Angler's Smilin' At YOU

What are we focused upon: U.S. Democrats vs. Republicans

2011-10-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Three current examples (of 'what's the focus'?), available via linked, published articles. (New windows open.)

1.) (Re jobs:) National Democrats: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/17/obama-jobs-plan-no-division-delay_n_967404.html

vs.

The Party of 'No': http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gop-defeats-obamas-jobs-bill/2011/10/12/gIQAl3ZDeL_video.html

2.) (Re 'Occupy Wall Street' economic/social justice protests:) National Democrats: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-06/politics/politics_occupy-wall-street_1_protests-tea-party-financial-crisis?_s=PM:POLITICS

vs.

The Party of 'No': http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-11/cantor-drops-mobs-description-of-wall-street-protesters.html

3.) (Re focus upon perceived realities of our present world:) National Democrats: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/oct/12/hillary-clinton-iran-plot-video

vs.

The Party of 'No' (clue): http://www.theonion.com/articles/us-back-on-top-as-gas-prices-drop-slightly,26335/

"Exalted reality"; Republican-style:

An indecorous Republican shill

2011-09-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Link to news article from the NY Daily News (opens new window):http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/09/09/2011-09-09_president_obamas_jobs_speech_gop_rep_jeff_landry_of_louisiana_holds_sign_drillin.html?

Jeff Landry: There's no 'gray' area here... His pathetic little sign was indecorous...and disrespectful. (Check out unscientific poll results in the above-ref. story.)

Republicans would be yelling for someone's head if the other party pulled this 'crap' on them.

Favor the resourceful individualism of America's days of yore? Consider making a personal commitment to greater energy independence - both yours and the country's. Blunt the oil barons' grip upon today's largely bought-and sold Congress -- at the same time : Drive a fuel efficient vehicle. Encourage others to do so as well. Overall, you are helping yourself and your country. (And the world. Except OPEC.).

Drilling is not a panacea (eh, Mr. Landry?)..... We know that oil is a fungible, worldwide commodity, subject to market vicissitudes no matter where it is extracted from. (Also, two words: Deepwater Horizon.)

Link to one of ex-CIA director James Woolsey's cogent statements re U.S. energy security (new window): http://articles.cnn.com/2011-05-06/politics/al.qaeda.energy_1_foreign-oil-bin-attack-oil-installations?_s=PM:POLITICS

(Oil drilling platform, by Andrew Schmidt. This image is in the public domain.)

Wild-eyed Bachmann: Newsmax.com's perfected unflattering shots

2011-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Link to Slate.com blogger's view re Newsweek magazine's laughably unflattering cover photo of Michele Bachmann: (link, new window) http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2011/08/08/is_newsweek_s_michele_bachmann_cover_sexist_.html?GT1=38001

To this WWW user, it seems like about every third web page or so has a 'Newsmax.com' advertisement prominently displayed on it. (I know I'm not alone with this...) The conservative website appears to try its level best to portray Democratic leaders (usually) in a harshly unfavorable manner -- via its largely unobjective/fake polls, questions, etc. (on such ads).

Just two recent examples:

Of course much is in the "eye" of the beholder......But I believe many would acknowledge that neither of the newsmax.com photos above are (anywhere near) flattering.
This conservative "news" org. (which is widely read - if briefly) has been liberally distributing such web ads. for several years ....

None of the (photo) antics are constructive.

"Not one red cent of revenue": Nancy Pelosi's galvanizing speech

2011-08-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

“Of course, we must all reduce the deficit. But is it our best to say we are going to use the debate to reduce the deficit to destroy the public space? Look at their Appropriations bills they’re bringing before us, destroying the public space of clean air, clean water, food safety, the education of our children, the health, financial security of our seniors through Medicare and Medicaid. That’s what they are doing...."

and,

"...but not one red cent of revenue while we are saying kids should pay more for their student loans." (re Boehner bill, which was defeated - as expected by Mr. Boehner himself.)

- Minority leader Nancy Pelosi, House of Representatives floor speech (excerpts), July 30, 2011

Per the linked website: It may have been Ms. Pelosi's "finest hour". Link to the site, which includes video and text of the hard-hitting speech. ((Which apparently was) time-limited via rules imposed by the Republican majority.) (Opens a new window:) http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/pelosi-speaks-on-debt-ceiling-bills-possibly-her-finest-hour-video/politics/2011/08/01/24712

Newly-minted deficit "hawks": Where were you from 2000 through 2008? Answer: Many were voting for/supporting deficit-increasing spending measures/tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy... throughout the Bush administration. (Including the expensive, charge-in-the-wrong-direction Iraq war.)

"This image is public domain."

Most Americans (link) want common sense and real compromise in Washington.

Somebody needed to say it....Despite what is repeatedly broadcast from a strident minority, Ms. Pelosi speaks for many....

This is what oligarchy looks like: Koch-Tea Party war on workers

2011-02-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Link to 2/23/11 Jason Linkins (Huffington Post) report about Wisconsin Tea Party dupe Scott Walker unwittingly revealing "his" strategies to undermine public employee unions, to Buffalo Beast editor Ian Murphy. Who successfully reached (call dodger) Walker by posing via a Skype call as "conservative" billionaire (read: Tea Party agenda major supporter/funder) David Koch. (The Exec.VP of Koch Industries, second largest privately-held company in America. No public shareholders to answer to... "...(O)ver my dead body" (re ever offering public shares), one of the Koch brothers is attributed to have said.))

Link, including audio/partial transcript of The Beast's call (opens in a new window) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/23/scott-walker-buffalo-beast-phone-prank_n_827058.html

If it wasn't already painfully clear before the call, make no mistake: Koch - and his brother Charles - are Scott Walker's bosses....bankrollers....prime constituents...masters....divine leaders.... -- you name it.

Thanks for that, Tea Party chumps/voters. The individuals mentioned above - and those like them - care about one exclusive group: Obscenely compensated CEO money men, and other privileged, wealthy clients .
Not you. Not me. Not most Americans....

(screen cap, also a link to the website ...."The World's Only Website")

New York Times Nobel-winning columnist Paul Krugman had just previously written about the same general subject here (link to 2/20/11 article):
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/opinion/21krugman.html?

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine: "Governors and others in state houses across this country on the Republican side have decided what they want to do is wage a war against their own employees," Kaine said (Saturday night). "Against public employees who are teaching our kids, who are caring for our parents in nursing homes, who are patrolling our neighborhoods."

Update: "America's Finest News Source" (the Onion) gets this story right (link to 2/24/11 article): http://www.theonion.com/articles/governor-walker-should-be-flogged-for-his-inabilit,19309/

(If needed:)
ol·i·gar·chy –noun

1.
a form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class or clique; government by the few.

2.
a state or organization so ruled.

oligarchy. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oligarchy (accessed: February 23, 2011).

"Can OPEC come to the rescue?" Pathetic...

2011-02-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Screen graphic recently seen on CNBC as their anchors push the panic button over Libya's oil disruptions:

"Can OPEC come to the rescue?"

Just go ahead and add (to that) : "So spoiled Americans (many) can still gas up their humongous SUVs and pickups, the vast majority of which are not regularly used for their (alleged) utilitarian purpose(s)."

(Most are poseur-mobiles, in other words....)

OPEC/terrorist oil-dependent America is weak and vulnerable. And even if the U.S. extracts more of its own oil, it will still be subject to repeated shocks/cartel whims in the global oil market.

Author: IFCAR
"I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide."

I didn't say this, the former director of the CIA did: "I have a bumper sticker on the back of my Prius that reads, 'Bin Laden hates this car.'"

If we want to beat Bin Laden and oil-owning regimes (generally) hostile to the U.S., it's our patriotic duty to drive fuel-efficient vehicles. To better insulate, and wean (convert) our houses from heating oil....ETC.

Read: BP's oil is not gone from the Gulf

2011-02-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

The giant oil company would like you to think otherwise (link), but...

Link to 2/19/11 AP story by Seth Borenstein: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110220/ap_on_sc/us_sci_oil_spill_lingers

Deepwater Horizon oil spill at Chandeleur Islands LA
Author: Jeffrey Warren, Grass Roots Mapping project.
Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreywarren/4590976462/sizes/l/in/set-72157623910039211/

Video: Who's the 'idiot'?? (Ohio governor motivates and inspires)

2011-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Current YouTube video of Ohio Republican governor - that's right, he actually got elected - John Kasich:

(YT link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KF0_Qe4zNrE )

Part of a subsequent statement from the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police:

"Police officers in Ohio already do difficult and dangerous work, so it doesn't help when the governor calls an officer doing his job and protecting the public an 'idiot,' " said Ohio Fraternal Order of Police president Jay McDonald.

There's more via this link to a 2/16/11 story by Reginald Fields of The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/02/ohio_gov_john_kasich_calls_pol.html
This guy (Kasich) wants to end collective bargaining in Ohio (for state employees, I believe).

Another state worker-hatin', union hatin' Republican, it appears. And he launched his weird tirade in front of a group of Ohio state agency employees. (The Ohio EPA -- I'm sure Kasich just loves them, also...)

This is leadership?? It's like he's lecturing a bunch of wayward first-graders or something (per the video segment) -- and then Mr. Governor careens straight off the deep end. All by himself...

Not being from that state, I'll bet teachers are in the cross-hairs, too. We'll be watching this guy. From this video he appears a bit unhinged. (At this point Kasich has not apologized. His response just belittled and badgered state employees a little more....)
2/17/11 update: Gov. Kasich has apologized, in person. But this (linked) article doesn't make the meeting (with the officer) sound very "friendly". Will further note that the traffic stop was for - I'll call it - a slightly "technical" reason. Plus, as the officer is speaking with Kasich in the included (police) video (article), several cars pass by via the lane closest to the stopped vehicles. I.e., they did not 'move over'. Apparently the reason Kasich was stopped.

Glenn Beck should love him.

(Here's another view of Mr. Kasich: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmilAJEOdLM )

Exhibit A: Super Bowl XLV. America's no-culture pop culture

2011-02-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

First off, unless you're a corporate sponsor, steroid-abusing celebrity athlete, lobbyist, oil baron (or their favorite former president) -- you probably weren't at the actual event. (Though many at Cowboys Stadium watched on TV screens, too... when they bothered to interrupt their drinking and/or smoozing....(If some got to their seats at all....))
As The Onion reminds us (link, new window): Regular football fans? Barely tolerated. (Oh, BTW: The real bottom-line: (link) "Super Bowl sets viewership record". (No-culture pop culture entryway exhibit ; pls. see below for more...))

From yesterday's (2/6/11) New York Times article, "Singing, Aguilera Trips O'er Ramparts", take a look at some of the reader comments below the article. Many cogent ones, but I'll re-copy this one, which sums it up well for me and those who watched the spectacle with me:

"What so proudly we watched at the twilight’s last... REAMING???”

For anyone who would argue that our popular culture isn't completely, utterly unsalvageable, I rest my case."

- from Stretch Ledford, Richmond, VA

No-culture pop culture exhibit #1: For those brave/crazy enough to view it (again), embedding Christina Aguilera's TRAIN WRECK of a national anthem (at Super Bowl XLV, via YouTube, below). A disgrace, and dishonor to America and all Americans.

As many have pointed out, it was hardly just the messing up of the words, but her painfully drawn out, caterwauling attempt at turning the anthem into some kind of five-minute, R and B "soul" effort.....Just sing the (damn) song properly, as it was intended! The national anthem is not some kind of "showcase" for marginal talent. It ain't about YOU, Christina Whoever-You-Think-You-Are. One thing that you are certainly not: A professional singer...That was made very clear to just about everyone witnessing last night's ordeal.
(Apologizing afterward does nothing to undo the affront. If the bungled singing was some kind of bizarre "publicity stunt" (or cry for help?) in some way, few are sympathetic.)

As noted: Just all-around AWFUL:

(YT link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqjpesiIoFA&fmt=18 )

For any defenders of this singer and/or that pathetic rendition: Human beings can and do make mistakes. But this is an extremely well-paid, (alleged) professional singer stepping onto the world stage to sing a nation's anthem. I.e., to do (part of) her "job". That sorry attempt wasn't merely a "mistake"....Train wreck. Disaster. A garish one. A professional must perform better than that at such a moment.
(Perhaps she was having a medical problem....Or a possibly a little too much 'medicine' beforehand...??)

Any defenders of that performance and/or the performer, a quotation for you:

"Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you'll suck forever. "
-- Brian Wilson

(Actually it's being much too charitable to refer to Christina's rendition as "mediocre", in any way.... Can anyone imagine a top-notch, professional singer like, for example; Barbra Streisand. Ray Charles, or Aretha Franklin messing up (the national anthem, at a major event) like this woman did..?? )

Update: Yes, Christina is entitled to a chance at redemption (she'll get many, link to current story). However, for those indoctrinated via the best - like Aretha - it's not difficult to predict that Christina may do better, but will likely fall short IF she attempts to cover a song by that acclaimed singer. We will see - those who watch the Grammy's anymore. P.S. Barbra Streisand will also perform at them. Perhaps I will watch....

2/13/11 - Grammy awards show update: (Before starting...Why is the feed for this post disabled at the moment??) The five singers who paid tribute to Aretha Franklin at the show's start did pretty well, we thought. Especially Jennifer Hudson who came closest to sounding a bit like the lady herself. Ms. Aguilera performed better this time out, with songs closer to what she apparently tries to (often) imitate. But there was still too much yelling and drawn-out embellishment in her performance. (An interesting article to read (link): "...The Hideous Cult of Oversouling", by John Eskow.)
Here are links to two early takes that include comments re the Grammy show effort: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110214/ap_en_tv/us_grammys_review
and, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/02/aretha-franklin-grammy-awards-christina-aguilera.html

Christina deserves some credit for promptly getting back out on a big-time stage....(Though she apparently almost fell off of it.)

(Continuing with the previously posted entry here): No-culture pop culture exhibit 1a: Whoever this LA Times fashion blog writer is decides floundering Christina's outfit is praiseworthy, but bashes the singer who properly performed (though still a bit over-embellished) "America the Beautiful"... about her pants.)

No-culture pop culture exhibit #2: I'll just link to this 2/6/11 NYT article: "The Twitterverse Responds to the Black Eyed Peas' Halftime Show" (No-culture pop culture exhibit 2a: "Twitterverse"....)

Whatever that halftime show was, it wasn't music, nor was it entertaining. (Unless you crave being yelled at/pointed at repeatedly, etc.) Enjoy the various comments reprinted in the linked article. No-culture pop culture exhibit #3: It figures that convicted felon Martha Stewart was the Twitter-er who liked it.....

No-culture pop culture exhibit #4 through infinity: Almost every aired TV commercial last night. (And every night...) Not that this fan of actual football cares one bit. Other than they help destroy any continuity to the actual game....

P.S. As just one retro-example and for a welcome change, try a listen to this former pop star's sweet voice (link). 'Old school': Someone who can actually sing. (She even had nice blonde hair too...)

Armed Tucson hero almost shot the wrong person

2011-01-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

Link to 1/11/11 Slate story 'Friendly Firearms', by William Saletan:

(link, opens new window) http://www.slate.com/id/2280794/

In a chaotic scene (Giffords mass killing/wounding in Tucson), this armed citizen - without formal training - was able to very quickly make the correct decisions. But even he notes that he was "very lucky". Gun safety off, he came close to drawing his (concealed) weapon on the wrong individual: A heroic person who had wrestled the gun away from the actual assailant.

As pointed out in the article (and in this previous post here): An all-to-easy - and tragic - mistake to make in a wild, fast-unfolding situation such as the one in Tucson..

