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, January 31, 2014

It Takes A Greener Potemkin Village



(Reuters) - China will look into establishing a nation-wide trading system for pollution permits as part of efforts to use market mechanisms to help clean up its environment, the country's top environment official said.

They'll look into it, but in reality, China is sitting on a sea of coal with a very high sulfur content as essentially their only in-house source of energy and they're not about to go all Al Gore on us.  But hey, that Kyoto thing that the world beats up the United States for not signing in 1997 because of the big China-sized loophole in it, it's working out great.  See the skies over Shanghai lately?  They're even sending some of their pollution over here along with their shipping containers full of lead-sodden baby pacifiers.  Share and enjoy.

176 comments:


  1. Europe cutting back on green-energy “investments” while coal makes a comeback


    Once upon a yesteryear, various European and Asian governments as well as the United States seemed so unequivocally convinced that all the expensive and taxpayer-funded “investments” they were making in new, market-resistant, and so-thought “green” technologies would help to them to ensure a cleaner and more “sustainable” future in which they were all less reliant on foreign fuels to fulfill their energy needs. The fruits of their many “investments,” unfortunately, have been found not merely environmentally wanting but financially unsustainable, to boot, as the economic consequences of higher electricity prices and crippling national debt burdens have reared their ugly heads. Completely unsurprisingly, the falloff in government “investment” (i.e., subsidization) has been mirrored by a falloff in private investment, via Bloomberg :

    Clean-energy investment fell 14 percent in the third quarter from the prior three months as Europe curbed subsidies and cheaper U.S. natural gas lured investment.

    The $45.9 billion spent makes it “almost certain” that annual investment in renewables and energy-smart technologies will fall for the second consecutive year from $281 billion in 2012, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said in a statement.

    Investment in the quarter was 20 percent lower than the same period last year as spending in China, the U.S. and Europe fell. The U.S. saw the largest decline, sliding 41 percent to $5.5 billion, according to the London-based research company.

    Europe’s clean-energy industry is retrenching after subsidies were reduced in nations from Germany to Spain, which helped propel record growth in previous years. Cheap gas in the U.S. driven by a shale-drilling boom and a reduction in China’s spending on wind power wind power also contributed to the overall decline, the London-based consultant said
    One of the most facepalm-worthy parts of all of this is that supporters of the Obama administration’s regulatory war-on-coal largely and blithely rely on the argument that because the coal-substitute of natural gas has been doing so well, coal is naturally entering its sunset years anyway and will shortly fall prey to the economical powers of creative destruction — but strangely, they often forget to mention that coal could easily regain market share in the event that natural gas prices begin to rise for whatever reason The Obama administration is effectively barring that from happening on the domestic scene, while foreign demand for coal is growing; you need look no farther than Europe as a current Exhibit A for that eventuality. The editors of RealClearEnergy , therefore, would rather the Continent spare us the lectures, emphasis mine:

    Graph

    What happens when you don’t frack and you decide to shut down nuclear? You return to coal. That’s the lesson that Europe is learning these days. Despite all the brohaha about carbon emissions and global warming, Europe is marching straight back into the past by increasing its reliance on coal for electricity – and this in spite of a continent-wide recession and slumping demand. Germany is the worst example. It is actually building new coal plants even as it shuts down reactors and claims to be converting to wind and solar.

    Those “renewable” sources just aren’t there when you need them.

    Germany is actually building the new coal plants of which it is suddenly and unexpectedly finding itself in need, and the Environmental Protection Agency just enacted a de facto ban on the same.
    Great
    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry, Doug. Whatever Europe does is "cool" and Obama will soon force us to follow suit.

      Delete
    2. Finally, we're back on topic.

      What's with these assholes and celibates?

      Delete
    3. Except for burning coal, T.

      Delete
  2. We should be shepherding our Gas Riches for the future instead of shipping them abroad and burning them recklessly here.

    But then the lefties couldn't feel all pure and clean, as Obama takes credit for fracking even as his admin ties our energy supplies and economy in knots.

    ReplyDelete

  3. Is Europe going back to coal-


    It is true that in recent years coal use has increased in countries like Poland, the UK and Germany, helped by stubbornly high natural gas prices which are negotiated by long term contracts. Poland, for its part, is challenging the EU by giving the go ahead to a massive coal-fired plant in Opole, southwestern Poland, in response to its own shattered fracking dreams.

    Several major fracking prospectors such as Exxon Mobile and Talisman Energy have pulled out since Polish reserves were downgraded by 90%, and to make Poland energy independent of Russian natural gas is an important political goal for the Polish government. Brown coal, or lignite, polluting but cheap and easy to extract, is set to be part of the Polish energy mix until 2050, according to advance reports of the end of year Polish energy strategy being circulated.

    Germany's attraction to lignite

    Not everyone would agree with FoE's assessment that coal is on its way out. Far more important than Poland in terms of being an energy is Germany, which also produces a lot of lignite domestically.
    The fact that Germany is not building many new plants does not say any about whether current plants are being used to capacity, and they are. And lignite is a popular fuel, because it's so cheap. The former restraint on using lignite, high carbon emissions prices, no longer holds sway. . This diminishes the attractions of natural gas.

    According to a report by Macquarie bank, most natural gas plants in Europe run at a loss - a rather extraordinary revelation. In contrast, because of the cheap cost of extraction of lignite, profitable even compared to American coal imports, revenues from burning this soft coal are now three times higher than of burning hard coal. And more profitable still compared to gas.

