Jesus, apparently, had track lighting...

Elton John's take:

"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems,” he told Parade. “On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East — you're as good as dead."

(shrugs)...How come I keep hearing how sexual orientation doesn't matter? Yet, those who mention it at every opportunity are always the ones to make it an issue. As a straight person...I don't see the purpose of "gay pride" parades or "gay civil rights" because it flies in the face of the other mantra "we just want to be treated like everyone else."

That being said.... "MOHAMMAD WAS A PEDOPHILE." That happens to be a fact...unless you don't think a six year old is too young to offer a marriage proposal...or nine years old is too young to consumate the marriage.

Alas poor Yorick...another victim of climate change...

KOHLUA, India — “It’s hard to believe that this is what’s melting the glaciers,” said Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, as he weaved through a warren of mud brick huts, each containing a mud cookstove pouring soot into the atmosphere.

As women in ragged saris of a thousand hues bake bread and stew lentils in the early evening over fires fueled by twigs and dung, children cough from the dense smoke that fills their homes. Black grime coats the undersides of thatched roofs. At dawn, a brown cloud stretches over the landscape like a diaphanous dirty blanket.

In Kohlua, in central India, with no cars and little electricity, emissions of carbon dioxide, the main heat-trapping gas linked to global warming, are near zero. But soot — also known as black carbon — from tens of thousands of villages like this one in developing countries is emerging as a major and previously unappreciated source of global climate change.

Shameless!!!!

Follow the logic:

The world temperatures have not interacted and been associative to the increase of carbon dioxide. Therefore, in a sane world, the scientists of the world would capitulate and say..."Ok, yeah...we were wrong."

BUT, NO!!!

Instead, they have gone to "Plan B." We know that the whole basis for this outlandish accusation is to propogate a redistribution of wealth. The "Haves" of the world aren't buying the propoganda. So, the target now is third world residents who create "black soot" in order to cook their food, heat their dwellings... Of course, they aren't going to be able to change their living habits, because that's what keeps them alive.

Keep your eyes open for agenda driven nonsense about how we must provide these third world countries with the very same technology that they have been trying to limit in our own countries.

This is the tragic comedy of all tragic comedies. Shakespeare would applaud with vigor.

The downside of vegetarianism...

African Influence on the Runways

G20 Protestors make a point...

"We hate capitalism...oh...and plate glass windows...we hate those, too."


(On a side note...notice the photographers lining up behind this cretin in an effort to fuel the fire. By the way...where do you suppose the clothes being worn by the window basher evolved from? I'm guessing that he/she didn't make it him/herself. It's that nasty thing called commerce that did so. )

The perpetually offended...

The group talked about the effort nationally as well as in Michigan to eliminate stereotypes and Native American nicknames and mascots. The move focused on efforts by a woman to change the University of Illinois’ mascot, Chief Illiniwek.

Gary Markowski of Muskegon, a member of the Little River Ottawa tribe, pointed out that the mascots, symbols and dances are insulting to Native American religious beliefs.

“Religion is private for people. This is not an honor; it is a mockery,” he said. “It would be like someone dressing up as a bishop, scattering incense, making a cross sign and then doing a dance.”

What?...you mean like...the Providence Friar's mascot?



Incidentally:

At the same time, the district had a petition drive of its own, both in the district offices and online, in which people could signal support or opposition for changing the name. Superintendent David Pray reported more than 90 percent of respondents favored keeping Redskins as the school’s nickname.

I keep waiting for Playboy playmates to start whining about Oregon State's mascot.

Bring a Bigger Hammer...(OUTLAW)

I’ve been following, with interest, the various posts on Protein Wisdom related to the application of “community perception.” Essentially, it burrows down to selective interpretation followed by malicious accusation (purposeful misrepresentation) in the form of a means to realize a goal (usually maginalizing the messenger or distracting from the uncomfortable issue at hand). “Communities” have escalated their self-proclaimed position of “victim” to a higher level that allows them to control the discourse from both sides of the discussion.

Words are levied by a party to which they may be ideologically diametrically opposed. The words are twisted or interpreted to reflect badly on the speaker with nothing to support that position other than conjecture or just pure malevolent application. Having no context or insight into the line of thinking used by the original speaker leaves the receiver significantly uninformed and unable to make the association between the comments and racism, sexism, xenophobia…or any number of different labels. Even more egregious is when the "victim community" does, indeed, know the intent of the speaker (that happens to be innocuous) and still takes false offense in an effort to enlist more indignation from peers towards that person(s).

