the federation of galactic space deities hereby claims this

re: #1 SpaceJesus

the federation of galactic space deities hereby claims this

Heretic.

re: #2 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Heretic.

Don't worry. When the Death Star gets here, he'll back down fast enough.

I like the new pop up ads... getting a lot of "support Palin" ads... should help the GOP... and Charles.

re: #3 EmmmieG

Don't worry. When the Death Star gets here, he'll back down fast enough.

Unless he's got muppets, then you're toast.

re: #5 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Unless he's got muppets, then you're toast.

Do they sing and play the bongos? I just had the new anti-bongo missiles installed.

re: #4 Walter L. Newton

I like the new pop up ads... getting a lot of "support Palin" ads... should help the GOP... and Charles.

Probably paid for by Obama and the Dems.

that's no thread, that's a space station

re: #6 EmmmieG

Do they sing and play the bongos? I just had the new anti-bongo missiles installed.

HAHA! Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons!

Wait...

I see over on the LGF Pages that Pastor Eddie Long is making the news - but did anyone see this quote from him?

Sex certainly seems to lie at the heart of the Bishop's message. “God is potent. The word of God is his sperm,” he shouts in a clip you can see on YouTube, and “the job of the preacher is to bring fresh sperm”.

link to Pastor Long quotes.

Way too strange for the regular media...

ooh, fun! Meg's got a "talk to Meg" website...just posted my first message of encouragement to her:

Don't let your undocumented worker problem get you down, Meg!
Here's what I wrote for those who don't want to have to visit (I think I was most supportive):

Don't worry! It's not going to cost you the election. It's only a minor bump in the road. Your real problem is appearing in debates next to the smart and witty Jerry Brown. He's unapologetic because he actually loves this state and wants what's best for it. That's what's going to cost you the election. Nobody actually believes you care about California. Jerry does.

But it's cool. You've pumped 120 million dollars into our economy, and we do thank you for that.

Alton Brown Calls Man v Food Gluttonous and "Disgusting"

I couldn't agree more but Alton needs to whip the Food Network into shape. Last time I watched it was mostly shows about inedible cakes and sugar sculptures.

re: #1 SpaceJesus

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Alton Brown Calls Man v Food Gluttonous and "Disgusting"

I couldn't agree more but Alton needs to whip the Food Network into shape. Last time I watched it was mostly shows about inedible cakes and sugar sculptures.

Alton Brown is one of the only food show people I can watch, him and the (amazing) Anthony Bourdain, they're about it

re: #14 WindUpBird

Alton Brown is one of the only food show people I can watch, him and the (amazing) Anthony Bourdain, they're about it

I switched to watching food shows from the UK. They do a much better job than here in the states.

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Alton Brown Calls Man v Food Gluttonous and "Disgusting"

I couldn't agree more but Alton needs to whip the Food Network into shape. Last time I watched it was mostly shows about inedible cakes and sugar sculptures.

I agree. Any one of these shows that glorifies overeating and wastefulness disgusts me. I feel the same way about competitive eating, e.g. the hot dog eating contests, etc.

Congress tells Colbert: ' You're Dead To Us'.
Evidently, Power no longer speaking to Truthiness./
[Link: www.politico.com...]

re: #15 Killgore Trout

I switched to watching food shows from the UK. They do a much better job than here in the states.

I still miss the original Iron Chef series from Japan. Now there was a food show worth watching!

re: #14 WindUpBird
Alton is hilarious, and so fun to watch. He's more a food historian than chef, seems to me, but entertaining.

re: #16 imp_62

I agree. Any one of these shows that glorifies overeating and wastefulness disgusts me. I feel the same way about competitive eating, e.g. the hot dog eating contests, etc.

Competitive eating makes me nauseous. I can't change the channel fast enough.

re: #18 Surabaya Stew

I still miss the original Iron Chef series from Japan. Now there was a food show worth watching!

That was a classic. The voiceovers were hilarious.

re: #10 Linden Arden
Ewwww.

re: #19 tradewind

Alton is hilarious, and so fun to watch. He's more a food historian than chef, seems to me, but entertaining.

Watch his shows where he's talking about the science behind making gourmet food work, that's what makes me a fan, he's almost like an engineer who moved to an art form and brought his engineering chops with him

re: #17 tradewind

Congress tells Colbert: ' You're Dead To Us'.
Evidently, Power no longer speaking to Truthiness./
[Link: www.politico.com...]

Aww, the poor babies in Congwess can't handle Colbert...

re: #21 Killgore Trout

That was a classic. The voiceovers were hilarious.

Why was there often a fortune teller as one of the judges?!?

A FORTUNE TELLER!

Also, whenever they had some petite bubbly Japanese model, they always had the same painful little-girl dubbing and forced giggle-laughter, which of course my friends and I would latch onto and use for everything

re: #11 darthstar
Moonbeam may love the state, but Meg could fix it.

re: #10 Linden Arden

I see over on the LGF Pages that Pastor Eddie Long is making the news - but did anyone see this quote from him?

link to Pastor Long quotes.

Way too strange for the regular media...

Well. There it is.

re: #26 tradewind

Moonbeam may love the state, but Meg could fix it.

Whoever becomes guv has to start with this, because it's why the state is broken: [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #28 WindUpBird

Whoever becomes guv has to start with this, because it's why the state is broken: [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

Bingo!

re: #19 tradewind

Alton is hilarious, and so fun to watch. He's more a food historian than chef, seems to me, but entertaining.

I like the science angle of what he does. When he shows you a recipe you understand what you're doing on a chemical level, and why you follow the steps you do.

re: #24 Varek Raith
Really, I think they should have kept him on for a while. They'll get yanked back to serious reality in a month or so.... might as well have fun while they can.

re: #26 tradewind

Moonbeam may love the state, but Meg could fix it.

I remain unconvinced.

re: #30 SanFranciscoZionist
He's a great wordsmith.

Anybody catch this last night?

[Link: theclicker.todayshow.com...]

I couldn't believe my eyes. I can't imagine howmuch time they could have had to rehearse it. Is there any doubt that Jimmy Fallon has the best show on late night?

re: #29 Varek Raith

Bingo!

And of course the conservative ideologues here who think sabotaging the democratic process in California (which is what that prop does) brings them what they want, they'll make up reasons why it should be left in place ignoring the fact that it is designed to break the system and wound the rest of california for the benefit of people with insanely valuable real estate

re: #28 WindUpBird
Yeah, has nothing to do with the state pensions, public sector union obligations, other above-average-in-cost entitlements, and shouldering the burden of health care and educational demands from undocumented persons who are not on the income tax rolls?
It's all that Prop thing.
Got'cha.

re: #26 tradewind

Moonbeam may love the state, but Meg could fix it.