    The current rightwing CDU government's stance on lignite was illustrated by German media reports of the federal environment minister Peter Altmaier's statement that he expects lignite, or braunkohle in German, to be part of the energy mix for decades to come. Another sign of the times is the authorities refusal to legislate on making energy companies responsible for proving that environment damage to private homes in lignite mining areas was not caused by their mining efforts. In future, as now, the onus will be on homeowner, to the great disappointment of green campaigners.

    One possibility proposed by Macquarie to reduce lignite use is to introduce a lignite tax, and the European commission has talked of setting a floor price of carbon - just as the UK is planning to do unilaterally, to stifle its own coal fired plants - but the proposals have not been discussing in the run up to the German federal election in September.

    It will be interesting to see if Germany's seemingly paradoxical interest in this most polluting of fossil fuels at the same time it pushes renewable technologies will become an election issue.

    ReplyDelete
  4. "But hey, that Kyoto thing that the world beats up the United States for not signing in 1997..."

    Welfare reform, balanced budgets, this country was brilliant in the 90's.

    ...at least when compared to The New Millennium.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I left out the biggest accomplishment:

      Hillarycare decisively defeated.

      Delete
    2. Y2Kphobia, grunge bands, and even non-lesbians wore flannel and a Jennifer Aniston haircut while watching Friends, Seinfeld and The X-Files. Or they listened to Gangsta Rap, wore their baseball caps sideways and routinely "capped" people who "dissed" them, then were beaten up by police and taped.

      Delete
  5. Below the fold in the previous thread:

    Farmer BobFri Jan 31, 03:10:00 AM EST
    Fuckin' assholes from Michigan, all a bunch of damn do gooder destroyers, look at Detroit, look as far away as Hawaii, ask the elk in Idaho......frauds, star gazers, Vodka drinkers, all of 'em.


    DougFri Jan 31, 03:16:00 AM EST
    Hell, now they got a shortage of non-white snakes in Guam.

    I bet they had something to do with that lunar rabbit.

    Delete

    Farmer BobFri Jan 31, 03:20:00 AM EST
    City Slickers, born to sell the natural born freedoms of the earth for song and dance, DUIers, druggies, felons, fraudsters, unionists, democrats, arsonists, counterfeiters, unnatural lovers, users of Cialis and Ambien, turds, dicks, all dicks of the earth congregated in one giant cess pool.


    DougFri Jan 31, 03:29:00 AM EST
    Cesspools were never meant to handle rotten dicks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I spared The Pope.

    ...and us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Teresita RedingerFri Jan 31, 03:24:00 AM EST
    Q: Why does the Pope wear his underpants in the shower?
    A: Because he doesn't want to look down on the unemployed.


    I am deeply offended by your use of the Pope to make a cruel sexless joke. Celibates could have feelings too. Celibates For Less Sex (CFLS) will no longer be silent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know you are trying to fit in with the New Civility, Allen, but...

      You know damn well she hates his Zucchetto because it resembles an oversize Kipa.

      Delete
    2. "Celibates could have feelings too."

      Wanna bet SOMEONE gave that proposition a LIFELONG test?

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. Somebody should do an artwork of a Black Jesus Masterbating.

      Delete
    5. And, of course, a White Jesus being killed in a knockout game instead of being Crucified.

      It's about time we brought that shit up to date.

      Delete
    6. "Celibates For Less Sex (CFLS) will no longer be silent!"

      Here, here!

      Delete
    7. "Celibates For Less Sex (CFLS)!"

      Talk about a contradiction of everything real and wonderful.

      Delete
    8. Screw you, Dougman!

      You've only recently divulged your marital problems.

      Delete
    9. And that being said, do you deny having a right hand?

      Delete
    10. Sex was stripped from the Dougman Household when the Second became a topic of conversation.

      Delete
    11. Real Men know it's all about Pussy and firearms.

      (Preferably Semiautomatic)

      ...or full.

      Stand your ground, Dougman!

      Delete
    12. We're talkin the Second AMENDMENT!

      Delete
    13. Sex was stripped from the Dougman Household when the Second became a topic of conversation.

      I wonder if I start the discussions that turn into disagreements just so I don't have to perform.

      Ooo...
      Introspection.

      Delete
    14. Can you spell "Viagra?"

      I would if I had the need.

      In both ways.

      Delete
    15. The Taxpayers are already subsidizing my medications, it just wouldn't be right to have them do the same for my sex life.

      Delete
    16. Celibates could have feelings too.

      Modern scholarship reveals that Jesus really said "Celibrate" not "Celibate". Ooops.

      Delete
    17. I'm a traditionalist, thank you.

      "Celibate, Celibate, Dance to the Music!"

      Delete
  8. I fear she's brought The Pope forward from a previous thread.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Don't Firearms increase Greenhouse Gases when used?

    ReplyDelete
  10. They complain about murder rates in America.

    ...as they claim to believe in Natural Selection.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. "You are a Jew hating, Israel bashing, Judaism trashing..."

      ...not that there's anything wrong with that.

      Delete
  12. Teresita RedingerThu Jan 30, 08:33:00 PM EST
    WiO
    Actually you meant to say KIKE, just like you called Jews YIDS.

    Be honest at least. You are a Jew hating, Israel bashing, Judaism trashing troll.

