why does it work?”

    The graduate with an Engineering degree asks, “How does it work?”

    The graduate with an Accounting degree asks, “How much will it cost?”

    The graduate with a Liberal Arts degree asks, “Do you want fries with that?”

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  156. Officers noticed a vehicle leaving smoke trail of a controlled substance

    The 29-year-old Hilton was in a car driven by a friend that was stopped when officers noticed what they suspected to be marijuana smoke coming from it, he told The Associated Press.

    "Officers noticed a vehicle leaving smoke trail of a controlled substance (and) made a stop based on that," Martin said.

    During the stop, officers found what appeared to be a drug on Hilton and later tests showed that it was cocaine, Martin said. He didn't know how much was found.

    He said Hilton was apparently recognized by passers-by and a crowd quickly gathered in the area where the vehicle had been pulled over.

    Hilton was arrested this summer after the Brazil-Netherlands World Cup match in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on suspicion of possession of marijuana. The case was then dropped at a midnight court hearing.

    Hilton pleaded no contest in 2007 to alcohol-related reckless driving and was sentenced to 45 days in jail. After spending about 23 days in jail, Hilton told U.S. television host Larry King that the experience caused her to re-evaluate the role partying played in her life.

    She said she wanted "to help raise money for kids and for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis."

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  157. Doug, you are an insensitive lout.

    A cad as it were.

    Melody has brought light to an otherwise dreary place.

    Because of her influence, Bobbo has shed his horns, hirsute hindquarters and cleft hooves, and offered his pan-pipes in mute abeyance to this radiant nymph. He has become, how can I put it, almost normal, safe enough to take into you average 7-Eleven. He has been transformed.

    And with his pipe, Mel, like a gay pied-pipress in schoolgirl outfit...er...damn, sorry, can't get that image out of my mind.

    She, like a gay pied-pipress, has used her siren song to draw at least half the boys in the bar towards the forest, to the sacred glade, the land of "just want to have fun."

    Instead of crude jests you should succumb to her quiet majesty and offer virtual sacrifice to the goddess.

    Your insensitive blasphemy makes me want to puke.


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  158. Due to gruesome economic news. Obama held a 15 minute meeting before returning to golf at Marthas Vineyard.

    Gallup: Obama’s Approval Highest Among Muslims—78 Percent (What a surprise!)

    US to sell Israel massive military fuel stocks worth $2 billion (it takes a lot of JP-5 to fly back and forth over Iran, Syria, and Lebanon).

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  159. Quirk: And with his pipe, Mel, like a gay pied-pipress in schoolgirl outfit...er...

    Would that she were gay.

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  160. Doug is a cur, T.

    If it wasn't a twelve hour flight and a short hop by inter-island ferry service, I would go there and have him flogged.


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  161. And you were the guy giving me advice about computers.


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  162. The page you were looking for is not here.

    Clearly, this is because you have damaged the inter-net.



    Strike Three.

    I'm outta here.


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  163. In Vegas "to help raise money for kids and for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis" poor Paris Hilton Gets Busted

    She's street savvy though and knows the law. Only had enough coke for a minor felony.

    A tweeter, she always wants to be the center of attention, but I do have a soft place in my heart for her, the bimbo.

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  164. But now I see al-Doug has already posted about the affair. Doug is not nearly so sympathetic towards Paris as I, and wanted her tried for jail break, when the sheriff let her out of jail early during the last affair, as I recall. 'Hang 'em high Doug' he is known to me now.

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  165. Quirk, thou slander of thy heavy mother's womb, I still have my horns, somewhere, tis the drugs have me mellowed out. A weasel hath not such a deal of spleen as you are toss'd with. I am not unmanned.

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  166. Thou gorbellied tardy-gaited vassal. Such inordinate and low desires, such poor, such bare, such lewd, such mean attempts,
    such barren pleasures, rude society, as thou art match'd withal, and grafted to.

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  167. Robert Fulford: The long history of anti-Semitism in Muslim lands

    One of the 2002 Bali bombers, Amrozi bin Nurhasin, on trial in an Indonesian courtroom and headed toward execution, shouted out the message he wanted his crime to convey: “Jews: Remember Khaibar. The army of Muhammad is coming back to defeat you.”

