Did He Actually Say This?

Usually Biden's presidential runs or exploratory committees last a few months and then crawl back to the credit card lined walls of their cage. He may have just set a new record for dumbest thing said AND shortest campaign in U.S. history:

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical—albeit in a slightly more backhanded way—about Mr. Obama. “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”

But—and the “but” was clearly inevitable—he doubts whether American voters are going to elect “a one-term, a guy who has served for four years in the Senate,” and added: “I don’t recall hearing a word from Barack about a plan or a tactic.”

So dum, it doesn't deserve the dignity of a "b" at the end of the word.

TPM Cafe provides further commentary on this NY Observer article

Phased Withdrawal

While the term sounds like something akin to the rhythm method, the number of proposals for getting the hell out of Iraq continues to climb (see TPM Cafe article on Senator Barack Obama's recent proposal) . At this point only the furthest reaches of Wingnuttia see the fiasco as winnable. They also either refuse to define or more likely can not define what the now rhetorical term "victory" looks like.
The main hurdle to climb is of course "the decider". While the Constitution expressly names the President as Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces, only Congress can authorize military action. That is on a purely Constitutional basis. Subsequent additions to the U.S. code, commonly referred to as the "War Powers Act", see Public Law 93-148
93rd Congress, H. J. Res. 54 or, Title 50 Ch 33 of the US code, but more specifically Ch 33 Sec 1541(b) (c) states:

(b) Congressional legislative power under necessary and proper clause Under article I, section 8, of the Constitution, it is specifically provided that the Congress shall have the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution, not only its own powers but also all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer hereof.

(c) Presidential executive power as Commander-in-Chief; limitation
The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to
(1) a declaration of war,
(2) specific statutory authorization, or
(3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.

Does his "Mission Accomplished" speech, May 1st, 2003, constitute an end to hostilities? :

Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans: Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country.

Now couple the with Ch 33 Sec. 1543(c)

(c) Periodic reports; semiannual requirement

Whenever United States Armed Forces are introduced into hostilities or into any situation described in subsection (a) of this section, the President shall, so long as such armed forces continue to be engaged in such hostilities or situation, report to the Congress periodically on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the scope and duration of such hostilities or situation, but in no event shall he report to the Congress less often than once every six months.

HOWEVER AND THIS IS THE BIGGIE Ch 33 Sec 1544 (c) states:

(c) Concurrent resolution for removal by President of United States Armed Forces

Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, at any time that United States Armed Forces are engaged in hostilities outside the territory of the United States, its possessions and territories without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization, such forces shall be removed by the President if the Congress so directs by concurrent resolution.

I am not a constitutional scholar or a lawyer, however it seems clear that if Murtha's, Obama's, or whichever resolution comes up for a vote and passes jointly than the president has no choice but to withdraw our forces.

Harvey's Phone

Film maker and Eschatonian extraordinaire Dan McEnroe has posted a short film at You Tube called Harvey's Phone. Good Stuff and as the Nutrimatic was fond of spouting "Share and Enjoy"

Paging Hunter Thompson.....

Founded in 1948, in Fontana California, the Hell's Angels have become synonymous with both the outlaw lifestyle and Americana. Hunter Thompson lived with them, amongst them, and had an apartment, plus his face, wrecked by them. With the crackdowns on their drug culture and violent get-togethers the Hell's Angels have become more of a trademark than a symbol of the open road, beer bashes, and boot stompings. The NYC club did find its way into the news however:

New York Newsday
Police Search Hells Angels' NY
January 30, 2007, 8:02 AM EST

NEW YORK -- Heavily armed police searched the Manhattan headquarters of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in response to a report that a woman might have been beaten there.

The woman was found unconscious outside the motorcycle club's building late Sunday night, police said. Roberta Shalady, 52, of Brooklyn, was hospitalized in serious condition with a head injury and bruising around the eyes, police said.

The club's attorney, and radio personality, Ron Kuby provides my favorite quote:.

"The helicopters, the SWAT teams, the boys and all the toys, the armored personnel carrier -- I think it's a little much."

Ron, this wasn't a Boy's and Girl's Club or a Girl Scout bakery that was taken down. The unpredictability in terms of how the Angel's may respond to the intrusion, due to the amount of weaponry the club has or the state of sobriety exhibited by it members, makes erring on the side of massive response more than warranted.