Arming more civilians is not the answer. Unless society "desires" more shootings, killings, and regression backward to routinely violent times, centuries ago.

1/22/11 update: Timothy Egan has written a more expansive opinion article for The New York Times on essentially this same subject, linked here: "Myth of the Hero Gunslinger". (1/20/11.)
Well worth a read, especially those who think an "answer" is to permit (almost) every American to be "packin"....

The Second Amendment (U.S. Constitution) was adopted in 1791. The (mainly-agrarian) U.S. estimated population at that time was approx. four million people. (Some of whom were still regularly hunting for food.) Our visionary founding fathers could in no way accurately predict or envision semi-automatic Glocks, deadly AK-47s, etc. etc. -- in the hands of millions of civilians....270 million guns (of all kinds), spread throughout a nation of 300+ million. This could NOT have been the intent/intended outcome of the amendment.
It is a perverting of it.

P.S. Link to a worthwhile, 1/12/11 opinion article by Nicholas D. Kristof, "Why Not Regulate Guns as Seriously as Toys?" (New York Times): (link) http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/opinion/13kristof.html?

Why does any civilian 'need' an assault weapon/extended magazine?

2011-01-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

Let's see:

For "self-defense"?? Whatcha expecting....a brigade of (fill-in-the blank here, e.g.; Taliban, Martians, living dead, other paranoid fantasies...) marching up your street?
(And if your neighborhood is somehow really that dangerous, move out - now.)

Target shooting? Those milk jugs or whatever...they got NO chance...

And I can't think of other sketchy "reasons" that otherwise sane civilians would delude themselves into thinking they need such a deadly weapon, and/or extra shot capability.
You know...as in the semi-automatic pistol/extended magazine used very rapidly and efficiently to dispatch six people at Congresswoman Giffords' Saturday constituent meeting. (January 8th.) Including a nine-year-old child. Wounding/maiming many others (fourteen)... in seconds....(Even if armed security was present (and survived), many in attendance (still) would have been shot before those officers could have neutralized a killer possessing such a weapon. And it might have actually gotten worse (in such a scenario)... think "shootout at the 'OK Corral'"-time...Multiple shooters, in close quarters. God save 'em...)

FWIW: My acquaintances and I have all managed to live our lives just fine - for decades - without owning or requiring anything like an assault weapon.

The ultimate purpose of such dangerous weapons is to hurt as many living things as possible (think people), as efficiently as possible.

1/10/11 update: Independently (I had not read it prior to writing this post), Gail Collins of The New York Times published a 1/9/11 article with several similar points - better written. Link to that article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/opinion/10collins.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

(Continuing:) Per the previous post here (and others), in a 300+ million nation, there will always be a few extreme 'nuts' off of their medication, just paroled...whatever. And we make it too easy for them to arm themselves. Ban assault weapons/extended magazines from civilian purchase and use. Implement lucrative trade-in programs for existing weapons.

Representative Carolyn McCarthy offers a start...though few hold much hope (for such action) in an NRA-bought-and-sold House of Representatives...
"Do nothing", as this article predicts. Which leads to this grim yet evident (to some) prediction: In a nation of 270 million guns (about 85 guns per 100 people), mass shootings will continue....over and over and over again. Most won't involve a high-profile congressperson or similar. But, no matter what, pray that these now-inevitable terrors don't involve you, me, a loved one, etc. As that may be your main defense. Legislators will likely do nothing. Keep in mind: You won't be able to ready your 'Glock' fast enough to ward off a determined killer - especially with an efficient killing (assault) firearm - who's got "the jump" on you. No way....And armed citizens present in such a terrible fray are just as likely to turn the situation into a wild shootout as they are to disable (only) an attacker.

"It is much easier at all times to prevent an evil than to rectify mistakes." - George Washington

(Unfortunately, George...in today's gun-crazed America we've allowed it to be much too late to be "easier".)

The "arms race" - it's in your own neighborhood....

The Second Amendment (U.S. Constitution) was adopted in 1791. Our visionary forefathers could in no way accurately envision semi-automatic Glocks, deadly AK-47s, etc. etc. -- in the hands of millions of civilians....That could NOT have been the intent.

America's disgrace: Gun violence. (Again.)

2011-01-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

1/8/11: Link to developing news story. (Details are currently unfolding...):http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09giffords.html

Many people shot. Several killed, including at least one child. (People who tackled the perpetrator (on-scene) in this case are heroes.)

Talk about "civil discourse" all that we want. But yeah...keep ignoring the real danger: Out-of-control gun availability/ownership in a large nation of 300+ million. Even if the gun in this case was legally obtained/owned. (Unknown at this time...)
1/9/11 update: Why does any civilian "need" a weapon such as an extended magazine Glock semi-automatic pistol? Except to potentially hurt or kill many more than one person/living thing...

(Continuing:) If one-tenth of one percent of all of those (300 mill.) people are dangers to others (something like that number will always be likely), that is (roughly) 300,000 threats (potentially) roaming around - at any one time. (Cut that estimate in half if wished. (E.g., some of the 300 million are very young, usually males commit mass shootings, etc. And cut it down by half again, as some potential killers are presently incarcerated, on medication, etc. ) It is still a large number. Many thousands. ) And we continue to make it easy for some of them to obtain guns...We readily arm such individuals. No other major country allows that - except perhaps, Mexico.
(Plus, as noted here it's sometimes difficult to detect potential mass killers. They do not necessarily fit a 'profile'. But they almost always obtain/use guns...)

This ambush/shooting of an unprotected congressperson (a woman) - and others - was an act of unbelievable cowardice. Yet another one...
(Insert: The only hope I hold to as these horrific events happen over and over, is that I believe most people feel and react the same way that I and my acquaintances do....)

U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. This United States Congress image is in the public domain.

BTW: Referring to the perpetrator (in this case) as a 'shooter' or 'gunman' is a whitewash. They are euphemisms. He is a suspected mass killer (and maim-er). (Alleged, at this time.) Nothing less...

1/9/11 update: Even aging Cuban dictators are (reportedly) appalled about this high-profile gun incident: "Atrocious..." (link).

How long will the United States continue to 'permit' despicable acts such as this? What does it take? How many more?

Enact effective weapon controls in remembrance of the victims - in this case and previous ones..

'This will not stand.'

'It's the people's House'. (If you're a hedge fund manager or lobbyist.)

2011-01-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

Recent published article links:

(Ah-one:) http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/01/05/5770003-first-thoughts-what-gop-control-of-the-house-means-and-doesnt

(And ah-two:) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40913123/from/RSS/

"Crisis? What crisis?" What growing inequality? What 2008-9, worldwide financial 'meltdown'?

Just in case you somehow missed it...

2010-12-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

The White House makes sure (once again) that all know about recent legislative accomplishments, during Congress' "lame duck" session. Really know...In case you missed it via any of a few thousand news outlets:

Link to WH blog posting: "5 Post-Election Achievements You Should Know About"

Many Americans want compromise vs. "gridlock" (in Washington). Part of the recent tax-cut agreement "kicks the can down the road", and we also know that the U.S. and Russia will still have killer nuke super-arsenals.

But perhaps this recent progress (in Washington) is at least a "start"....

This image is a U.S. Department of Defense photo, therefore is in the public domain.

Recall needed for this GM exec: Runaway hubris

2010-12-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable. Such arrogance...from bailed-out (not long ago), job-slashing "Government Motors'" "top" exec. (Link to AP news story follows...)

No one businessperson is "worth" $9 million annual. (Yes, sir, more egregious examples to "shoot for" offending-ly exist ...) And this guy wants MORE ... for his fellow "geniuses"!? A few of whom possibly "managed" their (former) business so wonderfully... that massive taxpayer/stockholder 'assistance' was necessary. To pull a lumbering dinosaur of a company ( ...Think: Old GM's 'Hummer') out of the ditch.
(You're not "clean out" (of it) YET either, bud....A profit may AT LAST materialize for 2010; that would be "GM's" first since 2004.)

So disgustingly typical. What an (fill in the blank)!

Link to 12/10/10 AP news story by Ken Thomas: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101210/ap_on_go_ot/us_gm_future

Watch: This guy will soon say he was "misquoted" or something.

P.S. Hey $9 mill.-a-year "wonderboy": Old GM would have done better (and maybe survived without bailout) if they had merely "copied" (or "aped"; a more fitting image?) what successful Toyota did. You know...like you're belatedly pretty much trying to do now....

Nancy Pelosi tells it like it is on tax deal

2010-12-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Four brief paragraphs from Nancy Pelosi's 12/7/10 statement re President Obama's "cave in" to 'The Party of Billionaires" on expiring Bush tax cuts:

“The tax proposal announced by the president clearly presents the differences between Democrats and Republicans. Any provision must be judged by two criteria: does it create jobs to grow our economy and does it add to the deficit?

“The Democratic provisions will create jobs and help 155 million workers through tax cuts for the middle class, helping working families who are struggling and growing the economy.

“The Republican demands would provide tax cuts to the millionaires and billionaires, fail to create jobs and increase the deficit. And to add insult to injury, the Republican estate tax proposal would help only 39,000 of America’s richest families, while adding about $25 billion more to the deficit.

“Republicans have held the middle class hostage for provisions that benefit only the wealthiest 3 percent, do not create jobs, and add tens of billions of dollars to the deficit...."

(Link to source: http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/1210/the_speaker_speaks_8c4c8df8-7cce-497c-83df-f7b817e2fd0e.html )

Democratic legislators should draw a line here, and if all of the irresponsible Bush tax cuts expire at year end - so be it. Blame obstructionist Republicans who cater only to the wealthy. (Including for the probable loss of Democratic proposals that help the "rest of us" non-millionaires.)

Hey....more (tax) revenue in 2011 to start to address the massive, Bush national deficit....(George: Cutting taxes while maintaining/increasing spending = burgeoning deficit. Duh.)

One final word: Compromise. (All parties...)

12/13/10 update: Link to 12/13 Reuters story re 'Moody's may cut U.S. 'Aaa' rating outlook if tax package enacted'. (Link to story.)

(Comment: Moody's is "on it"! (Re government debt levels, deficit financing.) But, where were these "guys" (i.e, Wall Street credit rating agencies) prior to the 2008, sub-prime mortgage-induced financial "meltdown"?)

What's really wrong with America? Apprise yourself:

2010-12-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

Answer: Educational achievement. Educational performance/results.

Link to 12/7/10 Associated Press news article By CHRISTINE ARMARIO: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40544897/from/RSS/

(An alternative (long-winded) "prompt" for the title of this post?
'What is one possible reason why so many Americans seem to actually care about (foul-mouthed, unwed (former) teen mother) Bristol Palin, and "Dancing With the Stars"....?' (Both specifically and in general.))

Dirty Koch

2010-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

Please click on the image below for more information about Koch Industries' activities:

(Link for image, if needed: http://kochindustriesfacts.com/ )

More here (linked article): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/14/pat-toomey-climate-change-republicans_n_763545.html

If there is somehow only a 50% chance that (the majority of) climate scientists - which civilized societies train and educate for such purposes - are (primarily) correct about the causes of/predicted consequences of climate change: Why would rational human beings gamble with their children and grand-children's future -- by "sticking their heads in the sand" (now)? It is willful ignorance. (And worse.)

If there is only a 30% chance that...(etc.)...why would rational human beings....

Think about your kids as you read this letter (link):

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/opinion/l14climate.html

Climate change deniers: Your stance is almost certainly WRONG (link to some facts)

UPDATE: By all means, please work further on 'Plan B'. (Middle America will probably never "get it" re climate change.) : Link to an excellent article on geoengineering from The Economist: http://www.economist.com/node/17414216?

Key media voice: Your new Congress

2010-11-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Glenn Beck's recent ruminations re our country's current president:

(link) http://www.politicususa.com/en/beck-obama-india

Talk about un-hinged.....

Old image from Google/LIFE archive

Date taken:	1961
Photographer:	J R Eyerman

Plus: This 11/5/10 news brief from 'The Onion': (link) http://www.theonion.com/articles/american-public-gets-exactly-what-it-deserves-for,18401/

A leading member: Your new Congress

2010-11-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

She wishes to be given a leadership position in the new Republican/Tea-Bagger House of (Mis-)Representatives: (Link to 11/4/10 AP news article by Laurie Kellman): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101105/ap_on_go_co/us_boehner_bachmann

This is an elected congressperson who often seeks out media coverage to say things like this: http://www.michelebachmannsaidwhat.com/blog/2010/08/bachmann-says-bill-to-save-jobs-for-teachers-firefighters-is-money-laundering/

And this, about climate change/'global warming': http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2008/03/bachmann_doesnt.shtml
More here: http://minnesotaindependent.com/33294/on-climate-science-bachmann-accused-of-making-things-up-on-the-house-floor

And this: http://www.michelebachmannsaidwhat.com/video.php

There's even more here (Wikipedia link): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Bachmann

"Getting stranger" (link to CNN interview, 11/3/10) : http://www.dumpbachmann.com/

Official photo of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN). This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann: As a New York Times award winning columnist recently ended her opinion piece depicting our "new" Republican leadership: "God help the Republic."

Member snapshot: Your new Congress

2010-11-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Even "You Lie!" Joe Wilson (shouted at the president in 2009) somehow weaseled his way back (in). Guess some folks are 'OK' with elected officials doing embarrassingly offensive things....

Please have a read of the following linked, 11/3/10 article from "The State". Then ask yourself how in the world this guy got re-elected. (Don't think about it too long though....Very depressing.) :

(link) http://www.thestate.com/2010/11/03/1542940/wilson-turns-back-strong-miller.html

BTW: Some actual facts about health care reform are linked here.

Old photo from Google/LIFE archives

Date taken:	July 1945
Photographer:	Herbert Gehr

A productive outgoing U.S. Congress: True story

2010-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

As is often the case in the USA, the truth is ignored. Necessary change/reform is feared. Obstructed. (This time by "The Party of No".):

Link to 10/18/10, Associated Press news article by Jim Abrams: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PROLIFIC_CONGRESS?SITE=TNMEM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

"Those who cannot remember the past are ..." -- you know the rest.

Typical "world view" (for some in the U.S.)??

Image source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pLrY5b1WOfY/R8iU7J8-KEI/AAAAAAAAATA/eQgEI8pJ8g8/s1600-h/redneckmapsimplified.jpg

Re: Additional states permit concealed handguns in bars

2010-10-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Per the following link, "Tricia Marlowe" has the best take:

Link to The Onion article (pls. right-click for a new window) : http://www.theonion.com/articles/more-states-allow-guns-in-bars,18248/

De-volving (backward, of course).....to "the wild, wild West".

This media file is in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1923. See this page for further explanation.

Mr./Ms.Gun-Nut (if you kin read): Prepare to be (suitably) addressed as a coward (and similar) if you should go out of your way to encounter/threaten me in your bar.

-- Even "just" intimidation/harassment using a gun is illegal....(aggravated assault, etc.)

So "whatcha gonna do"....shoot me? In the back....?
Like many others, I'm not armed....and not afraid either -- unlike you.

For additional (simplistic-world) consideration:
Link (below), via YouTube....

Kenny Rogers - 'Coward Of The County'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK543f0_UKc&feature=related

Climate change: It's here

2010-08-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Global climate change deniers (& another link) and misdirect-ers/misinform-ers: Your stance is almost certainly wrong.