    This was his explanation of the murder of 202 people eight years ago. Of those who died, 88 were Australians, 38 Indonesians, 24 British. None were Jews. So what was Amrozi, a Java-born Indonesian, raving about? It’s a question worth considering as we assess the recent arrests for terrorist conspiracy in Ottawa. Islamic terrorists can finds motives in ancient struggles the rest of the world long ago forgot.

    Martin Gilbert, the author of some 80 books, including the official biography of Winston Churchill, explains Amrozi’s meaning at the start of his alarming chronicle, In Ishmael’s House: A History of Jews in Muslim Lands, published this week.

    Amrozi was remembering an event 1,375 years in the past, when Muhammad attacked Jewish farmers living in the oasis community of Khaibar, in what is now Saudi Arabia. More than 600 Jews were killed and the survivors lost all their property and had to pledge half of their future crops to Muhammad.

    Today, few Jews know the word Khaibar. But among certain Muslims it has permanent resonance. Khaibar set a precedent, endorsed by the actions of the Prophet. After Khaibar, non-Muslims who were conquered had to give up their property and pay heavy permanent tribute to their Muslim overseers. That form of discrimination lasted for centuries. It was this incident and its aftermath that nourished Amrozi’s homicidal ambition.

    Muslims love to recall that Jews once lived in peace among them. Of course, Jews were always second-class citizens, their rights sharply limited. Still, it was sometimes better than settling among Christians. Bernard Lewis, a major authority on Islam, says that Jewish lives under Islam were never as bad as in Christendom at its worst, or as good as in Christendom at its best.

    In the 20th century, Arab hostility to Jews took an ugly turn. Some claim that the new state of Israel “caused” the trouble. But well before Israel’s creation in 1948, Arabs were identifying Jews as enemies.

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  168. In 1910, in the now-Iranian city of Shiraz, mobs robbed and destroyed 5,000 Jewish homes, with the encouragement of soldiers. In 1922, in Yemen, an old decree permitting the forcible conversion of Jewish orphans to Islam was reintroduced. The government searched towns and villages for children without fathers, so that they could be given Muslim instruction. The children were chained and imprisoned till they agreed to convert. In 1936 in Iraq, under Nazi influence, Jews were limited by quota in the public schools, Hebrew teaching was banned in Jewish schools and Jewish newspapers were shut down.

    Anti-Semitism intensified when Israel was created, and grew still worse after Israel won the Six-Day War of 1967. By the 1970s, about 800,000 Jews, perhaps more, had been forcibly exiled from Arab countries, their property seized. According to the World Organization of Jews from Arab Countries (WOJAC), they lost property now valued at well over $100-billion.

    A majority of these exiles settled in Israel. In the 1950s, the UN recognized them as refugees and compensation was discussed. Later, the Arab states turned the UN against Israel and, by association, against Jewish refugees. In 1975, the General Assembly condemned Zionism as “racism and racial discrimination.” Various political leaders in the West (notably Irwin Cotler, the former justice minister of Canada) have continued to argue for compensation. But after the 1975 resolution, as Gilbert notes, that idea was unlikely to receive any UN support.

    The number of Jews displaced by the Arabs in the 20th century roughly equals the number of Palestinians displaced by Israel. But the plight of the Palestinians has received several hundred times as much publicity. One reason is the constant propaganda from Muslim states and their admirers in the West. Another is that many Jews, unlike Palestinians, don’t want to be called refugees.

    Gilbert quotes an Iraqi Jew, Eli Timan, living in London: “The difference is that we got on with our life, worked hard and progressed so that today there is not a single Jewish refugee from Arab lands.” Those who suggest that this model be copied elsewhere will of course be condemned as heartless bigots.

    National Post
    robert.fulford@utoronto.ca

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  169. to the rat's of the bar, no matter what garbage you post...

    we KNOW the truth...

    We will never forget...

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  170. Since 1949 the Israeli have killed 1.5 million Jews.

    Source: allen.

    We will not forget

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  171. heh, I'll send that to my wife. A year of the goddamn silent treatment doesn't sound so goddamn bad.

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  172. I see the self righteous slime bucket is up and at it for another day of it.

    I'm goin' back to bed.

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  173. Voice of America -

    The International Criminal Court is asking the UN Security Council to take action against Kenya for hosting Sudan's president in defiance of international warrants for his arrest.

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