For those who have not read it, you should:

Alternate Reality

Many moons ago the DC comics universe was an infinite set of earths each containing an alternate reality of certain sets of heroes. Here is the short version: Earth-1 contained the modern version of superheroes, Earth-2 the WWII era heroes and their progeny, Earth-S were the old Fawcett heroes like the Marvel Family and Bulletman, and Earth-X was an alternate reality in which Germany won WWII, and so on.
This multi-reality is where I think some out news is coming from. I have to believe this or else I have to reconcile that some very powerful people in our government and media are just bat-shit crazy. For example we have the transcript of Newsweek's January 25 th interview with Earth-WTF's Dick Cheney:

CHENEY: My sense of it is that what’s happened here now over the last few weeks is that the president has shored up his position with the speech he made a couple of weeks ago, specifically on Iraq. And I think the speech, frankly Tuesday night, the State of the Union address was one of his best. I think there’s been a very positive reaction of people who saw the speech. And I think to some extent that’s helped shore us up inside the party on the Hill.

Then their Earth-WTF's other resident Bill Kristol, who a friend of mine insists is a brilliant man. My question is if "War Whore" Kristol is so brilliant why does he spend a disproportionate amount of time saying things so amazingly stupid.

KRISTOL: They’re playing — they’re leap-frogging each other in the degrees of irresponsibility they’re willing to advocate. And I really think people are being too sort of complacent and forgiving almost of the Democrats. ‘Oh, it’s politics, of course. One of them has a non-binding resolution. The other has a cap.’ It’s all totally irresponsible. It’s just unbelievable. The president is sending over a new commander, he’s sending over troops, and the Democratic Congress, in a pseudo-binding way or non-binding way, is saying, ‘It won’t work. Forget it. You troops, you’re going over there in a pointless mission. Iraqis who might side with us, forget it, we’re going to pull the plug.’ It’s so irresponsible that they can’t be quiet for six or nine months and say the president has made a decision, we’re not going to change that decision, we’re not going to cut off funds and insist on the troops coming back, so let’s give it a chance to work. You really wonder, do they want it to work or not? I really wonder that. I hate to say this about the Democrats. They’re people I know personally and I respect some of them. Do they want it to succeed or not?

Is there a way of sending them back to whatever lunatic universe these two think they are living in?

No Escalation! Petition Pimping!

Ok. Love him or hate 'em Senate MAJORITY LeaderHarry Reid (NV-D) is never boring. Over at his site "Give 'Em Hell Harry" he has a petition up. If you want to convince members of the upper chamber, Democrat or Republican, you gotta be heard.

Soooooo get moving dammit!!!

Click here.

Sad, Just Really Really Sad.

This is just right over the line pathetic. Its like they actually want our soldiers to die for no apparent reason. Click the link below an smell the desperation.

The Truth Laid Bear

PUMP IT! THE BLACK EYED WIGGLES!!!

Grist on Shrub's Alter-Fuel Policy

Shrub wants the U.S. to use more alternate fuels. Just like his, incomprehensible and Tourette's inspired, SOTU last year; we learned about the wonders of switch grass (and the evils of animal-human hybrids, still WTF?). This year tar sands, nookular, and coal head the list. Sound alternative and clean? Yeah its like buying surgical equipment from Pig-Pen's Pharmacy in Peanuts land.
The premier environmental blog Grist sets the record straight. However this quote sums it up nicely:

National Environmental Trust President Philip Clapp summed up the collective national sigh thusly: "There is no revolution in global-warming policy in anything the president is proposing, no matter how the White House tries to spin it."

Read the whole article by clicking here

Universal Health Care

Salon.com via the AP wire reports:

Obama Calls for Universal Health Care
By NEDRA PICKLER Associated Press Writer

January 25,2007 | WASHINGTON -- Every American should have health care coverage within six years, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday as he set an ambitious goal soon after jumping into the 2008 presidential race.

"The time has come for universal health care in America," Obama said at a conference of Families USA, a health care advocacy group.

"I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country," the Illinois senator said.

Obama was previewing what is shaping up to be a theme of the 2008 Democratic primary. His chief rivals, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards, also are strong proponents of universal health care and have promised to offer their plans.