More areas of the world are now experiencing likely effects -- i.e., more frequent extreme weather events (EPA link) -- already. Peruse the following link to a recent news article by CHARLES J. HANLEY, AP Special Correspondent – Fri Aug 13, 3:09 am ET:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100813/ap_on_sc/us_sci_climate_breakdown

Update: An 8/14/10 article by Justin Gillis of The New York Times also discusses climate change and recent, extreme weather events around the world. Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/science/earth/15climate.html

More: Some climate change facts. Not Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh distorted or manufactured "facts", but scientific ones (instead). Think of your kids as you read them:

Extreme Weather and Climate Change:
"Extreme weather is putting hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods at risk all around the world. In order to avoid the worst and most devastating impacts of the severe weather events that are consistent with climate change, we must begin to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more about climate change and extreme weather and make sure your friends and family get the facts.

Get the Facts: Extreme Weather and Global Climate Change:

    * Pollution from human activities is warming our climate. The 10 warmest years on record all occurred since 1990, and the last decade was the hottest recorded since worldwide record keeping began more than 100 years ago. The period between January and June of 2010 was the warmest six months on record.

    * A warming climate increases the chance that we will experience extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and intense storms, and ramps up the risk that severe weather events will cause catastrophic damage.

    * The floods, fires and droughts we're seeing in places like Pakistan and Russia are consistent with the
effects of global warming, including temperature increases, increased precipitation in some parts of the world,
and droughts in others.

    * In early August, a 97-square mile chunk of ice--the largest since 1962--broke away from the northwest coast of Greenland. Canadian officials fear the massive "ice island" could pose a risk to ships and oil platforms.

    * Unless we significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, we are likely to see even more extreme weather events and the consequences they bring.

References:
1. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Earth Observatory, "Ice Island Calves off Petermann Glacier," August 13, 2010.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=45112

2. Randy Boswell, "Giant iceberg drifting toward Canada could threaten ships, oil platforms," Montreal Gazette, August 10, 2010.http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Giant+iceberg+drifting+toward+Canada+could+threaten+ships+platforms/3382103/story.html"

Source link: http://acp.repoweramerica.org/page/invite/extremeweather?s

Now it's not "just" your kids and grandchildren who will be "paying the price". It's (more and more of) us, also....

Old image from Google/LIFE archives. Photographer: Loomis Dean

P.S.: Meanwhile, what's "in the sights" of Tea-bagger (link) heroine Sarah (photo below), instead of the planet's/your children's future?? Do you actually want to know? ...Recall the tale of Nero and the Great Fire of Rome...??

This image is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain. Author: Pfc. Christopher Grammer, 50th Public Affairs Detachment.

But Omar Thornton owned six guns

2010-08-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

According to the following 8/4/10 news article from The Hartford Courant, Hartford Distributors alleged masscrer/murderer Omar Thornton owned a total of six guns:

Link to 'courant.com' story: http://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-omar-s-thornton-connecticut-shooti20100804,0,6244219.story

Yet, we are also already seeing sympathetic, shoulder-shrugging stories such as the following (by The Courant's Hilda Munoz and Jon Lender), at times depicting Omar as "...so soft-spoken and laid-back that no one knew how much of an impact the problems were having on him". Plus, (no attribution, same story/writers): "The only clue that the family has about Thornton's motive for the shootings was his complaint that he was racially harassed at work."
Link to 8/4/10 courant.com article: http://www.courant.com/community/east-hartford/hc-omar-thornton-story-0804-20100803,0,5894638.story

'Only clue'?? More information will likely come out in the days ahead, but why does anyone 'need' six guns (of various kinds)? How were these guns kept (e.g., locked up in a safe somewhere, or not)? With all of those guns available, what might happen when "Mr. Soft-spoken" has a "bad" day, or gets angry? (Rhetorical questions. We now know the terrible 'answer' (to at least one), plus Omar (apparently) took the coward's way out and shot himself. Update: 'Mr. Soft-spoken' apparently declared that he wished he "...could have got more of the people." I.e., in his (alleged) shooting/murdering rampage. In the same '911' call he called himself "the shooter". C'mon Omar, should have told it like it was: Ambushin' mass-murderer of unarmed people.)

Who will be the next innocent American co-workers, bystanders, etc. to die at the hand of a heavily-armed, but "real quiet", "nice guy" mass murderer? Will it be me....or you? A loved one?? Who's "number" will be up the next time?

Easy guns. (Link to undercover video.) Poor control. In a gun-happy country of 300 million-plus people, this kind of horrible outcome - repeated over and over - is inevitable. (Probability and statistics-wise that is (if you will). And ultimately, no one can easily predict exactly who will do something like this. Only that it will happen, with some frequency. (I.e., so many people; so many guns.) Also pls. see an earlier post here, same subject. Such carnage occurs over and over in America...)

Here's even a grim (partly-related) "tally" for you, from just one U.S. state (link). We're keeping TRACK of various deadly events, kind of like a (lethal game) score...

Keep turning a blind eye to rampant gun ownership and horrifying gun massacres in this country....and: Pray that you're not the next in the line of fire. Plus keep "trotting out" those much-practiced, finely-honed mourning skills...

When is it ever going to be ENOUGH? What does it take?

Your grand-children will want to know someday....

2010-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Who the cowards of our time are (were)....

Denying/filibustering/rationalizing away any meaningful action to address climate change.... (This time) during a record-setting U.S. east coast heat wave . (Plus the hottest first half of a year ever, worldwide.)

Oh, yeah: And a catastrophic oil well blowout in the Gulf.

Usual suspects: Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning columnist for the New York Times provides some guidance - re the "who" (above).  Link to 7/26/10 article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/opinion/26krugman.html?

(Some of the top comments to the article are worth reading as well:) http://community.nytimes.com/comments/www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/opinion/26krugman.html

From NASA, some likely future effects of climate change:

Global Climate Change: Future Trends

(Phenomena/Likelihood of trend)

-- Contraction of snow cover areas, increased thaw in permafrost regions, decrease in sea ice extent Virtually certain

-- Increased frequency of hot extremes, heat waves and heavy precipitation    Very likely to occur

-- Increase in tropical cyclone intensity      Likely to occur

-- Precipitation increases in high latitudes    Very likely to occur

-- Precipitation decreases in subtropical land regions     Very likely to occur

-- Decreased water resources in many semi-arid areas, including western U.S. and Mediterranean basin High confidence

(Definitions of likelihood ranges used to express the assessed probability of occurrence: virtually certain >99%, very likely >90%, likely >66%.

Source: Summary for Policymakers, IPCC Synthesis report, November 2007
http://www.ipcc.ch/)

Among other irresponsible acts, justify this (sample photo, below; just one example), as your grand-kids' world starts to look and feel more like Venus every year. (Not to mention other likely (mostly adverse) effects.)

Your kids and grand-kids will be looking back upon your legacy, and that of others...They will not be able to ignore global climate change.

Author : IFCAR ,"I the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide."

Gulf oil disaster: Visualizing it

2010-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

CNBC.com provides us with various depictions of what (approximately) 184 million gallons of blown-out (well) oil looks like/equates to:

(Link to article/slideshow) http://www.cnbc.com/id/38294088

Oil Spill - San Francisco

Date taken: 1971

Photographer: George Silk

Plus:

OMG: China oil pipelines explode; 70 sq. mile slick. (Link to early news story (msnbc.com)): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38307431/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

The 85-day underwater oil gusher

2010-07-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

BP has no credibility. (Another link with additional info. here.)

Maintain your skepticism about the (latest) temporary "fix" for the 85-day long Deepwater Horizon well blowout. (Story link here.)

(Note: The 85-day number (above) is an estimate, and assumes that oil began gushing about two days after the intial (4/20/10) rig explosion...Considering the huge volume of oil spilled, the exact number of days matters little.)

We shall see. Relief wells (a few weeks away) are the most likely "permanent" solution.

The largest-ever oil spill disaster in U.S. waters. The damage is done: Many of us will (make it a point to) never "forget"....

Google/LIFE image archive

Oil Spill - San Francisco

Date taken: 1971
Photographer: George Silk

Land of tricked-out mowers and blown-out oil wells

2010-06-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy Wendy Bounds' well-written articles in The Wall Street Journal.

Here is a link to her balanced, 6/14/10 article describing proliferation of "super" (lawn) mowers in parts of the U.S. (example: Ridiculousburg, Ohio, (zip) EIEIO):
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704575304575296833523847028.html

(Old photo: Google/LIFE archives)

"Pres. of Wesleyan Univ. taking his family for a ride on the mower.

Location:	Middletown, CT, US
Date taken:	December 1968
Photographer:	Bob Gomel"

For me, this on-line comment (as appended to the article, emphasis added) sums up the ongoing, general disconnect nicely. I.e., between the Gulf ("corner-cutting", mile-deep, exploratory oil well) disaster and many Americans' "environmental" behavior:

"I guess (individual named in article) and all the other folks purchasing these ridiculous machines haven't yet grasped the link between their lawn obsession and the Gulf oil spill. This disaster in the Gulf is our collective responsibility and we should all be ashamed of the way we have allowed ourselves to get "addicted to oil", (as W said).
Go ahead, buy a super mower, buy a pickup truck that is twice as much truck as you need, mow your 12 acres of grass, then relax with a frosty beer and turn on a video of the oil spill."

-- Dave Fisher (WSJ commenter)

Bonus: Another applicable one? (Different commenter re same article:)

"Small minds on big machines. How appropriate."

Oil disaster: Anger? Yes. Changed behavior? Unlikely.

2010-06-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Three links. One underlying theme:

-- Image (above) from 6/3/10 article: "Oil Currents Likely to Carry Oil Along Atlantic Coast" ,The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
"The modeling results are captured in a series of dramatic animations produced by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and collaborators."
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research under sponsorship by the National Science Foundation.

-- Recent Gallup organization poll results for survey on increased drilling for oil and gas off U.S. coasts. (Side note: When will someone ask a poll question that separates offshore gas drilling from oil drilling?) Link to poll results: http://www.gallup.com/poll/137885/Americans-Divided-Increased-Coastal-Oil-Drilling.aspx
6/10 update: Some encouraging poll results via this linked 6/9/09 MSNBC/Washington Post article. But how long will the expressed sentiment really last? And will it translate into personal action? (Link) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37598363/

-- Another recent survey showing U.S. consumers "at the bottom" (i.e., dead last) in environmental behavior (link): http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2010/06/greendex-2010-environmental-survey-national-geographic-society-globescan-consumer-behavior.html

Ask yourself: Why are they "punching" mile-deep exploratory oil wells in the ocean? (Or trying to in ANWR...) Could a primary reason be....so Mom and Dad can sit up high in thier matching Escalades?? Be sure to (try to) justify that "responsible" behavior to your kids/grand-kids. (As they find news stories about long-lasting environmental damage in the Gulf of Mexico. Link to a current article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37535767/from/RSS/)
(BTW, a hybrid Escalade is no solution...)

This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 waiver.

The author of this work has dedicated it to the public by waiving all of his or her rights to the work under copyright law and all related or neighboring legal rights he or she had in the work, to the extent allowable by law.

6/10 update: (Certain) Hummer, Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade drivers (etc.): HAHAHAHAHA (link): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100608/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gm_recall

These over-sized things (smaller version shown) take a lot of energy to heat/cool/maintain:

photographer, John Delano

Read more here. Increased offshore oil drilling will not lower your U.S. gasoline prices. Ocean oil drilling is not "safe". Rampant consumerism promotes risky offshore oil exploration/extraction.

Oil spill disaster: Why aren't we angry enough to change?

2010-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Recent news story follows - As oil washes up on Gulf coasts and BP "concedes" that the runaway oil gusher 5,000 feet deep "is bigger than the company 'estimated'".
(Duh... try covered up.)
Link to 5/20/10 AP story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100520/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill

6/10/10 update: How many more of these "much more oil gushing" headlines are to come? Real information has been scarce: Seems accurate to go ahead and categorize the "spill" as the biggest ever in the U.S. - by far: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100611/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill_flow

(Link for MSNBC interactive oil spill trajectory graphic: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37133684/ns/gulf_oil_spill/)

Most Americans seem to still support offshore oil exploration and drilling (though it appears drilling for natural gas was included as part of the question): (link) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100514/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill_poll

(If interested please see more via this previous post: http://heymrpotter.blogspot.com/2010/05/many-americans-dont-really-mind-gulf.html)

You know some of the answers because you're smarter than a 5th grader (right?)....: Change is "hard". We are addicted to oil....
More proof that Americans are energy hogs? Try this link to a recent survey. People in the U.S.: Dead last in environmental behavior. Again. (link) http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2010/06/greendex-2010-environmental-survey-national-geographic-society-globescan-consumer-behavior.html

"A cat will look down to a man. A dog will look up to a man. But a pig will look you straight in the eye and see his equal." --Winston Churchill

Reason 2: Loud-mouth clowns like this one. (Remember when your teacher told the class clowns (like this) to 'shut up' or get out....?) Viewer note: I can't seem to launch Glenn's 2010 "Earth Day" video anymore (so maybe it's quietly been pulled); but most of his videos still make the point: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/videos/

Here's a thought: How about giving the environment (and the planet) a chance: Trade in this (that would be your lard-ass SUV... driven solo much of the time):

And THIS. (Why not plant some trees and shrubs on your spread?)

Photo: Polish Ursus C-360-3P tractor. Perkins engine.Author:Pibwl

And please sign this (Oceana link): http://na.oceana.org/

Enough is enough. Do it for your kids and grand-kids' sake.

5/21/10: A small step in the right direction (link): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100521/ap_on_bi_ge/us_obama_fuel_efficiency

Gulf spill: Many Americans currently don't really mind

2010-05-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Commentary: Of course there are some who do.....especially those on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico states soon to be dealing with the massive - and still unabated - Deepwater Horizon drilling well blowout. (And likely for years to come....No one seems to precisely know (or will say yet), but the type of oil from this disaster may not be "lighter" (i.e., easier to disburse, biodegrade, etc.); as is hinted via articles linked here and here.)

5/15/10 update: NYT (article link): Gulf oil gusher appears worse than estimated; much larger

Update: Link from MSNBC to an interactive, animated spill trajectory map covering a number of days: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37133684/ns/gulf_oil_spill/ns/gulf_oil_spill/

(Earlier posted info.:) Results from an 'Economist/YouGov' poll reported on 4/30/10:

" Thousands of barrels of oil have spilled into the sea as a result of the devastating explosion on an exploratory rig in the Gulf of Mexico last week. But who cares about that? In this week's poll, 63% favoured increased offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. In a poll conducted two weeks before the explosion, 63% favoured increased offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. Perhaps that will change if/when the oil starts washing up on shore, leading to photos like this. The White House, which has pushed for more drilling, seems prepared for a change in mood.

Drill, baby, drill: 66% of Republicans "strongly support" offshore drilling, compared with 21% of Democrats (still, more Democrats favour drilling than oppose it)."

Those poll results currently mirror a few others that I've seen. (The 'natural gas' portion of drilling questions (above) may have affected results, however.) And although this recent article (link follows) accentuates percentages who (say they) are concerned about the spill/environment in general, what is striking is that they seem to be in the minorities of all respondents. 5/6/10 article link: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2010/2010-05-06-091.html

Update: This newer poll still shows that a majority supports offshore drilling (link). Read on as to a big (ass) reason why....

As long as (numerous) Americans can drive their silly SUVs/pickup trucks solo and often empty of significant cargo -- as much as they damn please, who cares about: some turtles, shrimp, fish, dolphins, whales, birds, beaches, entire eco-systems -- now and for your children's future, etc., etc. "Grandpa gets to drive his SUV around....that's all that matters." What a responsible, caring legacy to leave....