I had touched on this a while back. Do you think this is racist?

Question: How is a Mexican like a billiard ball?

Answer: The harder you hit them, the more English you get out of them.

I used the "joke" in discussing the then President-elect’s propensity to apply the “race card” in the face of criticism. Actually, he applied the “race card” in advance of the criticism so as to discount anticipated opposition and marginalize the messenger. This is just another example of a “community” (in this case, a minority), attempting to control both sides of the discussion. The opposing view’s message is shaped by the “victim” to reflect racism. The sole authority receives that enlightenment based only on his skin shade. It is patently dishonest most of the time. It is blatantly ignorant all of the time.

Here’s a more recent example:

The group contends it is a patriotic organisation that seeks to ensure US immigration and border security laws are enforced. But critics contend Minutemen are racist vigilantes who use intimidation and harassment against immigrant rights activists.

"If they were people of colour, they would be labelled a gang," said California assemblywoman Lori Saldana, a San Diego Democrat. Saldana said she has been repeatedly harassed by group members at public events in her district.

The irony here is astounding, and is only outdone by the ignorance of Assemblywoman Saldana. She is acknowledging that since the "Minutemen" are white, they must be racist. However, if these "Minutemen" were "people of colour"...they would be labelled a gang. In other words, a higher level of melanin in the dermis dictates what a person is thinking, and what motives are held. Assemblywoman Saldana formed an opinion based on her own prejudices and preconceived devisiveness, then presented it to the rest of us as fact while being the interpreter of her own position, as well as that of a group of individuals whom she never met. But, the quote doesn't stop there. It, also, entangles every other person figuratively sitting on the side lines. All whites would call the "people of colour" a gang. All "people of colour" would agree with her "factual" representation of the scenario.

In fact, the outright generalization and uninformed conclusions of Assemblywoman Saldana prove her own...racism. Yet, she controls the conversation from both sides, and in the peanut gallery, so no one (not of colour...presumably albinos) can argue against her. Anyone trying would be discounted and marginalized based on the lesser amounts of melanin in their dermis.

Basically, we're screwed when it comes to "community interpretation." Ironically, it was a Reagan appointee to the Highest Bench that screwed us. In Harris v. Forklift Systems (1993), Sandra Day O'Connor presented her comments on a run of the mill sexual harrassment case, and solidified the righteous indignation into our law.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor went on to say that as long as the environment could “reasonably be perceived, and is perceived, as hostile or abusive there is no need for it also to be psychologically injurious.”

What this means is that the "victim" of sexual harrassment defines whether it is offensive. I shutter when a litmus test for offense is reflective of what is "reasonably perceived" because so many these days are not by any stretch of the imagination...reasonable. Reasonable qualities require individual contemplation and constructive evaluation. However, generalities, group think, and indoctrined agenda driven messages have become more and more commonplace. The "community interpretive" crowd thrives in such a polar ideological environment. When you lose the concept of rugged individualism and introspective evaluation, you lose the ability to form well thought out and honest opinion. We end up in a society of "us" against "them." The critical thinkers end up being villainized by both sides when they stray from the consensus mentality.

Here is a prime example of "community interpretation" making an unfounded determination of "racism" despite the denials of the advertiser.

The advert for a chocolate and vanilla bar shows Obama standing in front of the US Capitol Building with the caption, Everybody's talking about it - Dark in White.

What it comes down to is that Russia has not yet succumb to the eternally offended mentality.

The company which produced the advert has defended itself, saying the image is not consciously or unconsciously racist.

Voskhod advertising agency said: "We see nothing wrong with this... We believe pointing to race is not racism.

"With our ad we are celebrating the fact there is a black president in the White House."

The only thing missing from the equation is the motive of those complaining and identifying racism. They don't gain standing or derail an opposing candidate. What they do, however, is promote the scheme such that it becomes commonplace, accepted, and applicable in just about any situation the "interpretive community" desires.

The "interpretive community" is pervertedly propped up at every turn by the media. They are, definitely, complicit in the propogation. In this particular example, Sky News went to "anti-racism NGO, Sova.

Alexander Verkhovsky of anti-racism group Sova, based in Moscow, told Sky News: "Violations of political correctness in Russia are clearly acceptable and adverts like this just reinforce ethnic divisions.