    You know it, I know it, we all KNOW it.

    I will not comment about your comments about anything under the sun, except when you lie distort and misrepresent Jews, Israel, Judaism and Israel.

    Since you seem to be slow in figuring it out, I'll spell it out for you:

    "Whatsoever hateful thing someone calls you, call them something hateful in retaliation, this is the whole of the Teri, all else is commentary."



    Sorry Ms T, I will not lower myself to hurl racial slurs against you. Your lack of integrity is not due to your gender or your race.

    As for your rewriting of Jewish sayings? Your misdirection, lies and distortions continue, as usual. And no, I will not point out and teach you the error of your ways. I think your religious books says "do not cast pearls before swine"....

    Ask your Jewish Boss what that means...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GO ahead ask him, I can see you say: Dear lord Jesus, you KIKE, you YID, what do you mean?

      Delete
    2. If someone surfs into here because they searched for those words, it will be your posts, not mine, they'll see.

      Delete
    3. You screwed up the flow by deleting those comments, WIO.

      ...I paid good money for that Viagra.

      Delete
    4. "If someone surfs into here because they searched for those words, it will be your posts, not mine, they'll see."

      This could be easily rectified with a monthlong effort to observe and repeat slurs directed at Filipinos.

      Delete
    5. "If someone surfs into here because they searched for those words, it will be your posts, not mine, they'll see."

      I prefer "Surfs the Libertarian"

      ...but that's probly my Hawaiian attention-grabbing, hang ten exhibitionist talkin.

      Delete
    6. I will not comment about your comments about anything under the sun, except when you lie distort and misrepresent Jews, Israel, Judaism and Israel.

      Or when I post a new thread about China's use of coal then go back to bed.

      Delete
    7. Give it a thought,

      Give it a chance...

      Surfing for all, and no Obamcare Affordable Healtcare "High Risk" Penaltys for

      ...The Shark Whisperers.

      Delete
    8. Teresita RedingerFri Jan 31, 07:33:00 AM EST
      If someone surfs into here because they searched for those words, it will be your posts, not mine, they'll see.

      LOL The problem is of course which name you are using this week...

      But once they figure out which Ms t we are speaking about? You have hundreds of posts slamming Jews, Judaism, Israel and Zionism.

      Delete
  13. Now this is what I call a great civilized thread.........so far.........

    ReplyDelete
  14. .

    Michigan Snake lovers never rest: They'll travel to the opposite side of the Earth in order to import Brown Skinned tree snakes from Guam into Paradise:


    The answer is simple. Introduce grey wolves, a cheeky, fun loving species known to take down elk, elephants, water buffalo, small children, monitor lizards, the Monarch butterfly, the old and weak among the haole population, small electrical cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, blue whales, guppies, ignorant farmers, and brown-skinned tree snakes. And they do it just for the fun of it.

    Easy peasy.

    A`ole pilikia

    [Michigan Tree Lover and Wine Tasting Society]
    .

    ReplyDelete
  15. Niece reports that the Super Bowl is a big deal in Germany, too.

    I wrote back mentioning the Super Bowl ads, all the extra heightened security.

    The anti air craft missiles for instance.

    And the disguised snipers all around the game.

    This, I have learned from insiders I know in NFL/Super Bowl Security, and I mention it here for q and Miss T's sake, is an effort to stop the mis-behavior of same as in former games. There will be now no more of this lofting Miss T up to ride round and round on the overhead cameras.

    In short, Super Bowl Security aims to end this bull shit with extreme prejudice if need arises.

    You have been warned.

    Polar Bear coats stand out in a crowd.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trying to control this blog is like herding cats.

      Delete
  16. Symone Vannessa Brown, 19, of Charlotte, was charged with one count each of uttering a forged instrument, forgery of instrument and obtaining property by false pretense.

    Brown allegedly attempted to buy a gift card at the Walgreens on Spring Garden Street with a counterfeit $100 bill, which ultimately led to the arrest.

    UNCG police said $12,882 of counterfeit currency was seized following Brown’s arrest on Tuesday.

    Close inspection of one of the counterfeit $100 bills showed the signature on the bill as “Moe Money.”


    Moe Money Moe Problems.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Master Lao:

    I let go of the law, and people become honest.
    I let go of economics, and people become prosperous.
    I let go of religion,and people become serene.
    I let go of all desire for the common good, and the good becomes common as grass.

    ReplyDelete
  18. .

    I will not comment about your comments about anything under the sun, except when you lie distort and misrepresent Jews, Israel, Judaism and Israel.

    Since you seem to be slow in figuring it out, I'll spell it out for you:

    "Whatsoever hateful thing someone calls you, call them something hateful in retaliation, this is the whole of the Teri, all else is commentary."


    Da boy sounds a lot more like Shammai than Himmel.

    :)

    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The point I was trying to make was that I never just start hurling epithets at WiO out of the blue, it's always retaliation for him calling me a cunt, or a Nazi, or an anti-Semite, or a fake lesbian, or a fake cancer victim, or a fake woman, or some other literary equivalent of firing rockets at Ashkelon.

      Delete
    2. Da boy sounds a lot more like Shammai than Himmel.

      Shammai him!

      Delete
    3. "or a fake lesbian"

      You mean you are really a real lesbian then?


      And this Redinger stuff is crap?

      Or Fely's last name is Redinger?

      Or just what?