For a few reasons, offshore oil drilling in United States ocean waters will NOT substantially reduce dependence upon foreign sources of oil (link to Scientific American 2008 article). Retail gasoline prices will not go down. Conservation, combined with newer, cleaner technologies WILL reduce demand. The U.S. public must get behind a paradigm change.
Perhaps there may be some hope of this...(link to one recent opinion article): http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6996414.html

Update (link): "How can a device that has 260 failure modes be considered fail-safe?"

At this moment, this link describes a likely cause of the exploration rig explosion. Many of us (i.e., consumers) have a small and distant connection to this latest oil-related catastrophe. How many ecological disasters will it take? The time to begin significantly reducing that connection is now. Offshore oil exploration and production is not "safe".

Oil Spill - San Francisco

Date taken:	1971
Photographer:	George Silk

Link to photo slideshow of impacted wildlife (MSNBC): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36964179/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

Gulf spill: Another IXTOC 1 disaster?

2010-04-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

(Competing with the oh-so-important "Halle Berry Splits with Boyfriend" story:)

Link to pertinent article: http://www.helium.com/items/1819703-environmental-effects-of-the-deepwater-horizon-oil-rig-disaster-in-the-gulf-of-mexico

As can be seen (above), it took nine months to cap the 1979 IXTOC 1 blowout....(IXTOC was an even deeper well, though).

4/30/10 satellite photo of growing "spill":

http://www.incidentnews.gov/attachments/8220/526479/COSMO_SAR_30Apr10_2351UTC_CSTARS.jpg

Update: Link to a Washington Post article from 5/1 providing better details about potential environmental impacts. Unfortunately, a "mega-disaster" in the making....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36881232/from/RSS/

Oil Spill - San Francisco

Date taken:	1971
Photographer:	George Silk

Another 5/1 update: Spill triples in size. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100501/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill

It's very early, but some volunteer efforts to help with spill-related clean-up, etc. are beginning to form. Not associated with this blog. But here is one link: http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/greenpeaceusa_blog/2010/04/30/volunteer_info_for_gulf_oil_spill

5/1/10 story link: More ways to help (no affiliation with this website/blog): http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/05/01/2291388.aspx

"Spill Baby, Spill" (That right, Sarah?)

2010-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

From NOAA, Deepwater Horizon Incident, Gulf of Mexico, update 4/25/10. (That thing above is called a "map", Sarah. Of the Gulf of Mexico. In the United States. Of America.)

Updated map, 4/27/10, source: NOAA

4/27/10 news story update. No "gray" area (or oily brown): This appears to be a disaster in the making (link): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36800673 .
CONFIRMED, 4/28/10 (link to AP story): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100429/ap_on_bi_ge/us_louisiana_oil_rig_explosion
(The "leak" (blowout?) is five times worse than initially categorized....)

She famously "corrected" Joe Biden in a 2008 debate about it: Where are Sarah Palin and the Republican/Tea Bagger "Drill Baby Drill " (link) drones on THIS One? The silence is deafening.

A guess: After appropriately mourning the cost in human life....probably fabricating a way to conspiratorially link Greenpeace (or some other political opponent - perhaps Ted Kennedy) -- to this LATEST oil spill disaster....

Having a giant laugh (or another paranoia attack)... about this newest environmental desecration to the "rock" the rest of us have to exist upon?? (That includes your children, etc.)

-- Enjoy your chief clown (link):

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/videos/?uri=channels/338017/877248

"Spill Baby, Spill" - Link to (serious, non-clown) editorial and editorial cartoon: http://www.pnj.com/article/20100425/OPINION/4250306/1020/Editorial--Safe-offshore-drilling?

Unfortunately, it's not just Sarah and her backward "crowd" who do not "get it" about offshore oil drilling/exploration. Please see the following post here....

Earth Day irony: And our administration wants to expand offshore oil drilling??

2010-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today is "Earth Day"....right??

4/22/10 AP news story (link follows, below). What a sick joke. This type of event (even worse) is one big reason why the environmental movement, Earth Day (etc.) ramped up 40 years ago (link).

Pray for better luck ...perhaps that's the 'contingency plan' this time.

(story link:)

Burning offshore oil rig sinks, big oil spill possible

4/23/10 update: "No leak"....YET. (Link to AP story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100423/ap_on_bi_ge/us_louisiana_oil_rig_explosion )

Re update: If luck happens to prevail in this situation, nothing asserted here (in this post) is invalidated. Environmental issues have been raised (again). Dirty energy sources should be questioned. Offshore oil drilling is not "safe"(link). America's oil addiction leads to problems.

4/24/10 AP news story,new update (link):http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100425/ap_on_bi_ge/us_louisiana_oil_rig_explosion

(Old photo, Santa Barbara off-shore oil spill, 1969, Google/LIFE archives)

Yeah.....'drill baby drill'. How about ...."spill baby, spill"?? U.S. "commitment" to the environment remains at joke levels. Energy policies? Total hypocrisy. It's basically about finding any way to ensure that "drill-queen" Sarah Palin and zillions of others can drive their fat-ass SUVs/pickups -- solo,on-road, and with a "cargo" of air the majority of the time.....

(Background story: Obama to open more offshore areas for oil drilling (link to NYT 3/30/10 article): http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/science/earth/31energy.html )

More sick "Earth Day" incongruity: Wisconsin energy bill dies on Earth Day (NYT, link): http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/04/22/business/AP-WI-Wisconsin-Clean-Energy.html?src=busln

"Earth day", 2010: We're all doing such a fantastic job of (planet) "stewardship":
"Deadly fungus could wipe out bats" (link to article)

and

- Bees dying at alarming rate (link): http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/honey-bees-dying-scientists-suspect-pesticides-disease-worry/story?id=10191391

- Acid in oceans worsening (link to 4/22/10 article): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36713115/ns/us_news-environment/

Oh well....Cheer up with a lovely song (link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo&fmt=18

Oh yeah: Climate change is Al Gore's imagination...

2010-04-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

More glaciers melt away in Glacier National Park (link to 4/7/10 AP news story)

I've been to Glacier myself a couple of times. The rangers we spoke to there believed "something was up" with climate change....

As Mr. Gore has said: It's going to soon need to be named "The Park Formerly Known as Glacier Nat'l Park"

Go see it.....QUICK.

Oh....BTW: Today is April 7th, and the current temperature is 90 degrees (F) where I live (New England)....(That's about 35 degrees above "normal" for the date. One year doesn't make a trend, but it's been well above normal for temps. here and everywhere (link) during the last several weeks... already.)

The Party of No. And no class.

2010-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

What it is:
(And what they are:)

Link:

An Absence of Class

Unbelievable

2010-03-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

We'll see if anything further come to light about this story, but it's more evidence that this country is close-to-insane when it comes to guns. Too many of the unreasonably paranoid and/or gun-packin' maniacs... getting their way:

Link to 3/14/10 AP "Pentagon gun" story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100314/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_pentagon_metro_shooting_guns

FWIW: From a recent forum post (re guns in Starbucks):
"Visiting a Starbucks (or similar) while carrying a gun, you are most likely one or more of these:

- An armed criminal. Criminal use of guns, including threatening and intimidating, is far more common in the U.S. than actual self-defense use of guns. (Supporting link) (A broader link.)

- Paranoid. Even in the gun-whacked U.S., the rate of aggravated assault is approx. three per 1000 inhabitants. That's three-tenths of one percent. (Link)

- A police officer, perhaps off-duty. (Link)

- What the originator of this oh-so-enlightening topic suggests. Put somewhat civilly: An insecure person and/or a gun-packing maniac. You're part of the problem, not the solution."

More bad climate news

2010-03-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

Actually, scientists have been watching methane for awhile now, but the latest findings (linked below) are of concern.

It's human nature to deny or avoid facts that (likely) convey "bad news" (e.g., for planet dwellers), but please read and remember this one for your kids and grand-kids. And be aware that there are other heat-trapping gases - some man-made - in the climate "mix", also. (I.e., beyond carbon dioxide and methane.)

Whether warming (or the amount of warming) is or isn't an absolute, locked-in certainty (yet), don't we all owe it to future inhabitants to do what is possible about ameliorating climate warming gasses and emissions...now? (Ethically?) It is also time to start seriously looking into man-made methods for removing heat-trapping gases from the earth's atmosphere - whether that sounds like science fiction or not.

Link to 3/4/10 AP story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100304/ap_on_sc/us_sci_climate_methane

Dysfunction forever? Today's AP headlines summarize exactly what's wrong in the U.S. (2/23/10)

2010-02-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Summarized 2/23/10 Associated Press headlines/links:

"Wall Street Bonuses Up 17 Percent in 2009": (link to story:) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100223/ap_on_bi_ge/us_wall_street_bonuses

"Confidence Relapse Intensifies Economic Fears" : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100223/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/us_economy

"GOP's Scott Brown Labeled Turncoat for Jobs Vote": http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_go_co/us_congress_jobs_gop_turncoats

"Summit Will Not Break Logjam on Health Care" : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul

No wonder "regular" (non-celebrity, non-politician, non-CEO) citizens are thoroughly disgusted....Seems that way too much is just terminally "dysfunctional" ....Overall, it's just not working for (on behalf of) many people.

Bonus disgusting, gun-nut news item: (Opinion piece about guns in Starbucks, from a few days ago.) http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/20/opinion/20sat3.html?ref=opinion

(Petition Starbucks: http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/starbucks_guns/ )

Old image from Google/LIFE archives

Amazingly, an extra, bonus headline of disgust from today: "Toyota Recalls Won't "Totally" Fix Problem": http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100224/ap_on_bi_ge/toyota_recall

Update: Oh yeah...This happened on 2/23 also (link). School shooting, two kids shot for no reason with a high-power rifle, heroic bystanders (teachers) prevented much worse carnage. Etc., etc.
It is not, of course, but this now seems almost typical in gun-nut crazy America.

-> This post got you 'down' a bit?? Cheer up with a lovely song (link, language caution): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

Why can't the U.S. pay greater tribute like this? Canada's Highway of Heroes

2010-02-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Part of the repatriating of Canada's fallen heroes. (Note: "The 401" is a very busy highway near Toronto with many overpasses, where people gather to pay respect.):

This may have recently changed somewhat, but in the U.S. we (used to) "sneak" Iraq and Afganistan war casualties into Dover Air Force Base in the dead of night. Most ceremonies and honors are still held largely in private here.

The U.S. can learn a lot from it's Canadian friends and allies. (2/21/10: Except, it seems, in Olympic (prelims.) HOCKEY☻.)

"The Dover (DE) Highway of Heroes". (Or something similar. Even a route part or all the way from Dover to Arlington National Cemetary (for those who will be interred there). (2/23/10: Pls. see the end of this post for updated info.) A special railway train may be possible in that region as an alternative. For others, individual cities/states could also do something similar. I'm sure some smaller towns already include a procession....)
Why can't that happen? It should ....It stinks that something like it (i.e., a more public honoring of fallen soldiers) is not regularly done here. It is the least that we can do....

I'm doing a bit more research to learn more. But I'm going to send these YouTube videos with an electronic message to the Dpt. of Defense, my U.S. rep. or others, soon. (If possible.) I think that a public honor/tribute like this is a very good idea. (Please copy this blog post URL if you wish and include it in a message as well, if you agree. Please include a link/URL for this post. Thank you.)

Update, 2/23/10. Please also see a further update detailed at the end of this post: I'm still researching the overall process for fallen U.S. personnel. Here is one link, describing "dignified transfer", from the "Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center (at Dover, DE). As can be seen, the focus is upon dignified, solemn transfer of remains to designated (usually family) individuals, in an expeditious manner: http://www.mortuary.af.mil/library/dignifiedtransfer/index.asp

I understand the focus upon "dignified transfer". This earlier article (10/29/03) from defense.gov states:

"Out of respect for families' privacy, defense officials do not allow

arrival ceremonies for, or media coverage of deceased military

personnel returning to or departing from Dover Air Force Base

or Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, or any other site

where remains are transferred."

Policy has recently been changed to allow media access - upon consent from family or next-of-kin - to the arrival of soldiers' bodies at Dover. Here is a link to a Columbia Journalism Review article which provides greater details: http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/dover_behind_the_scenes.php

As I continue to investigate, I'll offer these (early) assertions:

1) In many cases, soldiers' remains appear to be quickly entrusted at Dover to next-of-kin. What happens after that is not yet clear, though it is likely that each family decides what to do next. I.e., funeral and burial arrangements. I'm sure in some cases the funeral etc. takes place in the soldiers' home town. Any processsion, honors, etc. would take place there. So at Dover AFB, it appears that remains are flown in (from overseas) and transferred to next-of-kin at the base itself, or other, additional transport arrangements are made - at least in some cases. (Need to do more research here.)

2) In the United States, the following armed forces service members are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,VA (partial list of eligibility follows). According to Google Maps, the distance by car from Dover, DE A.F.B. to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is a little more than 100 miles. At least half appears to be over more rural/suburban areas of Delaware and Maryland (Eastern Shore area). It of course becomes more urban nearing Washington, DC. The suggested route also passes through Annapolis, MD.
I think that anyone reading can see where I'm attempting to "go" with this. (Given the information above.) Note: The distance from the Canadian air base to the (Canadian) mortuary is about 100 miles, per the NBC News video report, above. So it appears that the motorcades there are traveling a similar (i.e., long) distance. I will try to learn more about how soldiers' remains may "usually" travel from Dover to Arlington.....if that's what happens, at least in some cases.

Partial list of eligibility for internment at Arlington Nat'l Cemetery:

Any active duty member of the Armed Forces (except those members serving on active duty for training only).
Any veteran who is retired from active military service with the Armed Forces.
Any veteran who is retired from the Reserves is eligible upon reaching age 60 and drawing retired pay; and who served a period of active duty (other than for training).

Please note: The original portions of this post are copyrighted, 2010.
"Angler's Smilin' at You"

Additional, 2/23/10 update: This overall issue apparently was discussed in the following 2/14/09 article by John Barry for Newsweek magazine (link) : http://www.newsweek.com/id/184772
Mr. Barry concludes with an interesting idea that I also like, at first glance: Fly fallen soldiers remains into Andrews AFB, Washington, DC, then perform an honor procession - similar to the Canadian one above - from Andrews to Dover, DE (AFB). (Mr. Barry notes that such a procession might even be routed near the White House.) Mr. Barry says that currently, remains are sent from Dover AFB to the soldier's hometown for a military funeral.

Highest education level attained: Tea Party convention attendees?

2010-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Just curious.

If there had been an accurate way to tabulate the information, I would have liked to know the highest level of education attained by Nashville Tea Party convention attendees.

I'll cite a couple of U.S. Census Bureau statistics to elaborate a bit: Per 2008 data, the U.S. Census bureau reported that 87 percent of (25+ year-old) adults in the country had completed high school. And 29% had at least a bachelor's degree.

How did convention attendees (and perhaps speakers/leaders) compare with these statistics? Or "Tea Partiers" in general?

4/14/10 update: The following New York Times article by K. Zernike and M. Thee-Brenan contains interesting poll data asking similar questions. The link follows. This is my blog so I'll add (editorially) that we recently had eight years of an administration that largely favored the wealthy. We're still trying to undo the mess that these leaders facilitated, and will be doing so for quite awhile.(As with all major world economies, government stimulus spending has been part of the current solution. And could it be " working"? Link to a 4/15/10 Wall Street Journal article citing evidence mounting for a "strong recovery". Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304798204575183683432202678.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection)

Also, the ballooning federal budget deficit was increased significantly under the previous Republican administration, something a few (NYT) poll respondents have "selective amnesia" about: (Link to NYT article) http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/us/politics/15poll.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

(Back to the original post:)

One more item from the 2008 Census study to suggest a point here (direct quotation): "The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that workers with a bachelor’s degree earned about $26,000 more on average than workers with a high school diploma, according to new figures that outline 2008 educational trends and achievement levels."

