Optimal Rape Survival Strategy

“Had the girl simply surrendered…” » Greta Christina's Blog:

"The prospective rapist should decide not to rape the victim."

'via Blog this'

Seems pretty obvious to me.

Rick Warren - A reminder that he was always a douchebag

Rick Warren: Aurora shooting the fault of evolution - National atheism | Examiner.com:
"“People say... where was God in all of this? We've threatened high school graduation participations, if they use God's name, they're going to be jailed... I mean that kind of stuff. Where was God? What have we done with God? We don't want him around. I kind of like his protective hand being present.”"

'via Blog this'

I have seen a bit of move toward rehabilitating Rick Warren. Please don't forget what a douchebag he really is.

Lindsey Graham on The Debt Ceiling

Graham -- turn over Social Security or I shoot the economy - YouTube: ""

'via Blog this'

Fool.

On Gun Regulation

Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » No, Donny, These Men are Nihilists:

When someone is killed in a car equipped with airbags, or seat belts, the response isn’t “regulation is pointless, just give up, waaah
[snip]
 But if someone is killed by a gun that shouldn’t have been owned under our weak gun laws, all we hear is how a single failure justifies giving up on any kind of regulation whatsoever.

'via Blog this'

Yup. Guns, like Conservatism, can never fail, they can only be failed.

On Newtown guns

I hear a lot of kerfuffle about which gun was used at Sandy Hook. Does it really matter?
There is no justification for a semi-automatic weapon (rifle or pistol) unless you are law enforcement or military.
As a personal self-defense tool the high rate of fire makes you a hazard to bystanders unless you are very proficient(most are not) and if you want to defend your home then a pump action shotgun is much more effective.

Color me baffled.

Oh right... a revolver or shotgun doesn't look as cool as a Glock or a Bushmaster.

Silly me for thinking it was actually about self-defense.

On mental health and gun ownership

I find it interesting that the same folks that would require us to take the guns from their cold dead hands are more than happy to have others forcibly tossed in hospital at the hint of mental illness because to do otherwise would be a loss of freedom.

Do these folks even listen to themselves?

On the passing of Robert Bork

Pure evil

I have no words for this kind of bullshit.

"Gun control supporters have the blood of little children on their hands. Federal and state laws combined to insure that no teacher, no administrator, no adult had a gun at the Newtown school where the children were murdered. This tragedy underscores the urgency of getting rid of gun bans in school zones. The only thing accomplished by gun free zones is to insure that mass murderers can slay more before they are finally confronted by someone with a gun."

On gun ownership keeping you safe

Recall that all of the guns used in the Newtown shooting were legally owned. By the mother. She was the first person killed. With her own weapons.

Remind me again how guns kept her safe, NRA.

Assholes.

On the second amendment

Fuck that shit. What about the right of elementary school kids to not be shot in school.

First small snow of the season

No politics ... just pic

Sadly not from The Onion

Saudi Arabia implements electronic tracking system for women

Car Talk

Looking at the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Unless my math is way off it is less than $2000 premium for the hybrid fully tricked out over a fully tricked out gas version.

No brainer to me.

On hostess

One of the biggest horrors, accoding to management, was that employees had pensions.

How is that bad?

Vehicle suggestions wanted

I am starting the great car hunt. Not in a huge rush to replace my ancient PT Cruiser but she is probably about to see her last winter and it is time to start looking.

I am leaning toward some kind of hybrid or electric beasty and am intrigued by Ford's new C Max hybrid. I looked briefly at the Chevy Volt but while I will pay a premium, 40k for what appears to be basically a Cruze just doesn't make sense to me.

I have a very short commute (< 10 miles) so limited all electric range isn't a problem.

I would like something I could toss a pair of small kayaks or bikes on top of (or behind if a small trailer is an option ).

Thoughts?

Things i believe - 20121115 edition

This is going to be a possibly ongoing series of posts listing random things I think are true. Not sure where it is going but we shall see I guess.

----

I think that we live in a rich enough country that there is no reason for any child to go without a roof over their head, food in their belly and access to healthcare. I don't care if it is because they have parents that are unlucky, uneducated, sick or even just lazy. We can afford it as a society and it diminishes us when we pretend otherwise.

And no, I do not mean that we should take children from their parents.

John McCain - Still an Asshole too

John McCain Pledges to Stop Susan Rice at All Costs - Politics - The Atlantic Wire: 

"John McCain is convinced that U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice is part of a massive cover-up over the Benghazi embassy attack and is launching a preemptive campaign to keep her from becoming Secretary of State. After saying last night that he would do "everything I can" to block Rice's nomination (which hasn't even happened yet), on Wednesday McCain repeated those comments on CBS This Morning, Fox News, and during an appearance at the Washington Ideas Forum (which is sponsored by The Atlantic.) McCain is telling anyone who will listen that Rice is not qualified to be the chief U.S. diplomat and that he believes she intentionally misled people about what the government knew about the attack. "
'via Blog this'

Peter LaBarbera - Still a bigoted Asshole

LaBarbera: Tammy Baldwin 'Hardly a Role Model,' Lacks 'Healthy, Wholesome Behaviors' | Right Wing Watch:

"Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth about Homosexuality was indignant about the “shocking” election of Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin to the U.S. Senate, making her the first openly gay Senator. He told Jim Schneider of VCY America on Crosstalk that Baldwin is “hardly a role model for young women,” whom he says should uphold “healthy, wholesome behaviors, not lesbianism.” "

'via Blog this'

Mitt Romney - Clueless to the end

Daily Kos: Romney rides off into the sunset, as big a dick as always:

 "“You can imagine for somebody making $25,000 or $30,000 or $35,000 a year, being told you’re now going to get free health care, particularly if you don’t have it, getting free health care worth, what, $10,000 per family, in perpetuity, I mean, this is huge,” he said. “Likewise with Hispanic voters, free health care was a big plus. But in addition with regards to Hispanic voters, the amnesty for children of illegals, the so-called Dream Act kids, was a huge plus for that voting group.”"

He really is stupid as a stump.

On doing elections right

Via <a href=" http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/11/11/agreeing-with-david-frum ">Ed Brayton </a>

Elections should be run and controlled by a non-partisan federal agency and the system should be the same nationwide. Every precinct should have the same voting machines and the same ratio of machines, and polling places, to the number of voters. Early voting should be instituted nationwide and it should last a full month. And election day should be a national holiday

From a veteran on veterans' day

<p dir=ltr>Via <a href="http://www.first-draft.com/2012/11/i-didnt-fight-for-your-freedom.html"> First draft </a><br>

I didn't fight for your freedoms. In the six years I was in, I never once defended your right to vote, or to carry a gun, or to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure (that one doesn't really apply anymore, anyway), or any of the other things you enjoy as a citizen of this country. I just didn't. Neither did anyone who went to Iraq, or Afghanistan, or Vietnam. It's all bullshit. It's a fucking lie that we tell ourselves and each other so that we don't have to think about why we send young men and women to serve, suffer, and die for old men's vainglorious ideas and profit margins.</p>

On Small milestones

Just passed 50,000 pageviews. Took 5 years, some do that in a day. Let's see what the next 5 years brings.

Thanks for reading.

On mandates

Recall that Obama received more electoral votes than Bush 43 did. I don't recall anyone in the press saying he didn't have a mandate.