An NPR caller made an interesting point about Meg's business experience. Its fine as far as it goes, but she ran a rapidly expanding company in a new and hence wide-open field. That is not the current state of California. We need a turn-around specialist and that requires a completely different skill set.

Okay it's sitting on pins and needles at RWC HQ. Dragon_Lady was out shopping with her mom, who felt dizzy. Got Real Bad fast. So off to ER. Now being rushed into ICU for a pacemaker. Lower heart not working right, upper is fine. D_L is there, likely for the night.

re: #35 WindUpBird

And of course the conservative ideologues here who think sabotaging the democratic process in California (which is what that prop does) brings them what they want, they'll make up reasons why it should be left in place ignoring the fact that it is designed to break the system and wound the rest of california for the benefit of people with insanely valuable real estate

It doesn't sabotage the democratic process in California worse than the gerrymandered perma-majority in both houses of the state legislature has.

re: #35 WindUpBird

it is designed to break the system and wound the rest of california for the benefit of people with insanely formerly valuable real estate

FTFY.

BBL

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

Okay it's sitting on pins and needles at RWC HQ. Dragon_Lady was out shopping with her mom, who felt dizzy. Got Real Bad fast. So off to ER. Now being rushed into ICU for a pacemaker. Lower heart not working right, upper is fine. D_L is there, likely for the night.

Prayers for your MIL.

re: #36 tradewind

Yeah, has nothing to do with the state pensions, public sector union obligations, other above-average-in-cost entitlements, and shouldering the burden of health care and educational demands from undocumented persons who are not on the income tax rolls?
It's all that Prop thing.
Got'cha.

OK, trade, remind me where you live again.

Out for a run.
I hope CA gets it together..... such a gorgeous place, from one end to the other.

re: #43 SanFranciscoZionist

OK, trade, remind me where you live again.

Conservotopia.

Video of Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa hit by tear gas during protest:

[Link: cnn.mx...]

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

I hope all is well with DL.

Meanwhile back at the conversation:
Prop 13 is a problem, but it was a response to preexisting problems. It did not emerge fully formed from the head of Zeus, or a vacuum.

re: #47 calochortus

I hope all is well with DL.

Meanwhile back at the conversation:
Prop 13 is a problem, but it was a response to preexisting problems. It did not emerge fully formed from the head of Zeus, or a vacuum.

True. I've got issues with it, though. As an educator...:(

re: #43 SanFranciscoZionist
TN.
No state income tax, balanced budget.//

Of the 50 states and D.C., Tennessee places 51st in total debt according to NPR.[1]

[Link: sunshinereview.org...]
OTOH, we got no beach, and last winter was crappy cold./
..Really out.

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

{{{RWC}}}

re: #48 SanFranciscoZionist

True. I've got issues with it, though. As an educator...:(

I've got issues with it too. OTOH, we couldn't stay here without it.

re: #49 tradewind

TN.
No state income tax, balanced budget.//

[Link: sunshinereview.org...]
OTOH, we got no beach, and last winter was crappy cold./
..Really out.

OK. Would you like to explain why you feel so well informed about my state's finances, and so secure dismissing 'the Prop thing' as a possible source of fiscal trouble?

re: #51 calochortus

I've got issues with it too. OTOH, we couldn't stay here without it.

As a renter, I guess it's easier for me to be all of one mind.

re: #46 wrenchwench

Video of Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa hit by tear gas during protest:

[Link: cnn.mx...]

Wow. What a mess.

re: #53 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm sure it is. I have some problems with property taxes as a category. I understand taxes to pay for services, and I know they are viewed by governments as a stable source of funding, but it seems cruel to make people leave their (fully owned and paid for) homes if their taxes go up, or their income falls. There are many shades of gray in most issues...

re: #54 Killgore Trout

Wow. What a mess.

The police set off the tear gas. I'm surprised the president felt safe enough to go there.

Colombia and Peru have closed their borders with Ecuador.

Just got the call back from the school. They're going to have an inital IEP plan set up for her by the end of next week and they'll be doing a full assessment from there within 60 days. Once I have their data, I can take that in to the Dr under my health benefits and they can attempt to diagnose ADD or other disabilities and come up with treatment from there.

Towercam with cumulus cloud and its shadow.

San Gabriel Mountains, etc.

• • •

Politics rots your brain.

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

Okay it's sitting on pins and needles at RWC HQ. Dragon_Lady was out shopping with her mom, who felt dizzy. Got Real Bad fast. So off to ER. Now being rushed into ICU for a pacemaker. Lower heart not working right, upper is fine. D_L is there, likely for the night.

RWC - hoping all is well and thought's for your Mother-in-Law, you , D_L and family.

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

Would you like some hail marys or some push ups?

Off to brave the wet roads.

BTW, I'm not saying that comment from non-Californians is not welcomed. I'm just getting a little suspicious about the number of people who don't live here and seem to know a LOT about exactly what is wrong with California--and it always seems to have to do with unions and illegal immigrants.

I don't know JACK about Texas' fiscal woes. Probably because the media I read doesn't care to indoctrinate me about them.

re: #59 Ericus58

RWC - hoping all is well and thought's for your Mother-in-Law, you , D_L and family.

Indeed.

re: #59 Ericus58

RWC - hoping all is well and thought's for your Mother-in-Law, you , D_L and family.

I second this.

re: #62 SanFranciscoZionist

Well I live in Ca. & one problem is we have an electorate that indulges in wishful financial thinking & passes lots of bond propositions.

Or has 'till now.

re: #45 Varek Raith

Conservotopia.

Are the trains always on time?

/

re: #65 Ojoe

All you have to do is have a good cause and promise not to fund the item in question (bond issue-"this will not raise your taxes") and people seem to love it. Hello-if you spend money, it has to come from somewhere.

re: #66 Gus 802

Are the trains always on time?

/

Minor delays when the RINOs are tossed under.

re: #62 SanFranciscoZionist

BTW, I'm not saying that comment from non-Californians is not welcomed. I'm just getting a little suspicious about the number of people who don't live here and seem to know a LOT about exactly what is wrong with California--and it always seems to have to do with unions and illegal immigrants.

I don't know JACK about Texas' fiscal woes. Probably because the media I read doesn't care to indoctrinate me about them.

That's like telling someone that's really sick (long term now) that all they need to do is take vitamins and eat better. That is it's an oversimplification that's been drilled into peoples heads that the only reason California is faced with fiscal problems is because of illegal immigrants and unions. Now, I know this isn't popular but I think it's because of Prop. 13.

re: #62 SanFranciscoZionist

BTW, I'm not saying that comment from non-Californians is not welcomed. I'm just getting a little suspicious about the number of people who don't live here and seem to know a LOT about exactly what is wrong with California--and it always seems to have to do with unions and illegal immigrants.