      Signed,

      'Still Confused', a Peckerwood in Ideeeho

      ;)

      Delete
    4. "Symone Vannessa Brown, 19, of Charlotte, was charged with one count each of uttering a forged instrument, forgery of instrument and obtaining property by false pretense.

      ---

      I once forged an Alto Sax in the Fourth Grade, but I didn't wear my glasses and was too nearsighted to read music.

      It all came to nothing.

      Delete
    5. .

      'Still Confused', a Peckerwood in Ideeeho

      Surely, at this point in your life, you are reconciled to that fact.

      .

      Delete
    6. When I got contact lenses as my Christmas Present in High School, it resulted in THE high point of my High School Experience:

      For the First Time Ever, I caught a High Fly playing softball in High School PE.

      Delete
    7. ...back when they had PE.

      And we weren't all fat little farts.

      Delete
    8. Cow farts may cause Global Warming, but we got a Hell of a lot more humans than cows, what's that tell ya?

      Don't tell me we all don't fart.

      Delete
    9. Another Nobel effort by me to

      GET BACK ON TOPIC!

      Delete
    10. Teresita RedingerFri Jan 31, 09:35:00 AM EST
      The point I was trying to make was that I never just start hurling epithets at WiO out of the blue, it's always retaliation for him calling me a cunt, or a Nazi, or an anti-Semite, or a fake lesbian, or a fake cancer victim, or a fake woman, or some other literary equivalent of firing rockets at Ashkelon.

      Point is? You're a piece of work...

      Lesbian, fake lesbian, catholic, not a catholic. You lie, you distort and misdirect at ease...

      You are not a trusted person, and yet? You are paid by our government to "work on " military stuff...

      Will wonders ever cease?

      Delete
  19. This is our common culture, folks...

    .NJ mayor hosting Super Bowl not invited to game...

    APE: SEAHAWKS To Win...

    COPS: 18 Busted For Selling Super Bowl 'Party Packs' of Cocaine, Sex...

    Hidden snipers will be deployed in stadium...

    Anti-air craft missiles deployed.....

    'Homeland Security' seizes $21.6 million in fake NFL merchandise, arrests 50...

    TSA to screen train passengers...

    Body cavity searches mandatory.....

    BRONCOS' Top Receiver's Mom, Grandma To Watch Game From Prison...

    SEAHAWKS fans name child '12th Mann'...

    NYPD: 'Any hooker that can walk will be in Manhattan'... .

    q, Miss T on Super Bowl most wanted list......


    Be proud, be very very Proud.

    USA, USA, USA !!!!!!!!


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But this ad redeems it all, doesn't it? -

      http://abcnews.go.com/Business/super-bowl-2014-commercials-cute-hilarious-sexy-weird/story?id=21549929#1

      awhhhh.....so cute......approved by PETA too.....

      Delete
    2. At least we don't have to watch that 49'ers "Quarterback" give press availabilities with his hat on Stupid, and covered w/tats.

      Outrage, pure outrage.

      ...and Mediocrity.

      Shame!

      Delete
    3. "SEAHAWKS fans name child '12th Mann'..."

      This actually is really funny when you think about it, and is redemptive as well as being culturally astute.

      Delete
    4. Please elaborate, almighty English Major and Tiller of Gaia.

      Delete
    5. Just wait til the kid grows up and keeps getting picked for jury duty every month. He'll really appreciate that.

      Delete
    6. This actually is really funny when you think about it, and is redemptive as well as being culturally astute

      Particularly if you think too hard.

      With the 12th eman cometh victory or some shit......I took it as a mockery of islam, but like q and Miss T, sometimes I see things that aren't there.....

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Jerry Rice, Montana, Steve Young.

      What the Hell has happened?

      Delete
    2. Clapper couldn't possibly handle her......he'd simply wither.....

      Delete
    3. I'm with her.
      In my dreams.

      Delete
    4. ooh, not my type, but more power to her.

      Back to the right hand.

      Delete
  21. The Pentagon wants to give away 13,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected trucks because they have outlived their original purpose. We're gonna have a kinder gentler army from now on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bring 'em back to The Homeland.

      Gawd knows we're gonna need them when those Tea Partiers run wild.

      Delete
    2. Our Government and Our Military have become Mind Resistant.

      Delete
    3. I'll take 10 for the farm perimeter.

      Make that 20 for a double perimeter.

      Delete
  22. Now, dat's what I be tawkin bout - chutzpah meets karma.

    Valerie threatens to lift the lid on a very French affair

    When she met the love of her life, he was the married father of four. He dumped her with an 18 word message. She is surprised.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder if she bathes?

      ...or shaves.

      Delete
    2. What in hell did the slutty marriage buster expect......fidelity?

      Delete
  23. .

    George Zimmerman to compete in celebrity boxing tournament. No opponent has yet been announced.

    I would suggest Justin Beiber as the opponent. That way, no matter who gets his ass kicked we are all winners.

    http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-entering-boxing-ring/story?id=22307945

    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. " No opponent has yet been announced."

      An obvious opportunity for you, Golden Gloved Quirk-O.

      That way, no matter who gets his ass kicked we are all winners.

      Delete
  24. .

    WaPo headline:

    U.S.-built Afghan roads turn into death traps

    Key thoroughfares that cost billions of dollars to construct are becoming hazards as they crumble into disrepair from lack of maintenance.


    That's billions that could have been spent on death traps here.

    .