On the fiscal cliff

I fully expect my taxes to go up on January 1, 2013.

I fully expect them to go down by February 1, 2013.

I fully expect the second sentence would not be true if my income was over $250k

On Karl Rove

Why is anyone taking his advice anymore?

On epistemic closure

Did Romney's campaign really believe they were ahead?

The Fox News Effect?

On the lessons of election day

Somehow the GOP seems to think that the problem was that Romney wasn't conservative enough.

Keep thinking that.

On Karl Rove

Snort.
Giggle.

On nate silver

50 for 50.

Not bad, not bad at all.

On privilege

Most folks with it do not recognize that fact. It can make for very uncomfortable conversations with well meaning but clueless people.

I used to be one of those, but I learned better

On door to door preachers

Just horrified one by admitting my atheism and pointing out a couple of my favorite parts of the Bible (yeah they were old testament and not politically correct anymore). 

I know I shouldn't have enjoyed the look on his face when he realized I had read and understood his mythology and still rejected it. I don't think that he got that the reason I rejected it was because I understood it because he did wander off shaking his head and saying he would pray for me.

More on the reasonable Republican

If you have ever said any of the following you are not a reasonable Republican

Obamacare is government takeover of health care

Welfare is too easy to get

I want my country back

Obama is a socialist

The Lilly Ledbetter act is to protect trial lawyers

Obama hates white people

Obamacare reduces religious freedom

Obama just doesn't understand America

Same sex marriage lessens our country

Donald Trump has a point

On politics as sport

It isn't.
It should be treated seriously.

On the reasonable Republican

Seeing no evidence they exist.
Any sightings?

On naps

They are a good thing.

On teaching the controversy

It is generally only suggested by the side that knows it is wrong but still has an interest, political or financial,  in keeping the controversy alive.

Ed Brayton States the Obvious

Nice Work If You Can Get It | Dispatches from the Culture Wars: "The way we pay corporate executives in this country is appallingly stupid and gets all the incentives wrong. A CEO’s earnings should be contingent on the performance of the company, and not just the stock performance (stocks are booming now, but that doesn’t mean we have healthy companies or a healthy economy). There should be metrics beyond the price of stock, and if those metrics are met, the CEO should be paid for that performance. The same goes for other types of executives at the company. "

'via Blog this'

Booman on Darrel Issa

Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community: " If he doesn't resign, he should be treated exactly as Julian Assange has been treated. Doing indiscriminate document dumps of sensitive government records is a crime, and when a chairman of a government committee does such a thing in a nakedly partisan attempt to influence an election, they should no longer serve in Congress."

'via Blog this'

Oh Look. Another GOP Hypocrite

CNN's Erick Erickson Undermines Early Voting -- After Voting Early | Blog | Media Matters for America: "CNN contributor Erick Erickson criticized early voting, claiming that the practice could make Americans less likely to vote. But on October 18, Erickson boasted of voting early for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. "

'via Blog this'

Larry Ellison must need a new boat

Only reason I can think of that a Java update would include an opt-out required install of a piece of shit like the ask.com browser toolbar.

Shame on you Oracle.

Smarter LeftWingers please

The “Romney is to the Left of Obama” Genre of Endorsement Just Reached a New Low - Lawyers, Guns & Money : Lawyers, Guns & Money:

"Again, we need a tougher, smarter left, whether on its economic or civil wing. Saying things like Romney wouldn’t prosecute the drug war is an embarrassment. "

'via Blog this'

On Dreams

Please tell me which of these things is worse.
1) having a sex dream about someone you aren't in a relationship with
2) dreaming your girlfriend made you a whole plate of bacon with a huge stack of toast on the side

Why yes, I am on a low fat, low carb diet now. Why do you ask?

Phrases i can do without

"Skin in the game "

If you are poor in America,  you already have skin in the game. You don't need your taxes raised.

Assholes!

Shorter michael scherer

Fact Checking And the False Equivalence Dilemma http://swampland.time.com/2012/10/09/fact-checking-and-the-false-equivalence-dilemma/

Journalism is hard.

Whiner.

On writing books

Next on my to do list is a book on Business Intelligence.  Have the title and topic and basic structure in my head. Starting the outline this week and am going to do a writing schedule up after I have that complete. I would like to have the first draft complete by my birthday (Jan 6)

I know I have some authors/writers amongst my readership and any  tips or advice would be helpful.

On civility

It has been my experience that it is a useful tool to suppress legitimate dissent and support privilege.

Thoughts?

Note to Jack Welch

You sound like a fucking idiot.

I would be better off under Romney

Because I am a white male making top 10% income.

The country wouldn't.

Don't vote for Romney just because he would cut your taxes.

Think about something other than yours.

The future will thank you.

The cure for a bad day.

Good Sex.

There Is A special Place In Hell

WNYT.com - Reward offered in Pitbull puppy abuse case

 Police in Albany are searching for the suspects responsible for mutilating and leaving three puppies for dead on railroad tracks.

This blog Will Be moving

I haven't nailed down the details yet but I will be shutting down my Blogger based blogs in the next couple weeks and moving to WordPress.

This is as a result of Google deciding that this site promotes hate speech and even after an appeal they stand by their decision.

Fuckwits.

Can Jamie Dimon Survive this one?

JPMorgan Being Investigated for Money Laundering - Business - The Atlantic Wire:

"Federal authorities are investigating JPMorgan, Bank of America and other big U.S. financial institutions for potential non-compliance with federal money laundering laws, according to a report from the New York Times.  "

'via Blog this'

Of course he can.

This has been another episode of Simple Questions to Simple Questions.

Todd Akin just can't stop digging

Todd Akin on Libya: Obama Apologized 'Because He Didn't Like America' | Video Cafe: "Embattled Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) on Wednesday reacted to the death of a U.S. ambassador in Libya by accusing President Barack Obama of not liking the very country he is leading. "

'via Blog this'

On remembering 9/11

Frankly I would rather forget that day thank you very much.

Maybe I Can keep Olivia a little longer ...

After-Market Kit Turns Your Gas Guzzling Car Into A Hybrid: "The technology to convert any gas powered car or truck into a hybrid has been in the works for a few years, but the technology is closer to becoming a reality, with XL Hybrids set to roll out its after-market hybrid kits in select markets this year, with a full launch in 2013, according to Smart Planet. "

'via Blog this'

Now I have dated younger women but 46 years Younger?

Senator's wife back in Saskatoon court today - Saskatchewan - CBC News: "The wife of Manitoba Liberal Senator Rod Zimmer will appear in domestic violence court today in Saskatoon, after her arrest last week on charges of creating a disturbance and endangering the safety of a plane. Maygan Sensenberger, 23, was released on bail Monday on conditions including that she not have contact with her husband of one year, 69-year-old Senator Rod Zimmer."

'via Blog this'

Bang Bang

Grand Island Preschooler Asked to Change the Sign for His Name in School:

"Hunter Spanjer says his name with a certain special hand gesture, but at just three and a half years old, he may have to change it. "He's deaf, and his name sign, they say, is a violation of their weapons policy," explained Hunter's father, Brian Spanjer."

'via Blog this'

This is as dumb as it gets.