"The fact this is a mainstream advert is potentially dangerous - the image is not aggressive in itself - but it can foment prejudice in a more insidious way."

"Violations of political correctness" should tell you all you need to know. How do you violate an ideology that differs from one person to the next? Well, first you throw a far-left thought police type non-governmental organization into the mix. They'll think for you...speak for you...and reason for you. They will tell you what you mean, and strike out at you with accusations should you have the audacity to have a differing view. Perestroika wasn't all fuzzy warm dreams and mounds of candy. With the freedoms come those who strive to tear them away in the name of that same concept. Everyone has the God given inalienable right to be a stark raving idiot, I suppose.

Earlier this month, Politico highlighted a fine example of psychic intent determination in a rather underhanded way:

Clyburn: Zimbabwe crack "beyond the pale"

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) told me he thinks S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford's quip comparing President Obama's stimulus package to Zimbabwe's economic policies are "beyond the pale" — and suggested they might carry a racial subtext.

"For him to compare the president of this country to Mugabe. ... It's just beyond the pale," said Clyburn, who has sparred with Sanford over the Republican's refusal to accept all the state's stimulus funding.

What's so disingenuous, you ask. Well, in the byline the word "crack" implies a negative connotation about the delivery of the "offender." This is an attempt by the writer to shape opinion. The same applies in the use of the word "quip." The word "comments" would have sufficed in each case, and would not have tried to imply wrong doing or...cheeky intent. And, Sanford did NOT compare President Obama to Mugabe. He compared the stimulus plan to the Zimbabwe economy. Their inflation rate last July was at a rate of 231 Million percent. Clyburn moved the argument away from the topic intended, and purposefully massaged the words to reflect perceived racism, although I would guess he knew that there was none intended. I would guess, because I can't read Clyburn's mind, just as he can read Sanford's. Politico, however, has no excuse for throwing fuel on the false fire in an effort to show malice.

So, how do you counter this process? What can you do when the very concept has woven itself into a Supreme Court decision in such a way that intent no longer is valid? More importantly, how to you return to a time when offending was bad manners, but not a civil taboo? What has to occur such that the freedom to express one's self isn't snuffed out by a "community's" carte blanche power to assign meaning, create meaning, and diseminate meaning for personal gain, ideological gain, and agenda enhancement?

Personally, I think you bring a bigger hammer.

If they accuse you falsely of racism, go on the offensive and explain that the very accusation indicates that the accuser is at the least, devisive and ignorant, and perhaps, a racist themself. Coordinate the effort such that the blogosphere is innundated with categorical regurgitation of the event(s). WHAT YOU DON'T DO...is apologize for no reason. You don't give the standard "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" speech that seems to be the standard procedure of our spinless soup du jour leaders these days. I would even suggest taking it a step further and challenging the legitimacy of any organization if they have such a prevocative and dishonest representative speaking on their behalf. Create an infighting in their house.

You can call this being an "OUTLAW" if you like. I prefer to consider it being honest with one's self, and holding tight to principles, values, and common sense.

A whole slew of monkeys with loaded pistols...

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House approved a bill Thursday that would impose a new tax on the $165 million paid to bailed-out insurance giant AIG as Senate Republicans stepped up criticism of the Obama administration's handling of bonuses.

The House measure would apply a 90% tax on bonuses given to employees who earn more than $250,000 at any firm that received more than $5 billion in bailout money.

Window dressing...to appear concerned. The fact remains that the Equal Protection Clause will shoot down this piece of unconstitutional garbage faster than a shotgun levied on a balsa wood glider.

The third test for Equal Protection is the only shot Congress has of keeping this bill intact...and its not a good one in my opinion.

Rational-basis test: the law is constitutional so long as it is "reasonably related" to a "legitimate" government interest.

I'm curious how the Courts will accept the argument that the "legitimate" government interest is congressional incompetence and trying not to look bad. Or perhaps it could be considered quid pro quo (in Chris Dodd's case).

Still, how exactly does an ex post facto law supersede a legitimate contractual obligation reviewed and approved by the sitting committee member of congress and the Treasury Secretary's office? This is further complicated in that CEO Liddy was installed by the keepers who are now second-guessing his decision making.

Jackasses one and all...

Make Durban II an online petition...

States preparing for a highly sensitive U.N. racism conference have removed references to Israel and religious defamation from its draft declaration, potentially clearing the way for Western states to attend.

