Der Parson's rant

I'm going to miss this crap.


"Natural gas is hemispheric. I like to call it hemispheric in nature because it is a product that we can find in our neighborhoods."
-- George W. Bush

Now you can tank good ol' Bush for his 8 years of service. They have over 1,000 "sincere signatures"

Thank You President George W. Bush

Your can see the "sincere signatures"

There are some pretty "sincere" signatures on there if you read through them,

Here is my favorite signature

732 Valerie Plame

Hit & Run > Gotcha! - Reason Magazine

Cops get busted using illegal tactics to find "drug" houses. Imagine their surprise when they busted into a house that was using glow lamps to grow small evergreen trees.

Gun dealers are laughing all the way to the bank, and all they have to do is keep the myth that Obama is going to take away all our guns going.

Gun sales surge after Obama's election - CNN.com: "But Peter Hamm, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, called the buying spree 'goofy.' He said widespread talk of banning guns is a 'sales pitch.'"

The Associated Press: Obama arrives for White House tour, talk with Bush

I wonder if he got to see the Dick Chaney torture dungeon or the places were Bush keeps his coke stashed?

Obama launched a new web site called Change.gov. There are links were you can share your ideas and stories.

So far it looks pretty good, we will have to keep a eye on it and see how things progress or get forgotten in the up coming years.

With 99% reporting in, Obama actually pulled ahead of McCain in Indiana. I guess there is some hope for these hoosiers yet.

It's a great day to be alive and to be a American!

I'm watching Obama give his speech now. I think I can also safely say Thank god it's over! We can finaly breath. No more political ads on tv and radio. Hopefully we can end these wars and get this country back on the right track!

Soviet diehards see red over 'betrayal' by 007 girl Olga Kurylenko - Times Online

"Kurylenko, the Ukrainian actress who plays Bond's sidekick in Quantum of Solace, has been condemned by the Communist Party of St Petersburg for aiding “the killer of hundreds of Soviet people and their allies”. Apparently oblivious to Bond's fictional nature, it accused her of assisting “a man who worked for decades under the orders of Thatcher and Reagan to destroy the USSR”."

I wonder if they even have tin-foil hats in Russia to block out the capitalist mind control rays?

Sergei Malinkovich, the leader of the city party, told The Times: “Everyone knows that the CIA and MI6 finance James Bond films as a special operation of psychological warfare against us. This Ukrainian girl sleeps with Bond and that means that Ukraine is sleeping with the West.”

Palin's 'going rogue,' McCain aide says - CNN.com

A second McCain source says she appears to be looking out for herself more than the McCain campaign.

"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else.

"Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."

Are those vultures I see circling the Mclaim/Failin campaign?

Palin plans rally in Fort Wayne | The Journal Gazette

Oh joy, the blessed bitch is coming to Fort Wayne to save us.

Former Fort Wayne mayor candidate finally admits his guilt.

Kelty pleads guilty | Indiana's NewsCenter: Fort Wayne WPTA-TV, WISE-TV, CW, and My Network | Local & Regional: "FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- DEVELOPING --- Former Republican Mayoral candidate Matt Kelty has pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from allegations of campaign finance fraud and perjury before a Grand Jury."


The Journal Gazette has excepts from the e-mails that lead to the guilty plea. It looks to me like the GOP was setting him up for failure, or were at least not going to "have his back" when this all came out.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE ENDORSEMENT: Chicago Tribune endorses Barack Obama for president -- chicagotribune.com: "This endorsement makes some history for the Chicago Tribune. This is the first time the newspaper has endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee for president."

I can hear the cons. crying about the "liberal media" already. I'm not sure I would count The Chicago Tribune as a liberal media out let any more then I would say Fox News is fair and balanced.

The Tribune in its earliest days took up the abolition of slavery and linked itself to a powerful force for that cause--the Republican Party. The Tribune's first great leader, Joseph Medill, was a founder of the GOP. The editorial page has been a proponent of conservative principles. It believes that government has to serve people honestly and efficiently.

They go on to talk about McCain's reckless vice presidential pick and his tax policy that is going to add trillions more to the budget. It's is pretty interesting reading.

This is pretty funny. Gramps is getting desperate.

John McCain's Voicemail to Barack Obama Leaked to Press (Listen) - 236.com - The Room

Sarah Palin: The view from Alaska | Salon

Palin is starting to sound more like Dick Chaney in a skirt and heels

You know I'm all for supporting local "talent", click the link below. (It's PG rated, but I would be on the safe side and not click the link if your at work or something).


Tropicbeauty.com - Version 5.0

Remember to check to make sure your registered to vote. Nov. 4th is coming up fast.

Public Main Page

If you don't live in Indiana, do a google search for " voter registration".

Here is a addicting puzzle game. You move the guy with the arrows keys (space bar to jump) and can also rotate the maze with the Z or X keys.

PLAY NEVER END

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time - Blogs from CNN.com

Palin should step down, conservative commentator says
Posted: 04:27 PM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
(CNN) – Prominent conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, an early supporter of Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, said Friday recent interviews have shown the Alaska governor is "out of her league" and should leave the GOP presidential ticket for the good of the party.

The criticism in Parker's Friday column is the latest in a recent string of negative assessments toward the McCain-Palin candidacy from prominent conservatives.

Parker's comments follow those by prominent conservatives David Brooks, George Will, and David Frum who have all publicly questioned Palin's readiness to be vice president.

Conservatives turning on each other? Say it ain't so Joe...

"We do not support government bailouts of private institutions. Government interference in the markets exacerbates problems in the marketplace and causes the free market to take longer to correct itself."

-- Republican Party platform, 2008

Bushism of the Day - By Jacob Weisberg - Slate Magazine: "'The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there's a lot of prayer—prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I'm one of them.'—Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 3, 2008"


Yes, Bush is definitely one of the upside down people.

Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean.” | The LA Progressive: "by Charley James –

“So Sambo beat the bitch!”

This is how Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin described Barack Obama’s win over Hillary Clinton to political colleagues in a restaurant a few days after Obama locked up the Democratic Party presidential nomination."


But Indiana conservative ass hats cry bloody murder if you call their blessed mother a "bitch"?

Interesting.

U.S. to offer Georgia $1 billion in aid - International Herald Tribune

By Steven Lee Myers

BAKU, Azerbaijan: The Bush administration plans to announce a $1 billion package of aid to help rebuild Georgia after its rout by Russian forces last month, an administration official said on Wednesday, as Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in the region to signal support for Georgia and other countries neighboring Russia.

The aid - along with Cheney's visit - are sure to increase tensions with Russia, whose leaders have accused the United States of stoking the conflict with Georgia over its two separatist regions, by providing weapons and training to the Georgians. President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have also complained that humanitarian supplies delivered by the U.S. Navy and Air Force since Russian forces routed Georgian forces and occupied parts of the country were a disguise for delivering new weapons.

