All Posts Tagged With: "Ten"
Is Obama A Latter Day Othello and Can We Afford An Obama Speech to Ten Million Yorick Skulls?
Obama might, indeed, be worse than a latter-day Jimmy Carter.
Obama might, indeed, be a latter-day Jimmy Carter worries former Clintonista Dick Morris. Last week raised important questions about whether Barack Obama is strong enough to be president. On the domestic political front, he showed incredible weakness in dealing with the Clintons, while on foreign and defense questions, he betrayed a lack of strength and resolve in standing up to Russia’s invasion of Georgia.
First, he says, the Clintons bluffed Obama into amazing concessions. Hillary will speak on Tuesday night in prime time. Chelsea will introduce her. She will get to play a film extolling her virtues produced by Harry Bloodworth Thomason. Bill will speak on Wednesday night. Hillary’s name will be placed into nomination. She will get to have nominating and seconding speeches on her behalf. And, on Thursday night, the last night of the convention, the roll call will show how narrowly Obama prevailed. It will really be the Clinton’s convention.
How can Obama measure up to a resurgent Putin who has just achieved a military victory? When the Georgia invasion first began, Obama appealed for “restraint” on both sides. He treated the aggressive lion and the victimized lamb even-handedly. His performance was reminiscent of the worst of appeasement at Munich, where another dictator got away with seizing another breakaway province of another small neighboring country, leading to World War II.
Finally Obama corrected himself, spoke of Russian aggression and condemned it. The fact is we know so little about Obama. His experience is so thin that it’s hard to tell what kind of a president he’d be but electing him is a BIG risk.
Obama’s strength is in doubt. His palsied response to the Clintons’ attempt to make Denver a Clinton convention is an exhibit. He was easily flim-flamed/ But, In international affairs among dangerous adversaries flim-flam can equal millions and tens of millions dead including millions of Americans.
Obama an over-intellectualizing Hamlet who is incapable of decisive, strong action. With Iran on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons and Russia resurgent, there isn’t much room for on-the-job learning.
Top Ten Thought Provocations
•1. As if California’s budget problems weren’t bad enough, California taxpayers may now have to dig $388 million deeper into their pockets. The Bee’s Steve Wiegand reported over the weekend that a Las Vegas man has successfully sued the state’s tax collection agency for “invasion of privacy.” The state was going after inventor Gilbert Hyatt for a $7.4 million tax bill that has grown to $49 million with interest and penalties. But Hyatt won a $138.1 million award in a Nevada court last week for “emotional distress,” followed up by $250 million in punitive damages. The case has already cost the state more than $8.8 million in audit and legal fees
2. Louche (loosh) adjective: Of questionable character; dubious; disreputable. From French louche (cross-eyed), from Latin lusca, feminine of luscus (one-eyed).
3. Lawsuit says man got 9-foot tapeworm after eating undercooked salmon at Chicago restaurant
4. Currently 1.2 billion people live in countries classified as developed by the United Nations, compared with 5.5 billion in less developed regions, PRB said in its annual Population Data Sheet, released Monday. By 2050 there will be 9.3 billion people on Earth 84% will be in less developed countries. Some time this year more people will live in cities than in rural areas.
5. When it comes to saving lives, God trumps doctors for many Americans. 57 percent say God’s intervention could save a family member even if physicians declared treatment would be futile. But, nearly three-quarters appear to hedge their bet saying patients have a right to demand such treatment.
6. Clochard (KLOH-shahr) noun: A beggar; vagrant. From French clocher (to limp), from Latin clopus (lame).
7. A 17-year old got more than he bargained for when he broke into an 85-year-old Pennsylvania woman’s she pulled her revolver and calmly ordered to call police while she kept him in her sights until the police showed up.
8. A Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing _ even in death. A funeral home used a special embalming treatment to keep the corpse of 24-year-old Angel Pantoja Medina standing upright for his three-day wake. Angel stood in the corner for the entire wake.
9. An Ohio high school student, who has been taking practice tests since sixth grade, has received perfect scores on both the SAT (2400) and ACT (36) college entrance exams. Officials say 269 of the 1.5 million students who took their test last year achieved a perfect score. ACT says 177 of the 2.2 million students who took that test during the 2006-2007 school year. Nobody seems to know if anyone else has aced both.
10. Police in Denver are getting ready for the Democratic Convention in Denver. They’re ordering the stun guns, the barbed wire, the plastic handcuffs . . . and that’s just for Bill Clinton’s room.