The amended text, circulated on Tuesday, followed a European Union threat to boycott next month's "Durban II" conference in Geneva unless the declaration wording was changed to keep the meeting from becoming an anti-Semitic forum.

Remember the last one? Mary Robinson just sat on her huge Irish ass while the members of the 57-nation Organisation of Islam and various suspect NGO's proceeded to turn the affair into an anti-Semitic bashing.

Secretary of State Powell walked out.

I'm a bit in the dark as to why such a conference (much less a "sensitive" conference) is required. We all hate racism...right? Good grief...have someone with a laptop do an online petition. All the self-important knuckleheads can sign it (hell, I'll even sign it)...and we can all feel great about the "accomplishment." Because I'll tell you what...that's more than the UN will accomplish at this massive millions affair. And think of all the carbon emissions that can be avoided. DOUBLE WIN!!!!!

Here's the wording of the proposed online petition:

"I won't call my neighbor names that make fun of his lineage...even if the bastard never returns borrowed tools."

Now...on a substantive note...the fact that religious defamation might be off the table sort of puts a damper on the whole anti-blasphemy measure...eh?

Not a big fan of this "OUTLAW" thing...or maybe I am?

It seems there is a movement of sorts shaping up on the “Conservative” side of the blogosphere under the title of “OUTLAW.” And, while I applaud the motivation, inspiration, and enthusiasm, I can’t say that I agree with the relevance.

As I understand the concept (as slow-witted as I am), this is an attempt (grassroots) to recapture the language. Specifically, “interpretive communities” shape comments (sometimes out of context) to form offense, bigotry, and victimization. Now, the original comments could be very far from the interpretation that these “communities” assign. However, they are given carte blanche to interpret these comments (language) any way they wish based on their very own appearance or beliefs etc. If they are the flavor of the week to the progressive liberals, they are given free reign...almost as much free reign as progressive liberals, and their media water carriers allow themselves.

The “OUTLAW” contingency seems to think that this practiced notion can be defeated. I differ in the fact that it cannot. Call me a pessimist if you like. I prefer the term ‘pragmatic.’

Harris v. Forklift Systems (1993). It was a rather run of the mill sexual harassment suit. Then, it went all the way up to the Supreme Court and became something disgusting. I’m not talking about the facts of the case. Rather, I am referring to the ruling, and the comments justifying the ruling by a Supreme Court Justice.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor went on to say that as long as the environment could “reasonably be perceived, and is perceived, as hostile or abusive there is no need for it also to be psychologically injurious.”

There you have it. The highest Court in the land ruled that sexual harassment is present when it is “reasonably perceived” by the victim. The very concept that is targeted by this group of “OUTLAWS” is the law. It is a law defined by the highest Court. It is not a trend, tendency or a strategy. It is L-A-W.

Intent, not perception, should be the litmus test. Sadly, it is not, and never will be again. Similarly, application should be equal regardless of the intender or the receptor. Sadly, it is not, and never will be again. And, to be honest, even “intent” as the basis is not acceptable in a society that used to value freedom of speech and the privilege to offend. My utopia encourages the practice of offending should the need arise. Apparently, a nuanced civilization requires catering to the “pansies” and those holding a delicate psyche. I’ve not yet mastered that…ability.

In my opinion, this is a war that cannot be won. It can be managed. It can be regulated to lesser effect and importance. But, that can only happen through general consensus, and through true innovation.

For example…stop using the word “minority.” Technically, there is no such thing. We are all different. Even identical twins have different interests, different likes and dislikes. They may look the same, but there are physical differences and singular mental acuities. In essence, we are all individuals. The amount of melanin content in one’s skin (when defined that way on a regular basis day in and day out) will prompt consideration as to why this should quantify and qualify special hiring practices.

Stop with the congenial good behavior towards the press. I am always amazed that political candidates make an effort to appear friendly and warm towards gotcha journalists firmly in the other camp. There is nothing wrong with attacking these journalists from the onset, and establishing the tone with vigor.

Stop with the:

“Well, it’s so nice to be here with you, Katie.”

Instead…how about?:

“Well, Katie, in the interest of full disclosure let’s clarify up front that you are, without question, firmly in the liberal camp before we start rolling on your…*ahem*…fair questions.”

What, exactly, is the point of trying to communicate with the American people, if you fail to get across your point? If you are worried about a “interpretive community” shaping the intended meaning of your words to reflect something other than your message, pull out the sledge hammer in a follow-up and make that even more undeniable.