A hurricane blows through the country and Bush won't lift a finger, but we will send a billion dollars to another country. What's wrong with this picture? They must have oil in Georgia.

Teen daughter of GOP VP pick is pregnant - CNN.com: "ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) -- Bristol Palin, the 17-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin, is pregnant and will keep the baby and marry the father, a senior aide to Sen. John McCain confirmed to CNN Tuesday."

This is the best part

The McCain aide insisted a key point to keep in mind is that Bristol decided to keep the baby, a decision "supported by her parents."

They had to make sure they got that pro-life talking point in there. It's going to be sickening how much we are going to hear about the 17yr old pregnant daughter that is keeping the baby for the next month or so. It's a easy choice when your a rich white republican. I'm surprised they aren't making a bigger deal about the son going to Iraq. I am predicting if the polls start slipping that kid gets a bullet sometime before election day that way they can play up the war hero angle. Remember Pat Tillman anyone?

VPilf.com

Damn someone beat me to it...

I might be more in favor of "drilling" in Alaska now.

TPMMuckraker | Talking Points Memo | AK Gov. Says Staffer Pressed for Trooper's Firing: "AK Gov. Says Staffer Pressed for Trooper's Firing
By Kate Klonick - August 13, 2008, 9:53PM

In a press conference this afternoon, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) conceded that someone inside her administration pressured the state's Department of Public Safety to fire State Trooper Mike Wooten, Palin's former brother-in-law, who is now embroiled in a bitter custody battle with Palin's sister."

Well this should be the perfect pick to replace Dick Chaney. After all she's Anti gay, pro gun, anti choice. And her husband works for BP.

I can't wait to hear grandpa McCain explain how a 44 year old 1 term Governor fits into his "lack of experience" thing he says a 47 year old 1 term Senator doesn't have? I'm sure his explanation will have something do to with being a P.O.W.

On a side note, Maybe we can enter the term VPILF into the English language.

Bushism of the Day - By Jacob Weisberg - Slate Magazine: "'I'm coming as the president of a friend, and I'm coming as a sportsman.'—On his trip to the Olympics in China, Washington, D.C., July 30, 2008"

Now he's the president of a friend? Does that even make sense? You have to love to hate ol' George.

Can President Bush pardon people who haven't even been charged with a crime? - By Jacob Leibenluft - Slate Magazine: "Pre-emptive Presidential PardonsCan you be pardoned for a crime before you're ever charged?
By Jacob Leibenluft
Posted Monday, July 21, 2008, at 6:36 PM ET

With six months to go before President Bush leaves office, the White House is receiving a flurry of pardon applications. The New York Times reported that 'several members of the conservative legal community' are pushing for the White House to grant pre-emptive pardons for officials involved in counterterrorism programs. Wait—can a president really pardon someone who hasn't even been charged with a crime?"

Yep. In 1866, the Supreme Court ruled in Ex parte Garland that the pardon power "extends to every offence known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment." (In that case, a former Confederate senator successfully petitioned the court to uphold a pardon that prevented him from being disbarred.) Generally speaking, once an act has been committed, the president can issue a pardon at any time—regardless of whether charges have even been filed.

Why doesn't this surprise me? Conservatives that claim to be all "tough on crime" are wanting to be pardoned for crimes they aren't even charged with. In all honesty with people like Pelosi running congress, they don't have to worry much about being charge with any type of crimes.

Bushism of the Day - By Jacob Weisberg - Slate Magazine: "'And they have no disregard for human life.'—Describing the brutality of Afghan fighters, Washington, D.C., July 15, 2008"

Isn't having "no disregard for human life" a good thing? George must have confused it with his lack of regard for human life.

Bushism of the Day - By Jacob Weisberg - Slate Magazine: "Bushism of the Day
By Jacob Weisberg
Posted Friday, July 18, 2008, at 3:14 PM ET

'I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office.'—Washington, D.C., June 26, 2008

Click here to see video of Bush's comments. The Bushism is at 12:50."


Holy crap! a child was abduted right in the Oval Office. Were the secret service guys out on smoke break?

This has to be one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. It was created by Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and the Firefly TV shows). It was created as a way to get around the writers strike. The show stars Neil Patrick Harris, and Nathan Fillion. There are 2 shows up and a 3rd will be released on Saturday.



I knew Nathan Fillion could be pretty funny, but Neil Patrick Harris is just a riot in this show. This is a great idea for using the internet for showing TV shows especially shows that the "networks" won't support. Like Firefly, one of the best Sci-fi shows put out in years. I hope this type of thing catches on and we see more of these. I would even be willing to put up with a few commercials.

I found this on Youtube, (rated R for language)



How much more patriotic can you get?

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Paul suspends presidential campaign; forms new organization � - Blogs from CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) – Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced Thursday he is suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to focus his time on building an organization to help recruit and elect “limited government Republicans.”"

Ron Paul was still running? At least Hillary had a little reason to keep running, she was actually getting votes. Poor Ron Paul was hardly even showing up on most of the media's primary election coverage. I thought he gave up a while ago.

Get a FREE Obama for President Bumper Sticker.

Democratic Stuff -"FREE" Obama For President Bumper Sticker : Democratic Party, Buttons, T-Shirts, Merchandise, Anti Bush, Bumper Stickers, Political, Yard Signs

I just signed up to have one sent to me.

Video - Hit and Run video from CNN.com

'Like a dog they left him there. Nobody did nothing'

HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP) -- A 78-year-old man is tossed like a rag doll by a hit-and-run driver and lies motionless on a busy city street as car after car goes by. Pedestrians gawk but do nothing. One driver stops briefly but then pulls back into traffic. A man on a scooter slowly circles the victim before zipping away.

The video is pretty shocking and shows people just looking at the poor guy laying on the street bleeding. No one could even be bothered to dial 911 on a phone. No wonder we have to have cameras mounted every place to monitor us.

6-Year-Old Saves 5-Year-Old Friend From Drowning - News Story - WSB Atlanta

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. -- Adults didn't see a drowning 5-year-old, but his 6-year-old friend did.

Haden Stusak, 6, of Fayetteville is being called a hero after he dived into a pool to investigate a shadow on the bottom that turned out to be his friend.

Josiah Buddah, 5, and Haden are buddies. Haden is a good swimmer, but Josiah can't swim without his water wings.

On Sunday, Josiah took off his water wings and sank to the bottom of the deep end.

"I was scared, I was scared," said Josiah.

An adult spotted a shadow in the pool, but couldn't get to it. No one knew the shadow was Josiah. But Haden got curious and dove down to investigate. He had been practicing diving to the bottom. When he discovered Josiah, he grabbed him and pulled him to the surface.

And in true hero fashion, Haden says what he did was no big deal.

"We're friends. That's what friends do," said Haden.

I thought this was a great story, almost brought a tear to my eye.

Someone in 1967 must have been able to forsee the future when George W. Bush would be President.