Ten Thought Provocations
1. If America stopped using gasoline and diesel fuel it would still consume 5 billion barrels of oil a day to be converted into thousands of industrial and consumer products, including PLASTICS, paints, RUBBER, fertilizers, detergents, dyes, TEXTILES, cosmetics, asphalt, and solvents.
2. An Italian trap shooter won a silver Medal in Beijing. Now Italy’s socialist government wants the winner to pay tax on the value of the medal.
3. Fugacious (fyoo-GAY-shuhs) Lasting a very short time. From Latin fugere (to flee) which also gave us other words such as fugitive, centrifugal, refuge, and subterfuge.
•4. Gasoline, on a constant dollar basis, is cheaper today than it was in 1960 when John Kennedy was President.
5. Whoever painted a pigeon violet and turned it loose in a Queens Playground is in trouble with the ASPCA for abuse let alone visual pollution.
•6. Seattle taxpayers are relieved to be rid of five high-tech self-cleaning toilets that cost Seattle $5 million - but sold online for just $12,549. After a failed first attempt, when a $89,000 minimum failed to attract a single bid, the city revised its strategy in hopes of sparking a bidding free-for-all. There were only 148 bids cast. A South Sound race track owner bought all of them and will use two at the track and seel the others.
•7. A Poulsbo, Washington woman was jailed after being accused of beating up her fiance at their prenuptial party. The woman’s 12-year-old son told her he saw her fiance kissing one of her women friends early Thursday morning. The woman, 31, gave her friends the boot, and then punched his lights out.
•8. Two Ogden neighbors got into a fight after a minor league baseball game that ended with one them biting off the other’s ear.
•9. U.S. military is paying scientists $4 million to study ways to read people’s thoughts. The hope is that the research could someday lead to a gadget capable of translating the thoughts of soldiers who suffered brain injuries in combat or even stroke patients in hospitals.
•10. A tiny woman and two children were laid to rest on a bed of flowers 5,000 years ago in what is now the barren Sahara Desert. The discovery is providing clues to two civilizations who lived there, a thousand years apart, when the region was moist and green.
Ten Post Round-Up: War On Everything Edition
Doesn’t it seem like we are always at war with something, if not with someone? The “War on Terror”, aside, we also have the “War on Drugs” (or rather, the people who use them), the “Mommy Wars” (where apparently, stay-at-home moms are an affront to working moms and vice versa) and a war on just about everything that was meant to be enjoyed (like food or adult entertainment).
In an ideal world, I’d like to buy the world a Coke and then lob the empties at the idiots who like to keep the rest of us in a heightened state of anxiety by sucking the life and love out of everything under the sun.
Of course, in reading today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you will find that not all wars are bad, while most still make the world a difficult, if not, scary place to live.
- Yes, Virginia, there are some mommies who stay home, rather than go to work, because of the kids, not despite them (Dizzy is proud to say that she is one of them).
- McCain appears to be in some hot water over the speech he gave regarding the Russo-Georgia conflict.
- Speaking of the the Russo-Georgia confrontation, The Russians have apparently called the whole thing off. But, at the time of this posting, apparently the word hadn’t gotten to everyone.
- Australia may have cracked the case in the war on cancer.
- Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that John Lennon’s killer gets conjugal visits while our brave soldiers are being poisoned?
- It’s just a tad irritating that law-abiding, homosexual citizens aren’t allowed to get married (in most states) while heterosexual perverts are allowed to wed with wild abandon?
- If famous deaths come in threes, it looks like somebody needs to watch their back. I don’t need to mention that the somebody in question actually played the namesake from the most recent dead person’s hit song of the same name (and just wrapped a movie with the two dead guys who triggered this thread). It’s a good thing I’m not superstitious!
- Sometimes, I have to ask myself, “how come sh** like this never happens in my neighborhood?”
- Do you think that the legacy that GWB is trying to leave will be called “The Age of Irony?”
- And, as if you thought that GWB and the boys weren’t doing enough for our troops, along comes the news that the VA is happy to make it more difficult for vets to register to vote.
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: Georgia On My Mind Edition
For some reason, I woke up this morning and as I traveled the blogosphere, began having visions of Ray Charles sitting down at his grand piano, playing “Georgia On My Mind” as rockets and bombs went off in the background.
I’m sure after perusing today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you may begin having the same visions…
- Truthdig has a primer on the conflict in Georgia, in case you are interested. Ezra Klein informs us that everyone in the region is blaming US and by “US”, I mean, “the you-ess-of-ay”. Putin thinks we are taking sides by airlifting Georgian troops from Iraq back home (meanwhile, Georgians are upset that the US isn’t sending troops when, after all, they “are” helping us in Iraq). Adding insult to injury, oil prices are heading back upwards after almost a month of a trickling downward AND this conflict could catapult us to war with Iran (I’ll bet Cheney is doing the “happy dance” about now!).