Example:

Conservative: President Obama is an eloquent speaker.

Interpretive Response: This is a racist affront to black people. Eloquent is another way of saying that you were pre-conditioned to believe African Americans cannot be good speakers and reflect an educated façade.

Republican: (Note: this is where the spineless Republicans usually cave, and hand out the obligatory half-assed apology for offending anyone who may have been offended)

True Conservative: I’m sorry to hear that ________________ was offended by my compliment of President Obama’s fine speaking abilities. Ted Kennedy, on the other hand, puts me to sleep every time…erah…he…erah…speaks to the….erah…assembly. In my opinion ________ and anyone else who was offended by my compliment of this president…may wish to re-evaluate their own indiscretions, because they are obviously projecting a prejudice and bigotry when they try to read a meaning into my words that just isn’t there. The short version is you are wrong…dead wrong...and I tend to believe you know that, but took a shot at me because we are on different sides of the political aisle. I promote free speech. You are promoting victimization and doing so poorly.

_____________________

My point is that the “interpretive communities” are not only established in fact; they are established in law by a Supreme Court Justice nominated by Ronald Reagan. The only way to excel in the face of word twisting and smithing is to marginalize the community. The gloves need to come off. Traps need to be set with enough bait to snare the usual suspects while winding up the knock out punch to neuter the anticipated whining, complaining, and calls of resignation. If you set up enough targets, soon the public will catch on, and the usual suspects will reconsider the strategy.

Insane in the membrane...

Clinton said the United States was pledging $900 million. She gave no breakdown of the funds, but her spokesman, Robert A. Wood, said on Sunday that it included $300 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and about $600 million in budget and development aid to the Palestinian Authority, which is based in the West Bank.

Clinton said the Obama administration is committed to engaging vigorously and intensively in the Mideast to push for a durable peace.

"We have worked with the Palestinian Authority to install safeguards that will ensure our funding is only used where and for whom it is intended and does not end up in the wrong hands," Clinton told the conference, according to excerpts of her prepared remarks provided in advance by the State Department.

Meanwhile, high ranking Hamas officials (terrorists) required medical attention due to blisters forming while rubbing their hands together vigorously.

More HERE.

Elementary, my dear Abdullah...

Oh...this is so golden (via: Ghost of a Flea)

Small investors in Gaza face losses as tunnel industry collapses.

I'll forego the rimshot...and urge you to read the article. It is comedy gold wrapped up in what can only be the most incredible lack of deductive reasoning ever.

Abdullah is one of thousands of small investors in Gaza who were tempted to put their money into the tunnel business. The Hamas government turned a blind eye to the trend since it was making good use of the income toward tunnels.

But now, at least on the surface of things, Hamas is showing much determination in tackling the trend. In recent days, rumors spread throughout the Strip that local police arrested a broker who collected an almost fictional-sounding amount of money -$480 million dollars – in investments.

Official sources in the Strip provided no details on the arrest, but unofficial reports said the amount collected by the broker in question was much lower.

Hamas sends out their "fund raisers" to sell investment shares in the creation of a vast array of "smuggling" tunnels. The investors (Gazans) somehow don't associate these "fund raisers" with the party that benefits the most from the tunnels (Hamas). Every once in a while they tempt the populace with a get rich quick scheme by paying off dividends. This bags more investors. The tunnels expand/ multiply while Hamas takes the money that their bag men ("fund raisers") collect to purchase weapons. It was a ponzi scheme to some extent.

The weapons are smuggled back into Gaza through these magic tunnels along with various contraband (that also creates a minimal profit). In short, it's an underground version of the Wal-mart sportsman department without a waiting period where the consumer finances the stock in advance.

I don't know which is more astounding...Abdullah not understanding that Hamas was using him to finance and transport guns/rockets/ ammunition...or Hamas stating that they were looking into the matter.

She lowers the IQ of each room she enters...

Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio endorsed the strategy in a fiery speech on the House floor during debate on the federal bank bailout last month.

"Don't leave your home," she said. "Because you know what? When those companies say they have your mortgage, unless you have a lawyer that can put his or her finger on that mortgage, you don't have that mortgage, and you are going to find they can't find the paper up there on Wall Street."

Brilliant!!! Who ties Marcy's shoes each morning is what I want to know.