I don't know JACK about Texas' fiscal woes. Probably because the media I read doesn't care to indoctrinate me about them.

Each state may have a common issue that they face - namely big deficits and diminishing revenue's. But each has a different path for the most part on how they got to that position.

For the most part, there is no "prime" culprit. Nor is it to just one Governor or party in control.
But in tackling and overcoming their funding crisis's, it will call for compromise and hard choices.

Just like we personally have to make choices in our own budgets - there are "wants" and then there are "needs". Getting everyone to agree on just the "needs" will be tough enough.

re: #68 wrenchwench

Minor delays when the RINOs are tossed under.

"..... hey! How did I get tied up in this rope.... and why the hell is my pillow some hard length of iron?!?!"

re: #26 tradewind

Moonbeam may love the state, but Meg could fix it.

She'd fuck it up faster than you could defend her.

re: #69 Gus 802

Oops. I went ahead and generalized too. It's not only because of Prop. 13.

re: #72 darthstar

She'd fuck it up faster than you could defend her.

Come on. As soon as she's sworn into office every elected official in Sacramento is going to love her. They will all be at her beckoning call. Plus since she's so experienced in dealing with labor issues after being a CEO of non-union Ebay her ability to negotiate with labor will be unprecedented.

//

When I gave my little college graduation speech in 1980, because I had received some taxpayer-funded assistance, I thanked all the taxpayers except the ones who voted for Prop 13. Then my dad tried to 'splain why he had found it necessary to vote for it.

People voted for Prop 13 because "the power to tax is the power to destroy.'

Greeting from Joplin MO. Winston and I are almost to Oklahoma..
Long day on the Road and I got a speeding ticket today...

re: #76 Ojoe

People voted for Prop 13 because "the power to tax is the power to destroy.'

Well, all I know is that people are sitting in mansions (you know like Pacific Heights) paying less in property taxes then some family living in a 1 story ranch in Rancho Cucamonga.

re: #1 SpaceJesus

the federation of galactic space deities hereby claims this

Best enjoy it while you can, because on July 5, 1998, the REAL space deities are coming.

re: #78 Gus 802

And let's not get into the question of corporate properties and their tax rates.

re: #80 calochortus

And let's not get into the question of corporate properties and their tax rates.

Was that included too?

re: #78 Gus 802

That would be some of the people in Pacific Heights, the ones who haven't moved for a long time. If you sell your house, the property is reassessed for the new buyer.

re: #77 HoosierHoops

Greeting from Joplin MO. Winston and I are almost to Oklahoma..
Long day on the Road and I got a speeding ticket today...

was the LEO wearing those large aviator reflective sunglasses?
I feel ya, Bro.

re: #82 Ojoe

That would be some of the people in Pacific Heights, the ones who haven't moved for a long time. If you sell your house, the property is reassessed for the new buyer.

Sure. It applies to everyone. Still, seems kind of weird that some heir to the Hearst family living in some mansion in Pacific Heights is paying property taxes circa 1975 (more or less).

re: #81 Gus 802

Absolutely, and since business properties tend to change hands less often than residential, businesses are once again big winners.

re: #65 Ojoe

Well I live in Ca. & one problem is we have an electorate that indulges in wishful financial thinking & passes lots of bond propositions.

Or has 'till now.

Damn skippy.

re: #65 Ojoe

Well I live in Ca. & one problem is we have an electorate that indulges in wishful financial thinking & passes lots of bond propositions.

Or has 'till now.

I continue to hear that it's problem is that it requires fewer votes to raise spending than it does to raise taxes.

Anyone else see that as a problem?

re: #84 Gus 802

You could think of it as a bonus for social stability, which is a good thing, long term neighborhoods, etc.

re: #86 SanFranciscoZionist

Damn skippy.

Peanut butter?
WHERE

re: #88 Ojoe

You could think of it as a bonus for social stability, which is a good thing, long term neighborhoods, etc.

Well, it could have been done on a sliding scale. Maybe it was. I doubt it though.

re: #74 Gus 802

Come on. As soon as she's sworn into office every elected official in Sacramento is going to love her. They will all be at her beckoning call. Plus since she's so experienced in dealing with labor issues after being a CEO of non-union Ebay her ability to negotiate with labor will be unprecedented.

//

I'm eternally suspicious of the 'I can fix the goverment--I'm a business maven!' theory.

Although I must buy it to some extent, because I trust Whitman more than Fiorina, whose business record is sort of...uhhhh.

re: #89 Varek Raith

We thought it would be smooth here in California, but we are finding out that it is crunchy.

re: #20 Killgore Trout

Competitive eating makes me nauseous. I can't change the channel fast enough.

Remember when Wesley Crusher Gordie Lachance told us that story about Lardass Hogan? Those were the days.

re: #89 Varek Raith

Peanut butter?
WHERE

Why, inside my BLT of course!!!

re: #83 Ericus58

was the LEO wearing those large aviator reflective sunglasses?
I feel ya, Bro.

Very nice State Cop.. We chatted for a while about moving to Oklahoma...
Then he wrote me a ticket.. LOL

Back to the drafting board for me. BBL.

Oh, good, an open thread.

I need some help.

Using one of those places that provide templates for websites, I set up a website for our upcoming class reunion so that people could sign on and get news - this particular website allows me to send an e-mail blast to all registered users when there's news, and also allows me to set up paypal and a registration form for people to register for the reunion. I'm not using a free version, I paid for the website.

There are several folks who have been unable to register for some reason.

Either they register and never get a confirmation e-mail.
Or they register, get a confirmation e-mail, and are still unable to log in, request another confirmation e-mail, respond to it, over and over.

I contacted the support folks.

They've told me to click the "invite to complete profile" button for those whose registrations are not complete. Only one person whose had a problem shows up on the members registry; the others who have been unable to register don't even show up on the members registry.

When I click the "invite to complete profile" for the one person, I get a blank page, instead of the page I should get where I can choose who to invite, and write a message. I sent them a screen cap of the blank page that I get.

Now they're telling me that they cannot understand what my problem is, I'm not clear.

Is there anyone here who can tell me what it is, exactly, I need to tell them and what words I should use?

re: #91 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm eternally suspicious of the 'I can fix the goverment--I'm a business maven!' theory.

Although I must buy it to some extent, because I trust Whitman more than Fiorina, whose business record is sort of...uhhh.