Senator Obama is not the first to make this declaration and he won;t be the last during the coming campaign. I am sure that time frames and details will differ regardless of the details it is about freaking time. This is not only good for members on the lowest end of the economic spectrum it is also a godsend for small business and independent contractors. Additionally large businesses will be able to remove from their bottom line the increasingly expensive cost of providing decent insurance.
The argument against it, particularly on from the Libertarians will be "Taxes!!! Freedom of choice!!! Blah. Blah. Blah." Lets get this straight, Medicare runs more efficiently than most private insurers. Overhead at Medicare is usually around 4%-5% while amongst privates somewhere around 11%. In terms of choice, see what happens with your private insurer when you get REALLY sick. I have see friends and acquaintances be railroaded in terms of provider choices or dropped all together.
Whether it is Obama, Clinton, McCain, or even Huckabee; universal health care is a must and long overdue.

Petition Pimping: Farm Workers Getting The Shaft AGAIN!

And we ask the rhetorical question why is Saxby Chambliss (Ga-R) such a miserable ass?

"Poison pill" amendments would cut farm workers from the minimum wage

Last week, the House approved legislation (Fair Minimum Wage Act) to increase the minimum wage over two years to $7.25 per hour from $5.15 per hour. Now the bill has moved on to the senate, and is in jeopardy because anti-worker Senators are trying to attach proposals to the minimum wage bill that would be so harmful they would kill the bill.

Two of the amendments just filed directly discriminate against farm workers. Sen. Chambliss (R-GA) newly introduced amendments will affect all farm workers by turning back the clock to the pre-1966 days when migrant farm workers were excluded from minimum wage protections. The effect of Senator Chambliss' amendments is to lower the wage rates paid to foreign workers who come to this country to work in agriculture through the H2A program. This will of course have the corresponding effect of driving down wages for all farm workers – domestic, in addition to foreign. Moreover, this change would simply encourage the increasing use of foreign guest workers in potentially exploitive conditions.

Senator Chambliss' amendments would abolish the H-2A program’s Adverse Effect Wage Rate, redefine the “prevailing wage,” and eliminate the requirements to pay the state minimum wage rate.

This and other proposed amendments are simply unacceptable. But, that's the point. These proposals are "poison pills"--ideas so offensive to the bill's supporters that they could no longer vote for the bill.

There's still time to put these poison pills back in their bottle, though. The Senate can simply vote on a "clean bill" —a bill without these biased anti-worker add-ons—and give America's working people the raise they desperately need.

SIGN HERE

On Minimum Wage

Source US Dpt of Labor

States with minimum wage rates higher than the Federal
States with minimum wage rates the same as the Federal
States with no minimum wage law
States with minimum wage rates lower than the Federal
American Samoa has special minimum wage rates

After the rambling nonsense of the SOTU what could the Republicans do to top it, well how about filibuster the minimum wage bill! What was the hold up? What did Republicans want? How about tax cuts for wealthy Americans. Yep the segment of the population that has received the largest windfall will once again be given a handout.

The good news, the amount of corporate welfare was much smaller than demanded. To gain Republican support 8 billion of public treasure will be handed back in the form of tax cuts. With almost a half million Americans making the minimum wage I will be happy to see the (still inadequate at $7.25/hr) bill pass. This still leads us to a sad fact, estimating a 40 hour work week, which is bullshit in and of itself. Who the fig newton works 40 hours at minimum wage? You are either working around 80 at one, two, or possibly three jobs or underemployed so the mass market chain can avoid paying health insurance. Anyways

40 hr @$5.15/hr= $10,712/yr

40 hr @ $7.25/hr= $15,080/yr

The current wage places a family of three about $5,000 below the established, and once again ludicrously low poverty line, and the new wage would put people right on the line. A sad state of affairs. On the cloture vote 4 Republicans stood with a united Democratic front. If you are so inclined click on a name below to thank them.
Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)
Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
Arlen Specter (R-PA)

Then look at the list for the cloture vote, see if your senator is in the Nay column and let them know how ya feel. Oh look! The man of the people, the maverick, the whore St. John McCain is there.....
Summary of bill/text/ ammendments/ etc. click here

CONFERENCE TIME!!

Okay, we are nearing the end of this forced march called the NFL Playoffs. We are down to the final four, the best of the best.