Clinton: It'd be 'terrible mistake' to pick McCain over Obama - CNN.com:

"Despite her campaign being more than $20 million in the red, Clinton confirmed she plans to keep going.

'I'm not going anywhere except to Kentucky and Oregon and Montana and South Dakota and Puerto Rico,' she said."

I'm surprised she didn't give that YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAA!!! scream after that.

Clinton teared up as she described what she called "one of the most incredibly gratifying experiences" of her life -- having her 28-year-old daughter, Chelsea, campaigning for her.

If all else fails use the tears again. Because that's what we need in a President. I guess instead of reading "My pet goat" during a national crisis she can take a moment to shed some tears.

U.N. 'furious' as Myanmar aid 'seized' - CNN.com:

"BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Aid agencies are furious over the Myanmar government's refusal to let them distribute food and supplies flown in for victims of the cyclone that is estimated to have killed up to 100,000 people."

Make sure you read the article. It's just plan sad they won't let anyone distribute relief aid mostly because they are from the west. I thought about air drops like we used at the end of WWII to get aid into Germany. I'm sure the Myanmar government would find a way to block or take anything that was drop. Then there is a problem of getting stuff into the right areas. I pretty bad when you would rather watch your own people suffer and die then to accept aid from foreigners.

I found this on CNN.com about a report that had sneak in and around Myanmar to see how bad things really are.

(CNN) -- Hiding under a blanket in the back of a car at a police checkpoint. Hopping on boats instead of staying on a road. Constantly looking over your shoulder, knowing that at any moment you -- and those with you -- face the possibility of imprisonment, torture, even death.

It sounds like a spy movie. But CNN's Dan Rivers, who sneaked into storm-ravaged Myanmar without the knowledge of the nation's secretive ruling junta, says the reality is even more frightening than it appears on the silver screen.

I think part sums up things pretty well. They are so afraid of outside influence they won't accept aid for a natural disaster.

He is concerned, he said, that many more may die as a result of the government's self-imposed isolation. Earlier in the week, he said, his crew was able to videotape government workers dumping bodies of the dead into a river. A government not engaged in such activities, which amount to a kind of cover-up, should have nothing to hide, Rivers noted. "Why should they be trying to hide a natural disaster? It's not their fault. It just illustrates the mentality of the regime. It's so suspicious of the outside world."

They are dumping bodies in rivers, they already don't have drinking water, so they make things worse.

Long Thompson declares victory in governor race; Schellinger unwilling to concede | The Journal Gazette

Long Thompson declares victory in governor race; Schellinger unwilling to concede
By Niki Kelly
The Journal Gazette

Democrat Jill Long Thompson finally got to declare victory Wednesday morning in the state’s Democrat gubernatorial primary even if her opponent isn’t ready to give her the nomination.

After a late night of tallying votes, Long Thompson was leading by about 7,100 votes and six precincts remained to be counted around the state.

“It was a little bit of a roller coaster,” she said, noting she stayed up later than usual but it was well worth it to win.

“I believe I’m clearly the winner and I’m looking forward to the race against (Republican incumbent Gov.) Mitch Daniels in the fall,” Long Thompson said.

But her opponent Jim Schellinger has refused to concede.

Tim Jeffers, campaign manager for Schellinger, said the race is still too close to call.

Looks like the Indiana democrats are playing the same drag everything out game the national democrats are playing. This state leans republican so it's going to be hard to for anyone to win against "Their bitch Mitch". (The gov's campaign uses the slogan "My Man Mitch") But they want to keep the in-party fighting going instead of going after the real threat.


Fight will go on

Indiana keeps Clinton alive; Obama wins N. Carolina
By Sylvia A. Smith
Washington editor

Hillary Rodham Clinton won the Indiana primary Tuesday night, running up a victory that gave her bragging rights to being a powerhouse in a Republican-leaning state.

Although her victory was slim, she told an Indianapolis crowd, “It’s full speed on to the White House.”

That is just silly, "being a powerhouse in a Republican-leaning state" she only won by like 2%. That is not a "powerhouse" that is winning by a nose. I don't understand why she is bragging about winning in a Republican-leaning state, she was against another democrat. If it would have been Hillary vs. McCain. McCain would have won it easy. (sad but true)


I know before I said I would vote for McCain if Hillary won, after the last few months I don't think that is still the case.
I will support Hillary if she is nominated. I just like Obama better.

Interviewed at random, dozens of people in the audiences said they were there – and supported Hillary Clinton – out of gratitude for the better economic times during the Clinton administration of the 1990s.

“I love Bill Clinton. I think Hillary’s going to be just as good,” said Lana Hendrey of Columbia City. “Jobs were plentiful.”

People seem to think by electing Hillary they are re-electing Bill Clinton. Do we really need another meat puppet in the Whitehouse? We already have Chaney with his hand up George Bush's ass pulling the stings. It doesn't seem Hillary is doing much to discourage that type of thinking either, at least not that I have seen.

"I'm not going to put my lot in with economists because I know if we did it right...we would design it in such a way that it would be implemented effectively."
-- Hillary Clinton, asked if any economists support the gas tax holiday proposal

Wow, this sounds like it could have came right out of George W. Bush's mouth. Don't listen to the economists because they might be right and we know Washington wouldn't want to implement something effectively.

Bush pays price for 'Mission Accomplished' sign - The White House- msnbc.com:

"WASHINGTON - The White House said Wednesday that President Bush has paid a price for the “Mission Accomplished” banner that was flown in triumph five years ago but later became a symbol of U.S. misjudgments and mistakes in the long and costly war in Iraq.

Thursday is the fifth anniversary of Bush’s dramatic landing in a Navy jet on an aircraft carrier homebound from the war. The USS Abraham Lincoln had launched thousands of airstrikes on Iraq."

Ah yes, my favorite Bush photo. Nothing shows what a moron Bush is better then the picture of him giving a speech telling us “Major combat operations in Iraq have ended,” Bush said at the time. “The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on Sept. 11, 2001, and still goes on.” Where are we today? We are still fighting major combat operations in Iraq.

This Saturday is another Fort Wayne for Peace rally. I wish I would have thought ahead enough to have been able to make that picture into a sign to take down there.

I think I might go to some conservative blogs and wish them "Happy Mission Accomplished day".

Apparently our Indiana Bureau motor vehicles is now in charge of making sure no illegal aliens are getting past our borders and buying motor vehicles. If you look Hispanic, they make you show prove of citizenship to get title work done. Funny thing though they don't ask white or black people to show anything. All they do is ask for Social Security number. Here is what the BMV web site says you need to get a title on a vehicle.