For sure. And seriously. Ebay? That's like an internet phenomenon. They happened to be in the right place at the right time. It's like the Pet Rock of capitalism with a good business model. Or Google trading at $400 a share. That's still a joke. Overvalued and overhyped even though it's a decent company. Wiki says Ebay employs 14,000 people. Doing what? Call centers? Do they have call centers in Bangalore?

re: #95 HoosierHoops

Very nice State Cop.. We chatted for a while about moving to Oklahoma...
Then he wrote me a ticket.. LOL

Haha, nice!
Ah, the best way to get a ticket.... leaves you with turd after he polished it all up for ya!

State Troopers are the best, I will say that.

re: #91 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm eternally suspicious of the 'I can fix the goverment--I'm a business maven!' theory.

Although I must buy it to some extent, because I trust Whitman more than Fiorina, whose business record is sort of...uhhh.

Oh, and their business records are less than stellar. Especially Fiorina's. Can't say I'm a big fan of Boxer anymore -- I was way back early in her career.

re: #97 reine.de.tout

Is there anyone here who can tell me what it is, exactly, I need to tell them and what words I should use?

Yes, but I'm not sure you'd be comfortable using those words in mixed company.

re: #91 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm eternally suspicious of the 'I can fix the goverment--I'm a business maven!' theory.

Although I must buy it to some extent, because I trust Whitman more than Fiorina, whose business record is sort of...uhhh.

It doesn't work.
Government is not business. What works for business, does NOT work for an efficiently run government. Some things do, of course, good supervision, good training, etc.

But we've had any number of businessmen running for office, saying the gov't needs to be run like a "bidness", and they are wrong, wrong, wrong.

re: #101 Renaissance_Man

Yes, but I'm not sure you'd be comfortable using those words in mixed company.

I'm so aggravated, I'll do anything, I"m ready to give them a major rant.

The last response I got back from them was ugly - it's not anything on OUR end, they said.

Well, then, WTF is it?

*sigh*

Was my problem unclear?

re: #102 reine.de.tout

It doesn't work.
Government is not business. What works for business, does NOT work for an efficiently run government. Some things do, of course, good supervision, good training, etc.

But we've had any number of businessmen running for office, saying the gov't needs to be run like a "bidness", and they are wrong, wrong, wrong.

Well said.

Likewise I can't stand people who think "austerity measures" are the answer to everything as people fail to realize there's a difference betwen micro and macro economics.

re: #102 reine.de.tout

Yup. Being a business person doesn't disqualify one from running for office, but it doesn't impress me.

Meanwhile, I'd better go figure out what to make for dinner tonight. I do not feel inspired.

Heh...

Image: enthusiasmgap.png

re: #98 Gus 802

For sure. And seriously. Ebay? That's like an internet phenomenon. They happened to be in the right place at the right time. It's like the Pet Rock of capitalism with a good business model. Or Google trading at $400 a share. That's still a joke. Overvalued and overhyped even though it's a decent company. Wiki says Ebay employs 14,000 people. Doing what? Call centers? Do they have call centers in Bangalore?

Ebay has stream lined the process of exposure, payment, and communication. It is like buttah.

re: #106 darthstar

Heh...

Image: enthusiasmgap.png

///The internet has a liberal bias!

re: #102 reine.de.tout

It doesn't work.
Government is not business. What works for business, does NOT work for an efficiently run government. Some things do, of course, good supervision, good training, etc.

But we've had any number of businessmen running for office, saying the gov't needs to be run like a "bidness", and they are wrong, wrong, wrong.

It's hit and miss. A business leader may be a good political leader. Or they may not. People do that with former businesspeople or historically with former generals. I am reminded of this fascination with General Petraeus that some people have. Sure, he's a good general on the war front but that doesn't mean a thing regarding his ability to lead the country. His experience has been limited to the military and as a general. That may or may not transfer easily into a presidency. Let alone if he even has any interest which I highly doubt.

re: #91 SanFranciscoZionist

Although I must buy it to some extent, because I trust Whitman more than Fiorina, whose business record is sort of...uhhh.

[Link: carlyfailorina.com...]

Iran's Navy is getting weirder....

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

re: #109 Gus 802

It's hit and miss. A business leader may be a good political leader. Or they may not. People do that with former businesspeople or historically with former generals. I am reminded of this fascination with General Petraeus that some people have. Sure, he's a good general on the war front but that doesn't mean a thing regarding his ability to lead the country. His experience has been limited to the military and as a general. That may or may not transfer easily into a presidency. Let alone if he even has any interest which I highly doubt.

You're correct, it's hit or miss, I didn't really mean to imply otherwise.

But any politician who comes out and says, "We need to run the government like we run business!", should be avoided at all costs, IMO.

Some businessmen fully understand the difference between gov't and business. The ones who say things like the above, usually do not.

re: #103 reine.de.tout

I'm so aggravated, I'll do anything, I"m ready to give them a major rant.

The last response I got back from them was ugly - it's not anything on OUR end, they said.

Well, then, WTF is it?

*sigh*

Was my problem unclear?

Without knowing anything about the system you're using, I'd say you're being clear.

re: #107 prairiefire

Ebay has stream lined the process of exposure, payment, and communication. It is like buttah.

Yeah. You use PayPal. PayPal takes your money. Lets it sit in their bank for several days until they finally pay you. Nice system they have going there. They're getting million in "mini-loans" every day and using the excuse of the banks for the delay. Electronic transfers are really instant and should only take seconds.

re: #42 EmmmieG

Thank you very much. Modern medicine is darn good. We have faith on a couple levels.

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

You know What the US Navy calls those flying boats?
Targets

re: #116 HoosierHoops

You know What the US Navy calls those flying boats?
Targets

What a waste of a lawnmower engine.

re: #112 reine.de.tout

You're correct, it's hit or miss, I didn't really mean to imply otherwise.

But any politician who comes out and says, "We need to run the government like we run business!", should be avoided at all costs, IMO.

Some businessmen fully understand the difference between gov't and business. The ones who say things like the above, usually do not.

Oh, very true. The opposite would be like trying to run a business like a government entity.

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

Hey!
I saw something like that at the local RC shop!
/

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Those things don't look like they could take off or land if the seas are any higher than a foot.

re: #114 Gus 802

Yeah. You use PayPal. PayPal takes your money. Lets it sit in their bank for several days until they finally pay you. Nice system they have going there. They're getting million in "mini-loans" every day and using the excuse of the banks for the delay. Electronic transfers are really instant and should only take seconds.

You're right, of course, about paypal.
But honestly - for the convenience paypal offers - I don't mind if they keep the $ for a few days.

re: #106 darthstar

Heh...

Image: enthusiasmgap.png

A Twitter account following 713,235 users would be as near to unusable as makes no odds.

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

Oh that's funny. Runaway! Runaway! They need to have monkeys flying those.

re: #96 Ojoe

Back to the drafting board for me. BBL.