New Orleans at Chicago 3:00 FOX
I would love to say that I think the Saints can use there offense to roll over the Bears and finish this Cinderella story in Miami. It won't be that easy. It all comes down to which Rex Grossman shows up at Soldier Field. The Saint's D, especially their secondary is suspect while the Bears, with the possible exception of the Ravens is the best in the league. Much like Grossman this is a coin toss.
Pick: New Orleans

New England at Indianapolis 6:30 CBS
Here we go again! Oh hell Indy's D looks really good, which has been the surprise of the playoffs, just ask the Ravens. Peyton hasn't looked especially good the last couple of weeks but it seems that they are doing just enough to win. However, I just can't pick Brady to lose a big one.
Pick New England

Divisonal PlayOffs Review

The road to the Superbowl XLI continues. There are some good games on tap with the highlight being in the AFC as Manning take on the Baltimore defense and New England tries to contain the force of nature that is LaDainian Tomlinson.

Saturday, Jan. 13
Indianapolis 15 Baltimore 6
Wanna see the stats for a defensive game?
IND: P. Manning (15-30, 170), D. Rhodes (14-56)
BAL: S. McNair (18-29, 173), M. Clayton (6-73)
Yep and it was about as interesting too, low score and sloppy offensive (yep in both senses of the word) play. Most of us were probably shocked... when we woke up. Indy moved on but Colts fans shouldn't get there hopes up. BTW was that Eli or Peyton QB-ing for Indy?
Pick: Baltimore (WRONG)

Philadelphia 24 New Orleans 27
DEUUUUUCE!
Pick: New Orleans

Sunday, Jan. 14
Seattle 24 at Chicago 27 1:00 pm FOX
Wow! Instead of bing a snoozer this was a fun and interesting game. I don't often like to be completely wrong but damn!
Pick: Seattle (WRONG)

New England 24 at San Diego 21 4:30 pm CBS
New England couldn't stop LT and they still won! Brady proves that in the last two minutes he is STILL the one you want behind center.
Pick: San Diego (WRONG)

Great games, for the most part, and I go a paltry 1-3 this week. Not detered in any way Conference picks coming up.

Divisional Playoffs Weekend

The road to the Superbowl XLI continues. There are some good games on tap with the highlight being in the AFC as Manning take on the Baltimore defense and New England tries to contain the force of nature that is LaDainian Tomlinson.

Saturday, Jan. 13
Indianapolis at Baltimore 4:30 pm CBS
Baltimore buzzsaws the Indy O-line and forces Peyton into an interception bonanza.
Pick: Baltimore

Philadelphia at New Orleans 8:00 pm FOX
Garcia has been phenomenal this season, however NOLA is at home and they have Brees, Bush, and DEUUUUUCE! Look for a tough battle, but the Saints will go marching into the next round of the playoffs.
Pick: New Orleans

Sunday, Jan. 14
Seattle at Chicago 1:00 pm FOX
The questions surrounding Hasselbeck are nothing compared to Lovie Smith's problems at QB. Griese or Grossman? Is there a third option? I don't see either one able to execute, even against a banged up Seattle secondary. The tipping point will be, can Hasselbeck return to form and perform against the Bears superior "D". I say yes, and go with a minor upset in an extremely close and maybe a snoozer of a game.
Pick: Seattle

New England at San Diego 4:30 pm CBS
Can the balanced New England attack keep up with #21? Well New England is a bit banged up in several key places, most notably Brady, who is nursing a shoulder injury. NE's secondary and D-line is also hurting, and that is bad news when you have to keep LT contained at the corners and stuffed up the middle. It'll be a close and exciting game, probably the best this weekend, but the Chargers move on to the Conference and the Pats go home.
Pick: San Diego

Condi, don't forget protection!

Man, I wish I was as good with photoshop as my huby is!

What a great pic THAT would make!

That just cements what trash Fox News is.

As one Forest Gump would say, Trash is as Trash Does.

OH PLEASE!!!

Pharyngula brought this piece of idiocy to my attention. Here is a sample:

"Condoms don't belong in school, and neither does Al Gore. He's not a schoolteacher," said Frosty Hardison, a parent of seven who also said that he believes the Earth is 14,000 years old. "The information that's being presented is a very cockeyed view of what the truth is. ... The Bible says that in the end times everything will burn up, but that perspective isn't in the DVD."