In summary, Representative Kaptur believes that those who default on their mortgage (most of whom had no business getting a mortgage in the first place) should just ignore their contractual obligations agreed to by both the lender and the borrower upon settlement. As the banks will point out, most mortgages are available electronically. It's just a clown car load of liberal judges out there refusing to recognize the inevitable.

Oh...and, Marcy...(whispering) there isn't a warehouse full of mortgages on Wall Street...just a Stock Exchange, the Trump Building, Tiffany's and a few apartment buildings.

An Admission of sorts...

WASHINGTON: The new director of national intelligence told Congress that global economic turmoil and the instability it could ignite had outpaced terrorism as the most urgent threat facing the United States.

The assessment underscored concern inside America's intelligence agencies not only about the fallout from the economic crisis around the globe, but also about long-term harm to America's reputation. The crisis that began in American markets has already "increased questioning of U.S. stewardship of the global economy," the intelligence chief, Dennis Blair, said.

That's quite a statement to make.

In other words, the US "director of national intelligence" confirmed that the US Congress and the Clinton administration (which pushed the legislation and mentality that unqualified individuals should receive loans) are the most urgent threat facing the United States. They are (and have been) more dangerous than that Bin Laden fellow all along.

This would be a "told ya so" moment...

In a departure from recent years, when the heads of several intelligence agencies joined the director of national intelligence to deliver the testimony on the threats facing the nation, Blair faced the committee alone, a sign that the Obama administration plans for him to take on a more public role at the top of the intelligence pyramid.

Yeah...that would be the message if you ate lead paint chips as a child, or hit your head one too many times. The other message is that, should Chicago or London...or Paris disappear tomorrow in a big cloud of fire, the only one getting thrown under the bus is Mr. Blair, while the other intelligence agency heads are free to distance themselves from this nonsense...along with the Obama Administration.

Has anyone ever noticed that Liberal Democrats always have a contingency plan...a fallguy...a patsy...a water carrier...political cover? Judd Gregg was to be the political cover on this gluttonous balderdash called a stimulus package...You can bet that other Republicans are being considered as we speak to fill that recent void.

From the mouths of babes...who eat lead paint chips...

Buffalo State College Journalism Professor Doctor Michael Niman said, "What we're seeing today here in Buffalo is extreme weather. It's not that extreme for Buffalo, but we're seeing all over the world extreme weather; weird weather. So, it's climate change. We don't really understand where it's going, but it's changing."

Believe it or not, the winters in New York State are now five degrees warmer than they were in 1970.

The story comes from WIVB in upstate New York. Buffalo...to be specific. There was something called a conference on Global Warming Solutions presented by the New York Public Interest Research Group yesterday. I hope they bundled up..it was -6 F.

My gripe is that the "expert" that this media outlet highlighted is a freakin' journalism professor. He makes these idiotic statements that contradict each other..."what we're seeing today in Buffalo is extreme weather." Except for the fact that " It's not that extreme for Buffalo."

Here...let me try that. "She really is a hot looking babe." "I really could do without her mustache, large flabby arms, and the unbelievable odor that seems to have a life of its own every time she moves."

I don't even have the heart to comment on the other inane comments relative to "extreme weather all over the world." But, he has no problem associating the non-defined or detailed weather as "climate change." Yup...climate changes...Shocking!!!

As for the winters in NY being five degrees warmer than they were in 1970...insipid nonsense...and non-factual, misleading tripe. Not bad for a journalism professor...give him a gold star.

Ooooo...cat fight....CAT FIGHT!!!!

Among other things, the appointees will have to deal with bruised feelings among many Democrats over the coup Waxman mounted last November to wrest the gavel of the Energy and Commerce Committee from its longtime leader, Representative John Dingell, Democrat of Michigan and a longtime champion of the auto industry and other Midwest manufacturers.

"For us, it's still a big disappointment," said Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democrat of Michigan, referring to the unseating of Dingell, who was pursuing a more moderate climate proposal than those advocated by Boxer and Waxman.

Stabenow is a leader of the so-called Gang of 10, representing the coal-dependent states in the middle of the country; the group was formed after the failure of a Senate global warming bill pushed by Boxer last June. The members' goal is to assure that their concerns are met in any future legislation.

"We will play an important role in the final bill," Stabenow said.

Yeah...your role will be to sit down and shut up. Ok, Sherman...to the Wayback Machine.

Right away, Mr. Peabody...