Rob Ford Is An Excellent Driver

Pat Robertson - God's Weatherman

Pat Robertson's CBN Suggests God Moved Hurricane to Protect Republicans | Video Cafe: "The religious lifestyle show hosted by televangelist Pat Robertson on Monday suggested that Christians in Florida had convinced God to move soon-to-be Hurricane Isaac away from Tampa, Florida to protect Republicans. "

'via Blog this'

Stupidity From The Times Public Editor

Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » Don’t Let the Door Hit You Where the Good Lord Split You: "A just-released Pew Research Center survey found that The Times’s “believability rating” had dropped drastically among Republicans compared with Democrats, and was an almost-perfect mirror opposite of Fox News’s rating. Can that be good? "

'via Blog this'

Well yes it can.

I can't believe The president is a n*****

Just fucking say it and get it over with.

No more dog whistles about welfare.
No more birther friendly jokes.

Own the fact that there is a not insignificant segment of the population that are racist scumbags and talk to them directly.

Then we can have the real conversation about race in America that we need.

And Obama will win in a landslide.

On privilege

From a comment at blaghag...

"Not getting your way all the time is not the same as being persecuted "

University of Kentucky, Louisville ban hundreds of words from athletes' tweets | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com

University of Kentucky, Louisville ban hundreds of words from athletes' tweets | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com: "As a condition of participating in sports, the schools require athletes to agree to monitoring software being placed on their social media accounts. This software emails alerts to coaches whenever athletes use a word that could embarrass the student, the university or tarnish their images on services such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

 The University of Louisville flags 406 words or slang expressions that have to do with drugs, sex, or alcohol. The University of Kentucky flags a similar number, of which 370 are sports agents’ names."

'via Blog this'

hmmm

Idiotic Comment Of The Day - Boston Herald Edition

Baker story causes stir on the Internet - BostonHerald.com:
"EBT users are lazy, whiny, scum of the Earth."

'via Blog this'

Heartiste on Women

Heartiste: Women athletes are mannish uggos because “women’s natural bodies are not evolutionarily designed to run, throw, fight or lift optimally.” « man boobz: "Women’s bodies are — and I know this will get under the skin of the right sort of losers — shaped by the relentless laws of nature to fulfill TWO PRIME DIRECTIVES. 

 Visually please men.  

 And bear children. 

 Everything else women do is commentary."

'via Blog this'

Words fail me.

How Long Will Soledad O'Brien Last at CNN

If she keeps committing journalism like this, I am guessing not long.

Dana Loesch might not be a disgusting evil person

But you would never know it from this.

I'm Ready

How I Unwittingly Infiltrated the Boy’s Club & Why It’s Time for a New Wave of Atheism | Blag Hag: "If you’re ready for this new wave of atheism, now is the time to speak up. Say that you’re ready. Vocally support organizations and individuals that are already doing it right. Vocally criticize the inappropriate and hateful behavior so the victims of such actions know you’re on their side. Demand that your organizations and clubs evolve, or start your own if they refuse. "

'via Blog this'

On Wedding Nights for Virgins

The wedding night has become a thing of legend and myth for chaste Evangelical men. — The Good Men Project:

"The wedding night has become a thing of legend and myth for chaste Evangelical men. Allegedly, saving sex for marriage means that God blesses the couple with a wild night of carnal ecstasy. Angels will gather ‘round the bed, empowering a lengthy night of sexual pleasure performed in the sight of God Almighty. Erotic acrobatics and a buffet of orgasms await the abstinent groom after he whisks his beloved across the threshold of the honeymoon suite. The couple might settle down around four a.m. Then they’ll wake up four hours later, have another sex festival, order brunch from room service, and start all over again. I’ve heard ministers tell engaged couples not to spend their honeymoon anywhere too exciting, because they will spend all their time in the bedroom.  

If this happened to you, congratulations. Then again, it probably means that someone told you that getting married makes it okay to use Ecstasy and cocaine, too."

'via Blog this'

On Consent - Yes This post is about Sex

Is Anal Sex The New Dealbreaker? — The Good Men Project: "**To be clear, “you said that you don’t want to because anal sex hurts, but it doesn’t hurt if you go slow and use lots of lube, which we will, and if it ever hurts just say so and we’ll stop immediately” is good consent. “Please baby, just once, for me?” is not."

'via Blog this'

On Fighting Back

Daily Kos: Boo-effing-hoo, for the bully Mitt Romney: "Romney won the Republican primaries by vastly outspending his opponents, and going overwhelmingly negative against them, which is what one does when one can't go overwhelmingly positive about oneself, because oneself is a petty, boorish ass. But Mitt isn't used to anyone being able to fight back. He isn't used to having to abide by accepted standards of behavior. This is all so painful and ugly. You people should just hand Mitt the keys to the White House. Since Versailles isn't available. "

'via Blog this'

On The Turing Test

Computational Complexity: Is the Turing Test Still Interesting?: "In a couple of years it will be clear that computers easily pass the Turing test. It will be another milestone, like beating humans at Chess and Jeopardy. The computers won't be any more intelligent by passing the test but they will be more useful. And I'll take useful over intelligent any day. "

'via Blog this'

Obama On Romney's Tax Plan

President Obama Throws Down The Gauntlet in New Hampshire | Crooks and Liars: "Governor’s Romney tax plan - this is not my analysis now - this is the analysis of independent folks who analyze tax plans for a living. That’s what they do. Their analysis showed that Governor Romney's tax plan would actually raise taxes on middle class families with children by an average of $2,000. Not to reduce the deficit, not to grow jobs, not to invest in education, but to give another tax cut to folks like him. "

'via Blog this'

About Voter Fraud

Who Can Vote? - A News21 2012 National Project: "Two thousand cases of election fraud that could have been prevented by voter ID laws? Actually, no. The cases reported to News21 from all the public-records requests cover a dozen different kinds of election illegalities and irregularities. Only one of those categories — impersonation of another voter at a voting place — involves the kind of fraud that Election Day voter ID laws could prevent. And only 10 such cases over more than a decade were reported to News21 by election officials and prosecutors across the country. During that time, 146 million Americans were registered to vote."

'via Blog this'

Stanton Friedman On Flying Saucers

A film by a friend and former classmate, Paul Kimball.

More on that Social Contract Thing

David Simon | Mitt Romney paid taxes at a rate of at least 13 percent. And he’s proud to say so.: "Can we stand back and pause a short minute to take in the spectacle of a man who wants to be President of The United States, who wants us to seriously regard him as a paragon of the American civic ideal, declaiming proudly and in public that he has paid his taxes at a third of the rate normally associated with gentlemen of his economic benefit."

'via Blog this'

Compassionate Conservatism

Forbes On Fox Panelist: "Why Can't We Make Someone Feel Embarrassed" For Being On Welfare?


Because that would make you a heartless asshole?

Hank Williams Jr. Really is an Asshole

Hank Williams Jr. brings country hits and political jabs to the fair | Metromix Des Moines: "“We’ve got a Muslim president who hates farming, hates the military, hates the US and we hate him!” "

'via Blog this'

The New Jersey Miracle

N.J. Tax Revenues Lower Than Anticipated « CBS Philly: "Pair that with an unemployment rate not seen in 35 years and Randall believes the state needs a major shot in the arm to improve the lingering perception that New Jersey is not a business-friendly state. "

'via Blog this'

Why Are these people treated seriously?