Have you found arch. work? If so, congrats.

re: #114 Gus 802

Is that because of you feedback?

re: #123 Gus 802

Oh that's funny. Runaway! Runaway! They need to have monkeys flying those.

Ph34r my leet tanks!
Image: 1895&Car.jpg

re: #123 Gus 802

Oh that's funny. Runaway! Runaway! They need to have monkeys flying those.

They're kind of cute. I can see a housewife in Montana or someplace having one to run errands in.

re: #125 prairiefire

Is that because of you feedback?

No. I don't sell anything on Ebay. Maybe it is my bank I don't know. First time someone sent me money it took almost 5 days. I couldn't believe it.

re: #121 reine.de.tout

You're right, of course, about paypal.
But honestly - for the convenience paypal offers - I don't mind if they keep the $ for a few days.

BTW..With your Web issue.. Ask Tech support what version of Java you need on your computer...You may need to upgrade... We have the same issues rendering Oracle views on the web

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

US Navy unveils flying boat countermeasures...

re: #128 Gus 802

No. I don't sell anything on Ebay. Maybe it is my bank I don't know. First time someone sent me money it took almost 5 days. I couldn't believe it.

I've had PayPal transfers take a week...
I could've just sent a frikkin check in the mail.
:/

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

Skeet

re: #132 Decatur Deb

Skeet

LOL!

re: #132 Decatur Deb

Skeet

I wanna bring my 16 ga. !

Politics and personality aside:

Image: carly_fiorina1-241x300.jpg

I like the close-shaved-head look on [most] women.

Good thing I shared, eh?

re: #130 Rightwingconspirator

US Navy unveils flying boat countermeasures...

Here's one for the USMC.

That thing barely got off the water. Looks like it was just using ground effects to fly just above the waterline.

re: #130 Rightwingconspirator

re: #136 Gus 802

BOOORRRIIINNGGG!
How about one of these?

re: #109 Gus 802

It's hit and miss. A business leader may be a good political leader. Or they may not. People do that with former businesspeople or historically with former generals. I am reminded of this fascination with General Petraeus that some people have. Sure, he's a good general on the war front but that doesn't mean a thing regarding his ability to lead the country. His experience has been limited to the military and as a general. That may or may not transfer easily into a presidency. Let alone if he even has any interest which I highly doubt.

You make some good points, Gus.
I will say that in my observations of Petraeus is a man that thinks with clarity and acts with purpose. And because of his lack of interest expressed in politics, the kind of person that is not out to seek personal gain.

Kinda reminds me of another General from this century who went on to be a decent president.

re: #138 Varek Raith

re: #136 Gus 802

BOOORRRIIINNGGG!
How about one of these?

Warhead

initially W7 (2.5 or 28 KT)[1][verification needed] later W31 nuclear 2 kt (M-97) or 20 kt (M-22)[2] or T-45 HE warhead weighing 1,106 pounds (502 kg) and containing 600 pounds (270 kg) of HBX-6 M17 blast-fragmentation

MUHAHAHAHA

re: #138 Varek Raith

re: #136 Gus 802

BOOORRRIIINNGGG!
How about one of these?

Orly Taitz Endorses Sharron Angle, Calls Nevada Election 'Number 1 Race In America'

re: #137 Gus 802

That thing barely got off the water. Looks like it was just using ground effects to fly just above the waterline.

The Soviets built some giant versions for long-range Over-the Shore tricks. Last seen rotting on the shore.

[Link: www.ussr-airspace.com...]

re: #142 Killgore Trout

Orly Taitz Endorses Sharron Angle, Calls Nevada Election 'Number 1 Race In America'

Image: OrlyTaitzOwl.jpg

re: #143 Decatur Deb

The Soviets built some giant versions for long-range Over-the Shore tricks. Last seen rotting on the shore.

[Link: www.ussr-airspace.com...]

That Iranian thing looks like they used plywood and a VW engine. Or something. The "pilots" even have scooter helmets. They're so pathetic.

re: #143 Decatur Deb

The Soviets built some giant versions for long-range Over-the Shore tricks. Last seen rotting on the shore.

[Link: www.ussr-airspace.com...]

Those looked badass though.
The Iranian ones...LOL.

re: #142 Killgore Trout

Orly Taitz Endorses Sharron Angle, Calls Nevada Election 'Number 1 Race In America'

Perfect. They can get O'Keefe to stage a manage.

re: #111 Killgore Trout

Iran's Navy is getting weirder...

Iran unveils squadrons of flying boats

Video here

Interesting.... think they looked at old Soviet equipment as a guide. But they haven't much in the way of a capability to carry a lethal payload. Flying/skimming bombs perhaps?

I would suggest a harpoon, but that would be overkill. One Hellfire II from an Apache is enough.

re: #146 Varek Raith

Those looked badass though.
The Iranian ones...LOL.

re: #146 Varek Raith

Those looked badass though.
The Iranian ones...LOL.

Name: Iranian SPIKE
Top Speed: 20 KIAS
Service Ceiling: 20 feet ASL

//

re: #147 Decatur Deb

Perfect. They can get O'Keefe to stage a manage.

He's got the dildo boat all ready to go.

re: #148 Ericus58

Interesting... think they looked at old Soviet equipment as a guide. But they haven't much in the way of a capability to carry a lethal payload. Flying/skimming bombs perhaps?

I would suggest a harpoon, but that would be overkill. One Hellfire II from an Apache is enough.

They would have the advantage of surprise--Shock and Awshit.

Bill-O has Bill Maher on tonight.

Must suffer to watch.....

re: #148 Ericus58

Interesting... think they looked at old Soviet equipment as a guide. But they haven't much in the way of a capability to carry a lethal payload. Flying/skimming bombs perhaps?

I would suggest a harpoon, but that would be overkill. One Hellfire II from an Apache is enough.

I would guess they could probably be taken down/sunk by small arms. AR15's or whatever's laying around.

There's gold in dem dare hills... the Colorado aspens are turning... picture taken today at mountain meadow below my house... also notice dedicated Qwest phone truck and person, keeping the DSL alive in the mountains...

The multiple little swatches of gold in the background are aspens among the lodge pole pines and other mountain trees.

Image: aspen_2010.JPG

re: #129 HoosierHoops

BTW..With your Web issue.. Ask Tech support what version of Java you need on your computer...You may need to upgrade... We have the same issues rendering Oracle views on the web

the problem isn't withmy computer.
It's with other folks who've been unable to register - all over the state.

re: #146 Varek Raith

Those looked badass though.
The Iranian ones...LOL.

Okay if you want to let machines have all the fun, cool. But those flying boats look like great practice to me. I kinda like this guy

Air gun!