Click here for the rest

George W Bush

Bringing the same level of interest and intensity to the presidency.

Thanks to Scout Prime of First Draft

WIldcard Weekend In Review

Saturday, Jan. 6
Kansas City 8 Indianapolis 23 4:30 pm, NBC
Green looked horrible (14-24, 107) and Manning flung the ball all over the field going 30-38 (268yds) and Indy's pourous run defense stepped up and kept Johnson in check by allowing him only 32 yds rushing.
Pick: Indianapolis

Dallas 20 Seattle 21 8:00 pm, NBC
A wild game with an even wilder ending. Romo played better than I thought 17-29, 189, and almost wore the heroes halo. However the K-ball controversy steams up and a battered and bruised Seattle moves on to the Divisional round.
Pick: Seattle

Sunday, Jan. 7
N.Y. Jets 16 New England 37 1:00 pm, CBS
Oh sweet damn I shouldn't HAVE touched this game with a ten foot pole. This is what happens when you pick with your heart and not your head.
Pick: New York Jets (WRONG)

N.Y. Giants 20 at Philadelphia 23 4:30 pm, FOX
Giants end a disappointing season with a heartbreaker of a loss.
Pick: Philadelphia

Okay so here's the tally Wild card weekend record (3-1). Coming soon Divisional Playoff analysis and picks.

George Bush vs. America

Richard Nixon first invoked the support of the “Silent Majority” in a speech in November 1969. In the midst of ever-larger protests against the Vietnam War, the Silent Majority were said to be the “average” Americans, the “real” Americans – the ones who worked hard, paid their bills, and supported their government and their country. Mostly made up of the World War II generation, they were the ones who proudly stood behind the slogan, “My country, right or wrong” and bemoaned the increasing lawlessness they saw in the streets of America.

Nixon’s landslide victory in 1972 seemed to prove that there was more to the Silent Majority than just a good marketing slogan. The country was sharply divided, between Nixon’s supporters and his opponents.

It wasn’t an unusual situation. Many issues have divided the country throughout our history, from the monumental – the Civil War – to the trivial (flag-burning, anyone?). But the point was, there were always two sides to an issue, and the administration in power was on one side or the other, or trying to straddle the fence between the two.

In sharp contrast, today we have a situation where a majority of the country – more than 70% by the latest polls – stand against the administration on the most important issue of the day, the Iraq war. I can’t recall a situation like this in my lifetime. On one side you have Bush, his diehard cultists (the 25% or so percent that think he’s been sent by White Protestant Jesus to save us all), and the Washington pundit class.

On the other side, you have every possible color and stripe of American citizen, all of whom are smarter and more progressive than their putative leaders.

How long can a situation like this last? A lot will depend on the new Democratic Congress. But Bush’s announcement of his plans for troop escalation tonight just looks like his lifelong Oedipal drama writ large; this time, it’s a slap in the face to the American people he was “elected” to serve.

The American people have not really gotten collectively angry at their own leaders since Nixon’s day. With the revelations in 1973 and 1974 of his multiple crimes, even his beloved Silent Majority had to turn their backs on him. Bush doesn’t even have a Silent Majority to appeal to, only an ever-shrinking base, many of whom have domestic reasons to be displeased with him anyway.

How long can an American president last, when the whole country’s turned against him?

FREE SPOCKO!!!!!!

The Internet can do many wonderful things. Probably the greatest are the dissemination of opinion and information. In this brave new world, anyone with a computer and an ISP can become a pundit, news aggregate, or diarist. There is a nasty and darker side to this as well. Such is the case of the blogger and muckraker Spocko.

As noted by Daily Kos Diarist Mike Stark, Spocko has suffered from the hard-handed and short-sighted tactics of Disney, yes the company that thrives on good wholesome family fun. Lets look at a sample of this Mouse stations programming highlights from MediaDaily News (Jan 5, 2007):

KSFO features hard right-wing talk show hosts who endorse torture and mock the tortured, called for the public hangings of New York Times editor Bill Keller and other journalists, and demand that callers mock Islam. They also mock their own advertisers, calling Chevrolet "sh!tty" and recommending that Sears' Diehard battery be attached to an African-American's testicles.