    ReplyDelete
  25. Replies
    1. More for less, as expected by anyone that thinks.

      Solution: don't pay, don't get sick

      Probably couldn't find a doctor even if you did.

      New Slogan For You: What Me Worry?

      Delete
  26. .

    The Game of Thrones

    November is Coming


    Obama says he’s open to immigration deal without path to citizenship
    Obama says he’s open to immigration deal without path to citizenship

    "I’m not sure how wide the divide ends up being,” Obama says of Republican path to legal status.



    With the election coming up, Obama is desperate for any 'win' he can muster.

    .

    .

    ReplyDelete
  27. While the elite wail about Snowden, there is this.

    SILENCE REIGNED, HEROES DIED

    As parents of a Navy SEAL killed in action, perhaps the most difficult words to swallow in his entire memoir were the following: “I never doubted Obama’s support for the troops, only his support for their mission.” First, let it be known that in a warrior’s heart, if you don’t support his mission, you don’t support him.

    From a broader perspective, though, this family is most troubled by a question we have heard many times in the past few weeks: “Why did Robert Gates wait until now to bear his soul on all of these troubling issues he dealt with from 2009 through 2011?” We would very much like an answer to that question, as well.
    Eight hundred and fifty US soldiers have taken their last breath on the battlefields of Afghanistan since Mr. Gates left his post and disappeared into silence...

    From July of 2011 through September of 2012, over five thousand US soldiers returned home seriously wounded. Although statistics are not yet available from October 2012 till present, one can only imagine the enormity. As heartfelt as his words were regarding the reverence he has for our troops, Mr. Gates left us grasping to understand why he waited so long to sound the alarm on this inept administration.

    ReplyDelete
  28. .

    There are polls and then the are 'polls.

    Polls on the changing attitudes towards the Iran deal, some legitimate, some misleading (some would say dishonest).

    Bottom Line:

    It is true that a majority of Americans distrust Iran, as the Israel Project and several other surveys have shown, and Americans are skeptical about Iran’s intention to follow through with the requirements. It is also true that many Americans disapprove of President Obama’s handling of the situation in Iran, as this survey also shows. And at least these questions present some arguments for both sides (though not even-handedly). But once respondents are given information to try to persuade them to change their views one way or another – repeatedly – the survey no longer represents a credible reading of public opinion. Unfortunately biased questions contaminate all the results that follow. The type of survey questionnaire employed for the Israel project is very useful for message testing for a candidate or policy campaign, but these results that focus on the sanctions bill should not be mistaken for an accurate sounding of public opinion.


    http://runningnumbers.org/2014/01/29/attitude-adjusting-new-polls-on-us-opinion-on-iran-agreement/


    Before citing polls, always ask to see how the question was asked (unless, of course, you are enamored by the poll results).

    .

    .

    ReplyDelete
  29. WiO: You have hundreds of posts slamming Jews, Judaism, Israel and Zionism.

    You define slamming Judaism as posting a story from the Talmud about Hillel and the Golden Rule and not getting every jot and tittle gnat's ass perfect. So people have come to expect slam inflation from you, brother Porky.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You might also beware of rabid right-wingers selling insurance. That insurance broker in Pittsburgh is breaking a whole bunch of laws. Here's one of the first responses to the video:

    I went to healthcare.gov and found that in the small business exchange, a company with 6 employees aged like the people in the video, a Gold plan with 1,500/3,000 deductible and 2,200/4,400 OOP would cost a TOTAL of $2,036/month, for a per-person cost of
    $339 per month per person

    There is absolutely no reason why a 53 year old mother of 1 - identified as 'Judy' in the video - should be paying $1316 per month. If she went on the individual market - which I believe she could do because that amount is certainly more than the 9.5% cap for 'affordable' premium - she would get 1,500/3,000 deductible policy for her and her child for about $550 depending on her income level.

    This is ridiculous. My first take is that the broker is taking that company for a ride, but even if that's not it, something isn't right here.

    I am going to attempt to contact the reporter who did the story, try politely to open a conversation and offer to provide her with some better information on what is available.

    Thanks for the head's up.



    There's going to be a lot more shit hit the fan over this; count on it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rufus IIFri Jan 31, 12:04:00 PM EST
      You might also beware of rabid right-wingers selling insurance. That insurance broker in Pittsburgh is breaking a whole bunch of laws. Here's one of the first responses to the video:


      Nothing would surprise me about this administration's heavy handedness, but what laws is the gentleman breaking? I don't need a bunch, just one or two. Without doubt the IRS and company are warming up their vehicles for a visit.

      Delete
    2. He's breaking a whole host of State insurance laws. Watch, and see.

      Delete
    3. I am determined to stay away from the fan.

      Delete
  31. I wonder how the administration and Mr. Kerry would take Mr. Netanyahu speeking directly to the American public? Why doesn't Mr. Kerry give a speech directly to both the constituents of Fatah and Hamas? Why doesn't Mr. Kerry give a speech in the Ukraine?

    Mr. Kerry isn't getting the clear message from either Abbas or Netanyahu: His continued involvement is not wanted.

    Kerry mulls speech to Israelis in hopes of mustering support for concessions

    Jews can be quite "stiff necked", as Mr. Kerry may find to his embarrassment. Most Jews in Israel have had it with the Palestinians. A speech by Kerry might make the feeling unanimous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will be the first speech by Mr. Kerry that will have ever done any good, then.