On the Iranian flying boat boat that barely flies:

Spencer Ackerman notes that the new flying boats are armed with a "machine gun", a mechanical rifle capable of firing continuously without reloading by human hands.

Hear that folks! Be afraid! It has a "mechanical rifle" that can fire continuously without needing to be reloaded "by human hands"!!

[Link: www.economist.com...]

re: #148 Ericus58

Interesting... think they looked at old Soviet equipment as a guide. But they haven't much in the way of a capability to carry a lethal payload. Flying/skimming bombs perhaps?

I would suggest a harpoon, but that would be overkill. One Hellfire II from an Apache is enough.

All kidding aside those could be capable suicide weapons, designed to overcome AA fire by sheer numbers. 500 lb of semtex...

Top secret weapon from Iran.

re: #124 Decatur Deb

Have you found arch. work? If so, congrats.

Thanks for looking out for us Architects!
;-)

re: #158 Rightwingconspirator

All kidding aside those could be capable suicide weapons, designed to overcome AA fire by sheer numbers. 500 lb of semtex...

Welcome to CIWS

Somebody just shoot me now.
I put a hamburger on to cook, and forgot to turn on the stove.
sheesh.
Not having the best day.

re: #158 Rightwingconspirator

All kidding aside those could be capable suicide weapons, designed to overcome AA fire by sheer numbers. 500 lb of semtex...

I seriously doubt that thing would even get off the water with a 500 lbs. payload.

re: #161 Ericus58

Or perhaps you'd like to try out our Goalkeeper system?

re: #161 Ericus58

Welcome to CIWS

[Video]

Beat me to it. Phalanx CIWS - now that's a burp gun... ;)

I'm sorry, not trying to turn this thread into a war-porn thread.

but I'm sure you can guess my background and interests...

re: #166 Ericus58

I'm sorry, not trying to turn this thread into a war-porn thread.

but I'm sure you can guess my background and interests...

Staying dry at sea?

re: #154 Walter L. Newton

An Aspen grove in Utah is what some consider the largest living organism in the world.

"The Aspen tree (Populus tremuloides) forms large stands of genetically identical trees (technically, stems) connected by a single underground root system. These trees form through root sprouts coming off an original parent tree, though the root system may not remain a single unit in all specimens. The largest known fully-connected Aspen is a grove in Utah nicknamed Pando, and some experts call it the largest organism in the world,[1] by mass or volume.[2] It covers 0.43 km2 (106 acres) and is estimated to weigh 6,600 short tons (6,000 t).[3]"

OK, here we go...

Called the Bavar 2, the flying boat is often described as a ground-effect vehicle, meaning it rides a cushion of air over the surface of the water. The boats, which will be used by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard, will reportedly be equipped with machine guns and surveillance equipment.

[Link: www.aolnews.com...]

So stupid.

So here's something really off on a new tangent....

I love my wife's name.
Ruth.
My Companion. "Whither thou goest, I will go."

I've only known three Ruth's in my life personally.
My Dearest.
Her good friend from college days.

And the nurse who assisted the doctor for my vasectomy.
That was a bit weird.....

re: #158 Rightwingconspirator

All kidding aside those could be capable suicide weapons, designed to overcome AA fire by sheer numbers. 500 lb of semtex...

Actually I doubt they could lift that much payload. My guess is they would be a misdirection while they tried to do real damage with something else - submarines, naval mines, SSM's, etc.

re: #167 Decatur Deb

Staying dry at sea?

haha, unless it was during an UNREP and working on the inhaul team along the side of the Destroyer... or standing forward lookout watch.

re: #169 Gus 802

OK, here we go...

[Link: www.aolnews.com...]

So stupid.

Can't think of a mission for it, except to drown RGs.

re: #2 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Heretic.

No. that would be me.

re: #173 Decatur Deb

Can't think of a mission for it, except to drown humiliate RGs.

FTFY

//

re: #173 Decatur Deb

Can't think of a mission for it, except to drown RGs.

WINNER!

re: #162 reine.de.tout

Somebody just shoot me now.
I put a hamburger on to cook, and forgot to turn on the stove.
sheesh.
Not having the best day.

At least the food can be salvaged. Just think how you might have felt if you had turned the stove on...and then forgot about it. See, now I'm more likely to do that.

You're doing ok reine. You're doing ok.

re: #162 reine.de.tout

Somebody just shoot me now.
I put a hamburger on to cook, and forgot to turn on the stove.
sheesh.
Not having the best day.

Won't shoot yah, will hug yah though.

(hug)

ahoy ahoy

One would think the Iranians would spend their money more carefully.

Then again, it isn't as if the mullahs really give a damn about the Iranian people.

re: #178 wozzablog

Won't shoot yah, will hug yah though.

(hug)

aw.
thanks.
and backatcha.

re: #135 negativ

Politics and personality aside:

Image: carly_fiorina1-241x300.jpg

I like the close-shaved-head look on [most] women.

Good thing I shared, eh?

She seems to favor very short cuts, which is OK, but I think she'd look nice with a little more length.

She said something hostile about Boxer's hair earlier in the campaign.

Men in politics so seldom critique each other's hair.

Gadzooks this is a big marlin.

Image: 154197d1251881524-maggie-joe-1-245-lbs-marlin-pics-photo.jpg

1245 pounds.

re: #182 SanFranciscoZionist

Hey SFZ, cheers to your epic comments.

re: #183 Gus 802

Gadzooks this is a big marlin.

Image: 154197d1251881524-maggie-joe-1-245-lbs-marlin-pics -photo.jpg

1245 pounds.

Where was that caught?

re: #142 Killgore Trout

Orly Taitz Endorses Sharron Angle, Calls Nevada Election 'Number 1 Race In America'

Everyone seems to use superlatives about this race. Like "Harry Reid is the luckiest sumbitch alive."

re: #185 reine.de.tout

Where was that caught?

[Link: www.bloodydecks.com...]

The boat was the Maggie Joe which home ports out of Waikiki, Oahu

[Link: www.best-hawaii-fishing.com...]

re: #148 Ericus58

Interesting... think they looked at old Soviet equipment as a guide. But they haven't much in the way of a capability to carry a lethal payload. Flying/skimming bombs perhaps?

No, they just zoom you all at once, and you die laughing.

re: #179 wozzablog

ahoy ahoy

Aha, aha.

re: #154 Walter L. Newton

There's gold in dem dare hills... the Colorado aspens are turning... picture taken today at mountain meadow below my house... also notice dedicated Qwest phone truck and person, keeping the DSL alive in the mountains...

The multiple little swatches of gold in the background are aspens among the lodge pole pines and other mountain trees.

Image: aspen_2010.JPG

Pretty.

re: #189 prairiefire

Aha, aha.