Makes Its A Small World look like a night in a Batista-era prison eh? Well this moral family fun was recorded by Spocko and placed on the Internet through his website, Spocko's Brain. He aslo began contacting the stations advertisers such as Netflix, MasterCard, Visa, and Bank of America. When either exposed to what they were sponsoring or called on it the sponsors pulled their adverts from KSFO. Was Disney surprised, shocked and appalled at the hate speech being spewed under their corporate nose?

The Friday before Christmas, Dec. 22, ABC Radio sent a cease-and-desist order to Spocko and his Internet Service Provider, 1&1 Internet, claiming unauthorized use of copyrighted material.

Neil Simpkins, spokesperson for ISP provider 1&1 Internet, says his company received the same letter from ABC Radio that was sent to Spocko's Brain, citing unauthorized use of copyrighted material. He says 1&1 gave Spocko one week to pull the material, and when he did not, the ISP pulled his site Jan. 2.

There is just one moon and one golden sun and a smile means friendship too everyone... oh sorry I was just carried away by the wholesome fun that a cease-and desist can bring. So lets let these folks, with just a sprinkle of pixie dust and a tiny bit of magic, know just how we feel. Here are some numbers and addresses so you can share the magic!

General Programming or ABC Radio Sales
Mike Connolly
Senior Vice President, Sales
ABC Radio Networks
(212) 735-1700

Robert A. Iger
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street,
Burbank, California 91521
(818) 560-1000

1&1 Internet Inc.
701 Lee Road, Suite 300
Chesterbrook, PA 19087
Phone: 1-877-GO-1AND1
Fax: 610-560-1501

Pet Peeve

People who present their petty personal preferences as major virtues.

Example: folks who sniffily declare that "they never watch television."

You know what? That doesn't mean you're a morally superior human being, it means you... don't watch television.

Big deal.

Sheesh.

A Long And Winding Road

The infamous NTodd Pritsky and his friends Aaron Kimball, Eli Cates and Kevin Radloff have a wonderful photography site called Winding Road Visual Arts. Their subjects are elcectic and imaginative. Give them a look.

Flash Gordon, Quarterback New York Jets

Somehow this just encapsulates the Jets season......

I Like to Call This ....

Ho Hugs Pimp

Thanks to Water Tiger for finding the pic.

Why Can't I Own A Canadian?

This is a beauty of unknown origin that has made its way around the net. Some say it was a listener's response to Dr. Laura Schlessinger's statement that homosexuality was an abomination according to Old Testament Scripture, but I've seen other explanations for its origins. I thought of this today after seeing some really SAD reactions to the concept of homosexuality on a soap opera (always the bastion of moral behaviors).

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

HEY! Buy What's Hot AND Help Fight AIDS in Africa!

Some top brands, like Apple, Converse, and Motorola, are making products for the RED campaign. The way it works is simple. For every RED Product you buy, the company gives a certain percentage to buy anti-retroviral medication for HIV infected people in Africa. For example, you buy a "RED" Apple iPod Nano. Then, Apple gives $10.00 to RED. For our friends in the UK, there's even an American Express Card Red (for some reason its not available in the US) and a % of your purchases are donated to red.

To sign up and see what's out there: click here

Lordy I Loves Me Some Pharyngula

The exceptional Pharyngula, part of Science Blogs, posted this recently. I am not sure if this is better living through science but it sure is damn funny!



Video at collegehumor.com

Watch Out For Falling Neo-Cons!

In another White House shuffling of deck chairs, John "Death Squad" Negroponte was the latest neo-con to fall from grace into some deputy position. The former intelligence head, becomes, "ABRACADABRA!" deputy Secretary of State. A serious demotion. However Negroponte called this move "an opportunity of a lifetime."

(cough) BULLSHIT! (cough)

The Washington Post headlines this article "Negroponte Stepping Aside". Run out on a rail might be more accurate.

Replacing Negroponte is Mike McConnell who served as NSA chief 1992-1996. A Clinton appointee and apparently loved by Snarlin' Arlen Specter.