In general - there are exceptions (and assuming legal means used): It is an uphill "battle" to achieve a desirable standard of living in this country if you have not earned (at least) a college bachelor's degree. And it has been that way for years.....

Some (maybe many) have significant disadvantages, especially affording college. (Without government-backed financial aid.) But, beyond that, your level of education in many instances is something that YOU mainly control. (Perhaps more so as an adult.)

Isn't that correct, individual-freedom-touting, no "big"-government-aid Tea Partiers??

Obama talks sense; Republicans obstruct

2010-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

All of the sudden, national Republicans are the very model of fiscal restraint. The years 2000-2008 (of GOP rule) just didn't happen:

"What profligate Republican administration?
Who charged in the wrong direction re global terrorism (Iraq)?
George Bush....Who's he?
What (unregulated) financial meltdown? "

"Our memories ceased functioning on election night, 2008..."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100129/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_gop

A reminder, if one is needed (video link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSE_saVX_2A

What Twitter is to me

2010-01-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

I'm no celebrity. And from what I constantly read and hear about many screwed-up, stressed out "luminaries", who wants to be? A private, (mostly) normal life seems better.

So this person's comment about the strangely popular Twitter service really sums it up well, for me (also). Maybe one of your messed-up celebrities might be slightly interesting - in a gawking way - to follow (into the bathroom, etc.), but otherwise:

"50 million tweets per day

Noise should never be confused with information just as change is not always progress!

Do I care that you have a new picture of your cat or have arrived home? - Don't think so!"

The really bad thing is that some Twit devotees are breathlessly updating (their drivel) live... while they stray into your lane with their hulking SUV....

Note: This post is backdated. It was actually created on 2/23/10.

Haiti disaster (January, 2010)

2010-01-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

A rhetorical question: Why does it take a disaster to temporarily set aside the insensitivity and discord in our daily lives?

A future post here (I know all three readers out there can't wait): "The Disaster Theory of Progress".

At any rate, a nice gesture right now: http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/

And, a typically stupid diatribe from this demagogue. Why is this 'hater' even provided coverage; his regular audience is not that comparatively large.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/14/AR2010011403075.html

West Indies (Barbados, Cube, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad)

Photographer:	Eliot Elisofon

RE: New Haven Independent | Red Light Camera Showdown Looms (12/21/09)

2009-12-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

New Haven Independent | Red Light Camera Showdown Looms

In light of the New Haven Independent 12/21/09 story (above), one of my earlier posts gets the signal.... in case anyone stops by. (That link follows below.)

Especially like the quotation by the gentleman Rob Rocke at the article's end, who is ".... tired of seeing “one, two, three cars” blow through an intersection “as if they don’t need to obey the law.” Calling himself “a card-carrying member” of the ACLU, he said he finds “nothing private in choosing to be a motor vehicle owner” or driver."

Amen!

Once again, repeat after me: There is no legitimate excuse or reason to "run" a red light or stop sign.

Red light cameras save lives.
Link to my 4/1/09 post, for additional information: http://heymrpotter.blogspot.com/2009/04/red-light-cameras-in-ct-just-do-it.html

Police forces cannot adequately enforce these laws, due to budget constraints, pursuit constraints, priority constraints and other constraints.

The scofflaws know this....

Stop the lawlessness on our streets, which many of us must contend with every day.

Deadly joke: Buying an assault rifle with cash. No ID, no paper trail, etc.

2009-12-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

Check out this hidden video exposé (below) from a guy who got shot four times in the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre. From The Brady Campaign and Center To Prevent Gun Violence:

300 million people and a lot of easy guns equals...??

2009-11-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

11/6/09: Now another nut "goes off", today (link): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091106/ap_on_re_us/us_orlando_office_shooting

And the Ft. Hood gun-violence disaster only happened yesterday. A brave police officer possibly kept this one from being much worse: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091106/ap_on_go_ot/us_fort_hood_shooting_suspect

(And, we're getting to be a great country....for mourning. Honoring the murdered is appropriate of course, but we're not realistically addressing the real, causal issues.)

11/10/09 update: Another one. This guy in Oregon had a rifle.....then apparently ended up shooting himself -- like a coward. Link to AP story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091110/ap_on_re_us/us_office_park_shooting

"Thanksgiving" update (11/27/09): Well....most of us managed to get through Thanksgiving without murdering four of our relatives with our gun. (Including a 6-year-old girl.) : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34170956/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts

"Pandora's box" is wide open in the U.S re guns and associated gun violence. I've said that over and over again here.....

The country has over 300 million people. Inevitably, a dangerous few are going to "be" like these (latest) suicidal cowards (or whatever). Or emulate them. Why make it easier for "whack jobs" to mass-kill and maim (like cowards)?

This isn't 18th or 19th century America any more. Most of us don't shoot our dinner. We're no longer "claiming"/defending the frontier....

An excerpt from a recent email message from Sarah Brady, Chair of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence:

"The incident at Fort Hood reminded me again of the mass shootings earlier this year in Pittsburgh and Binghamton, the hate killings in Wichita and Washington, DC, and the threatening, gun-toting demonstrators at the town hall meetings and health care rallies.

We make it too easy for dangerous people to get dangerous weapons.

Assault weapons don't belong in our neighborhoods, and 5-7 "cop killer" guns – like the one used at Fort Hood — don't belong in anyone's hands.

It's insanity. And the Brady Center is doing something about it...."

Throw-beck: Jon Stewart farce's the issue

2009-11-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

As pointed out via Colin McEnroe's blog and others, Jon Stewart has done it again.... for "the rest of us".

We needed this:

(Try a 'refresh' if the video doesn't load....)

Travel guide: The saner people in the U.S. live near the coasts

2009-10-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just three recent examples (links):

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33454580/ns/us_news-life ("Balloon mom")

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33436913/ns/us_news-weird_news/?GT1=43001

(Old image from Google/LIFE archives)

And the following news article. People in (parts of) the interior U.S. are less inclined now to believe that climate change is "real".
And since they can't see the oceans, some of these buffoons must think that they are myths, too. And that the earth has really gotta be pretty flat.

Oh, and since the original U.S. Constitution doesn't define "The Fed", or "The Drug Enforcement Admin." etc., they are therefore illegal, powerless, etc. And, that the Second Amendment guarantees them the right to bear AK-47s....

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h-ZiXMrCMn_Vo2QQJncPTUGp-sJAD9BG7BE80

Certain CT bikers: Hear this

2009-09-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'll get some "noise" back for this, but many of "the rest of us" are really tired of hearing excessively loud motorcycles. Often from a mile or two away. Even inside our own homes. (Yeah: Some road noise-machines are now cars/trucks, too. Another post.) Winter's coming (thank you!), but we still have weeks of noise to endure yet....

Old image from Google/LIFE archives

It's time to fight back and take back your neighborhood. Remember also: (Too) many of these noisy things are just being ridden around with little real purpose. (A mild rant about this here.....if interested: http://poseurworld.blogspot.com/2009/09/ruination-of-pleasant-weather.html)

Please consider the following linked information:

Harley-Davidson's CEO speaks out about motorcycle noise:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/harley_davidson_motorcycle_noise/index.html

To my knowledge no scientifically executed studies have proven that loud exhaust saves lives:

http://www.noiseoff.org/motorcycles.php

“No president has ever been treated like that. Ever."

2009-09-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

The "United" States had a national election in 2008. President Obama prevailed, with over 50% of the popular vote. No ideologically-bound Supreme Court (justice) had to break a tie to appoint this president.

Last night's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress was inexcusable. It is reprehensible behavior. I also hold other members of that "august" body to account who boorishly held up signs during the speech. To me, these actions during a presidential speech bordered upon treason. (OK, not quite...) A formal reprimand should be considered, particularly for the heckler. (Joe Wilson of South Carolina, "Party of No".) From the look upon Speaker Nancy Pelosi's face, I'm hopeful that one will be forthcoming. (UPDATE: Apparently not: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090910/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_heckling_17 )

(Old photo from Google/LIFE archives)

Link to news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090910/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_heckling

Where were the congressional shouters and sign holders during speeches where George W. Bush fabricated about WMD hidden in Iraq, arms-related shipments to Iraq (a lie), the cost of the Iraq war (cynically underestimated/hidden), attempting to tie Iraq to 9/11 terrorism, and so on? http://www.bushlies.net/

The quotation that heads this blog entry came from Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff. Disrespectful behavior like this should not be excused or overlooked. The subsequent "apology" from the offender is not sufficient. Tepid condemnations from Republican leadership are also not sufficient. (UPDATE: And the mouth of S. Carolina is already weaseling out from his "apology": http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/wilson-calls-his-outburst-spontaneous/?partner=rss&emc=rss )

9/11/09 update: This loose cannon is actually becoming more combative, now: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32797625/ns/politics-health_care_reform/

And he may manage to get himself formally reprimanded after all. Per the following, 72% in this poll totally disapprove of his action:
http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/09/09/3244332-what-do-you-think-of-rep-joe-wilsons-decision-to-shout-out-you-lie-during-the-presidents-speech

Allow yelling at the president in Congress, and whacko shouting at local town hall meetings will only be the beginning.....

CT DEP protection funds "eliminated"

2009-09-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Apparently a number of Connecticut DEP protection funds, including the Clean Air Fund, were raided in this week's state budget "compromise" actions, with all monies transferred to the state's general fund.

Here's a link to a 9/1/09 press release from the Connecticut Fund for the Environment: http://ctenvironment.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=256:9-01-09-environmental-groups-weigh-in-on-budget&catid=3:press-release-items&Itemid=38

And here's a 9/2/09 story link from "CT News Junkie", which notes that the Long Island Sound fund and many others were drained : http://www.ctnewsju nkie.com/state_capitol/budget_battle_some_winners_som.php#more

Interestingly, I haven't read anything yet about this action from major, "traditional" state news sources like the Hartford Courant, or Hartford-area TV news sites. 9/14/09 update: It's a sparse story, but the budget action has now been picked up in a brief article by AP:

http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-lisoundplatessep13,0,3023193.story

I need more information. Still, where's the outrage about this move?

(Old image from Google/LIFE photo archives)

8/27 CT fighter jets: They were ours, right?

2009-08-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

Well, you'd never know based upon the following WFSB web site story. As far as their article went, those low-flying jets over Connecticut could have been from anywhere....Canada, Sweden, Russia......Who knows??
WFSB certainly didn't, as of 11:13pm last night: http://www.wfsb.com/news/20592711/detail.html (Note: You'll have to go over to that organization's site; I can't "redistribute" their story.)

(Old image from LIFE/Google photo archives)

Conversely, during the same news (time) period, WTNH managed to get more useful information about the flyover: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/news_wtnh_north_haven_jets_flying_connecticut_200908272215

At least we know from the WTNH story that they seemed to have been U.S. military jets on some strange training mission.

Journalism 101: "Who, what, when, where, why, and how"..... WFSB?? Even if the "why" and how" weren't readily available, it would have been better to find out and include accurate "what" and "who" information, before publishing the story. It's pretty worthless otherwise....

Excuse me, but what's been advocated here for weeks....?

2009-08-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

Re CT Gov. Rell apparently offering a more workable possible compromise in the state's ongoing budget battle:

(Link to information from the Hartford Courant "CT Confidential" blog: http://blogs.courant.com/rick_green/ Also: A link to the "CT News Junkie" story.)

I'm far from alone (among non-zillionaires advocating for it), but what has this blog been "suggesting" for weeks? E.g., here (link) , here, and here ??

A: Compromise.

Please....let's be grown-ups now and "get it done". Thank you.

CT budget impasse: Recalcitrant Republicans

2009-08-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Link to 8/22/09 Hartford Courant Connecticut state budget impasse news story: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3138688709219220372

Republican Governor Rell states: "I'm equally as frustrated as the public is now...."

It may not be scientific, but this poll at the "CT News Junkie" site has a clear message for Gov. Rell and recalcitrant state Republicans: Increase state income taxes on those fortunate enough to earn $600,000 or more per year. 76% of respondents (currently) vote 'yes':

Link: http://twtpoll.com/r/mqzcok

C'mon millionaires and billionaires; how about doing your fair share.... Axe a day of paid dog-walking for the labradoodles, or something meaningful like that. What's $20 a week to you, while the rest of us can't afford the trifles... like decent health care. (Something that state Republicans want to cut further.)

One word, my state "representatives": Compromise.

And another, revenue-based word: Tolls.

Palin "wins", intelligence loses. (World smirks.)

2009-08-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

As governor (before she quit), Sarah Palin supported "plan(-ning) ahead for health care decisions, related to end of life care...." Please see this link to an official, 4/16/08 proclamation, signed by Gov. Palin: http://gov.state.ak.us/archive.php?id=1094&type=6#

As has been pointed out, we're seeing blatant demagoguery on her part re this issue.

Just what America needs: More half-truths, innuendo and tabloid sensationalism. That's real leadership.....that's what made this country great: Rampant paranoia and stupidity.

So who's being a disingenuous ass, mainly for political gain?

If Wasilla-hillbilly-led hysteria "wins", many U.S. health care patients stand to lose. Again. (If you aren't receiving care yet, you will....) The rest of the civilized world is laughing: Though not perfect, they generally addressed effective, available health care from birth through old age.....years ago. You don't have to be rich to obtain decent care. (Or almost.) Please also consider: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100000571/us-healthcare-expenditure-the-biggest-waste-of-money-in-the-world/

So what exactly is wrong with facilitating proper planning for the inevitable....? I don't find the concept "confusing" at all, Senator Grassley. Oh, and check this item about Grassley and other GOP demagogues apparently voting in favor of so-called "death panel" funding in 2003: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/14/grassley-voted-for-socall_n_259750.html

Woodstock flashback: The first 5 albums you bought?

2009-08-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

For those who were young around the time of the 1969 Woodstock festival. (And are of a "certain age" now.)

Do you remember the first five or so albums that you bought, with your own money? (I assume that you were good and didn't steal them...)

A new teenager at the time of Woodstock, I was a bit young to go.... Though I know children my age were there. (A guy from our school class went...with his parents.) At the time I was just starting to "graduate" from buying music singles ("45's") to purchasing a few albums...with my newspaper route money. I didn't really "get going" on buying albums until the following year, 1970.

Aside: Actually, I think the first album I ever bought was 1966's "The Supremes A-Go-Go", by the legendary Supremes. I believe my brother and I pooled our allowance money at the time. We loved the Supremes, and that pink-covered album got listened to death. You can currently find an import (remastered) version of this album at Amazon. For over $600. (Photo/link.)

With the Woodstock 40th anniversary here, I started thinking about the first albums I ever owned (on my own). Alas; none of them are in my possession anymore. Pretty sure it was my mother who tossed out most of my vinyl collection several years later. (Thanks, Mom.)

As best as I recall, here's my list of the first albums I owned: They're all from 1970 (I believe) except "Tommy", released in 1969. All were major-ly popular albums at the time. (FWIW, don't remember the exact order in which they were purchased.)

"Chicago II" (Their second album. Pretty sure this is the first one I bought on my own.)

"Deja Vu", Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

"Tommy", The Who

"Cosmo's Factory", Creedence Clearwater Revival (Reached #1 on Billboard pop album chart at the time....)

"Steppenwolf 'Live'", Steppenwolf ("Sookie, Sookie" to you!)

From the period anyway, most of these albums still hold up well, IMO.

Memory test: So what's your list? What were the first albums you owned, especially if you were of age/coming of age around the time of Woodstock.(Wherever you are from....)