Mahi mahi!

re: #183 Gus 802

Gadzooks this is a big marlin.

Image: 154197d1251881524-maggie-joe-1-245-lbs-marlin-pics -photo.jpg

1245 pounds.

Put. It. Back!

re: #192 prairiefire

Put. It. Back!

My first thought too. But it's too late.

re: #186 SanFranciscoZionist

Everyone seems to use superlatives about this race. Like "Harry Reid is the luckiest sumbitch alive."

Is that you, Sheriff Buford T. Justice?!

re: #187 Gus 802

That's a whole lotta Mekajiki.

re: #195 jaunte

That's a whole lotta Mekajiki.

Image: mekajiki.jpg

re: #28 WindUpBird

Whoever becomes guv has to start with this, because it's why the state is broken: [Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

Prop 13 shows that referendums are anti-democratic. There's only a 'Yes' or 'No' on the vote and no way to balance the policy proposed. The question is always promoted in an emotional manner which is also not conducive to good policy. They often reward short term thinking without thought of the consequences for the next generations.

There's no give and take, no debate and no way to adjust a referendum. So, in my opinion, they are anti-democratic.

re: #191 Gus 802

Mahi mahi!

Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

re: #198 SanFranciscoZionist

Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

David Letterman!

re: #198 SanFranciscoZionist

He's the boutrosest man on earth.

re: #191 Gus 802

Mahi mahi!

hate the taste of that warm water fish...

re: #38 Rightwingconspirator

Okay it's sitting on pins and needles at RWC HQ. Dragon_Lady was out shopping with her mom, who felt dizzy. Got Real Bad fast. So off to ER. Now being rushed into ICU for a pacemaker. Lower heart not working right, upper is fine. D_L is there, likely for the night.

Sending strength and healing vibes your way.

Ali G Interviews Boutros Boutros Ghali

I miss seeing Ace.... hope all is well.re: #198 SanFranciscoZionist

Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

ANOTHER WINNER!

To diverge from the topic of discussion currently, a decision about the Ayodhya debate in India has been reached. What are your thoughts on the solution? I think India is about to have another round of rioting.

re: #204 Ericus58

I miss seeing Ace... hope all is well.

ANOTHER WINNER!

Haven't seen Slumbering Behemoth for a while.

re: #206 Gus 802

Haven't seen Slumbering Behemoth for a while.

And Mad Al.

re: #12 Killgore Trout

Alton Brown Calls Man v Food Gluttonous and "Disgusting"

I couldn't agree more but Alton needs to whip the Food Network into shape. Last time I watched it was mostly shows about inedible cakes and sugar sculptures.

I love, love, love the Ace of Cakes. Duff is coolest, silly nerd on tv. By the way, Food network shows all feature fully edible cakes. If you watch to the end you will usually see the participants, customers, or contestants, scarfing down. Cake decorating is an art. It's fun. And its nondenominational and bipartisan. Alton Brown agrees as he has either hosted or judged several cake decorating contests. But I have to say, that man vs food thing makes me shake my head and ask why?

re: #205 ProLifeLiberal

To diverge from the topic of discussion currently, a decision about the Ayodhya debate in India has been reached. What are your thoughts on the solution? I think India is about to have another round of rioting.

1. I think you're right about that, alas.

2. I'm sure the mosque was only destroyed because local Hindus were being oppressed by creeping Sharia and forced to pay jizya in the form of gym memberships.

//Sorry, channeling Pam Geller.

3. I honestly don't think I know enough to have a really informed opinion on the subject. It seems to me a terrible shame that such an old and beautiful mosque was destroyed. I don't get the legal issues well enough to comment.

Be well my Friends.
Enjoy the evening - I'm off to spend time with my "Companion".

May all of you be so blessed.

re: #207 Decatur Deb

And Mad Al.

And Racer X.

Store...back later.

re: #205 ProLifeLiberal

To diverge from the topic of discussion currently, a decision about the Ayodhya debate in India has been reached. What are your thoughts on the solution? I think India is about to have another round of rioting.

If you've really, really, got the urge to slaughter your neighbors, the birthplace of your invisible friend is reason enough.

re: #207 Decatur Deb

And Mad Al.

I'm blanking on Mad Al. ?

re: #214 Stanley Sea

I'm blanking on Mad Al. ?

Jaffe

re: #211 prairiefire

And Racer X.

Yeah. Those guys were not likely to freak out. How do we light the Bat Signal?

re: #215 wozzablog

Jaffe

ahh! thanks!

Whitney Houston in 1985.

If you don't like this there's something wrong with you.

To all lizards living in Arizona, here's a candidate for the senate who seems far better than McCain.
[Link: www.nolan2010.org...]

re: #216 Decatur Deb

3rd sept last comment by RacerX - don't know if anyone has seen his nic since though in lurk mode............

re: #220 wozzablog

3rd sept last comment by RacerX - don't know if anyone has seen his nic since though in lurk mode...

last comment on record :

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

re: #220 wozzablog

3rd sept last comment by RacerX - don't know if anyone has seen his nic since though in lurk mode...

Hopefully once the Lakers start up again he'll be back. Because the sports chat here is not to be denied./

re: #221 wozzablog

last comment on record :

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

That's a good-bye then, at least for a while. I've checked Mad Al's band, they're hanging near home in the DC area.

Just got this crazy e-mail, look for a constitutional Convention by Monday /:

THIS IS INTERESTING!!!!!!! READ PLEASE IT WON'T TAKE LONG.
Article V of the Constitution says it only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention. If each person contacts a minimum of twenty different people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU HELP FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

My Liberal sister sent this along to me. I can't think of a reason to disagree.

I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends. My friend and
neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2010." It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

I know many of you will say "this is impossible." Let me remind you,Congress has the lowest approval rating of any entity in Government. Now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity
that represents us.

We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people
will become American heroes. **********************************

Congressional Reform Act of 2010

1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below..

A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete.

You guys been following this?

A non-boring weather day in San Diego today - a rare rainy day in September. Combination of a strong high over the middle of the country and a weak low off the coast has brought in some saturated monsoonal flow:

[Link: www.weather.gov...]

Plants are loving it... heck, even though it rained on me while walking I loved it.

re: #208 Escaped Hillbilly

Adam is starting to look like hell.

re: #223 Decatur Deb

That's a good-bye then, at least for a while.

i reckoned as much too. less said the better though, otherwise it might become "a thing" that it was being talked about etc.

Now, my cranky Zionist add-on--if 'hardline Jewish activists' had, God forbid, destroyed the al-Aqsa Mosque back in 92, I imagine the media response worldwide, and the subsquent passionate concern of many many people out there would have been substantially more emphatic than in the case of the Ayodhya situation.

re: #224 avanti

If you don't forward 20 emails, your pit bull will turn into a calico cat.