Anti-Obama Navy SEAL leader: I’m a Birther | The Cable:
 ""I have to admit that I'm a Birther," said SOS founder Larry Bailey, a retired 27-year veteran of the Navy SEALs, in an interview. "If there were a jury of 12 good men and women and the evidence were placed before them, there would be absolutely no question Barack Obama was not born where he said he was and is not who he says he is.""

'via Blog this'

Tom Morello on Paul Ryan

One of Ryan's 'Favorite' Bands Rages Against Class War | Crooks and Liars:

 "Don't mistake me, I clearly see that Ryan has a whole lotta "rage" in him: A rage against women, a rage against immigrants, a rage against workers, a rage against gays, a rage against the poor, a rage against the environment. Basically the only thing he's not raging against is the privileged elite he's groveling in front of for campaign contributions.You see, the super rich must rationalize having more than they could ever spend while millions of children in the U.S. go to bed hungry every night. So, when they look themselves in the mirror, they convince themselves that "Those people are undeserving. They're . . . lesser." Some of these guys on the extreme right are more cynical than Paul Ryan, but he seems to really believe in this stuff. This unbridled rage against those who have the least is a cornerstone of the Romney-Ryan ticket."

'via Blog this'

Greg Sargent on The Romney Campaign

Romney advisers confirm it: We’re running a `just trust me’ campaign - The Plum Line - The Washington Post:

"The campaign thinks sharing details about what he’d actually do as president would be politically suicidal."

'via Blog this'

I don't have the words to express my feelings on this.

Ayn Rand on Ronald Reagan

“I urge you, as emphatically as I can, not to support the candidacy of Ronald Reagan. I urge you not to work for or advocate his nomination, and not to vote for him. My reasons are as follows: Mr. Reagan is not a champion of capitalism, but a conservative in the worst sense of that word—i.e., an advocate of a mixed economy with government controls slanted in favor of business rather than labor (which, philosophically, is as untenable a position as one could choose—see Fred Kinnan in Atlas Shrugged, pp. 541-2). This description applies in various degrees to most Republican politicians, but most of them preserve some respect for the rights of the individual. Mr. Reagan does not: he opposes the right to abortion.”

Blind squirrel finds a nut.

Charlie Pierce on Ryan As VP Pick

Paul Ryan Romney VP Pick - Paul Ryan, Candidate for Vice President - Esquire: "Make no mistake. In his decision to make Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny-starver from Wisconsin, his running mate, Romney finally surrendered the tattered remnants of his soul not only to the extreme base of his party, but also to extremist economic policies, and to an extremist view of the country he seeks to lead. "

'via Blog this'

On Darcy Burner

I think that Darcy Burner is smart, articulate and a hard worker.

Until she finds a billionaire to make her their political vanity project she will continue to lose elections because she gets outspent.

This is the reality of modern electoral politics in America. 

Everything you need to know about Bowles-Simpson

Lindsey Graham: 'Stupid' to Let Tax Cuts for Wealthy Expire | Video Cafe:

""If you're looking for a job, this election is not about Romney's tax returns, it's about your tax returns," he continued. "Both candidates should pledge, 'If I get to be president of the United States, we're going to do Bowles-Simpson [debt-cutting plan].'""

'via Blog this'

If Lindsey Graham thinks it is a good idea .. it isn't.

Geekery - Motor Control with a CPLD

Stupid Comment Of The Day - Politico Edition

Oak Creek Sikh temple shootings: 7 dead - POLITICO.com: 

"This has become a fringe belief group of new age seekers in the past forty years. Most of the followers in the US are desperately seeking a truth that their conventional traditional religions did not supply. As a result there are many mentally unstable personalities who put theirselves and their families in harms way by what would be considered a cult in the USA. That the males carry knives makes it suggestive that a family member lost a relative to the cult, and was protesting that loss. "
'via Blog this'

Words fail me

When You lose Ed Morrissey You are Fucked as a Republican

Obama, Democrats suing to block military voting in Ohio? Update: No « Hot Air: "So no, they aren’t trying to block military members from getting to the polls, but arguing that since the polls will be open anyway, everyone else should have access to them as well.  A couple of commenters think this will be a “logistical nightmare,” but the logistics aren’t really that scaleable.  Having the polls open for a few would be the same as having them open for many.  There may need to be  few more election judges, but those positions are voluntary anyway."

'via Blog this'

Booman on Mitt Romney

Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community:

"He's just not a nice person. He's very arrogant. He's very insulated. He lacks basic instincts for decorum and politeness. He's the kind of person who is as likely to insult you unintentionally as intentionally, and you're often left wondering whether he said something to be mean or just because he's clueless. "

'via Blog this'

Stupid or Evil ... you decide

On presidents and the rich.

I have heard it said that if you are rich then you should want a Republican as president. 

Thus is only true if the only thing you give a fuck about is the amount of money you have. If it is important to you that people are treated fairly and that there is at least the chance of equal opportunity for all then just maybe the above isn't true.

If your one driving motto is "I have mine, now go fuck yourself" then by all means vote GOP. Personally I think that you suck.

But then you don't want my opinion...

Just Standing his ground

Florida man charged with hate crime says he ‘only shot a n*gger’ | The Raw Story: "Authorities in Port St. Joe, Florida say a man charged with a hate crime felt inconvenienced by his arrest because he had “only shot a n*gger.” "

'via Blog this'

Nice Job TN Dems

Tennessee Democratic Party disavows its own Senate candidate | The Raw Story: "Clayton’s own website currently returns a Bandwidth Limit Exceeded message. According to an article at Mother Jones Magazine, however, when the site is available, it reveals that “Mark Clayton believes the federal government is building a massive, four-football-field wide superhighway from Mexico City to Toronto as part of a secret plot to establish a new North American Union that will bring an end to America as we know it.” "

'via Blog this'

And in the big brass balls department

Paterno family wants to appeal Penn State sanctions - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- Joe Paterno's family said Friday it intends to appeal the National Collegiate Athletic Association's sanctions against Penn State University in the aftermath of the child sexual abuse scandal. "

'via Blog this'

Dumbest Thing Matt Stoller Has Ever Written

Obama’s Second Term Agenda: Cutting Social Security, Medicare, and/or Medicaid « naked capitalism:

"This is probably the least important Presidential election since the 1950s. As an experienced political hand told me, the two candidates are speaking not to the voters, but to the big money. They hold the same views, pursue the same policies, and are backed by similar interests. "

'via Blog this'

Anyone that writes the above is too stupid to be allowed to go out by themselves for fear they would walk into traffic.

Anyone that writes the above and thinks they are doing serious political commentary is delusional.

Naked Capitalism has become a swamp of anti-Obama bullshit. It is a shame really because Yves Smith is a brilliant economic commentator.

Amani on The Vetting

The Conservative Majority Fund just found out that President Obama is black, you guys. | Angry Black Lady Chronicles: "First of all, if you don’t know “who President Obama is,” you’re stupid. Without question."