Excerpt from the Congressional Record dated February 29, 1996:

"Mr. President, I close by stating that everyone who calls this great Nation home owed a debt of gratitude to Vice Admiral McConnell. He has quietly, yet dutifully, served the Nation during four different decades and under seven different Commanders in Chief. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know him personally can attest to his dedication, peerless integrity, and unwavering loyalty to this Nation. It is with a sense of great pride and honor that I salute Vice Adm. Mike McConnell. "

While the website this interview is on seems more like some tin foil hat wearing "Yellow Peril" nut job, it does contain a past interview with the nominee: Softwar & The Admiral. Overall McConnell is a shoe in, he is actually qualified for the job, which is no small feat for this administration.

He is also a politically safe pick as well. he will get the "DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY" (sorry I love typing that) having served under Clinton and garners much respect from the Republican side of the aisle as well. The nomination of the Admiral is further evidence that this administration's neo-con delusions are toasted. This is a Poppy Bush's "save my family name" pick if ever there was one.

You just didn't say that!

Thisis just sheer brilliance-I couldn't stop laughing at work!!

But it's so true!

WILDCARD WEEKEND!!!!!!!

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Each team name below links to the corresponding their depth chart; while the following goes to the injury list for wild card teams. So folks, grab your finger food of choice, your beverage of preference and GET READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!

Saturday, Jan. 6
Kansas City at Indianapolis 4:30 pm, NBC
Trent Green (KC-QB) is nursing an injured ankle while two Indy wide-outs are questionable. Doesn't matter. This will be a shootout at the Dome and in those Peyton comes through, even in the playoffs.
Pick: Indianapolis

Dallas at Seattle 8:00 pm, NBC
Tough game with two tough teams. Can Romo rise to playoff caliber? I say no and Seattle puts the Cowboys out to pasture.
Pick: Seattle

Sunday, Jan. 7
N.Y. Jets at New England 1:00 pm, CBS
Oh sweet damn I shouldn't touch this game with a ten foot pole. After splitting the season series my hopes may to raised too high. I will go out on a limb here for the upset. The Jets have momentum and will beat the ultimate momentum killers, in a heart attack inducing game.
Pick: New York Jets

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia 4:30 pm, FOX
The Giants haven't proved that they have moved on from the "Tenessee Massacre" a few weeks back. Hell, they almost went belly up against Washington. Eli is one bad game away from getting the nickname "Footsteps" Manning while other key players are battered and bruised. Philly is slightly hobbled, but Garcia has looked totally Pro-Bowl. The Eagles soar and end the Giants season.
Pick: Philadelphia

The Magic Screw Ball Says.....

Not much to comment on here. How do you comment on either egregious stupidity or the insane ramblings of a lunatic mind. I would pay real money, if he would just shut the hell up!

Robertson predicts 'mass killing'
Tue Jan 2, 6:29 PM ET

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - In what has become an annual tradition of prognostications, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson predicted Tuesday that a terrorist attack on the United States would result in "mass killing" late in 2007.

"I'm not necessarily saying it's going to be nuclear," he said during his news-and-talk television show "The 700 Club" on the Christian Broadcasting Network. "The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that."

TWINE BITCHES!!!!

My friend from the prairie, Woden's Son, sent me this link. I think being out there is getting to him. Actually it is an inside joke, based on my noting that the biggest attraction in whatever small town USA is a giant ball of twine. Little did I know these freaking things are EVERYWHERE!!!!

The one Woden sent me is in Cawker City, Kansas. The stats on this amazing feet of sisal.

* 17,980 pounds Almost 9 TONS !!!
* 40 foot circumference
* Over 7,827,737 feet of sisal twine
* 1,444 Miles

Results Week 17

Correct Pick are in Orange and BOLD, incorrect picks are in red.

Saturday. Dec 30, 8:00 PM
N.Y. Giants at Washington
While I was having flashback to the Titans game a few weeks ago, Tiki decided to force the issue. Glad I got this one wrong.
Pick: Washington
Result: Giants 34 Washington 20

Sunday, Dec. 31, 1:00 PM
Carolina at New Orleans
New Orleans barely tries and is able to avoid any major injuries. I like the Saints chances this year. Their strength is offence however their defence while not top flight is serviceable. They have the ability to go far in this wide open playoffs.
Pick: Carolina
Result: Carolina 31 N.O. 21

Cleveland at Houston
Houston wins against a team that makes Jeff Wiggle look like a bowl of French Roast Espresso.
Pick: Houston
Result: Houston 14 Cleveland 6