For used vehicles:

* Application for Certificate of Title - State Form 44049
* Conforming Odometer Statement (generally found on the Certificate of Origin)
* Bill of Sale
* Vehicle Inspection Number (VIN) Inspection (if the vehicle was not purchased in Indiana)
* Social Security number or Federal Employer Identification number

Any vehicle coming into Indiana from another state, including those assigned to an Indiana resident on a manufacturer's certificate of origin, must receive a VIN inspection. This inspection may be done at any Indiana license branch for no charge, or may be completed by a law enforcement officer who may charge up to $5. The officer must fill out an Affidavit of Police Officer/Physical Inspection of an Indiana Resident's Vehicle/Watercraft - State Form 39530 when completing a VIN inspection.

No place does it even say you need a drivers license or any other ID, but if your Hispanic they ask for ID. Even if that person has a social security number (the same SS number used to pay state and federal taxes BTW). I just don't understand this system. Why does it matter? The State is collecting sales tax and charging a title fee. What does a drivers license have to do with getting a TITLE for a vehicle? The title just proves ownership, that really has nothing to do with operating it.

The reason I bring this up is because my Hispanic friend purchased a car and can't get the title transferred to her name or even get a license plate because the BMV people have decided they need some extra power. The dealer already filled out the title with her name and information, she can't even sell the car to someone else without getting the title in her name to transfer it again. There is limited space on the back of the title for transfers and it's filled up. I'm going to try and go to the BMV tomorrow and see if what they say when I ask them some question about what can be done. If you don't hear from me for a while, it might have something to do with me being in jail for causing a scene at the local BMV branch.

Clinton rally moves to park | The Journal Gazette

Clinton rally moves to park
The Journal Gazette

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will make her second stop in the Summit City on Saturday, but the location has changed, her campaign announced Tuesday.

The Democratic presidential hopeful, originally slated to visit Thursday, then to speak at Grand Wayne Center, is now scheduled to speak at 10 a.m. at the Headwaters Park Lincoln Pavilion. Gates open at 8 a.m. at the South Clinton Street entrance.

The stop is part of Clinton’s “Solutions for the American Economy” tour, which is also heading to Bloomington, Gary, East Chicago and South Bend this weekend.

On joy, here she comes again... This is her 2nd. trip to Fort Wayne, Bill was here a while back and last week Chelsea was here. If I wake up in time I may drive down there and see what kind of crowd there is, the Headwaters Park Pavilion is a pretty nice place for them to have this if the weather is nice. The forecast for Saturday looks pretty good for Fort Wayne. I see Clinton won the Penn. primary. Hopefully Obama will do some more campaigning around here so we can stop Clinton from helping McConjob win the presidency.

MoveOn.org Opens voting for their Obama In 30 seconds contest.

Local blogger Robert Rouse from Left of Centrist has a video in the contest staring is children.



You can follow this link to vote

Governor hopefuls joust | The Journal Gazette

With everyone focusing so much attention on the Presidential race. Seems we are forgetting that there is a Governor race going on in Indiana this year.

The most interesting exchanges of the night surrounded ethics and negative attacks. Long Thompson’s were direct, while Schellinger employed a more subtle approach.

Long Thompson started by questioning the use of Trident Air, a limited liability corporation formed by Schellinger and his business partners, three days before Schellinger announced he would run for governor.

It seems the democratic candidates are taking lessons from the presidential candidates with the attacks and such. If these people can't learn to get along we are going to loose so much instead of gaining anything.

"Will make Cheney look like Gandhi."
-- Pat Buchanan on McCain as president

I think that pretty much says it all.

Movie Giant Charlton Heston Dies

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Charlton Heston did not do small.

Heston, the Oscar-winning actor who, as the biggest male star of Hollywood's outsize epic era of the 1950s and 1960s, parted the Red Sea, raced chariots and battled gorilla tyranny, died Saturday at his Beverly Hills home.

He was 84, his family said. He had been battling Alzheimer's disease for years.

Heston left cinematic, political mark

Better known in recent years as a fierce gun-rights advocate who headed the National Rifle Association, Heston played legendary leaders and ordinary men hurled into heroic struggles.

"In taking on epic and commanding roles, he showed himself to be one of our nation's most gifted actors, and his legacy will forever be a part of our cinema," Republican presidential candidate McCain said in a statement that also noted Heston's involvement in the civil-rights movement and his stand against gun control.

Heston's jutting jaw, regal bearing and booming voice served him well as Marc Antony in "Julius Caesar" and "Antony and Cleopatra," Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy," John the Baptist in "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and an astronaut on a topsy-turvy world where simians rule in "Planet of the Apes."

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life," Heston's family said in a statement. "We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity."

The actor died at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife, Lydia, at his side, family spokesman Bill Powers said. He declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details Sunday.

One of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Heston's work dwindled largely to small parts and narration and other voice roles from the 1980s on, including an uncredited cameo as an ape in Tim Burton's 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes."

I don't exactly agree with his politics but I dont' think anyone could argue that
Mr. Heston made some of the greatest movies we have ever seen. I doubt anyone will ever forget the line "get you hands off me you damn dirty ape".

Here is the text from the speech Obama gave in Fort Wayne today.

Obama: Let’s bend that arc toward prosperity for all | The Journal Gazette

There is also are article from The Journal Gazette which has a video of the speech.

I didn't get to go, because the tickets were gone before I could get on the website to get one.

Obama to visit city on Friday

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama plans to visit Wayne High School, 9100 Winchester Road, at 11 a.m. Friday, Fort Wayne Community Schools spokeswoman Krista Stockman said Thursday morning.

The doors will open at 9 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. For tickets, visit in.barackobama.com

By the time I heard about this and went to the website to get tickets it said they are no longer available. I signed up for the waiting list just in case.

STLtoday - Wal-Mart drops $400,000 reimbursement claim against injured former worker

WASHINGTON — Wal-Mart is backing off its attempts to collect nearly half a million dollars from the family of a Missouri woman injured in a traffic accident eight years ago.

The company said Tuesday it would no longer ask the family of Debbie Shank to reimburse $469,217 in medical expenses incurred after her car collided with a tractor-trailer in southeast Missouri.

Wow, someone at Walmart actually has a soul. That or the bad publicity was really getting to them. It's great to finally hear some good news about this case.

Just when you though Hollywood made some pretty bad movies.

Guess who's coming to diner | The Journal Gazette

Owner Nabi Faghihi realizes using his small diner on the city's southwest side as a venue for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's visit to Fort Wayne today is somewhat odd.

“The menu's three times bigger than the restaurant,” Faghihi joked Thursday.

Inside the front door of Sara's Family Restaurant, a smiling picture of George W. Bush greets customers above a list of specials - the Reuben sandwich platter and French onion and vegetable beef soups Thursday.

Hillary comes to Fort Wayne, probably to make sure Bill didn't leave any stains behind when he was here a few weeks ago.

On another note, The Obama campaign is openining a office here in Fort Wayne on Saturday around 10am. (I couldn't find links for more info though) I might try to get up and drive down there a take some pictures and maybe see what kind of information they have.