- Speaking of Iraq (and Afghanistan), Homefront Six blogs about a new program being implemented by a judge in Buffalo, NY called the Veteran Treatment Court. It’s meant to help divert troubled troops to help when their crimes are non-violent and its counselors are other war veterans, including those who served in Vietnam. It’s nice to see somebody stepping up to the plate and offering our brave men and women the help and support they need.
- Former christian singing sensation and Top 40 hottie, Katy Perry makes me wonder just what “Fundie Kids” are playing on their iPods, these days!
- Maybe Ben Stiller can benefit from controversy more than Ben Stein did?
- All you Applebee’s fans can now get a side of lizard with your salad!
- Pelosi admits she hasn’t read the articles of impeachment against Herr Bush put forth by Dennis Kucinich. That’s too bad. Because of that (rather, the fact that she took impeachment off the table), now she has to read articles about her political rival, Cindy Sheehan, until November.
- California home educators can breath a sigh of relief, for the time being.
- The Brilliant cafe reminds me why I will likely never fly, again. I’m also reminded why I will probably stay away from buses, as well.
- Lest you forget, please pay your taxes, so that the state does not have to arrest you for that $10 you stole from them…
- And, in case you missed these: Obama is a technological elitist, Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist, Former “American Idol”, Clay Aikens, is a new daddy, and John Edwards…well, you know…
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: Chocolate Salty Balls Edition
Sorry that it appears that I have been out of the loop, my friends. Indeed, that is not actually the case. Sometimes, my days as a military spouse with a soldier deployed means that I need distance from things, including blogging, to maintain my sanity.
In any case, I’m back and ready for bear. I’m working out a new format for the (supposedly) daily Ten Post Round-Up. I’d appreciate it if all five of you would tell me what you think (or not. whatevah.)
- The world lost two fabulous entertainers this week. First, we lost Bernie Mac on Saturday and on Sunday, we lost Isaac Hayes. At least, (thanks to “South Park”), we’ll always have “Chocolate Salty Balls” (a karaoke classic, I tell ya!).
- Be careful where you park when headed to the local parade. Some nefarious tow truck drivers may kidnap your car and charge extortion fees after you’ve been tricked into parking for free!
- From skippy, we learn which lies are worse. Take a wild guess whether the MSM thinks that lies that lead to an illegal war or lies about marital infidelity are worse…
- Speaking of John Edwards, the other woman says “onay ayway otay away aternitypay esttay.”
- Some states think its citizens are being selfish for taking advantage of money-saving tax holidays.
- Now that Iraq clearly wants a regime change, can our troops come home now?
- Maryland mayor’s recent police/SWAT team raid (home invasion?) sheds much needed light on the failures (gestapo tactics?) of the War on Drugs.
- Many bloggers have Georgia on their minds, but the MSM seems more obsessed with what’s on the mind of Edwards’ little soldier.
- If it takes blood and guts to get kids to read, I say, “bring on the gore!”.
(originally posted at Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: July 24, 2008
At some point while reading this round-up, your heart will break, your funny bone will be tickled and your ire will be raised.
1. When pop culture meets real-life…it ain’t pretty!
Salt Lake Tribune: Motorist’s quip about ‘Grey Poupon’ met with cocked, black handgun
A Sandy man took offense to a motorist, who, after getting him to roll down his window, asked, “Excuse me, sir, do you have any Grey Poupon?”
After hearing the request for Dijon mustard, the 22-year-old driver pulled a black handgun from his glove compartment, cocked the weapon and pointed it at the three people in the other car. “Here’s your Grey Poupon, roll your [expletive] windows up,” he responded.
2. Hey, Russia! Leave them kids alone!
Reason Magazine: Russia to Emo Kids: I’ll Give You Something to Pine About
Driven to the brink of unhappiness by repeated listenings of “Sowing Season,” by Brand New, the members of Russia’s Duma are mulling over legislation to ban emo and gothic dress in public schools and government buildings. And the emo kids? Well, they’re not gonna take it:
3. Yeah…the impeachment hearing is just for show, to shut the rest of us up…
Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com: Conyers Tries To Kill Impeachment Hearings Before They Start
John Conyers is now taking the position that no one at Friday’s impeachment hearing can accuse Bush or Cheney of any crime, or any impeachable offense, or dishonorable conduct, or even lying.
Moreover, Conyers is now saying that he will shut the hearing down if anyone does accuse the boys of crimes, impeachable offenses, or otherwise being naughty.