'via Blog this'

Worst Political Definition of the Day

In politics, what does it mean to be Moderate; Conservative; or Liberal/Progressive? - Yahoo! Answers: "
 Conservative means preferring traditional values. Liberal is the exact opposite. "

'via Blog this'

Dumbest Comment On Sally Ride

The Thinking Housewife tries to tarnish the legacy of Sally Ride with a surreally homophobic eulogy « man boobz:
"Ride’s life, however, does not even offer that slim hope to little girls, that wonderful compensation for dreary days in a control cabin. Ride flew into space but never experienced other thrills that are as great or far greater. She never gave a man such necessary and life-sustaining love that he was able to do great things, such as fly into space. "

'via Blog this'

Eagle Scouts Showing how to do it

Eagle Scouts stand up to the Boy Scouts of America: *UPDATED* - Boing Boing: "The Boy Scouts of America bans participation in scouting by openly gay, bisexual, or transgender kids and bans GBLT adults from serving as scout masters. Legally, that's their right as a private organization. But that doesn't make it the right thing to do. Since the BSA doubled down on that position on July 17, I've seen letters from numerous Eagle Scouts who have sent their hard-earned awards back to the organization."

'via Blog this'

Another reason we need single payer universal healthcare in the USA

Poop Strong: "Fortunately, in part due to my young age and the extraordinary care I have received at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, I’ve been able to cope quite well so far despite the difficulties of treatment. Unfortunately, cancer treatment is quite expensive, and recently the ASU student insurance plan stopped covering my cost of care. The Aetna student health insurance plan provided by ASU caps the lifetime insurance benefit paid out at $300,000, which the high cost of treatment used up in less than one year."

'via Blog this'

Comment Of The Day - Balloon Juice Edition - Part Something

Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » Black Couple Banned From Marrying at Mississippi Church: "And whilt it might be true what you say, that, “... it may be entirely true that the couple was denied a wedding purely on racist grounds, but one can’t conclude that from this post,” by now, I’m through giving assholes the benefit of the doubt. By now, my feeling is, “If it looks racist, and smells racist, then it is racist.” Too many people like you are willing to look for reasons to wxcuse this kind of shit. I think it’s time that we as a society begin calling this shit out for what it is more widely. Every time something like this happens, too amny people are willing to look for excuses for the assholes who do this. Some yahoo congressman calls the president “uooity” and people buy his lame-ass whining that he didn’t know what it meant. Fuck that. If people want to be racist assholes, then that is their right. But the rest of us have a duty to this country to shun them for it. All decent people in the U.S. need to shun this church."

'via Blog this'

A MRA Take on Aurora

JohnTheOther: the Aurora heroes aren’t heroes. KEYWORDS: calculus of death, vagina, drug addled slut « man boobz:
 "Those three men are not heroes, they’re just dead. The calculus of death, where one life is traded in celebration for another by preference of a vagina, is pathological and regressive. It must be recognized as the sickness it is. Those who lionized these men, whose fatal and unexamined instinct led to self-destruction; those who held them up as a heroic example to follow, are cordially invited to go first — or to go fuck themselves."

'via Blog this'

Asshole

A Conservative on the problem with Romney

Is Being a Gaffe Machine Romney’s Main Problem? | The American Conservative: "Part of the explanation is that Romney is simply a klutz, that despite a nearly preternatural ability to make money for himself and his partners, he lacks political instincts. But there’s something else: Romney–who was probably the most mainstream of serious contenders for the Republican nomination–doesn’t understand how much American Republican politics has gone off the rails. He might think that the Tory leaders of Britain are pining for Churchillian rhetoric and a restoration of neoconservative warmongering, all under the guise of American “leadership.” But this is simply not the case. David Cameron and the British conservatives are far more comfortable with Obama’s policies than with those of George W. Bush. Among our allies (save, of course, Israel) there was little enthusiasm for the Iraq War, the continuing war in Afghanistan, and there is none for a war with Iran. Yet for reasons to me unfathomable, Romney has encouraged neoconservatives to embed themselves in his campaign, and no doubt, his administration, if there is to be one."

'via Blog this'

On That Chick-Fil-A Letter

Daily Kos: Chick-Fil-A's latest failed effort to spin backlash from funding hate-groups:
"The thing is a form letter. This is the identical letter sent out by franchise owners John and Cristina Crays of Chick-fil-A Downtown Decatur, GA, also Chicago, IL and apparently elsewhere as well. All that's been changed are details specific to each location.

 So, clearly this is a top-down effort orchestrated by corporate itself to distance individual owners from well, corporate itself. It's an attempt to spin individual stores away from the mess President Cathy has created for the whole chain of 1,600 stores. We're encouraged to not take it out on individual franchises, just keep buying that chicken because they're such nice people."

'via Blog this'

Spin wheel spin

What MRAs are really worried about

Men’s Rights Redditor: “The cougar phenomenon is perverse. Yet we criminalize sex with fertile women who haven’t passed some arbitrary age limit.” « man boobz: "Complaining that men can’t legally have sex with girls – sorry, “fertile women” – aged 15 and younger: Men’s Rights activism at its finest! "

'via Blog this'

Bill Kristol On Assault Rifles.

Bill Kristol: People Don't Have a Right to Assault Rifles | Video Cafe:

""People have a right to handguns and hunting rifles," Kristol told Fox News host Chris Wallace. "I don't think they have a right to semi-automatic, quasi-machine guns that can be used to shoot a hundred bullets at a time.""
'via Blog this'

Since Bill Kristol is wrong about just about everything I have to think that nothing will come of this.

On Mass Murder

Serious question for my faithful readers.

When was the last mass killing that was not accomplished with firearms? I am thinking that it was 9/11 and before that the Oklahoma City bombing?

Anyone still care to say that there is no connection between easy access to guns in this country and mass killings?

This Was Inevitable

21 Burned in Hot Coal Walk Hosted by Motivational Speaker - NYTimes.com: "SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fire officials said 21 people at an event hosted by motivational speaker Tony Robbins suffered burns while walking across hot coals and three of the injured were treated at hospitals. "

'via Blog this'

On the Lessons of Aurora

Good to see that we learned the right lesson about what needs to be controlled.

Thanks to my old scrabble playing buddy Shihab Salim for the link.

On That Flag House - As A Public Service

I have seen this pic show up on Facebook and around the net. It is usually accompanied by a commentary about how some terrible Liberal Home Owner's Association has banned the display of the American flag.

How can I put this delicately ...

It is transparent BULLSHIT and anyone that didn't have an ax to grind would have seen through it in 2 minutes.

• There is a federal law that would not allow an HOA to have this kind of a rule. 
• The Flag House was painted that way to antagonize the local Historical Society. The owner painted another of his houses in the area black to similarly be a pain in their ass..

Now, all you nice folks that "liked" the original Facebook post can go and spread the word. 

Yeah , I crack myself up.

Senator Ron Johnson on Gun Control

Tea Party Senator: Keeping Guns From 'Demented Individuals' Will 'Restrict Our Freedoms' | ThinkProgress: "Responding to the tragic shooting in Colorado during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) said he would oppose gun control efforts that could be used to “restrict our freedoms” and instead suggested arming “responsible” people to combat “sick, demented individuals who want to do harm.” "

'via Blog this'

Dumbass

Meowbify

Meowbify: "Meowbify uses Mobify's industry leading technology to make the whole internet cat friendly. "

'via Blog this'

Best website ever.
via ManBoobz

For All Those Brave Concealed Carry Folk

You would have not made a difference. Just fucking admit that concealed carry is to make you feel like you have a larger penis. (and yes I know that some women have concealed carry permits but comment still applies)

via Booman

Things That Piss Me Off - Aurora Edition

Folks that say that if they and their concealed carry permitted handgun had been there then all would have been well.