Mixing Memory : Defending Hillary Clinton From a Memory Researcher's Perspective

Let's look at what might have happened. In Germany, Clinton got on a plane that was used specifically because of its ability to maneuver during landings to avoid incoming fire. Undoubtedly, they were told that this was the reason for using the plane. They had flak jackets and Clinton was put into the armored cockpit for the descent, again as a precaution against incoming fire. Add to this the fact that there were credible threats, meaning she was probably rather anxious, and we all know that stress doesn't make for better overall memory, even if it makes us remember perceptual details better. Hell, maybe even Clinton and her entourage were rushed, after the meeting on the tarmac, to their cars because they were on a tight schedule (not because of the threats), and you get a situation that's easily distorted by the reconstructive processes of memory into something like the version that Clinton told. In fact, I'd bet that they even told Clinton or someone on her team that in the case of incoming fire, they would have to be rush to their cars with their heads down, instead of having the scheduled ceremony on the tarmac. All this could easily add up to a memory in which the threat, the fear, the flak jackets, etc., add up to a difficulty in remembering what actually happened and what she was afraid might happened. And the fact that Clinton seems to remember it so vividly, contrary to being evidence that she's lying, is likely just a product of her brain filling in the gaps and building a coherent representation of the episode, just like it's supposed to do.

This is a interesting post that defends Clinton's "memory". The complete article is pretty interesting. It's still doesn't exactly make it ok for her to bend the truth so much.

I don't mean a Burger King whopper either. Seems there are some memory lapses I would expect that from the 71 year old running for president.
Cafferty File:Why would Clinton not tell the truth about her 1996 Bosnia trip?

On two different occasions, Senator Hillary Clinton has described a trip she took as first lady to Bosnia in March of 1996.

To hear her tell it, she was lucky to escape with her life, landing in a hail of sniper fire. She said they were forced to cut short the greeting ceremony at the airport and, “run with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base.”

But apparently there was time to stop and visit at the airport with an 8-year-old girl who greeted Mrs. Clinton on the tarmac when she landed and read her a poem.

The military commander on hand to greet Clinton at the time, Major General William Nash, told the Washington Post he was unaware of any sniper threat to Clinton during her 8-hour stay.

This is from the Washington Post

Hillary Clinton has been regaling supporters on the campaign trail with hair-raising tales of a trip she made to Bosnia in March 1996. In her retelling, she was sent to places that her husband, President Clinton, could not go because they were "too dangerous." When her account was challenged by one of her traveling companions, the comedian Sinbad, she upped the ante and injected even more drama into the story. In a speech earlier this week, she talked about "landing under sniper fire" and running for safety with "our heads down."

There are numerous problems with Clinton's version of events.

There is video on YouTube, apparently it wasn't too dangerous for that little girl to read a poem and give Hillary some flowers.


Haven't politicians figure out yet they need to stick closer to the facts? With all the other people on the flight, the internet and sites like Youtube. Just the fact that MSM is going to have archived footage that is easily dug up and put on the internet. Why stretch the truth like this? Are we suppose to think she some great war hero? If it was so dangerous why did she take her daughter in the first place? Maybe when Chelsea runs for senate or president she can use the same "courage under fire" story.

I think I have to agree with this,

The Pinocchio Test
Clinton's tale of landing at Tuzla airport "under sniper fire" and then running for cover is simply not credible. Photographs and video of the arrival ceremony, combined with contemporaneous news reports, tell a very different story. Four Pinocchios.

You can read more fun facts about Hillary's foreign policy experience here, FactCheck.org

City of Fort Wayne - Report a Pothole

If your driving in Fort Wayne and see a bad pot hole you can go to the above website and fill out a form with a few question to get it fixed. I've been lucky enough never to have hit a pot hole that did any damage to my vehicle, but I've I have seen story in the newspapers about some bad tire damage this past year.

I seen this on MSNBC this morning and it's on Doonesbury.com today.

It's common knowledge and has been reported in the media that al-Qaeda is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran, that's well known. And it's unfortunate."
--Sen. John McCain

"I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al-Qaeda."
--Sen. McCain, a few moments later, after Sen. Joe Lieberman whispered in his ear

If McCain becomes president, I swear it's going to be like that Hot Shots part Deux were Lloyd Bridges plays the president, or Scary Movie 3 and 4 with Leslie Nielsen as the president, but as we have found out with good Ol' George Bush, it's not funny in real life when the president is a complete buffoon.

Obama confronts U.S. legacy of racial division | The Journal Gazette

In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor.

They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding. This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years.

This is just a section of Obama's speech. It's like he read the mind of this white blue collar worker, of course I can't say it because then I'm racist, or a woman hater because I just don't get this warm fuzzy feeling from Hillary.

FortWayne.com : Fort Wayne news, sports, jobs, homes, cars

Democrats preparing for Bill Clinton visit From staff reports

Former President Clinton is coming to Fort Wayne on Tuesday, according to messages posted on Hillary Clinton’s official campaign Web site.

No one yet seems to know when or where he will appear to campaign on behalf of his wife, though, not even Allen County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bynum.
“Right now, I’m trying to find out the details,” Bynum said. He learned about it earlier today when he heard about the visit on a radio broadcast.

Early this afternoon, phones were ringing constantly at Allen County Democratic Headquarters, 1920 Bluffton Road. A sign-making party is scheduled there from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday – again, according to a message posted on the Hillary Clinton campaign site.

Because Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are still battling for the party’s nomination, Indiana’s May primary has uncommon importance. Obama was in the state Saturday, and Hillary Clinton is scheduled to appear in Terre Haute and other cities Thursday.

I think I might be coming down with something and will have to take a sick day tomorrow. I hope to find out more info as to when and were he's going to be in town.

update:

Former President Bill Clinton is visiting the Grand Wayne Center at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The Clinton campaign on Monday afternoon announced that he will visit Indiana tomorrow, attending events in Lawrenceburg, Richmond and Fort Wayne.

Yeah, may have to be a sick day tomorrow, of course it will probably be a madhouse, trying to park and security.

Photos Of Eliot Spitzer's Hooker - March 12, 2008: "Photos Of Eliot Spitzer's Hooker
Meet 'Kristen,' the 22-year-old woman who brought down the governor"

Yay!! The Smoking Gun didn't let me down, they have photos of the girl that "serviced" client #9. She's a pretty enough girl. I am not sure it worth $5,000.00 though. Especially if it would also cost your good job, something that pays well and has good benefits. You know something like GOVERNOR. You have some serious issues if your so horny that as a governor (and former prosecutor) you think it's a sound idea to use a call girl and think no one will ever catch you.

I have to say though Spitzer has better taste then Bill Clinton when it comes to women.

Clockwork chaos | The Journal Gazette

Published: March 10, 2008 6:00 a.m.
Clockwork chaos
Springing ahead trips up more than a few
By Abby Slutsky
The Journal Gazette

Benjamin Franklin is believed to have been the first person to come up with the idea of daylight saving time.
So really it's his fault that Megan Urschel was 48 minutes late to work Sunday morning.
Well maybe not all his fault.