      Delete
    2. Are you saying the Israelis have no interest in a two-state peace deal allen?

      Delete
    3. If the Israelis have a lick of sense, they are not.

      Would you want an Iranian nuke in Palestinian hands just across your border?

      Delete
    4. I am very depressed about the entire situation.

      Delete
    5. Forgive me for butting in between you and Allen.

      Delete
    6. .

      Last year, both Netanyahu and Abbas said that any agreement reached will have to be approved through referendum of their respective people. One or the other, most likely both, will reject it.

      .

      Delete
    7. AshFri Jan 31, 01:06:00 PM EST
      Are you saying the Israelis have no interest in a two-state peace deal allen?


      a) Hamas says they will never be satisfied with less than the death of Israel.

      b) Abbas and company would prefer to take the matter before the UN, refusing to call Israel a "Jewish State."

      In my opinion, Israel should mark out its boundaries and STOP talk, talk, talking. This has gone on for 65 years, since Israel was attacked by the Muslims, with Jordan stealing the West Bank and Jerusalem. Enough already.

      It is the Muslims who have continuously fired missiles, rockets, and rounds into Israel; Israel owes them nothing.
      Thousands of Jews were killed and maimed during the last Intifada by Muslim, two legged scud missiles, coming from the West Bank and Gaza. Israel owes them nothing.

      "Come and get them."

      End of conversation...

      Delete
    8. Farmer BobFri Jan 31, 01:24:00 PM EST
      Forgive me for butting in between you and Allen.


      NP

      It's a blog, so there can be no butting in. I am interested in any point of view. Who knows, I might learn something. :-)

      Delete
    9. .

      Good, I be commenting after I get back from walking the dog or as WiO would say after I collect all my google searches.

      :)

      .

      Delete
  32. Super Bowl update from Drudge -

    SUPER SECURITY TAKES OVER SUPER BOWL...
    Hidden snipers deployed in stadium...
    Black Hawk Helicopters On Alert...
    F-16s prepared to scramble...
    Vegas offers odds on 'Omaha', halftime show costumes, power outage...
    COPS: 18 Busted For Selling 'Party Packs' of Cocaine, Sex...
    'Homeland Security' seizes $21.6 million in fake merchandise, arrests 50...
    NJ mayor hosting Super Bowl not invited to game...
    APE: SEAHAWKS To Win...
    BRONCOS' Top Receiver's Mom, Grandma To Watch Game From Prison...
    'Bullied' NFL Player Often Boasted Drug, Alcohol Use In Texts...
    FACEBOOK looks to nab TWITTER's 'second screen' crown...
    Joe Namath: Human Body 'Just Not Designed' To Play Football; Admits Dealing With Brain Issues...


    My hunch is there will be some kind of terrorist incident at the Super Bowl.......and at Sochi too........our moslems friends would consider it a wonderful two-fer, and show the vulnerability of the infidels, despite their best efforts

    ReplyDelete
  33. http://hotair.com/archives/2014/01/31/pelosi-obamacare-incompetence-not-my-responsibility/

    THIS IS CLASSIC AND A MUST WATCH

    Nancy "Potemkin" Pelosi admitting on The Daley Show that she, as an architect and major supporter of ObamaCare, just "doesn't know" why it failed.

    Everyone but R2 will be rolling in the aisles over this one.

    ReplyDelete
  34. NAHU's Code of Ethics
    •To hold the selling, service and administration of health insurance and related products and services as a professional and public trust and do all in my power to maintain its prestige.
    •To keep paramount the needs of those whom I serve.
    •To respect my clients' trust in me, and to never do anything which would betray their trust or confidence.
    •To give all service possible when service is needed.
    •To present policies factually and accurately, providing all information necessary for the issuance of sound insurance coverage to the public I serve.
    •To use no advertising which I know may be false or misleading.
    •To consider the sale, service and administration of health insurance and related products and services as a career, to know and abide by the laws of any jurisdiction Federal and State in which I practice and seek constantly to increase my knowledge and improve my ability to meet the needs of my clients.
    •To be fair and just to my competitors, and to engage in no practices which may reflect unfavorably on myself or my industry.
    •To treat prospects, clients and companies fairly by submitting applications which reveal all available information pertinent to underwriting a policy.
    •To extend honest and professional conduct to my clients, associates, fellow agents and brokers, and the company or companies whose products I represent.

    You would be amazed how, in the insurance business, a violation of "ethics" can morph into a violation of "law."

    Also, I'm sure he broke HIPPA laws with the camera crew.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I called the company, Simonetta's spoke with a nice lady....they have 7 employees and have purchased small group insurance through a broker for years - but THIS YEAR he didn't tell them about the LOWER premiums available on the Exchange - which would negate HIS usefulness.
      No telling how much he's making by ADDING HIS commission to their premiums!
      She said they were looking into the Exchange, but some employees had already paid the HIGH deductible which they'd never get back."


      BTW, this guy, Charlie Moore, has quite a reputation for the rabid anti-Obamacare articles he's written for American Thinker.

      That asshole will be lucky if he stays out of jail.

      Delete
    2. Assholes, Motherfuckers, and lieing ass Cancer sufferers who happen to be Doctors.

      ...and Republicans, of course.

      What's not to HATE?

      Delete
    3. Obama?

      Just The Truth, and The Light.

      Amen

      Delete
    4. Welcome to RufusWorld, enjoy your visit.