The guy was wearing fucking body armor. Even if he wasn't, one of the things that differentiates the bad guys from the good guys in a situation like this is that the bad guy is the one with the fucking gun.

The false bravado that is on display here really makes me sick.

TBogg on Not Releasing Box Office Numbers

We Bled Inside Each Others Wounds | TBogg: "I’m not a Hollywood basher, but for an industry that generates their greatest profits with slam bang exploding-robot body count shoot’em ups, I think denying Nikki Finke the weekend numbers for a day as a gesture of solidarity falls somewhere along the lines of dropping a penny in a beggars cup and then patting yourself on the back for being so magnanimous. "

'via Blog this'

Sounds about right

Rick Warren On Aurora

When students are taught they are no different from animals, they act like it.
— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) July 20, 2012

Next time someone tells me that Rick Warren is a reasonable guy I have just two words for them. Fuck You.

Aurora Shooter's Kit

Would it have mattered one iota if every single person in that theater had a gun? I don't think so. This guy wanted to kill a lot of people and wanted to survive even if someone fired back. This is scary shit boys and girls. 

Picture via digby

PZ Myers on Aurora

I wish we didn’t have atheists saying this | Pharyngula: "Blame it on the real causes: a culture that glorifies violence, easy availability of deadly weapons, and mostly James Fucking Holmes. Anything else is a distraction from correcting the real causes."

'via Blog this'

NAMI on Bill Bolling

NAMI | Virginia Lt. Governor's Statement: ""Lt. Governor Bill Bolling's statement to the Daily Press of Hampton Roads, Va., saying that Obama voters should 'check themselves into a mental hospital' is an insult to all Virginians and all Americans— including active duty military personnel, veterans and people who actually live with mental illness. "

'via Blog this'

Alex Jones On Aurora

Yes, Alex Jones is batshit crazy

On Aurora

All I have is tears.

Horrible.

Why Romney's Taxes Matter

This really isn't that tricky.

It matters because he is rich AND is making an argument that it is important for rich people to continue getting preferential treatment for the form of income they primarily have.

It matters because most Americans do not (and cannot) do aggressive tax planning and they feel that those that do are in some way cheating even if everything is legal. Tax avoidance is a choice, not your civic duty. He has an IRA worth $100,000,000. Think about that for a minute...

It matters because there is a real chance that Romney could have paid less than 10% in taxes if he had halfway competent advice in 2009. If his tithing to his church was more than the tax he paid I think it shows us something about what he thinks is important.

It matters because he has been planning on running for president for over 10 years and he apparently didn't give a shit about any of this. Did he really think that nobody would ask the questions? His dad released many years of taxes and still Mitt thought it wouldn't be an issue. Really? Is Romney that tone deaf?

I could go on but I have to go earn a living.

5 Year Blogiversary

Who would have thought that I had so many opinions on so many things.

Yeah, OK. Anyone that ever met me for more than 10 minutes.

Anyway, Happy Blogiversary to me.

Random relationship thoughts

Been thinking a lot about what I want in a woman.

I hope that my regular readers, or new ones, will feel free to tell me when I am being unrealistic, or just an asshole, in this ongoing series.

The stuff that follows won't be in any particular order, maybe I will do that some time on the future.

My future partner must want to be a permanent part of my life. Call it marriage or civil union or living together or whatever you want.  I don't want to be someone's boyfriend. I don't want friends with benefits. I don't want to commute to see her on weekends. I want to be her spouse.

My future partner must make me feel sexy. Yeah that is a subjective thing but everyone knows what I mean. It doesn't mean that she is a smoking hot model. It just means that she knows how to make me feel like I am George Clooney or Brad Pitt when she wants to.

I want someone with a better credit rating(not hard) and at least within spitting distance of as much disposable income as I have. I am not rich but I am not poor either and I want to do the things as a couple that I like to do by myself without bankrupting us.

I want someone that has had all of the kids they want. They don't have to be all gone but I am not going to start a second family in my 50's.

I want someone that knows who they are. If you have some wild idea that "someday I want to chuck it all and do X" and you don't have a reasonable plan as to how to make that happen then it ain't gonna happen and I can't watch that happen to someone. Dreams are great and I will support you in making them come true but there has to be a way we can do it beyond wishing and hoping.

To be continued...

Stupid Comment Of The Day - Business Insider Edition

Mitt Romney's Bain Capital Media Blitz Counterattack To the Obama Campaign - Business Insider: "Without rich people you have nothing...the economy dies and you and your friends no longer have your welfare and food stamps to live on...and your union buddies no longer have their pension "

'via Blog this'

What The Good Men Project Does right

Can Young Girls Really Seduce Older Men? by @hugoschwyzer — The Good Men Project: "There is no gray area here. Grown men who outsource their self-control to grown women underestimate their own capacity for reflection and restraint. Grown men who outsource that control to little girls—even little girls with women’s bodies—use the myth of male weakness to justify the unspeakable."

'via Blog this'

Good Men Project Should Not Do Science

Table Top Particle Accelerator Threatens Universe Portably — The Good Men Project: "In “what do you mean you reversed the polarity on the neutron flow?” news, scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have created an atom smasher small enough to fit on an average kitchen dinette from Ikea. Wait, what?"

'via Blog this'

The rest of the post is just as stupid.

Looks perfectly reasonable to me

Joe Paterno Got a Huge Payout During Sandusky Scandal - National - The Atlantic Wire: "Mr. Paterno was to be paid $3 million at the end of the 2011 season if he agreed it would be his last. Interest-free loans totaling $350,000 that the university had made to Mr. Paterno over the years would be forgiven as part of the retirement package. He would also have the use of the university’s private plane and a luxury box at Beaver Stadium for him and his family to use over the next 25 years. "

'via Blog this'

PZ Meyers on the Singularity

And everyone gets a robot pony! | Pharyngula:

"I’m not anti-AI; I think we are going to make great advances in the future, and we’re going to learn all kinds of interesting things. But reverse-engineering something that is the product of almost 4 billion years of evolution, that has been tweaked and finessed in complex and incomprehensible ways, and that is dependent on activity at a sub-cellular level, by hacking it apart and taking pictures of it? Total bollocks. "
'via Blog this'

I agree with this statement word for word

Um, errr, wtf? Treason edition

Iowa Republican joins alternative government | TPM2012: "In a letter released Friday, Randi Shannon informs supporters of her new position as “U.S. Senator in the Republic of the United States of America.” You see, according to Shannon, the U.S. government has been acting unlawfully as the “‘official government,’ which clearly it is not!” "

'via Blog this'

On Conservative Principles

d r i f t g l a s s: "Here is a Revised List...": "The "clinging to his principles" persona that he has cultivated conveniently ignores the wrongness of all that he "believes". "

'via Blog this'

On Scaring People

U.S. Army General: The Whole Northern Hemisphere is at Risk of Becoming Largely Uninhabitable :: "Because details are sparse and research limited, it is difficult to predict what nuclear fall out from Japan may look like. The following map may be of some help, as it details the estimated fallout pattern resulting from a nuclear war between Russia and the United States. "

'via Blog this'

Dumbest thing Ted Nugent Said Lately

NUGENT: Turncoat Roberts - Washington Times: "Because our legislative, judicial and executive branches of government hold the 10th Amendment in contempt, I’m beginning to wonder if it would have been best had the South won the Civil War. Our Founding Fathers’ concept of limited government is dead. "

'via Blog this'

A Cheese Giant Falls

Daphne Zepos, Champion of Fine Cheese, Dies at 52 | WOMEN'S LENS - Un coup d'oeil féminin: "Daphne Zepos, an internationally known authority oncheese whose expertise encompassed the buying of it, the selling of it, the making of it and above all the almost transcendental experience of eating it, died on Tuesday at her home in San Francisco. She was 52. The cause was lung cancer, her husband, Brad Brown, said. "

'via Blog this'

More Birther Bullshit

Obama’s legal identity problem: "We both agree, however, on the most important conclusion of all: it is extremely unlikely that the social security number used by Barack Hussein Obama was legitimately issued."