This still consists of Obama sending “price signals” that discourage the use of coal. He does say that getting rid of coal altogether is an illusion, but he’s obviously opposed to expanding its use or even keeping it at current levels. He wants to heavily fine coal operators in order to get “billions” for R&D on alternatives, which will send the coal industry reeling and energy prices skyrocketing, as Obama himself pledges later in the same interview.

How do ya like me now??? Cha-cha-cha...

Smart money is on Chicago...

GENEVA – Former detainees, human rights advocates and government officials around the world welcomed President Barack Obama's decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, saying Thursday it helped restore their faith in the United States.

The United Nations' torture investigator, Manfred Nowak, said news that Obama will order the prison closed, review military trials of terror suspects and end harsh interrogations was a sign of goodwill by the new American administration.

Former detainees, human rights advocates and government officials around the world hardly represent, in my opinion, a substantive collection of intellectual prowess. I suppose, rather than harboring any ill will on the President I’ll start a pool here at the office.

I’m guessing that Chicago’s days are numbered. If I had to make a choice of the lesser of all evils, I’d take Los Angeles in the pool. But, smart money is on Mr. President’s home state.

Do I think any of these incarcerated "victims" will end up wreaking vengeance, and be personally responsible for a dastardly terrorist attack here on American soil or abroad? That's not the point. It's possible...but I'm more concerned about the idiotic and shortsighted message this sends to those Jihadist troglodytes out there. They have just been told that there is one less deterrent to their ultimate agenda (DOMINATION). It is no wonder that the "leaders" and "officials" throughout the world applaud this nonsense. They have already caved and capitulated to "soft Jihad" disguised as "human rights" and "multi-cuturalism." Now the dark forces out there know we will follow suit. Were I a terrorist today, I would be celebrating...as the drawbridge has been fully lowered over a once impressive mote.

But he warned that shutting the prison will require difficult decisions and said freed inmates should be allowed to sue the United States if they were mistreated.

Nice...our new President is actually encouraging civil suits that would, no doubt, be honored by the Federal Judges appointed by the bygone Clinton and Carter administrations. Once a plaintiff attorney...always a plaintiff attorney. I suppose this is his idea of a tax refund. As we've learned from the Presidents economic stimulus proposal...you don't really have to pay taxes to receive something back.

Being a cold-hearted bastard...I will shed no tears when massive terrorist events occur abroad. In my mind, I will wonder if the event could have been avoided had information been acquired at the, once, successful interrogation facility that was known as GITMO. I will be a bit more invested when the same wave of bloody turmoil occurs on our own soil, but my concern and compassion will only be for those who oppose this "stroke of a pen...new law...kind of cool" idiocy. Those of you who perish, and strongly object to Fraternity Hijinks labeled as torture...I will shed no tears.

Take a look at the photo above. Do you see what everyone is doing with their hands. They're searching for their marbles and coming up woefully inadequate. The naïveté is astounding.

Go with what you know...

It's time. Long past time. The best strategy to end the increasingly bloody occupation is for Israel to become the target of the kind of global movement that put an end to apartheid in South Africa. In July 2005 a huge coalition of Palestinian groups laid out plans to do just that. They called on "people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era". The campaign Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions was born.

The Guardian knows a little something about boycotts.

The Guardian, published by Guardian News & Media, which also publishes MediaGuardian.co.uk, had an average daily circulation of 358,379 in November 2008. Back in the beginning of 2007, their daily circulation was 376,881. 18,500+ gave them the ole' heave ho.

This 5% drop can, of course, be explained away in the fact that the UK pet shops sold fewer Macaws, Amazons, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Parakeets, Finches, and Canaries over the last year.

Waxman the taxman...needs the facts, man...

Waxman promises quick action on climate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of a key House committee said Thursday he will move "quickly and decisively" to push legislation curbing greenhouse gases with a goal of passing climate legislation out of his committee before Memorial Day.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., opening the new Congress' first hearing on the threats from global warming, said inaction on the climate issue is causing uncertainties that make it more difficult to emerge from the recession.

Gosh...that was quick!!!
________________________

It was 20 degrees below zero at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, but the wind chill made it feel like 37 below zero.

Vermont has no previous ice jam this early on record. The earliest previously took place on 1/1/85. THAT WOULD BE 1785, friends.

Montana had an ice jam warning back on 12/18/08. When was the last time they had one so early in the season? Uh...how about never. The earliest prior to this year would have been January of '94...as in 1894.