Sunday morning was that special time of year that confuses most Hoosiers. It was time to move clocks one hour ahead. Apparently a lot of Hoosiers are going to burn in hell now because they missed or were late for Sunday service. How do you miss setting your clocks ahead or back? In todays modern world computers, cell phones, and cable boxes automatically change the time when needed.

In 2005, Gov. Mitch Daniels proposed statewide compliance with daylight saving time, and Indiana began observing daylight saving time in 2006, bringing the phrases, “spring forward” and “fall back” to parts of the state not already observing time changes.

I find it funny that it took a Republican governor kicking and screaming into the 20th. century.

Still think I'm cute? One year on, cuddly Knut has turned into a 22st killing machine | the Daily Mail: "Still think I'm cute? One year on, cuddly Knut has turned into a 22st killing machine

From ALLAN HALL in Berlin - More by this author � Last updated at 23:49pm on 2nd March 2008
A year ago, he was a cute and cuddly ball of white fur who captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

But Knut the polar bear has grown up fast - as this startled young visitor to Berlin Zoo discovered.
Knut now weighs 22 stone and has six-inch claws and a fearsome set of fangs to match.
And he seemed to be particularly keen to test them on the three-year-old boy lying on the ground next to his enclosure."

That cute little polar bear isn't so little anymore.

Gary Gygax, 'Father of D&D,' Dies at 69 | The Underwire from Wired.com

Gary Gygax, 'Father of D&D,' Dies at 69
By Lore Sjoberg Email

Gary Gygax, one of the co-creators of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, according to Stephen Chenault, CEO of Troll Lord Games.
Gygax designed the original D&D game with Dave Arneson in 1974, and went on to create the Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventure RPGs, as well as a number of board games. He also wrote several fantasy novels.

Some of my best memories are playing D&D with my friends, from teenage years all the way up to present day. I'm glad Mr. Gygax had the imagination to create such a great game that would last all these years and inspire so many other games. Thank you Mr. Gygax for all the fun and memories.

News-Sentinel.com: "Plagiarism 'all my fault': Goeglein

News-Sentinel found at least 27 guest columns used others' material."

Further investigation by The News-Sentinel has found evidence of plagiarism in seven more guest columns from former White House aide Timothy S. Goeglein.

Contacted Sunday, the Fort Wayne native attributed the plagiarism to shortcomings in his character: "Pride. Vanity. It's all my fault. It's inexcusable. What I did is wrong. I categorically apologize."

Former Fort Wayne resident and reporter Nacy Nall originally put the pieces together to expose the fraud Goeglein has been pushing off as journalism. Nacy even has a article on Slate.com about how things happened.

Last night I was watching good ol' Keith Olbermann and I heard "Fort Wayne Indiana"


(I like the quality of the videos NBC lets you embed)

It seems to fit this Goeglein guy would end up working for the Bush Whitehouse and end up resigning in shame.

It's bit exciting I guess to hear about your town and a blog you read regularly getting a mention in MSM and some national new sources.

FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Favre decides to call it a career: "Favre decides to call it a career

by Jay Glazer
Updated: March 4, 2008, 1:19 PM EST 1807 comments
The most storied quarterback career in NFL history is coming to a close.
The Green Bay Packers have confirmed a story first reported by FOXSports.com that Brett Favre, the NFL's all-time career passing leader, has decided to retire."

Talk about some bad news. In a way it's good Brett can retire in good health from such a punishing game. I know there has been rumors almost every year about him retiring but this time it seems to be serious.

I would really like to see Brett on one of the sports football shows. He could replace one or 2 of those guys on Fox, they get annoying at times.

If this site isn't on your daily reading list, it should be. Vic can really write some good stuff.

The Pragmatist's Corner Views from the middle

Here is a good example, in case anyone has forgotten about Burma, Vic writes a bit about the Rambo film but mostly about what really goes on in Burma.

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Jagger 'escaped gang murder plot'

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger escaped an assassination attempt at the hands of Hells Angels in 1969, a BBC Radio 4 documentary has claimed.

I found this on the BBC website, supposedly the Hells Angels tried to kill Jagger because he fired their security people after a fan was stabbed at the Altamont Concert.

Here is another article from the Telegraph that seems to help support what the wkik article says.

Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America

I was curious if ol' Ron was still running for president. I haven't heard much about him lately. I don't think he has had any descent showing in any of the primaries. I was just reading his website and they are begging for precinct leaders to make phone calls and such. I would guess he is circling the drain. I just don't see him making some big come back, especially against neocon golden boy McCain.

garfield minus garfield

Finally, Garfield is actually funny.

Toshiba to quit HD DVDs, ends format war - Yahoo! News: "By Mayumi Negishi Tue Feb 19, 7:28 AM ET

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Toshiba Corp (6502.T) surrendered in the high-definition home movie war on Tuesday, giving up on its HD DVD format after losing the support of key studios and retailers to the Blu-ray technology backed by Sony Corp (6758.T).
ADVERTISEMENT

The decision by the electronics maker ends the battle with a consortium led by Sony over who would set the standard for the next generation of discs, a fight that confused shoppers and stalled a move to the new technology in the $24 billion home DVD market."

Whew, I was staying up every night tossing and turning with the stress of deciding what DVD format to buy. Last thing anyone wants is to be stuck with a 21st century equivalent of Betamax. I'm surprised it wasn't a debate question. I'm pretty sure McCain was for HD DVD before he was against it.

Work has been keeping me busy this week and will be pretty busy next week too so unless I probably won't post much. Nothing other then McCain's possible affair have perked my interest much this week. Republicans should feel good that it was at least a woman involved.

"It is not like putting burning coals on people's bodies. The person is in no real danger. The impact is psychological."
-- Sen. Joe Lieberman, after voting against a bill prohibiting waterboarding

I wonder if Leiberman is willing to be waterboarded? I would pay to see that on Pay-per-View.

This just strikes me as comical.

"The Hottie & The Nottie featuring the seemingly talentless Paris Hilton has sold a meager $25,500 in tickets at 111 locations over the weekend. That means that, based on an $8 average ticket price, 29 paying customers showed up at each location over the 3-day."
-- Steve Mason at FantasyMoguls.com

I would be willing to bet her unauthorized porn movie made more money.

Romney suspends presidential campaign - CNN.com

CNN) -- Mitt Romney suspended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday, saying if he continued it would "forestall the launch of a national campaign and be making it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win."

"In this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror. This is not an easy decision. I hate to lose," the former Massachusetts governor said.

"If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."