Ten Post Round-Up: July 23, 2008
If this round-up were any juicier, you’d totally stick a fork in it…
1. It is long overdue to retire this policy. Gay soldiers should not be held to a higher standard than straight soldiers who are free to date who they like and not conceal their attractions. It is the gay soldier who is expected to keep their mouth shut and their pants zipped, for fear of losing their job. The military does not have room for discrimination, particularly if they hope to continue with war without end in the Middle East.
KOAA.com - Lawmakers reconsider military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy
Tauscher is convinced it’s time to allow gays in the military to be open about their sexuality, and she’s not alone. Three-fourths of those surveyed in a Washington Post-ABC News poll over the weekend said openly gay people should be allowed to serve. That’s up from 62 percent in early 2001 and 44 percent in 1993.
2. Even relying on some resource other than coal or oil to produce our energy needs is going to come with a very steep price tag.
CNN.com: Wind power: A reality check
One of the big challenges with using wind to replace natural gas is that, unlike the steady flame from natural gas, the wind doesn’t blow all the time.
To make sure enough power is available when the wind isn’t blowing, backup generators would be needed, said Paul Fremont, an electric-utility analyst at the investment bank Jefferies & Co.
That could mean maintaining those natural gas plants in case of emergency, or implementing even more novel ideas like systems in Europe that use excess wind electricity to pump water uphill when the wind is blowing, then release it through hydro dams when the wind stops.
Either way, any type of backup system comes with a price.
3. Sorry, guys. It won’t fit in your wallet. But, on the upside, it will be a perfect fit (that is, if it ever gets mass produced…).
Cool Hunting: Spray-On Condom
While most technologies advanced by leaps and bounds in recent decades, condom design has been relatively static for the last century or so. One visionary German scientist is working to change that. Jan Vinzenz Krause has spent recent years trying to make the world’s most common prophylactic available in spray-on form. The technology’s draw, according to Krause (pictured), is that conventional condoms often don’t fit penises of varying sizes (also pictured, sort of).
Ten Post Round-Up: July 22, 2008
This round-up includes spam, porn, and money talk. Oh, you know you wanna read it…
1. The quote that wouldn’t die…
Talking Points Memo: White House Still Trying to Explain Away Maliki
When a guy you more or less install in power and keep there on a very short leash starts going off the reservation, you first claim there was some sort of translation error. Then you claim that what he says is not what he means. When he continues to reiterate the point, you assert that he knows not of what he speaks.
2. Colorado offers the DNC a gas tax holiday for the convention…
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO BLOG: Planning a private party?…
In Colorado, consumers pay 40.4 cents in taxes on every gallon of gasoline. That includes the federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and the Colorado gasoline tax of 22 cents per gallon.
3. A win for adult-websites
Wired.com: Net Censorship Law Struck Down Again
The 3rd U.S. Circurt Court of Appeals upheld on Tuesday a 2007 lower-court decision that the Child Online Protection Act violated the First Amendment since it was not the most effective way to keep children from visiting adult websites.
Ten Post Round-Up: July 21, 2008
Some days, it sucks to read the news, because it’s a reminder that our country appears to be being run by a bunch of frat boys, out on a lark and hoping that a grown-up might come along and fix it (all the while forgiving and forgetting who was responsible for the bull$#!% in the first place)! Unfortunately, these hazy days are not ones that we will soon wake from and it will take many generations of grown-ups to fix.
1. Tazing a few sheep to tame the sheeple…
duckplops: Just When You Thought They Couldn’t Find More Helpless Victims
More and more it seems as though the cops have been told to use the tasers first and ask questions later, and have let them know there won’t be any repercussions, even if they kill the tasee.
2. “Toto, we’re not in Kansas, anymore…”
The Huffington Post: Court Confirms President’s Dictatorial Powers in Case of US “Enemy Combatant”
Wake up, America! On July 15, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled by 5 votes to 4 in the case of Al-Marri v. Pucciarelli (PDF) that the President can arrest US citizens and legal residents inside the United States and imprison them indefinitely, without charge or trial, based solely on his assertion that they are “enemy combatants.” Have a little think about it, and you’ll see that the Fourth Circuit judges have just endorsed dictatorial powers.
3. Getting answers for the family of LaVena Johnsona is a step towards getting answers for every family who has lost a soldier to foul-play in Iraq.
Shakesville: ColorofChange.org launches LaVena petition
The online grassroots organization ColorofChange.org, a black advocacy group founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, has lent its support to the family of LaVena Johnson. The group has launched a new petition addressed to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its chairman, Representative Henry Waxman.