      ...if you're stupid enough to stay.

      Delete
    5. "NAHU's Code of Ethics"

      You've certainly presented a wonderful example of all those beautiful, honest, high minded ideals in your conduct here with others.

      Delete
    6. Fucking Lieing Asshole Motherfucker.

      Delete
    7. More people will die every year in Texas, as a result of that state's opting out of Medicaid expansion, Than. Died. In. The. Attack. On. The. Twin. Towers.

      Harvard Study

      Delete
    8. Rufus is obsessed with having sex with me.

      Delete
    9. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

      As long as he doesn't start trying to act out on his obsessions.

      Delete
  35. Allen's cite:

    "Eight hundred and fifty US soldiers have taken their last breath on the battlefields of Afghanistan since Mr. Gates left his post and disappeared into silence..."

    Besides Gates there is the MSM and Media in general, I had no idea.

    Imagine if Bush were in office, I'd sure as Hell know, as the Headlines would almost monotonously scream:

    "For What?"

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'll be rooting for The Twelfth Imam on Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  37. There's your "death panel" (otherwise known as the Governor of Texas, and his Cabinet.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Texas wait time?

      10 days

      Massachusetts?

      46

      Delete
    2. Texas "wait time?"

      In many cases, ETERNITY.

      Delete
    3. Numbers need not apply in RufusWorld.

      Delete
  38. Limbaugh predicts the Seahawk's Defense will prevail.

    Wouldn't be surprised.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Limbaugh described him cold soaking his foot, looking at plays on his I-Pad, while wearing his helmet so he could hear the plays being called on the practice field!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...when he throws a Pic in Practice, if the guy on defense drops it, he gets on his case!

      Delete

  40. Super Bowl 2014- Peyton Manning Is Mr. Annoying - WSJ.com


    Now I remember: It was Peyton wasn't it that went down the bench screaming til he got in the face of somebody that fucked up.

    This went on and on, getting louder and louder.

    Finally, a large Black lineman had to pull him away.

    I linked to that Video

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Montana seemed to have a sixth sense for reading the defense, but maybe part of it was "simply" preparation.

      Sure as Hell not at Manning's level.

      Kapernick?

      No brains.

      Is Peyton a Teetotaler?

      Delete

    2. Video - Kaepernick Discusses Super Bowl, His NFC Game Pass & The Future -
      WSJ.com


      ---

      With halfway decent clothes, the Tats covered up, and w/o that stupid hat, he doesn't look TOTALLY brainless.

      Maybe there's hope.

      What do you think, Sam?

      Delete
    3. .

      The only Hall of Fame quarterback the Lions ever had was Bobby Lane. Back in the 50's he won 4 Championships in 6 years (this was before Super Bowls).

      On many occasions, it was said he was either hung over or drunk when he started the game. Usually got better as the game went on. Besides his talent he was a hell of a leader. If a lineman screwed up and Lane got sacked he was known to kick the guy off the field and bring in a replacement.

      Now we have Stafford. People say he is talented. I say he has tools. He's got a strong arm but talent equals using your tools effectively which means winning games no matter what it takes. Detroit won't go anywhere until Stafford gets his head out of his ass. Maybe the new coach will help.

      .

      Delete
  41. I'm thinking the Biebs may be paying off the coppers.....in the most damning circumstances he almost always seems to, q like, skip.....

    >>>Justin Bieber — who flew to New Jersey for the Super Bowl — was detained for several hours at Teterboro Airport Friday because his plane reeked of marijuana when it landed, law enforcement sources said.

    But the pint-sized pothead was released after a thorough search by cops and a pair of drug-sniffing dogs came up empty.

    The teen heartthrob’s chartered jet – with his father Jeremy and 10 other party pals aboard – had just arrived at 2:53 p.m. from Toronto when US Customs officials detected what was described as a strong odor of pot.

    “He came in, the jet smelled like weed, they were doing preliminary security checks that they don’t usually do as Teterboro is usually pretty relaxed, but because of the Super Bowl they are doing more security checks,” an airport source said.

    The plane, believed to be a twin-jet Raytheon Hawker 800 with a crew of three, was ordered held until cops and the dogs could check it out.

    Bieber was taken to a holding area of the airport while searches were conducted, sources said.

    A Customs and Border Protection dog subsequently indicated marijuana was in two pieces of luggage, sources said. A second dog, from the Port Authority Police, also indicated pot in two pieces of luggage.

    But none was found, sources said, and customs officials then allowed Bieber and his entourage to go.

    The Grammy-nominated singer had chartered the jet for the flight to Sunday’s big game and pre-game festivities.

    Customs and Border Protection officials refused to comment on the incident.

    The incident comes after Toronto authorities decided to charge the 19-year-old Bieber with assault on Wednesday.

    He is already facing a driving under the influence of marijuana case in Miami and remains under investigation for felony vandalism in California.

    The troubled teen spends $8,000 a week on weed and also guzzles a codeine-laced cough syrup concoction plus Xanax and Ambien, according to The Daily Mail.<<<<

    from Page Six

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a loss to humanity it would be if he wandered off his twin-jet Raytheon Hawker 800, and got sucked into one of those Injuns.

      Delete
  42. I see R2 is soliciting sex again.

    Oddly enough, just having read the Rules of the Blog again, he seems to be within his rights, as long as just asks, and doesn't bully, etc.