It's a sad day in America when such a great American gives up his bid for the Whitehouse. (I just threw up a little in mouth just from typing that load of crap) Actually I'm giggling like a school girl. This is almost as good as Rotten Rudy giving up. I'm sure his "I love America" speech will help when McCain looks for a running mate, someone that will offset how much the Republicans hate McCain. I don't understand how he keeps winning if he is so awful, of course that might explain George W. I guess that is how the minds of the American sheep work, "let's see who is the worst possible person to be President and let's vote for them".

Ha Ha, I thought this was pretty funny

Hooray for the New York Giants. I'm happy they shut down the Patriots from having a perfect season!

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time - Blogs from CNN.com

"If you are looking at substance rather than if there is an R or a D after his name, manifestly, if he's our candidate, than Hillary is going to be our girl, because she's more conservative than he is," Coulter said. "I think she would be stronger on the war on terrorism."

Coulter took aim at McCain's positions — particularly his fervent anti-torture stance — and said he and Clinton differ little on the issues. Coulter also said she is prepared to campaign on Clinton's behalf should McCain win the party's nomination.

If there was any reason to think why Hillary should not be the Democrat's nominee for President. This has to be it!!!! The thought Hillary and Coulter together might give Bill some wild ideas, but it just makes me sick. Coulter any were near campaigning for Hillary and I might just vote for McCain in a general election. If Hillary tells Coulter "thanks but no thanks" that would give Hillary a few points in my book.

I'm find it funny all the old school Republicans hate McCain so much but he keeps winning primaries. You would think that would be a clue to them that they have a problem with their party. I guess I shouldn't say much, Democrats are in a bit of the same situation with Hillary. It seems everyone loves to hate her but she keeping up in the primary race.

Right now we need to do our best to get Obama into a comfortable lead. Obama isn't perfect obviously, but I think he's a better choice then Hillary. It has nothing to do with gender or race. I just think Obama would be a better President. I don't even know if I would like a Obama/Hillary ticket. Last we need is to replace Darth Chaney with Darth Hillary.
"I find your lack of faith in my health care plan disturbing"

New Obama Girl video

Barely Political

A little history lesson:

BBC ON THIS DAY | 31 | 1968: Americans alarmed by 'Tet Offensive': "1968: Americans alarmed by 'Tet Offensive'
The American command in Vietnam has reported over 5,000 people dead after two days intensive fighting.

South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu has been forced to declare martial law as communist forces, under General Vo Nguyen Giap, have kept up sustained assaults on several fronts - from Saigon in the south to Hue in the north.

Authorities in the North Vietnamese capital Hanoi, described it as, 'a more powerful and more continuous offensive' than ever before."

John Edwards to quit presidential race - Yahoo! News:

"By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer
DENVER - Democrat John Edwards is exiting the presidential race Wednesday, ending a scrappy underdog bid in which he steered his rivals toward progressive ideals while grappling with family hardship that roused voters' sympathies, The Associated Press has learned."

This is really bad news, I was really thinking Edwards would be our best choice. I guess now Obama is our last hope for a decent candidate. I really think if the democrats pick up Hillary for the nominee we are going to get raked over the coals in November. I wonder if Edwards will endorse one of the others? Hopefully he will endorse Obama.

Goodbye Rotten Rudy
Too bad no one would vote for you...

I just seen on MSNBC, Rudy only got 15% and they are saying he is dropping out of the race and going to endorse grandpa McCain.

In other bad news Hillary one again in Florida... I have a really bad feeling about this. If it comes down to Hillary vs. McCain. I would vote for Hillary but McCain just might win. It's really the last thing we need and another war monger old man in office. I don't even understand why some old man wants to be president. Why not retire and enjoy the rest of your days in Florida? Maybe he wants the presidential health care plan so he can live longer or something.

Giuliani fights for survival as Florida votes - Yahoo! News:

"Giuliani, a former New York mayor, predicted victory despite polls that show him struggling for third place."

Oh I can't express how much I hope Rotten Rudy gets his ass handed to him in Florida. If he ends up quiting the race that would just make my week. I just have a special hate for Rudy. It just seems to me he would be 10 times worse the Bush. It looks like McCain is probably going to win Florida.

"A Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released early on Tuesday showed McCain with a slim 35 percent to 31 percent lead over Romney. Giuliani and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee were tied for third place with 13 percent each in the poll, which had a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points."

Talk about the lesser of 4 evils.

I added a link for Montagano for Congress. In the upper left corner. He's a young man that we could really use in Congress, and he would unseat our long time (like 14 years) congressman Souder. It's really time we get some younger people that aren't part of the "good 'ol boy" network into congress and senate. We need people that aren't corrupted by the lobbies to get into congress and make some need changes. Hopefully as things die down a bit were I work I can make some time to get more involved in this campaign and help out if possible.

Robert Rouse has video and the best info. so I'm linking to his post.
Left of Centrist » Michael Montagano officially announces bid to unseat Mark Souder

AT&T's proposed filtering policy is bad news - Netiquette- msnbc.com

By Helen A.S. Popkin
MSNBC
updated 9:16 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 25, 2008

Joel Johnson, gadgets editor for the tech/science site boing boing, pulled a Harvey Pekar during his recent guest appearance on the online AT&T Tech Channel’s “Hugh Thompson Show.”
In 1988, Pekar, the “American Splendor” comic book writer, torpedoed his eighth (and final) appearance on NBC’s “Late Night with David Letterman” by criticizing General Electric (NBC’s parent company), for manufacturing weapons.
Johnson, exhibiting a politeness foreign to the notoriously-cranky Pekar, nonetheless used his guest shot on Thompson’s show to call attention to AT&T’s newly proposed (and very creepy) plan to filter user activity on the Internet.

AT&T to start monitoring users internet browsing and e-mails.



When ask to comment George W. Bush , just made a gesture with his hands and said "excellent", turned to a secret service agent and said "release the hounds!".

Kucinich getting out
CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Kucinich getting out - Blogs from CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) — Rep. Dennis Kucinich will announce he is abandoning his long shot bid for the White House in a news conference Friday, his campaign confirms to CNN."

Wow, another one falls out of the Presidential race. It must be true because his website has been changed over to "Re-elect Democrat Dennis Kucinich for Congress". In other bad news they don't have pictures of his wife on the new site. I guess it doesn't matter what your wife looks like if your running for Congress.

Thompson abandons White House bid - CNN.com:

"(CNN) -- Former Sen. Fred Thompson on Tuesday ended his run for the presidency, coming off the heels of a disappointing third-place finish in South Carolina's GOP primary and heading into the showdown state of Florida next week."

Earlier, Thompson finished third in Iowa, fifth in Michigan and Nevada, sixth in New Hampshire and a distant second to Mitt Romney in Wyoming.

Well it's a good thing Fred has his acting career to fall back on. All I hope for now is for Rotten Rudy to get his ass handed to him in Florida and pack it in.

GO PACKERS!!!!

WHEN they beat the Giants it's on to the BIG game, so no pressure for Farve and crew.