Detroit at Dallas
Shocked me, but hell, even John Kitna has good days.
Pick: Dallas
Result: Detroit 39 Dallas 31

Jacksonville at Kansas City
A nail biter, but these two excel at that.
Pick: KC
Result: KC 35 Jacksonville 30

New England at Tennessee
The team that never sleeps ends the reign of the comeback kid. However Steve Young is a player to watch next year.
Pick: NewEngland
Result: New England 40 Tennessee 23

Oakland at N.Y. Jets
The Jets finally an convincingly beat a bad team. On to New England.
Pick: NYJ
Result: NY Jets 23 Oakland 3

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Heartbreak and bad luck that's the Bengals' way. I give kudos to Cowher and the Steelers for playing so hard when their was nothing left to win but pride.
Pick: Cincinnati
Result: Pittsburgh 23 Cincinnati 17

Seattle at Tampa Bay
No reason to really go that deeply into this mercy killing.
Pick: Seattle
Result: Seattle 23 Tampa Bay 7

St. Louis at Minnesota
St. Louis ended the season by skewering the Vikings and the Vikings firing another head coach.
Pick: Minnesota
Result: St. Louis 41 Minnesota 21

Sunday. 4:15PM
Arizona at San Diego
San Diego dozes off but still has enough to beat the lowly Cards
Pick: San Diego
Result: San Diego 27 Arizona 21

Atlanta at Philadelphia
Philadelphia and a resurgent Jeff Garcia march on.
Pick: Philadelphia
Result: Philadelphia 24 Atlanta 17

Buffalo at Baltimore
Yep.
Pick: Baltimore
Result: Baltimore 19 Buffalo 7

Miami at Indianapolis
Well Indy proves they can win in the Dome, again, but can they win in the playoffs?
Pick: Indianapolis
Result: Indy 27 Miami 22

San Francisco at Denver
Broncos tamed, damn I should know better.
Pick: Denver
Result: San Fran 26 Denver 23

Sunday. 8:15 PM
Green Bay at Chicago
It was a pure nostalgia pick, but lets not forget... (phone rings) excuse me a sec. Hello? Hey LOVIE!!! Yeah whats up babe. Can I play quarterback?.......
Pick: Green Bay
Result: Green Bay 26 Chicago 7

This Week 11-5, Overall 22-9! Upcoming THE PLAYOFFS!!!! YEAH BABY!!!

Greenwald Says It Best.

The following is a snippet from Glenn Greenwald's New Years Day post. It amazes me how Glenn can consistently hit the nails smack on the head.

So this is the grand and noble achievement which the President and his band of bloodthirsty followers are reduced to celebrating -- a lawless, thuggish hanging, carried out in clear and deliberate violation of the law, by a bunch of homicidal street thugs and militia foot soldiers who themselves will be included among our next kill targets once our glorious "sustained surge" begins.

No matter what we touch in Iraq, no matter what we do, it only makes things worse -- never better -- because the root of what we are doing is itself so rotted and incoherent and corrupt. It's beyond doubt that we're going to be treated to much more "freedom" and "justice" like this over the next two years in Iraq, at least.

The very thought of al-Sadr's thugs hanging the thug, formerly known as Saddam, shows just how far down this filthy and disgusting road Shrub and his cohorts have dragged us. Like most occupiers, our forces are not truly in control of anything they are subject to the whims of the three headed beast that is the "new" Iraq.

The Shia are in control, not just because of numbers, but because of our guns. They will be forced time and again to the more radical members of their sect. The key will be if the radicals like al-Sadr will stay on the political sidelines or fully exercise their power and create Iran-west. The fact that they were given the role of hangman for the Saddam fiasco is proof positive of their growing influence.

The Sunni's will be the eternal opposition, with overt and covert aid, from their Sunni brethren in neighboring nations. The Kurds are the wild card. With their de-facto independence they are a breath away from provoking a multi-nation war should the Kurds decide to exercise their autonomy in a meaningful way.

Three thousand U.S. dead, tens of thousands wounded, Lord knows how many Iraqis and the best these nimrods can come up with is McCain's "Surge" Doctrine. While this will make Bill Kristol giddy, we will be forced to watch. as this pigheaded administration plays out the last of its schoolyard dreams, of being the toughest kid on the block.