    This place is surreal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. R2 needs immersion therapy.

      But not with MY Butt.

      Delete
    2. I should take one for the team, I suppose, in hopes that that would get him kicked, and you guys could rest easy.

      ...but it's just too late in life for me to make that level of sacrifice.

      Delete
    3. "He Took One For The Gipper"

      Delete
    4. "He took one from the dipper"

      Delete
  43. All the Ladies at the bank here are decked out in Seahawks regalia.

    Not surprising, really, considering we don't have anyone else within hundreds and hundreds of miles to root for.......

    Farmer Bob Prediction: Seahawks win but by how much I don't dare to guess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Seahawks" are not a real bird.

      See: "Hawks"

      Delete
    2. Redskins another matter entirely.

      Delete

  44. The Blog


    Sick Kids Denied Specialty Care Due to Obamacare in Washington


    11:16 AM, Jan 31, 2014 • By DANIEL HALPER


    In Washington state, some sick kids have been denied specialty care due to Obamacare, a local news outlet reports:



    "Administrators at Seattle Children's today said they predicted this would happen, and it's even worse than they expected," says the local news anchor. "Patients being denied specialty treatment at the hospital by insurance providers on the Washington health benefits exchange. Children's filed request on behalf of 125 of their patients. Of those, they say they got only 20 responses, eight of which were denials. Dr. Sandy Melzer says all this comes after reassurances of certain unique specialty cases would still be covered."

    Dr. Sandy Melzer says, "Well, some of the patients who were denied are ones who clearly would fall into that unique category. A two-year-old with new significant neck mass that was being evaluated for infection or malignancy, an older child with a chronic severe medical condition requiring multidisciplinary care here, a baby that had a skull abnormality."

    The anchor explains, "Children's went ahead and treated those cases anyway, but Dr. Melzer said they can't afford to keep doing that it way."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't put All the Blame on Obama:

      The Bieb's gotta have something to do with it.

      Delete
    2. Here's the link, and the video:

      http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/sick-kids-denied-specialty-care-due-obamacare-washington_776030.html

      Thank God a private hospital stood up 'for the kids'........

      Under ObamaCare they'd soon be dead.

      Delete
    3. Probly sucked up that last QE all by his lonesome.

      Delete
    4. "Under ObamaCare they'd soon be dead."

      Under ACA, we'll wish we were.

      Delete
  45. Hell, Bob, this is half as fun as the old days w/Larsen.

    'Cept there I played the straight guy, he supplied World-Class Humor and down home wisdom all at once.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Probly doing something stupid, like taking time with his family.

      ...when he's not making another Million.

      Delete
  46. "BRONCOS' Top Receiver's Mom, Grandma To Watch Game From Prison..."

    Meanwhile Richard Sherman's Mom AND DAD will be doing something sane.
    Together.

    Having given him a good upbringing in that Hellhole known as Compton, CA.

    ReplyDelete
  47. The "private hospital" is probably not on anyone's provider network, due to the fact that it is a cesspool masquerading on the internet as a medical facility:

    Seattle Children's INVESTIGATED FOR DIRTY INSTRUMENTS, SCOPES, ETC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Any and Everybody not on the Socialist Fast Track to Hell on Earth

      are dirty, rotten, lying motherfuckers.

      ...but you guys already knew that.

      Thanks to Rufus.

      What would we do without him.

      ...probly kick back and remove our anal diaphragms.

      Delete
    2. Gee, somebody that doesn't go along to get along gets investigated!!!

      Where have we heard that one before.

      Delete
    3. The Obama Donor heading the "investigation" into the IRS Scandal has yet to have talked to A SINGLE VICTIM.

      Or issued a single subpoena.

      Fancy that.

      I'm floored.

      R2 the Totalitarian Troll is Ecstatic.

      Delete
    4. Private Enterprise?

      All Bad.

      Socialism?

      All Good

      Our Totalitarian Comrade probly won'teven take time off to watch the Superbowl.

      Gotta rev up that hate machine for private enterprise to new highs.

      Delete
    5. (sadly, I won't either, unless I can watch on the Internets)

      Anybody know about that?

      Delete
    6. I heard an Anesthesiologist at that PRIVATE HOSPITAL, has a deal with the rest of the surgical team to take turns raping little girls while they're under, and sodomizing little boys.

      With Dirty Rotten, USED Condoms!

      Honest Injun.

      Just ask R2.

      Delete
    7. It has passed the comical with that deranged fuck.

      Delete
    8. Deuce is a strict Libertarian when it comes to deranged, hateful, Socialists.

      Delete
    9. Don't be surprised if he brings a modified AR here soon.

      Dougman will get to experience Full Auto Firsthand!

      Delete
    10. "Study: Liberals drink more alcohol than conservatives..."

      Sure works for Socialist Ethanol Man.

      Me, not so much.

      Delete
    11. Dougman's kids will tire of constantly hearing:

      "I Told him So!!!"

      Delete
  48. Gee, 102 "Dougs" - R2 Stimulates my Productivity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gotta subtract those "Dougmans" though.

      104

      Delete
  49. 84°F

    My ass is freezing.

    Think I'll get some sun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gee, Kihei has the highest reading in Paradise.

      Brutal

      Delete
  50. How much cash I got from the cartels is hard to say, but they were happy with the body count I gave them…

    I was desperate to raise money for my 350 acres of bottom lands in AZ

    ReplyDelete