A little something John from Left in Aboite

10. Sometimes stays in bed until after 5 am.
9. In his sock drawer, you find pictures of women without bonnets.
8. Shows up at barn raisings in full "Kiss" makeup.
7. When you criticize him, he yells, "Thou sucketh!"
6. His name is Jebediah, but he goes by "Jeb Daddy."
5. Defiantly says, "If I had a radio, I'd listen to rap."
4. You come upon his secret stash of colored socks.
3. Uses slang expression: "Talk to the hand, 'cause the beard ain't listening."
2. Was recently pulled over for "driving under the influence of cottage cheese."
1. He's wearing his big black hat backwards.

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Taleban attack Kabul luxury hotel

Four heavily armed Taleban fighters have attacked the Serena hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, the main hotel there for international visitors.
Guests, including the Norwegian foreign minister, were rushed to the cellar to escape the attackers.
There was at least one explosion, which the Taleban say was caused by one of their men detonating a "suicide jacket", as well as shooting.
Casualty figures are not clear. Police have kept journalists from the scene.

Deteriorating security
Many international workers are based at the Serena.
In December the Taleban carried out two suicide bombings in Kabul, killing 13 people in one attack.
Later in December, a rocket attack near the Kabul governor's residence killed five people.
Security in much of Afghanistan has deteriorated in the past two years as the Taleban have renewed their attacks on Afghan security forces and Western troops.
They now have significant influence across the countryside in most of Afghanistan.
US-led forces toppled the Taleban in late 2001. However many Afghans complain that since then President Hamid Karzai's government has failed to bring about economic improvements and that corruption is as big a problem as ever.

Just like another middle eastern country, little George Bush playing cowboy charged in, defeated the bad guys then called it done.

Then went looking for the next war. Basically Afghanistan is going to go back to the Taleban and anything good that was done for Afghanistan will have been for nothing.

Little Gamers ♥ Hot swedish love

(click on the image for a larger version)
Sorry but I found that rather amusing.

Obsidian Wings: Andy Olmsted

This is a pretty sad post, by a blogger and most importantly a soldier that was recently killed in Iraq. No matter your view on the war, it's well worth reading the whole thing. It's not very often something makes me openly cry, but when I got to the last few paragraphs it really touches your heart. It's well worth it to take the time and read it.

I think it's important to read this also, how-to-help
I think I will probably send something this weekend.

h/t: Left of Centrist World Blog Report and Obsidian Wings

BBC NEWS | South Asia | 'Bribes' free top Taleban leader

Bribes' free top Taleban leader
By Alastair Leithead
BBC News, Kabul
A Taleban commander in Afghanistan responsible for leading attacks on British troops says he has been freed from prison after paying a bribe.
Mullah Sorkh Naqaibullah told the BBC he paid $15,000 (£7,500) to the Afghan authorities to win his freedom. It was the third time that the leader, known as the "Red Mullah", had been captured and released, he said. Mullah Naqaibullah operates in Helmand province, where there is a large concentration of British troops.

Nice, he's captured pays a bribe to get out, then calls the BBC to let them know he paid to get out. Hopefully next time he is captured someone will be smart enough to save everyone a lot money and shoot him while he's "escaping". This shows another reason why this whole war thing is just a waste of lives and time. The governments we have put in place in these countries are completely corrupted, and are only interested in making themselves money. I didn't know there was a middle eastern chapter of the GOP.

Iranian boats 'harass' U.S. Navy, officials say - CNN.com

(CNN) -- Five Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats "harassed and provoked" three U.S. Navy ships early Sunday in international waters, the U.S. military said Monday, calling the encounter a "significant" confrontation. The Iranian boats made "threatening" moves toward the U.S. ships and in one case came within 200 yards of one of them, the U.S. officials said. The U.S. Navy also received a radio transmission that officials believe came from the Iranian boats. The transmission said, "I am coming at you. You will explode in a couple of minutes," the U.S. military officials told CNN.
When the U.S. ships heard that radio transmission, they took up their gun positions and officers were "in the process" of giving the order to fire when the Iranians abruptly turned away, the U.S. officials said.

Sounds to me like the Revolutionary Guard is just trying to provoke US ship into firing a shot. Then they can start crying about how they have to defend themselves from the infidels. It would be George Bush/ Dick Chaney's wet dream come true if the US ships would have shot at one of the Iranian boats and started a war.

‘Miraculous’ Recovery for Man Who Fell 47 Floors - New York Times

By JAMES BARRON
Published: January 4, 2008
Alcides Moreno plunged 47 stories that morning last month, clinging to his 3-foot-wide window washer’s platform as it shot down the dark glass face of an Upper East Side apartment building. His brother Edgar, who had been working with him on the platform, was killed.
Somehow, Alcides Moreno survived.

This is a amazing story. Well worth reading. After falling 47 stories Alcides survived, obviously
hurt pretty badly but doctors think he will up and walking within a year.

Obama, Huckabee Win Iowa Caucuses - Politics on The Huffington Post

DES MOINES, Iowa — Sen. Barack Obama, bidding to become the nation's first black president, swept to victory in the Iowa caucuses Thursday night over Hillary Clinton and a high-powered Democratic field. Mike Huckabee rode a wave of support from evangelical Christians to win the opening round among Republicans in the 2008 campaign for the White House.

Hopefully this is some good news for Obama and he can keep this momentum going. Personally I favor Edwards, but I think anything is better then Hillary or a full blown Republican especially Huckabee. The bad thing is ol' Hillary will circle the wagons and really go on the attack now to pick up NH and try to get back in front.

Led Zep for festival - Mirror.co.uk

We can exclusively reveal that the legends - who staged a triumphant "one-off" gig at the O2 this month - will be the headline act at the Bonnaroo festival in the US next year.
The festival runs from June 12 to 15 in Tennessee - and if all goes smoothly they may even hit the road and tour.

This might make a trip to Tennessee worth taking. Ticket info and for driving directions

I really hope Zepplin decides to go on a real tour. It would be so great especially if they came anyplace near Fort Wayne IN.

Speaking of good music and lyrics check out the top right corner, I added a nice little thing with the lyrics to the newer Ozzy song, "Black Rain" it's a good anti war song.

Letterman, Leno Return Wednesday Night - MSN TV News

Letterman, Leno Return Wednesday Night
Jan. 2, 2008, 3:03 PM EST
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Advantage, David Letterman. Five of television's late-night funnymen return to the air Wednesday after two months, and while Letterman has his writing staff back, Jay Leno doesn't.
NBC's Leno and Conan O'Brien and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel all said they were coming back reluctantly with the writers strike still on, and will be putting on shows unlike any they've done before.
Letterman's production company worked out a separate deal with writers for his CBS "Late Show" and Craig Ferguson's "Late Late Show.

Well I think it will be interesting to see how these shows go. I always have preferred The Tonight Show over the Late Show. I usually only watch the first 1/2 hour of Leno then turn it over to Kieth Olberman.