It's something of a rhetorical question to contemplate, but I've also opened up comments here if you care to leave one containing your list. I think it's interesting. Thank you.

Newsflash: Mr. Cheney thinks we're all weeners

2009-08-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Re the news article linked below, check the current no. 1 def. for 'weener' at Urban Dictionary: Link

And that goes for YOU, too! Per "Mr. Potter's" disdaining references to "public sentiment" in this comment-worthy Washington Post article (by Barton Gellman, today). Link

"So?"

Remember that one, from the former second most powerful person in the world? (He's knows he really was #1. Or, at least: King)

(Image from Google : LIFE archives)

You...yeah, You! You're a "wuss". So are whoever these guys are fawning around me here. And everyone else, especially my former "boss": "The President" of the United States.
BwahhhhHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Those who matter know I'M the real president! And now I've morphed into "Mr. Loquacious" , too....Got that dunk tank ready for me? (Link)
Bring it on....!!

Hasta la vista, baby. I'll be BACK....

A good letter. Plus: Medicare "anti-socialists"

2009-08-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

A very good message in a letter to the editor in today's Hartford Courant. I'll trust the gentleman on his statistics.... Link: http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-digbrflets0813.art3aug13,0,6901116.story

Why are many people vehemently defending the present, deeply flawed U.S. health care status quo? Per the following link, look where the private insurance system has left many working families/individuals:

Link: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-health-care-coverage-0812,0,73778.story

And, why are so many seen on TV/in photos yelling, screaming (uncivilly) in public officials' faces.... older Americans? (Mostly white, too.) Who either are already covered by government-run Medicare and Social Security, or soon will be....(A link to one current photo.)

Socialism!! Never!! (BTW: Read this 'wiki' on what a "mixed economy" is, here.)
Hands off my Medicare....

There's much distortion, deception, and misinformation out there right now. Enjoy a bit of clarity:

(Articulate Ms. Maddow is also dead-on correct about lazy, poor reporting (generally) slapped together and rushed out re the issue.)

Health care forum disrupters and demagogues

2009-08-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Representative John D. Dingell of Michigan has it right:

“As long as I have a vote, I will not let shouting, intimidation or misinformation deter me from fighting for this cause.”

Here's a story link. Especially note some of the associated photos: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/us/politics/08townhall.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

People have a right to express themselves, but yelling -- including scripted yelling -- is uncivil, and never accomplishes anything. (Neither does pushing/physical confrontation (by seriously overweight people (who burden any health care system)).)

Not too surprisingly (per previous posts here), this dangerous faction has now surfaced (online):
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/anti-health-care-reform-protester-encourages-physical-violence-use-of-firearms.php

"The Revenooers are a'comin!" Some citizens are genuinely concerned (about health care reform), but virulently mixed in are the same reactionary hicks from the Rush/Glenn Beck/NRA nexus: "It's change and involves government so it's automatically bad and to be feared."

(Photo credit: Pfc. Christopher Grammer, 50th Public Affairs Detachment."This image is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.")

And of course, the new queen of demagoguery (above) hasn't quit that job; firing off distortions, as described here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090808/ap_on_re_us/us_palin_health_care;_ylt=AtaGwRpds26_T2B1AErTWESFws8F

8/14/09 update: Ms. Palin's 'death panel' claim, which she has affirmed, is FALSE. Once again revealing the divisive, distorting, ill-informed public figure that she is. Link to pertinent article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/health/policy/14panel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

We'll see where the national "debate" leads. But my question would be: Health insurers (private) already subject millions of policy holders to "rationing". (Deciding which patient medical procedures they will/will not cover.) IF you can afford a policy at all, do you actually want to (continue to) "trust" the insurance companies -- alone -- with this? (A link to a more complete response to this question: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/4 ) Please be sure to read what former CIGNA exec. Wendell Potter had to say about private heath insurers' true focus here.

In case you've already forgotten (uhh...the recent worldwide financial crisis??), insurance companies' ultimate motive is to make a profit. One (more) example of the prime focus of such paragons of altruistic virtue: Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Connecticut is currently the #1-ranked private health care insurance provider by Consumer Reports. (See Sept. 2009 issue, PPO plans.) Yet they recently tried to perpetrate an (average) 23% rate increase on customers here. (Some rates would have gone up more than 30%.) Read more: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-anthem-rate-hike-data-0727,0,1218919.story

The state's attorney general, congress people, health care advocate and many others stood up to this proposed robbery, and the outrageous rate hike request was rejected. Though, the approved hike is still substantial.

In Obama's health care proposal, you can keep your wonderful, private health insurance, if you want to....http://www.marketwatch.com/story/obama-seeks-to-dispel-health-reform-rumors-2009-08-08?siteid=yahoomy

Another day in paradise...for Connecticut billionaires!

2009-08-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

"JoAnne Bauer, center of Hartford, waves to a plane in the sky with a banner attached to it thanking Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell for not raising taxes on the rich. Bauer is with a group called Billionaires for Budget Cuts for a protest at the State Capitol in Hartford, Conn. , Thursday, July 30, 2009. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is set to release a new budget plan that she says may have to include tax increases. The governor has been saying for months that she wouldn't consider raising taxes until all possible spending cuts have been exhausted."

And here's a link to story & video for the "billionaires'" second visit (8/3/09): http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/state_capitol/billionaires_for_budget_cuts_m.php

Also love the following comment by "Robin Eublind" at: http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2009/08/the-billionaires-are-back.html#comment-121242

" Cheers to Gov. Rell for protecting the rich and greedy at the expense of the sick and needy.

I understand that in the coming budget negotiations both sides have admitted there's a need to raise taxes to close the budget gap.

That's fine with me -- so long as no one raises taxes on Billionaires."

ENS: Connecticut gets this one right

2009-08-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Link to story covering today's (8/5) announcement by Gov. Rell about a statewide reverse 911 notification system: http://www.wfsb.com/news/20292114/detail.html

This system may prove invaluable in certain dire situations such as some form of terror attack, or more localized incidents. (E.g., severe weather: CT has had two tornado touchdowns this year. It happens.) According to the announcement the system can also target specific geographic areas of the state, or just certain groups of people. (E.g., emergency responders.)

It also supposedly can be customized by its recipients; e.g., for email, cell phones, etc.

Let's hope all of the features really work, especially when it counts.

Why yes, Palin "think"-alikes, you can opt-out if you want. If you believe all of this is just one more big government, "Big Brother" communistic takeover ploy or something. Then you can be the last to know.....as usual.

Blog note: This post is backdated to fit the order of presentation (of all entries) preferred. It's actual creation date is 8/5/09. - Mr. D. Tails.

Connecticut: "Penny-wise(?), pound-foolish"

2009-07-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

8/2/09 update re Wall Street excessive payouts: Article by Zeke Miller And Eric Gershon, The Hartford Courant: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-wall-street-bonuses-connecti.artaug02,0,6464390.story

(Original post follows:)

Link to today's (7/31) story in the New York Times, about huge bonuses being paid to thousands of Wall Street bankers and traders in 2008: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/business/31pay.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

And here's another link to an 7/30/09 AP article about states cutting important health care programs for budget reasons. (Connecticut is prominently featured.) http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5isFa8Z14ZU7_1FdxV0gzofRplSOgD99OAHFO6

It so happens that my recalcitrant Republican Connecticut state representative wrote to constituents yesterday. Our area's compassionate-less conservative, in part wrote subjects the following:

(Your Party of No state rep.) "....today voted against the largest proposed tax hike in state history, contending that another Democratic spending spree will only further cripple any economic recovery." (BTW: No one anywhere expected the budget versions voted upon on Thursday would become law. So this would pretty much (again) be my "Party of No New Revenue Ideas" state rep. posturing on the issue, for those willing and able to swallow it.)

CT's "Party of No" current plan: Tax "Joe Six-pack"'s sins to death, cut his health care options at the time he'll be needing it most, cut state economic development agencies, let greedy, Fairfield County-residing Wall Street "masters of the universe" 'walk' on state taxes (on top of Bush fed. tax cuts) - in some cases after they/their firms helped manufacture a worldwide credit/financial crisis (and then got shored up/bailed out by taxpayers); and be sure to look the other way as state businesses continue to exploit tax loopholes, slash employee benefits, lay off resident workers, ship in foreign "consultants", and re-locate key operations overseas.

"Earth to Recalcitrant CT Republicans": If they want to continue to work in Manhattan (or Stamford), where are these "Wall Street wizards" going to "run away" to live? A modest increase in high-earner taxes here still leaves us below nearby New York and New Jersey in this respect, from what I've read. So, the "geniuses" will (instead) make their principal residence in Florida....and "commute"? Good luck with sustaining that family arrangement over time.....(Quality of life: It's (even more) hot and rainy down in Florida. Plus the mansions there are more likely to get blown away by the annual hurricanes. Try looking at Sun Belt crime statistics some time, too.)

Please wake up. Get real. And have the courage to seriously consider the following:

Revenue for state roads and bridges (beyond federal help and beyond the gas tax): Reinstitute highway tolls at state borders. Give every driver/trucking firm you can find an electronic toll transponder (i.e., mass-distribute at low cost).
Make numerous out-of-staters pay something back for use, just as Mass., N.Y., N.J., and 30 other states do now.

Fuel efficient vehicles are coming. Already-raided gas tax revenue can't do it all.

Also, why wouldn't a sales tax rate reduction/coverage expansion proposed by these two individuals be worth considering? Link to Courant 7/12/09 opinion article:

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/hc-commentaryjepsen0712.artjul12,0,5849137.story

CT: Now that we've postured and had our tantrums...

2009-07-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for another 'rant' here lately, but significant topics just keep presenting themselves:

Re the following news update today involving Connecticut's governor and the state's budget impasse: Please grow up. Get real. Whatever.

Link to AP story: http://www.wfsb.com/money/20215571/detail.html

Only three states still haven't found a way to deal with the worst fiscal crisis in years. Yep, the Connecticut brigade of "The Party of No" has dug in to (mainly) hold up progress here....for months. (I.e., Yes, it's been mostly Republicans, despite the use of (the ass) image below...) Their beleaguered base of still-wealthy-but-penny-pinching, employee-jettisoning businesses, and super-rich Fairfield County moguls.... just can't possibly stand any type of small tax increase. You know, to do a tiny (relative) bit of their share in real-world society, and work it out with the rest of us "losers". It's all too much for the Greenwich and Stamford upper-crust to bear. And why the heck should these "masters of the universe's"....anyway? After they've clawed and scratched their way to the top, so much better than the rest of us "wimps"? Don't mind that some of the same helped engineer/drive the recent worldwide financial meltdown. (But seem to still somehow retain that mansion, 2nd mansion in the Hamptons, etc, etc.)

Like others, I understand that any final resolution will not be perfectly fair to every single Connecticut resident. Like others, I also understand (and remember) that taxes needed to be instilled/increased as part of the overall solution, during the last two economic recessions (in CT). And like others, I responded to my state rep. and asked that he and his colleagues try to put fairness (to as many residents/taxpayers as possible) first, and to compromise.

Instead, constituents got ideological posturing. Then more posturing. Then protracted posturing.

No state budget. No meaningful compromise. Just services and programs cut and then cut again.

http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=ef68cf1eaccd59b0&q=mule%20source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmule%2Bsource:life%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20

At this ridiculously late date, it's unprincipled. It's immoral. It's garbage.

So we'll see what they all try to pull next. ("They": Read... recalcitrant Republican leadership.)

Thanks to those brave ones for reading this far. I certainly don't want to write anymore (or any more) about this garbage....

P.S. As previously suggested, what about reinstituting highway tolls at state borders? Low- or no-cost electronic toll transponders could be mass-distributed, which may alleviate traffic backups. And many out-of-staters ripping through CT would (then) be paying for the privilege....I thought that (ideas such as this) constituted "smart revenue source management" nowadays.....

Wait...Using our no-equity McMansion as an ATM was imprudent?

2009-07-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

"Well ah'lll beee...."

Link to an interesting blog entry by Nick Timiraos in today's (7/28/09) Wall Street Journal: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/07/28/study-finds-underwater-borrowers-drowned-themselves-with-refinancings/

The study cited was limited to foreclosures in southern California, but I'll bet your third lien\fifth lender\sixth servicer re-fi that it occurred in other areas of the country, too: "More than half of all borrowers who lost their homes had already refinanced at least once, and four out of five had a second mortgage."

Further (from the WSJ posting), borrowers (in the study) took out around $2 billion in equity from their homes, nearly eight times the $262 million that they put into their homes.

In other words, many borrowers (in this study) sunk themselves, via their own (imprudent, if not reckless) behavior. (I.e., Versus buying (a house) at the "wrong time", e.g., the top of the market.)

Photo: http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=49aa5c008c4c36da&q=slum%20source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dslum%2Bsource:life%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D144

Personal responsibility. Accountability for one's actions. Oh.... and plus: Caveat emptor. "Read the fine print". Etc., etc. Prudent behaviors adhered to by some, as amazingly old-fashioned as that was in the past decade or so. ....Seemingly tossed aside.....by other Americans.

And those left standing are now forgiving/subsidizing these "adults"? Some of whom were avaricious fools? (Others just plain old avaricious....(last paragraph, via link)).

An answer was offered months ago: http://heymrpotter.blogspot.com/2009/03/should-realize-that-everyone-is-in-same.html

Hang up and drive!

2009-07-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

When will police start enforcing this violation, the latest evidence of which is included via this link?? Distracted Driving Research Withheld

Despite withheld reports, common sense dictates that distracted drivers are a "bad thing" for everyone. When will lawmakers really wake up to this....? Perhaps when a few of their own friends or family members are slammed into by texting/talking/eating/Twitter-ing/ air-heads??

The Connecticut "vanity" plate pictured is currently available. If you live here, go get it.
Before I do.

Oh...here's another one available around these parts:

(http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=TTYN&defid=3345336)

Hey! We got some serious hail balls comin' down here!

2009-07-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

That'd be "Jethro" D. Tails field reporting nickel-sized hail to the NWS today, as part of his Skywarn observer duties.

A "Miss Jane" at the Nat'l Weather Service indicated that a more detailed report would be required "next time"....if there is to be one.

(Screenshot) This file is in the public domain, because its copyright has expired and is thus in the public domain in the U.S. and possibly also in other jurisdictions.

In case this is not legally possible:
The right to use this work is granted to anyone for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

10 MORE reasons why Sarah quit:

2009-07-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Shhhh... this is a secret list. So we don't get in trouble with Ms. Palin's people.

And perhaps some good will come out of this.... As she goes on to lead her off-world colony....

Sarah's 10+ reasons:

10. Hey, we're quittin' in Iraq too. What's the problem?

9. Cheney called: Wants less vigilance on Russia from here. He's alerting the media about Obama's weak Wasilla security.

8. Entrepreneurial spirit. "Perfect Nails of Wasilla/Lake Lucille", opening soon!

7. Guns and religion: More cling time.

6. Announced on July 3rd, date of the end of Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg. See, they quit too!

5. Obama stayed on as Senator during his 2008 run, and just look at him today....

5a. Ran most state business through personal email. Pretty much plan to continue, without silly title or pesky scrutiny.

4. Talk radio! I can do that! I talk!

3. Wolves on the run in Alaska. AK-47s loaded, flying the Piper Cub on to the lower 48.

2. Anchorage Burlington Coat store just not cutting it. Plus they have apparent "no looting" policy.

1. Time to build up national third party, 2012: "Independence from taxes and nothing else complicated."

Extra bonus list item. A new, higher calling: To work with The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (Wasilla,AK) "...to give a home to the transportation and industrial remnants and tell the stories of the people and the machines that opened Alaska to exploration and growth."