'via Blog this'

On Religious Freedom In Lousiana

Republican Horrified to Discover that Christianity is Not the Only Religion: "It's an honest mistake, assuming that the Constitution only protects your own personal megachurch faith. But one Louisiana Republican is learning the hard way that religious school vouchers can be used to fund education at all sorts of religious schools, even Muslim ones. And while she's totally in favor of taxpayer money being used to pay for kids to go to Christian schools, she's willing to put a stop to the entire program if Muslim schools are going to be involved. "

'via Blog this'

Why Yes, Chris Christie IS a douche with anger management issues

On felonies and the right to vote

Can someone give me a rational explanation as to why someone convicted of a felony should still be denied the right to vote upon the completion of their sentence?

On The Google Nexus 7

I think I want one.
Any showstoppers?

How Not To Use Statistics

Guest Post: The Nature of Privilege | Dispatches from the Culture Wars:

"Those half dozen instances are the tip of the iceberg in terms of the avalanche of attacks on trans* people throughout the world, particularly against transwomen of color. A nationwide survey of bias-motivated violence against LGBT people from 1985 to 1998 by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs found that incidents targeting transgender people accounted for 20% of all murders and about 40% of all police-initiated violence. According to the same project, in 2010 44 percent of LGBTQH (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected) murder victims were trans women, and in 2009 trans women were 50 percent of murder victims. Yet trans people as a whole are only about 1 percent of the LGBTQH population. Trans women also more often experienced multiple forms of violence and more severe violence, as well as more police bias and violence."

'via Blog this'

Reading that, you would think there is an epidemic of murder involving transgender folk. Fortunately this isn't actually the case. In 2003 and 2004 there were a total of 38 murders in the LGBT hate-crime category. I can't tell you how many there were in 2010 or 2009 because the pdfs are mislinked and I can't read the damn things. I am guessing that it is a roughly similar number.

I always get suspicious when someone talks in percentages rather than absolute numbers and I get particularly annoyed when someone who I would probably agree with on most things does a bullshit move like this.

Let's Privatize Fire Departments Next!

Lifeguard fired for helping in beach rescue in Hallandale Beach - Sun Sentinel: "HALLANDALE BEACH — As lifeguards are paid and trained to do, Tomas Lopez rushed down the beach to rescue a drowning man — and then got fired for it. "

'via Blog this'

On Why Stack Ranking Is Stupid

Why Should We Reform Education Using Microsoft's Failed Ranking Policies? | Crooks and Liars: "“It leads to employees focusing on competing with each other rather than competing with other companies.”"

'via Blog this'

On Romney and Offshore Investments

Kryptonite | TPM Editors Blog:

"Once the Dems have saturated the public with the offshore tax haven story, Romney is going to be really, really hard pressed not to release a lot more of his tax returns. A lot. "

'via Blog this'

I disagree. I think that if Romney releases his older tax returns this election is over. I think that his advisors know it. He will be lucky to win Alabama.

On Men At Work

Has there ever been a more overtly misogynistic show ever? I am hard to shock but I cannot find any redeeming value in this show at all.

More on the San Diego Fireworks

On San Diego and Fireworks

San Diego Accidentally Set Off All Its Fourth Of July Fireworks at Once - National - The Atlantic Wire: "Folks in San Diego witnessed what was either the worst Fourth of July fireworks celebration — or the absolute best — when a technical malfunction caused all of their pyrotechnics to go off at the same time. The annual Big Bay Boom extravaganza began and ended in spectacular fashion when an inadvertent signal set off the explosions about five minutes early and caused the entire 18 minute show to take place in about 15 seconds. Confused spectators waited around for what they thought was going to be the rest of the show, but were sent home and told the show (that was supposed to be choreographed to music) was canceled.  "

'via Blog this'

On Online Dating

Since I suck at being alone ...

What are folks' recommendations for online dating sites I should try?
Or which ones should I make sure I stay the hell away from?
Or should I just give up and buy a dog?

yes, Joe Walsh is a douchebag

‘Ashleigh! Ashleigh!’: Joe Walsh Digs In On Duckworth Flap (VIDEO) | TPM2012: "Walsh charged that Duckworth hasn’t told voters where she stands on the issues. But Banfield had come prepared: She brought out reference materials on issues that Duckworth has discussed. The interview devolved into a shouting match, as the two fought back and forth on Duckworth’s record of service, Walsh’s past campaign tactics against an 87-year-old incumbent during his first run for office in 1996, and whether veterans should discuss their service. "

'via Blog this'

On Offending People

It happens.
Get over it.

On that Goat-Fucking joke I make from time to time

BBC NEWS | Africa | Sudan man forced to 'marry' goat: "A Sudanese man has been forced to take a goat as his "wife", after he was caught having sex with the animal. "

'via Blog this'

Digby on Romney "Considering" a female VP

Hullabaloo: "I guess not everyone sees what a sad comment that is. It's 2012 and a woman is still a novelty option. Cute almost! I guess I'm just shocked that I'm on verge of old age and this is still happening. "

'via Blog this'

On Fukushima

Inept and Ill-Prepared: A Closer Look at the Fukushima Report - Global - The Atlantic Wire: "The conclusion was blunt: "The direct causes of the accident were all foreseeable prior to March 11, 2011." The commission also noted, "the accident was the result of collusion between the government, the regulators and TEPCO, and the lack of governance by said parties. They effectively betrayed the nation’s right to be safe from nuclear accidents. Therefore, we conclude that the accident was clearly 'manmade.'" "

'via Blog this'

Bill Young Unclear On What Minimum Wage Is?

GOP Rep. Tells Constituent Who Asks About Raising The Minimum Wage To 'Get A Job' | ThinkProgress: "Asked by a constituent at a Fourth of July parade yesterday, Florida Rep. Bill Young (R) revealed that he is, predictably, opposed to the Democratic proposal. When a constituent asked him why he opposed boosting worker wages, Young replied simply, “Get a job“: "

'via Blog this'

July 4 in New York City

Highly Recommended! Spent the day at the Bronx Zoo and then this evening at the Fireworks over the Hudson.

Good time was had by all

Yes dating sucks

Watch "Speed Dating" on YouTube

Just Lovely

Teen lesbian couple found shot in Texas park - U.S. News: "Two teenage girls in a relationship were found with gunshot wounds to the head in a south Texas park, with one of them dying from her injuries, media reports say. Police were searching for their assailants. "

'via Blog this'

The dumbest Supposedly Analytical Article on Health Insurance I have ever read

Eight reasons not to be insured - AnalyticBridge:

"For the majority of Americans with no significant health problems, not smoking or drinking excessively, eating well, not obese, and not involved in really dangerous activities (e.g. reckless driving), with savings above $50K, having health insurance is a very bad choice, in terms of ROI. "

'via Blog this'

Consider that this is one of the author's "reasons"

Not having health insurance is particularly attractive if you focus on prevention rather than curing problems, go as little as possible to the doctor, and use alternate cheaper medicines (or drug purchased in India) whenever possible, and don't need coverage for pregnancy.