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

Only in passing.

An awful tragedy.

re: #231 SanFranciscoZionist

I mention it because we were discussing Fred Phelps' church last night. This is where his kind of lunacy gets us. But of course, he'd like that.

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

Very sad.

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

Tragic. I'd like to castrate the bastards responsible for driving Clementi to suicide.

Obdicut-
Seen this? Earlier chat...

Meg's Husband has chimed in on the letter.

re: #226 freetoken

A non-boring weather day in San Diego today - a rare rainy day in September. Combination of a strong high over the middle of the country and a weak low off the coast has brought in some saturated monsoonal flow:

[Link: www.weather.gov...]

Plants are loving it... heck, even though it rained on me while walking I loved it.

Yeah, but the freeways are a disaster. (Rain=California drivers lose it) I had to cancel an appt. in La Jolla because the 5 was a parking lot.

Oh, but the sound of thunder today! Wow. (you folks, we don't have thunder and lightning here much at all)

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

Words have consequences. Video, all the more. Add internet and a picture is worth a billion words. Far past time to hold the harsh and cruel accountable.

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

Horrible. Heard a story about it on NPR on my way home today. Lack of empathy to others. Total lack.

re: #229 SanFranciscoZionist

Now, my cranky Zionist add-on--if 'hardline Jewish activists' had, God forbid, destroyed the al-Aqsa Mosque back in 92, I imagine the media response worldwide, and the subsquent passionate concern of many many people out there would have been substantially more emphatic than in the case of the Ayodhya situation.

The Ayodhya situation was pretty big at the time - but the subsequent lack of international opprobrium keeps the flames down. Pakistan and India are permanently on the verge of a conflict that would make anything that happens in the middle east look like a threepenny sideshow.

Ignoring the elephant in the room in India/Pakistan thing is often the best thing that can be done.

re: #236 Stanley Sea

Yeah, but the freeways are a disaster. (Rain=California drivers lose it) I had to cancel an appt. in La Jolla because the 5 was a parking lot.

Oh, but the sound of thunder today! Wow. (you folks, we don't have thunder and lightning here much at all)

I-5 sucks..Period..

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

The internet puts some awesome capabilities in the hands of people with poor judgment. This recent post at Pharyngula is sort of related:

Yesterday, I'd reviewed [the student's'] blogs and the comments people had left there, and noticed they were getting a lot of not-at-all-helpful advice, fussing over style and telling them how to write their entries, and in class I started by telling them to ignore all that, I wanted them to find their own voices, when the class chuckled and pointed at the white board. A chill went down my spine.

The students had gotten annoyed at the condescending tone of a few of the comments, and had decided to deal with it. On the whiteboard was written the complete personal data of one person who had irritated them: they'd traced back his posting info and had gotten his real name, home address, employment history, phone number, etc., and were sharing that information. Before I interrupted them by starting the class, they were debating whether to teach him a lesson themselves or just to post all of that to 4chan.

Whoa. They've already got their own cyberpistols.
[Link: scienceblogs.com...]

re: #225 Escaped Hillbilly

You guys been following this?

"Had he been in bed with a woman, this would not have happened," said Rutgers student Lauren Felton, 21, of Warren, N.J. "He wouldn't have been outed via an online broadcast, and his privacy would have been respected and he might still have his life."

I totally agree. If I were the judge in this case, I'd hit the pair who did this to this guy with the maximum penalty. What did this kid ever do to them?

re: #227 prairiefire

Adam is starting to look like hell.

No shit...with all of the fat, cholesterol, and sodium he takes in during filming, it's a wonder he's not dead already and that' what I think Alton Brown was driving at. While I appreciate some of the stunts Adam pulls (like the hot wings and such) and the places he goes, the "eat at much as possible in as little time as possible" is in the WTF?!? category for me.

On that, I have to agree with Alton...

re: #238 Stanley Sea

Horrible. Heard a story about it on NPR on my way home today. Lack of empathy to others. Total lack.

I thought Christie's statement was good.

Doesn't help, of course, but what the hell would?

re: #224 avanti

Just got this crazy e-mail, look for a constitutional Convention by Monday /:

THIS IS INTERESTING!!! READ PLEASE IT WON'T TAKE LONG.

I have a strict policy of responding to any chain email I receive like that by intentionally clicking "Reply All" and typing the most venomous thing I can think of at the time (which varies somewhat depending on my BAC, if any).

A very short, extremely polite version might contain the passage,

Instead of just brainlessly forwarding along every damned thing you get, try this:

Read the message first, and think about the person or people with whom you are about to share it. Based on what you know of their interests, desires, typical choice of reading materials, etc., does it seem like something they would want to read? If not, why would you send it? You wouldn't give a friend with a peanut allergy a gift certificate for a lifetime supply of Planter's -- unless you either really hate them, or you're or a thoughtless, snot-gurgling mongoloid.

Similarly, you would not send an endless flood of asinine, saccharine made-up stories -- all involving angels and kittens and promises that you will live happily ever after if you send it to 37 million people in the next 4 minutes after closing your eyes, turning around eight times, pressing F5 on the keyboard, and lighting a fart in memory of Mother Theresa -- to a person who has more than four functional brain cells, unless you either really hate them, or you're a thoughtless, snot-gurgling mongoloid.

Now, send this to everyone you know, everyone you don't know, and your 3rd cousin twice removed's dog.

I've vaporized a few potentially romantic relationships in this way, but it's for the best. I'll put up with a lot of things, but I'll be damned if I'm going to tolerate someone who forwards me chain emails.

re: #245 negativ

I have a strict policy of responding to any chain email I receive like that by intentionally clicking "Reply All" and typing the most venomous thing I can think of at the time (which varies somewhat depending on my BAC, if any).

A very short, extremely polite version might contain the passage,

I've vaporized a few potentially romantic relationships in this way, but it's for the best. I'll put up with a lot of things, but I'll be damned if I'm going to tolerate someone who forwards me chain emails.

I just respond to my Aunt that I LOVE OBAMA.

She stopped.

re: #239 wozzablog

Add in Pakistan's instability with various factions, including the Taliban, and there is a very serious problem.

re: #236 Stanley Sea

Yeah, but the freeways are a disaster. (Rain=California drivers lose it) I had to cancel an appt. in La Jolla because the 5 was a parking lot.

Oh, but the sound of thunder today! Wow. (you folks, we don't have thunder and lightning here much at all)

At least in the northwest we wait for snow before we lose our minds :D

re: #241 jaunte
That is scary to people who can think through the probable outcome of doing something like that. Teenagers just shrug and say whatever.
And this really segues nicely into the whole weirdo boat seduction thing.