(Photo credit: Pfc. Christopher Grammer, 50th Public Affairs Detachment."This image is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.")

Still the worst storms I've ever seen: 7-4-1969 Ohio "fireworks" derecho

2009-07-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Described via the link below are the worst storms that this long-time resident of (often) poor-weather regions has ever experienced. Even to date. That's having been through a couple of hurricanes in Connecticut, plus the blizzard of 1978, 1991's "Perfect" storm, 1993's "Storm of The Century", etc. (FWIW, the '78 blizzard could be a "tie", with its duration and snow/wind.) And also having been not too far south (luckily) of Xenia, OH, during the 1974 "super outbreak" of tornadoes. (All through the midwestern and southern U.S.).

This Michael Heaton story from the 7/2/09 Cleveland Plain Dealer describes the storm I was part of very well. Especially in the Lakewood (OH) park that lost many large trees, had fatalities, etc. It was July 4th, 1969 and many people were outside, gathering for fireworks, etc. Numerous pleasure craft were out on Lake Erie.

Here's a quick copy and a link to the NOAA (.gov) page that recounts the derecho (link to more information) which caused much destruction and flooding throughout northern Ohio and into western PA. (Click on the picture for more details) :

"This image is a work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As works of the U.S. federal government, all NOAA images are in the public domain."

I'll leave most of the rest to the Michael Heaton story. However, a little additional perspective for anyone interested: As indicated, there was little official warning. I was a kid in a suburb a couple of towns to the west of Lakewood. The northwestern sky quickly turned dark gray/black and you knew something unusually nasty was coming fast. The warm, humid air suddenly got cooler as the wind rapidly picked up.

My dad herded us disaffected youth (watching all of this unfold) inside, and we shortly proceeded to witness ten or so minutes of everything going to hell. Our house and neighborhood was a newly built subdivision, so (of course) many large trees had been removed. (Why do they always do that...denude an area for new houses?) But some mature trees remained, especially in our yard and our next-door neighbors'. Never seen by me before or since: Unbelievably fierce winds bent large, 40-50 foot deciduous trees over near the ground at moments. And, as often described, these prolonged gusts roared at times like a freight train. (Though it was subsequently determined that what occurred was not a tornado.) Our new house and windows shook. Sheets of rain; driven sideways.

Figure 2. Radar imagery (reflectivity) observed by the DECCA radar near Akron, Ohio at 8:30 PM EDT on July 4, 1969. (From Hamilton 1970)

A radar in Akron, Ohio observed a "bowed" echo about 35 miles northwest of the radar site at 8:30 PM on the evening of July 4th (Fig. 2). This bow echo was associated with the deadly derecho winds in the Cleveland area and was one of the first radar "bow echoes" to be documented.

(Reference......Hamilton, 1970; Storm Data for July 1969).

As noted, everything was over in about 10-15 minutes for us though you didn't know that immediately. (No power, plus no Weather Channel around anyway.) Almost all houses that had large trees on the streets around us lost at least one. We had two large, double-trunk trees crack and fall on top of other ones. (A neighbor actually ran outside to another house during the height of this to check on his daughter, and he said (later; having survived) that our trees cracking sounded like loud rifle shots.) After seeing them bent over, I remember being surprised that ALL of these trees weren't down. Though lightning still played in the dark sky for hours after, I remember everyone from all of the houses being outside afterward, and just kind of walking around the nearly dark streets looking at the damage. I think most were kind of stunned. It was surreal, especially with the lightning flashes all over the sky for quite a while. And it was still raining off and on, too.

Obviously we were fortunate that it wasn't worse (photo below). Derechos: Advanced weather technology is in place today, but you still never want to observe one of these racing your way. Or be part of one, if possible. It's one reason that I try to "do my part" today, as a Skywarn severe storm spotter.

(Xenia, OH 1974 tornado. As stated at http://www.weather.gov/disclaimer.php:"The information on government servers are in the public domain, unless specifically annotated otherwise, and may be used freely by the public....".)

What is a Russian lady?

2009-06-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

Well.... a cocktail, for one.

But let's talk about the female kind for a bit. My general answer to the question posed above (and expounded upon below)? "No man can (really) say." (To paraphrase from a newsreel description in Citizen Kane.)

NOTICE, DISCLAIMER, WARNING, TURN BACK NOW, etc., etc.: Not that it necessarily could become an issue, but just in case; please don't consider me to be "in the market" at all for a Russian lady "bride". To see what I'm referring to, perform a quick search via Google on the term "Russian lady". "Sexy Russian ladies, perfect Russian ladies, exotic Russian ladies....etc., etc." The world is being INVADED. But that could be far from the worst thing to ever happen....(Perhaps you would like a "lady for marriage". If so, be sure to also check out the associated Google search images....You may be nicely surprised.)

I'm just joking around re the pic. Always with the jokes....Just a reminder to please add "athletic" and "intelligent" to the above descriptors.

As many know, a beautiful (sexy, exotic, etc.) Russian lady, below, is making a big name for herself via You Tube, etc. Her home page: http://www.hotforwords.com. I can't really get enough of her presentation, myself. Am far from alone too. (She's already becoming more like an "L.A. Woman", BTW....in some ways.)

FWIW, I don't happen to agree with every single thing she does on/for her site, and with whom she occasionally is associated (e.g., sponsors, certain TV shows). She admittedly dresses, etc. to entice viewers to her product(s). (Some of which have substance, a nice change from other providers.) Overall though, it is an entertaining presentation. This lady has a sense of humor; and is young and still has a bit of a "wild side". I appreciate how she regularly thanks her viewers, and she's decent to them. (A few 'haters'/weasels aren't, in return.) And her word contests are not easy at all. (The following image looks like it's freely available from the site.)

Oh. And, just in case you might think that Marina Orlova doesn't know pretty much exactly what she's doing, here's a link to a recent interview. Which also just happens to include some pictures:

http://www.hotforwords.com/2009/06/28/interview-for-the-examiner/

Just hope she's not working TOO hard....for us. She really does spend considerable time and effort upon her enterprise. That said, I wish she could occasionally return to creating less scripted/produced, longer length videos as in the past. These seemed more "one-on-one" or (almost) personal. (Just two quick examples, here and here.) Even pretty much just sitting there talking, Marina is cybergenic. You Tube has imposed some recent changes, however, that seem to penalize longer videos. And, she likely has millions of fans now.

Anyway, I was struck by the following viewer comment on her web site re "The Examiner" interview (linked above). Warning: This comment from a fan with the handle "dsfoto" (please follow at your own risk), includes some generalities, perhaps even a stereotype or two. But let's go with it anyway. The person appears to have some experience and it's a stated opinion:

"Marina in Russia would be a fairly common encounter but here she is uncommon to us, the accent adds to the mystery. My own experiance and opinion from years traveling and studing in Russia, If the Soviets had ever wanted to win the cold war a batallion of average Russian Women led by one Babushka [old woman](who are fearless) could have defeated us easily. I have rarely encountered an American woman as diligent or who works as hard, Russian women are strong willed talented and cultured they provide for thier children and families go to work earn the money cook clean sew play instruments dance sing they are physically active with sports they carry themselves with pride. when they leave the house for bread you wou ld think they are off to the Opera They stand out in a crowd. Once on my way to consult with the Department Head I passed a woman in the hall I asked the Professor more like told him she is Russian? he replied she was our new Native speaker teaching a course next semester…"

Remembering that it includes generalities, I like the observations. They weren't intimate relationships at all, but I've also known a couple of young women, one born in Russia, another in Latvia. (I'm aware that there are differences.) They came to America in their teens or earlier. I can't yet fully describe why, but I remember those two ladies more than almost anyone else I've recently met. That they were both great looking....that's one reason. Exotic, sexy accent (to Americans): Check. (One person no longer had one, though.) They both had really nice first names. Both were extremely smart. (Employed as corporate information technology persons ("I.T."), as I was.) Both were married, to Americans (as they also would say that they "are" now, mainly). Between personal and professional lives the two always had a lot going on, but seemed to give everything their "all".

But it was still something else. As noted above, these ladies stood out, and not just because of their physical appearance....which they made an effort on, BTW. (Hear that, certain American ladies?) Both were very personable. But more: They had spirit and energy. ("Zest"; perhaps an old-fashioned word, but they had it.) "Spice"would be another word; and in abundance. They weren't so guarded or wary, as some (American) women (especially in that environment) seemed to be. They were strong-willed, and weren't afraid (or whatever) to show themselves for who they were.

I don't think I've really "captured" it, but I'm not going to ramble on further. I've also come to know a couple of men who were from either Russia or the Ukraine, by the way. They also exhibited many of the same features, characteristics.

We're each individuals so not all generalizations will apply, of course.

(Always gotta have my little "jokes"......Whut tha....?)

At any rate, though it may or may not be some type of contest, a few homegrown American females may (still) want to consider "upping their game" a little. Some of you are being outdone. Many relative newcomers to the USA don't take so much for granted.

And don't forget, we might be getting invaded:

For even more fantasizing, please see my earlier "fantasy island" post (link).

(Images used (from Google: Life photo archive) are freely available.)

Another sanctimonious Republican "tees himself up"...

2009-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

For Ms. Maureen Dowd:

Link to 6/27/09 NYT column: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28dowd.html?_r=1

Oh....And of course, Mr. Soak-the-State Sanctimonious isn't quitting. (Just crying.) Like so many others, he'll have to be dragged out....

Re Bradley International runway reopens

2009-06-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

NOW I know why it's been so quiet here near the Avon/Simsbury line the last coupla months:

Link to story: "Main runway reopens..."

They're BAAACK......I thought technology was making commercial airline jet engines quieter. (But not THAT much.) Hint: The behemoths of the air still aren't very much quieter, especially when they are low.

And do all planes HAVE to pass over the same route/same spot (almost) every single time? (Answer: Yes, apparently. ) If the ol' glide path was just a couple of hundred feet north....no more "landing zone" problems for this nice neighborhood. (That would push part of it close to commercial Rte. 44. But then, that would make some sense....)

Cleveland's Burning River No More

2009-06-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

6/27/09 Update: And then this happens.....

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/06/cuyahoga_river_littered_with_d.html

Earlier post:

Congratulations to all on the great progress described here: "Cleaner Water Celebrated..."
(There's also a recent NY Times article available.)

I think that many people know about the improvement, but many probably still don't. You know, the old-timers who still bring it up when (derisively) speaking about Cleveland. The ones who were happy to have a new car made from steel plants near the same river back then. Not that anything excuses the industrial sewer that the final portion of the river once was....

Credit: United Press International

They used to have a cruise boat that went up the (man-made) mouth of the river in Cleveland back in the 1960's. We were kids, but the adults with us warned us in advance that we were going to see the worst body of water you'll ever see. And it was pretty bad: I never saw so many strange, unnatural colors and other things floating in a river, before or since. Smells to match, too. You could actually watch the various discharges coming in from pipes near the plants, etc.

They've done a good job. E.g., I read recently that a deer was photographed swimming in the river right in the old industrial area.

Poem made up for neighbor with noisy vehicle (early)

2009-06-21T13:51:00.001-07:00

Connecticut and it's towns have ordinances about noise, loud vehicles, etc. But are they really enforced? NO.

Clearly hearing a motorcycle or other often-purposely loud vehicle from inside your house, when it's still several blocks or streets away....is a quality-of-life violation that affects many...every day. It's not getting any "better", and it's getting really tempting to consider taking the law into our own hands about this. (Especially early morning/late night knuckleheads. That means you too, early newspaper delivery ("grown-up") drivin' "boys"....Habla Englais?) Many local police, towns, condo associations, etc. will do nothing (or next to...). ("Manpower." Couldn't a tiny fraction of Obama's money have gone toward improving this (re local police)??) In fact, you're sometimes looked upon as "the problem" if you even ask them.

Try politely communicating with an offender first, if you feel safe enough to. (At your own risk.) Some people are (still) decent enough.... if you ask nicely.

I had a person down the street who left for work before 5am every day in a purposely noisy truck. Leaving a copy of this fractured verse on his windshield one night seemed to actually work (though not right away). It ain't great, but I made it up in a hurry...

"Asleep we are at dawn's first light

Work is later; it's still late night

'Fore 5am, from down the street

A noisy truck rumbles us out of sleep

"It's him AGAIN", we mumble surly

Another night; we're awakened early

We leave this note to make you aware

That neighbors will complain to someone who cares

About a noisy vehicle that wakes people up around 4:45-5am every weekday!"

Trick is, finding someone with authority....who cares. Sometimes a town council (person) might help, as the people with shiny badges supposedly have to listen to them.

Sportsbreak/Crimebreak: Donte Stallworth

2009-06-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

6/18 update: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspends Donte Stallworth indefinitely without pay. The story's not done yet (a "final determination on discipline" is forthcoming), but good job by the NFL in taking this action.

Earlier post:

Everyone else has a comment about Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth's 30-day prison sentence (plus community service, house arrest, etc.) for DUI manslaughter. In essence, here's mine: Please see yesterday's pos t.

Stories keep referring to how Stallworth is considered to be a "man" for actually stopping after he ran over the person, and allowing himself to be tested/arrested/charged. And that he really feels bad about all of this.

Please. If you or I got into our Bentley (not) at .126 or whatever alcohol level, then ran over some guy - jaywalking or not; our former life, livelihood, etc. etc. would be over right there. And no one would be patting us on the back for being a man about stopping the car. And, of course, most of us would have no celebrity's option to unleash our wallets, paying the victim's family (a lot), and possibly helping influence a lesser prison sentence.

It was an unfortunate accident, involving excess with alcohol. I believe that Donte Stallworth is very sorry and he has said so. But, if Eric Mangini and the Browns are serious about having quality individuals on the team going forward, he's cut, and soon. In other words: This is a test (of/for that approach).

That said: Donte Stallworth will likely be suspended from play for around eight games or so by the NFL commissioner. I think that Mr. Stallworth may then be brought back by the Browns, at least for the rest of the '09 season. This may be a financial (salary cap hit) decision. After 2009 all bets are off, but I wager that it still would be mainly a football and money decision.

The appropriate public "tut-tutting" about the "seriousness of the charges" has already begun by the Browns. But it's pro sports. It's a business...about trying to win. Serious and not-so-serious crimes happen all of the time with the wealthy ~~pawns~~ players. Ref.: St Louis' handing of Leonard Little's 1998 DUI manslaughter.

So, we'll see...

Note: Mr. Little, though acquitted of the more serious charges in a 2004 incident, has experienced further problems after 1998.

Guzzling SUV-ers: The trend isn't your friend

2009-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Volatile oil prices are here to stay. Oh, but you're still doing your part to help weaken U.S. national security...?? Etc, etc....?

McCain/Palin d rilling won't "save you" any time soon, either (if ever). (And: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/opinion/12friedman.html)

Maybe this program might help a few of you....(But "The Party of No" keeps trying to kill it.)

A link to 6/17/o9 article with Fritz Henderson, GM CEO follows. That company may now be bankrupt (thanks in part to years of questionable decisions re types of vehicles to make/sell), but that also forces them to (at last) move toward the forefront of "what's next", at least in the U.S. Even Fritz knows about energy prices...
.http://www.wfsb.com/automotive/19779645/detail.html

(Photos used are considered to be in the public domain.)

Corrupt-icut redux: 'IF' my conduct was inappropriate??