Maine earliest 12/20/08...previously 1780.
Illinois earliest 12/22/08...previously 1868.
New Hampshire earliest 12/21/08...previously 1835.

NOAA: 2008 Temperature for U.S. Near Average, was Coldest Since 1997; Below Average for December

Earth is "on the brink of entering another Ice Age" that will last for the next 100,000 years...

Waxman rocks!!!! That is downright efficient...Cudos there "Mr. Nostrils"...

I have thumbs...how 'bout you?

Human actions are increasing the rate of evolutionary change in plants and animals in ways that may hurt their long-term prospects for survival, scientists are reporting.

Hunting, commercial fishing and some conservation regulations, like minimum size limits on fish, may all work against species health.

The idea that target species evolve in response to predation is not new. For example, researchers reported several years ago that after decades of heavy fishing, Atlantic cod had evolved to reproduce at younger ages and smaller sizes.

We’re only in January, but this research report may very well qualify as “Inanity of the Year.”

Take a moment and think about this for a second…and do so with the considerable fact that MAN IS AN ANIMAL THAT IS PART OF THE ECOSYSTEM. Sure, fishing in bulk causes changes in the habitat since animals instinctively will try to survive. Why do regions of the world dictate the amount of melanin in a man’s skin? Evolution, adaption, adjustment and overcoming adversity.

Man adapts…evolves (at least physically). Fish adapt…evolve. Bacteria adapts…evolves (thanks to the abuse of antibiotics).

The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is an outcome of evolution. Any population of organisms, bacteria included, naturally includes variants with unusual traits--in this case, the ability to withstand an antibiotic's attack on a microbe. When a person takes an antibiotic, the drug kills the defenseless bacteria, leaving behind--or "selecting," in biological terms--those that can resist it. These renegade bacteria then multiply, increasing their numbers a millionfold in a day, becoming the predominant microorganism.

My problem with this article, besides the fact that the conclusion is patently obvious…is that the by-line calls this “harmful.”

Here it is: "Research ties human acts to harmful rates of species evolution"

No…it’s just life and death. This has been happening before man graced the big blue marble. It will happen after our demise. Man is the top of the food chain. We are the predator. Each deer we kill for food leaves one less deer which means there is one less mammal stripping away the lower branches of the wild cherry trees…which allows the tree better health and makes it less susceptible to insect manifestation…and woodpecker habitat.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction…(Thanks Albert).

The only real attribute to this entire study is that there is an obvious observation of evolution in action due to the magnitude of the change in the habitat. While this effects some species negatively…it, ultimately, effects other species to the positive (which the author and the researcher have failed to mention).

Every animated being evolves. Every animated being will continue to do so. It will occur at different rates due to the varying factors around them. How do you think you got your thumbs?


UPDATE:

Hey...LOOK!!!

Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Eradicating the cat population on Macquarie, a remote island between Australia and Antarctica, has damaged the local environment, allowing rabbits to rapidly reproduce in their absence.

Hey...LOOK AGAIN!!!!

Rabbits, first brought to Macquarie in 1878, became the main prey of feral cats that arrived earlier. The rabbit population reached 130,000 in 1978, then fell to 20,000 as the result of a viral disease introduced to reduce their numbers. The cats lost their main source of food, resorting to eating native burrowing birds, and were then eradicated from the island in 2000.

Print the names....print the names...

Over 100 cars were set on fire and police and emergency service workers were attacked in a number of places, but the New Year celebrations in the Netherlands passed off without serious incident, the Telegraaf reports.

In The Hague, the Telegraaf reports that some 90 cars were burned out. But mayor Jozias van Aartsen told the paper he believed the celebrations were more muted than last year. Nor were riot police brought in to restore order, the mayor pointed out.

In Zuidland, near Rotterdam, a group of 150 youths attacked police with bottles, stones and fireworks. But the festival on the Meuse river, attended by some 20,000 people, was peaceful, the Telegraaf said. In total, 30 people were arrested in the Rotterdam region.

The headline from this DutchNews.nl site reads thusly:

New Year festivities 'largely peaceful'

Well...short of a nuclear holocaust...I suppose you could call that peaceful. I'm wondering, however, if the peaceful violence, destruction of property and outright assault on the legal authorities was prompted by THIS.

I'm betting that there is a common denominator among the perps...Want to guess what that might be? It involves hyphens.

Print the names...