 In other words .. sucks to be female or have any kind of inherited condition.

And oh by the way, the median net worth of an american household is about $75,000. And nearly nobody has liquid assets of 50k or more.

What a fuckwit

Makes me ashamed to share a profession with him.

Larry Ellison Buys A Hawaiian Island

Ellison Buys Hawaiian Island - TheOpenForce.com:

"Yes, it's true, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has bought 98% of the Hawaiian Island of Lanai for $500m.  The island was previously owned by David Murdock who bought Dole in 1985.  The island has 3,200 residents, two luxury resorts, two golf courses and is 88,000 acres (141 square miles) in size.  "

'via Blog this'

Wow. I guess my little dream of retiring to Little Tancook Island is pretty tame

I have no words - Rove/Romney Edition

Romney Donors Mingle With GOP Elite at Utah Retreat - Rebecca Kaplan - NationalJournal.com: "Rove – who, along with Matalin, apparently regaled the crowed by recalling an incident in which former Vice President Dick Cheney shot attorney Harry Whittington during a quail hunt in 2006 – described his own session as “damn good” to reporters as he sped away on a golf cart after lunch. "

'via Blog this'

The curse of the gingers | Pharyngula

The curse of the gingers | Pharyngula: "But here’s the thing: pheomelanin is a lousy barrier to UV. In fact, pheomelanin is prone to photodamage (exposure to light causes it to break down) that produces carcinogenic byproducts. It’s also synthesized biochemically by a process that consumes glutathione (GSH), an important cellular anti-oxidant. So making red hair actually depletes the body of a protective substance, and has the side-effect of producing carcinogens. "

'via Blog this'

Compassionate Conservatism - Part N

Fischer: Let Sick People Die | Dispatches from the Culture Wars:

"If we want to bring down the cost of health care, it’s easy. What we lack is not the way but the will. The way is simple. First, eliminate the federal requirement that hospitals have to treat any patient who shows up. That’s the place to begin. Get government out of telling hospitals who they have to do business with. There is simply no way to control the cost of health care if hospitals are obligated to provide healthcare to all regardless of their ability to pay"

'via Blog this'

Everything I know about women in One Blog Post

They generally smell good

RIM Comes up with another bad idea

RIM considers splitting business in two: report - thestar.com:

"RIM, which last month said it had hired JP Morgan and RBC Capital to look at its strategic options, could break off its handset division into a separate listed company or sell it, the British newspaper reported without citing sources. "

'via Blog this'

Everything you need to know about SCOTUS

Obama Health Law Seen Valid, Scholars Expect Rejection - Bloomberg:

"The U.S. Supreme Court should uphold a law requiring most Americans to have health insurance if the justices follow legal precedent, according to 19 of 21 constitutional law professors who ventured an opinion on the most-anticipated ruling in years.
Only eight of them predicted the court would do so."

'via Blog this'

So much for the Court being above politics

John Cole On The results of the Egyptian Election

Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » In a Shocking Twist, Majority Islamic Nation Elects Islamic President: "Who did they think they would elect? Palin? "

'via Blog this'

Dumbest Comment of the Day - The Blaze Edition

Gallup: 54% of Americans Would Vote for Atheist Presidential Candidate | TheBlaze.com: "Jimmy Carter is an atheist, and he teaches Sunday School. He no more believes the bible, than Obama does."

'via Blog this'

Bill Maher on Conservatives

New Rule: If a 14 Year-Old Can Deliver Your Message, It's Not Because He's Gifted, It's Because Intellectually You're a Child | Video Cafe:

"When 14 year-old boys sound exactly like you do and can produce radio shows and books and speeches that sound exactly like yours, maybe you should rethink the sh*t that's coming out of your mouth. "

'via Blog this'

Bill Maher can be a preening asshole but on this he is about right

Things i do not seem to be good at

Being alone
Being in a relationship

Hmmmmm. I think I see a possible problem here

On Confronting Evil

d r i f t g l a s s: Crimestop, Centrism and You: "
Its easy to inveigh against villains when they carry pitchforks and reek of sulfur.
 How much harder it is when they're three levels above you on the respectable media's informal  organization chart."

'via Blog this'

Video - Dave Grohl talking about Jamming with Prince.

Jacques Villeneuve has A very small Penis

Only thing that explains the bush league move he made at the end of the Nationwide race today.

Quote from him "it had nothing to do with me so I really don't care".

What a douchebag.

Zandar Gets It About Right

Zandar Versus The Stupid: Chart Of The Day: "Corporate profits up to record highs.  Wages down to a record low.  Keep telling yourself that Obama's policies are killing businesses, that they're too broke to pay more in taxes or invest in employee benefits, and that greedy unions are wiping out America's ability to profit. "

'via Blog this'

On How The Sun Shines - Christian Fundamentalist Edition

Top 5 Lies Taught By Accelerated Christian Education « Leaving Fundamentalism: "The nuclear fusion theory of how the sun emits heat and light is an invention of evolution scientists… All other theories require the sun to use up all its energy sooner than the evolutionists’ invented timetable would allow. "

'via Blog this'

Wonkette On Ron Paul

Ron Paul: An Enigma Wrapped in a Riddle Wrapped in the Constitution: " He did not say why, exactly, Social Security is unconstitutional (although Your Wonkette suspects it has something to do with his poor grasp of a common law system), "

'via Blog this'

Lou Dobbs - Asshole

Lou Dobbs' Sneering, Fact-Challenged Interview With Jose Antonio Vargas | Media Matters for America: "It's unclear why Dobbs felt the need to tell a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist to "accept" that the language of the U.S. is "English." But it's long been clear that the terms "illegals" and "illegal immigrants" are offensive to the immigrant community: even Fox reported (on its Fox News Latino site) that "almost half of Latino voters" find the term "illegal immigrant" offensive. So it isn't "nonsense" for Vargas to challenge Dobbs' terminology. "

'via Blog this'

WTF - Adidas Edition

The Rag Blog: Travis Waldron : Adidas and the 'Shackle Shoe': "That’s the new Adidas JS Roundhouse Mid, a basketball shoe that was set to debut in August and was aimed at those who have “a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles.” The shoe’s rather unsubtle use of shackles has, understandably, drawn criticism for symbolizing slavery and prison chains. "

'via Blog this'

Nice Company You Keep, Tom Tancredo

Former Congressman Tancredo to Address White Supremacists | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center: "Sharing the dais with Tancredo will be a rogue’s gallery of the racist right, including James Edwards, who hosts the white nationalist Political Cesspool radio show; Don Black, the former Klansman best known for creating Stormfront.org, the first major Internet hate site; and Leonard Wilson, a longtime segregationist and Alabama commander for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a neo-Confederate group that, like Tancredo, staunchly opposes immigration. "

'via Blog this'

Romney Didn't Go To Law School?

Romney Says Without Him, US Will Become 'Like Europe' - Yahoo! News:
 ". I didn't go to law school"

'via Blog this'

except he has a JD from Harvard...