2009-06-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Link to 6/17/09 Hartford Courant article re another CT official's DUI: http://www.courant.com/community/news/ec/hc-glastonbury-dui-arrest-0617.artjun17,0,4276121.story Please enjoy this woman's performance with the poor officers, whose salary "she approves"...in case they were unclear about that. That wastebasket they gave her was really meant for her career. Or, at least that would be true for the "rest of us"(little people), given similar circumstances.

Another humble Connecticut public official who still "doesn't get it". (Please check her "apology" in the article.) She'll likely get a slap on the wrist, too. And then be re-elected, so that she may carry on largely unhindered, via her all-powerful position....

When might these paragons of virtue ever wake up: There's no excuse for DUI. By anyone. None. If you've got a problem, find some help.

Oh....Some of the comments to the Courant's online story are pretty good. This person's got it right:

From "Jamie":

"She apologizes "IF" any of her behavior was inappropriate? IF??

Boy, that's big of her.

Jerk. "

Scary article, and an accurate one

2009-06-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mr. Frank Rich for describing a deteriorating situation in the U.S. (better than I ever could). And don't overlook his paragraph about easy access to guns for any "nutjob".

Link to his 6/13/09 NYT article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/opinion/14rich.html?em

1. I thought that the recent national election provided some hope, but, no; this (still) is not the "United" States anymore. Not at the current time. Divisiveness mainly for the sake of divisiveness -- or audience ratings -- weakens the union.

1a. Leadership is required to defuse (or perhaps try to better integrate?) the present minority of "haters", secessionists, reactionaries, and demagogues. Otherwise, with poorly controlled access to guns in this country, it's "Pandora's Box" open wider. As pointed out over and over here, with millions of people or all kinds and temperaments, and little weapons control, media "fanning of flames" is the last thing most Americans want or need. And spreading misinformation and half-truths is unpatriotic. It can be a form of hating and disparaging your country.

Oh. And just how inaccurate were the following, much-reviled comments from candidate Obama awhile back? It was a divisive thing to say and it uses stereotypes, so I don't support it. But take a minute to think about it again anyway:

Re: Lone "gunmen": Don't forget the gun part

2009-06-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Guns don't usually pull their own triggers, but relatively easy access to them in the U.S. is part of the predicament of gun-violence plaguing this country. "Pandora's Box" is wide open.

Link to AP article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090613/ap_on_go_ot/us_lone_wolf_terrorists_4

The B-52s: They tried to forewarn us

2009-05-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Back in 1989. That was our last chance to try and break free....

"All static all day forever"

Lyrics: http://www.mtv.com/lyrics/b52s/channel_z/1362739/lyrics.jhtml

A music video link: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1x9s2_b52s-channel-z_music

(Follow all links at your own risk.)

Weakening America's security & tunnel vision

2009-05-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

The fear-monger-in-chief keeps asking if we're all still scared enough....

Link to today's AP story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090521/ap_on_go_ot/us_cheney_4

Quick commentary:

-- Per 9/11/01 itself (and not the subsequent Bush/Cheney misdirected over-reaction), NO rational person underestimates the requirement for continued vigilance re global terrorism. No political party has a monopoly on/about diligence any longer. Homeland security/combating terrorism are not merely partisan issues. Former and current officials should always attempt to work TOGETHER toward the (ongoing) challenges. Former and current leaders trading half- (or unverifiable-) truths and personal opinions in the "media".... WEAKENS America's effort. (Fanning flames: News site-viewer "votes" about who is "right" (about this) are simplistic fun for some. But the vote that counts took place in November, 2008. It wasn't that close.)

-- Bush administration tunnel vision about global terrorist threats (and how to deal them ) badly hurt the United States (and the world) in other essential aspects of governance. E.g., management and oversight of key portions of the U.S. economy, cohesive energy policy, environmental protections, etc. The current president now has much to lead repairs upon as a result; more than most have ever faced in a first year.

-- And from the incredible Mr. Cheney today, re combating global terrorism: "Half measures keep you half exposed." Oh....As in: Only half-protecting U.S. ports? Not initially directing an appropriate share of anti-terrorism funding to vulnerable, large U.S. cities? Unilaterally attacking non-9/11-involved Iraq, leaving a half-staffed/funded effort for Afghanistan/Pakistan (and U.S. homeland security)? Virtually "turning over the keys" to the U.S. economy to Wall Street in the meantime, on your "watch"? A half-assed, non-diversified approach to U.S. energy security? Etc., etc.

From a newly-loquacious "yapper": An amazingly hubristic -- and ironic -- publicly-uttered sentence.

Thank you! Please keep arresting all participants

2009-05-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Link to 5/18/09 Hartford Courant news story: "149 Arrested At Street Races in Hartford"

A moronic "pastime" --especially on public streets -- without virtue or honor.

"Extremely hazardous" as Hartford's police chief says, to participants, "by-standers" and other motorists. Not to mention the (often) late night noise....

Huh? Your Congress (& the NRA) at work...

2009-05-14T14:21:00.001-07:00

Are you kidding me? This is the ultimate "gotcha" amendment.

Just what we need: It only takes one armed "whack-job" to ruin your "day at the park". Maybe you'll be the one accidentally blocking some gun-totin' dude's view of the caribou, and....

Allowing loaded semi-automatic assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, etc. in national parks puts everyone, including visitors, rangers, and animals in danger.

Please refer to this previous post, here. Statistically there's a tiny danger from wild animals in national parks. Crime rates there are also LOW. But allow the ones who walk upright to carry concealed, loaded guns...?? Now your talkin' dangerous.

clipped from money.cnn.com

By Jennifer Liberto, CNNMoney.com senior writer
May 14, 2009: 4:03 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) -- What do guns have to do with credit cards?

In a surprising move, the Senate voted 67-29 on Tuesday to attach a measure that would allow guns in national parks to a bill that cracks down on credit card fees.
"It's just wacky," said Jon Houston, spokesman for Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the bill's chief House sponsor who has been pushing for a crack down on credit card practices for two years.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., saw an opportunity to grab on to a comparatively fast-moving target, since lawmakers are under the gun to finalize a credit card bill in the next 11 days.

Coburn, speaking on the Senate floor, said his move "isn't a 'gotcha' amendment" but a genuine step to protect the Second Amendment. The measure would reverse a federal judge's decision in March block a last-minute rule change by President George W. Bush to allow park visitors to carry concealed weapons.

The Chevy Volt could help ....eventually

2009-05-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

A link follows to a recent Washington Post letter to the editor, and a brief response from Dr. Lyle Dennis, a physician who started and maintains the "GM-Volt.com" enthusiast site for the upcoming Chevy Volt electric vehicle. Link: http://gm-volt.com/ (It's considered to be an "extended-range electric vehicle" (E-REV), though weather conditions, driving speed, etc. will affect its range to some degree. The Volt will also contain a small gasoline combustion engine. "...in the Volt, this engine is the smaller one, and has only one task, it produces electricity for the motor when the stored power gets low. The engine is not connected to the wheels, it is only a generator. The brilliance of this feature is that you will have an overall driving range of 400 miles. The efficiency of this engine amounts to about 50 mpg.)

Link to letter to the editor and response: http://gm-volt.com/2009/05/07/gm-voltcom-letter-to-the-editor-of-the-washington-post/

I'm not going to get into whether the first-generation Volt will really have much impact upon reducing U.S. dependence upon foreign oil, etc. It will initially cost too much for many and probably will not help immediately. And we have to worry about how GM's impending bankruptcy/rebirth will affect this project. (Despite strong statements that it will not derail the E-REV.)

However, I think "plug-in" electric vehicles in general, and a mass-produced Volt in particular, will be part of a multi-faceted approach to generally reducing vehicular use of oil, reducing emissions, and even increasing use of renewable fuels (e.g., if E85 (ethanol) can be used in its gasoline engine). Will I attempt to advocate that the Volt is or will be THE answer? No. Other engine technologies, including diesel-powered and natural gas-powered vehicles will be "in the mix" for quite awhile.

I wish to emphasize two points about the Volt, however, made by Dr. Dennis in his response: 1) Though relatively few will/will be able to buy/lease the first-gen. Volt, a well-made, functional Volt that delivers upon its promises (let's hope), will "beget" more Volts.... at lowering prices. Studies show that more than 70% of U.S. drivers travel less than 40 miles per day. A powerful (i.e., instant and even torque), American-manufactured (mostly?), very high "gas" mileage, low emissions vehicle will be useful and desirable for many (U.S.) consumers. (And don't forget: GM and others still plan to make (other) E-REVs in different body styles/configurations.) Production economies of scale may follow, along with further advancements. 2) I read that Volt will facilitate charging at a time of the user's choosing. (Link: Volt charging functionality, Gen-1.) Working with utilities, users should be able to (often) choose an off-peak, lower 'grid' demand/price charging period for their vehicle. (Usually overnight.) Off-peak electricity costs the consumer much less than gasoline. Further, I'm not an engineer or an expert so I won't go into it much, but here's one interesting discussion of the Volt's possible impact upon greenhouse gas emissions. EV's supposedly can convert/use energy more efficiently than gasoline engines. And not all the world's electric power comes from coal. Individuals who feel compelled (for whatever reason) can likely either find or support cleaner sources, as well. (E.g., generating your own solar or wind power, supporting current clean power sources (e.g., "clean energy" utility programs), offsetting your estimated emissions (e.g., carbonfund.org), etc. Some may feel a moral obligation, even if it costs more in the short term.

It won't be profitable for awhile, but I agree with Dr. Dennis and others: I think the Volt could be the best idea and, I hope, eventually the best product that GM has come up with a long time. (Link: http://gm-volt.com/2009/05/17/ceo-promises-gm-has-new-vehicles-that-will-blow-you-away/ )

Enjoy this final link to Dr. Dennis' first ride in a Volt test "mule", from a few weeks ago: http://gm-volt.com/2009/04/28/gm-voltcom-chevy-volt-mule-test-drive-w-video/

Suddenly communicative: As Cheney snarls and howls on...

2009-05-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ms. Maureen Dowd lands a few: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/opinion/13dowd.html

Where's that "Cheney Dunk Tank"? http://www.theonion.com/content/news/cheney_dunk_tank_raises_800

Even more appropriate? I'm feelin' "safer" already....

(Images used are in the "public domain".)

Who Covers the Statehouse now?

2009-05-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

As touched upon here before, as newspapers, etc. cut back their reporting staffs, who will step up to thoroughly cover state and local politics? Local TV? Don't make Eddie Perez laugh....

An excellent article about this subject has appeared from TIME magazine. Their story also prominently mentions a hard-working Connecticut news site/blog, "The CT News Junkie".

In the state of "Corrupt-icut", this is an especially pertinent question. Not ALL politicians/elected officials are corrupt. But some are....

Link to 5/7/09 TIME magazine article: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1896808,00.html

Excerpt:

"Statehouse coverage is the bread and butter of a newspaper: unsexy and repetitive, but one of the foundations of a nutritional news diet. Unlike bread and butter, however, it can be expensive. Reporters have to monitor long, complicated funding debates — about schools and roads and health care — many of which do not result in front-page news. Uncovering corruption, incompetence or waste takes an inordinate amount of time and effort. As newsrooms and newspapers have become smaller, coverage of state politics has been among the first to get cut."

"There will be growth in the spring."

2009-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

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

NBC TV coverage of Derby poor

2009-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

In addition to the endless hype and endless onslaught of moronic commercials: NBC still hasn't distinctly pointed out yet (at 6:50pm EDT), that 2009 Kentucky Derby winner 'Mine That Bird' came from dead last, well behind the whole field to win the Derby. That's a huge part of this day's story . This horse appeared to be well behind the other 19 horses even around the 1/2 mile mark. Amazing; yet not really pointed out....They should have shown an isolation shot on the winner from start to finish. (Why not? They probably don't have one.)

What incisive coverage and analysis. Too busy squeezing in more hype... and still more commercials.

Angler's Smilin' At YOU

What are we focused upon: U.S. Democrats vs. Republicans

An indecorous Republican shill

Wild-eyed Bachmann: Newsmax.com's perfected unflattering shots

"Not one red cent of revenue": Nancy Pelosi's galvanizing speech

This is what oligarchy looks like: Koch-Tea Party war on workers

ol·i·gar·chy –noun

"Can OPEC come to the rescue?" Pathetic...

Read: BP's oil is not gone from the Gulf

Video: Who's the 'idiot'?? (Ohio governor motivates and inspires)

Exhibit A: Super Bowl XLV. America's no-culture pop culture

Armed Tucson hero almost shot the wrong person

Why does any civilian 'need' an assault weapon/extended magazine?

America's disgrace: Gun violence. (Again.)

'It's the people's House'. (If you're a hedge fund manager or lobbyist.)

Just in case you somehow missed it...

Recall needed for this GM exec: Runaway hubris

Nancy Pelosi tells it like it is on tax deal

What's really wrong with America? Apprise yourself:

Dirty Koch

Key media voice: Your new Congress

A leading member: Your new Congress

Member snapshot: Your new Congress

A productive outgoing U.S. Congress: True story

Re: Additional states permit concealed handguns in bars

Kenny Rogers - 'Coward Of The County'

Climate change: It's here

But Omar Thornton owned six guns

Your grand-children will want to know someday....

Gulf oil disaster: Visualizing it

The 85-day underwater oil gusher

Land of tricked-out mowers and blown-out oil wells

Oil disaster: Anger? Yes. Changed behavior? Unlikely.

Oil spill disaster: Why aren't we angry enough to change?

Gulf spill: Many Americans currently don't really mind

Gulf spill: Another IXTOC 1 disaster?

"Spill Baby, Spill" (That right, Sarah?)

Earth Day irony: And our administration wants to expand offshore oil drilling??

Oh yeah: Climate change is Al Gore's imagination...

The Party of No. And no class.

Unbelievable

More bad climate news

Dysfunction forever? Today's AP headlines summarize exactly what's wrong in the U.S. (2/23/10)

Why can't the U.S. pay greater tribute like this? Canada's Highway of Heroes

Highest education level attained: Tea Party convention attendees?

Obama talks sense; Republicans obstruct

What Twitter is to me

Haiti disaster (January, 2010)

RE: New Haven Independent | Red Light Camera Showdown Looms (12/21/09)

Deadly joke: Buying an assault rifle with cash. No ID, no paper trail, etc.

300 million people and a lot of easy guns equals...??

Throw-beck: Jon Stewart farce's the issue

Travel guide: The saner people in the U.S. live near the coasts

Certain CT bikers: Hear this

“No president has ever been treated like that. Ever."

CT DEP protection funds "eliminated"

8/27 CT fighter jets: They were ours, right?

Excuse me, but what's been advocated here for weeks....?

CT budget impasse: Recalcitrant Republicans

Palin "wins", intelligence loses. (World smirks.)

Woodstock flashback: The first 5 albums you bought?

Newsflash: Mr. Cheney thinks we're all weeners

A good letter. Plus: Medicare "anti-socialists"

Health care forum disrupters and demagogues

Another day in paradise...for Connecticut billionaires!

ENS: Connecticut gets this one right

Connecticut: "Penny-wise(?), pound-foolish"

CT: Now that we've postured and had our tantrums...

Wait...Using our no-equity McMansion as an ATM was imprudent?

Hang up and drive!

Hey! We got some serious hail balls comin' down here!

10 MORE reasons why Sarah quit:

Still the worst storms I've ever seen: 7-4-1969 Ohio "fireworks" derecho

What is a Russian lady?

Another sanctimonious Republican "tees himself up"...

Re Bradley International runway reopens

Cleveland's Burning River No More

Poem made up for neighbor with noisy vehicle (early)

Sportsbreak/Crimebreak: Donte Stallworth

Guzzling SUV-ers: The trend isn't your friend