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Friday Morning Open Thread

After an impossibly intense period of work, I finally get a chance to dedicate some time to the relaunch of SportsLeft, which will start with a preview of the World Cup, which starts on June 11.

SI's Grant Wahl had a nice piece (can;t find it online) on what the "beautful game" means around the world. There are sports I enjoy more than association football (soccer), but the World Cup is indeed something special.

Open Thread.

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    Apparently if you go to a pub (5.00 / 3) (#84)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:22:43 PM EST
    called the Flying Saucer in South Carolina and you have a few with your good ole boys, you will start seeing ragheads.  And only white people can be true Christians, anybody any other color making such claims is faking it.  I can't believe policitians get away with this crap in 2010 and still have one voter left pulling anything for them......sigh......my hippie third grade teachers told me I wasn't going to have to live like this.  They said they had fixed this :)

    I bet (5.00 / 2) (#86)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:34:32 PM EST
    they won't be watching soccer at the Flying Saucer...

    Can you tell I'm excited about the world cup?

    How do I know Obama's a furrener?  He follows soccer.

    Parent

    Wait till they see Sanford... (5.00 / 3) (#95)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:53:51 PM EST
    rocking an Argentina jersey!

    Parent
    it was a joke you know (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:39:51 PM EST
    and not the first one:

    "This isn't the first time I've said it," Knotts said. "I'm not on a crusade to downgrade her, but if someone asks me I'll tell `em. And look here, someone wants to vote for her knowing the truth, vote for her."

    Knotts said that South Carolina is a religious community.

    he has a million of um.  Im sure.

    Parent

    That was my favorite part (5.00 / 2) (#93)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:52:51 PM EST
    Being a raghead, and faking being a Christian....that was all a big joke.  I could call it a big fata$$ wonderbread butter bean bubba joke, but Grandma Vera would say that's not nice and I'm not fooling her :)

    Parent
    and it get more interesting (none / 0) (#92)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:49:09 PM EST
    Mike Rodgers has some reporting to do about the guy Knotts is supporting:

    Mike Rogers Outs S.C. Lt. Gov Andre Bauer
    Posted 9 months ago at 8:56 am. 1 comment

    South Carolina, one of the reddest of red states, has long been known for the flamboyance of its political life.  Recent scandals surrounding the governor, Mark Sanford, and his Argentinian mistress are distinguished mostly by his spectacular disappearance  for five days in Buenos Aires, which has even fellow Republicans calling for his impeachment.  If Sanford leaves office, he would be succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer.  Rumors have been swirling about whether Bauer himself might be gay, and things are coming to a head in Mike Rogers' well known outing blog blogactive.com.

    Rogers claims a 100% accuracy rate with somewhat more authority than others who make similar claims, like Rush Limbaugh.  He says he's interviewed four reliable sources who report Bauer is gay.  This is pertinent because Bauer has tended to present himself as a right-wing conservative christian, supporting one of the more superficially homophobic of the Republican candidates for president, Mike Huckabee.



    Parent
    funny (none / 0) (#105)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:25:41 PM EST
    Linda Kettner was running against Republican Henry Brown, who was the incumbent in a heavily Republican district.  Kettner discovered that S.C. voters did not care about her sexual orientation, but they did appreciate her honesty.

    In a post-election interview, with firedoglake.com, Kettner had some interesting things to say about her home state.  "We have more gay people serving in South Carolina than probably in anyplace in the United States; they're just not out of the closet. We have an awful lot of people in the closet- Lindsey Graham, Glenn McConnell who's our Senate president pro tem, our Lt Governor."

    as long as they know their place.

    Parent

    An imagined conversation... (none / 0) (#130)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:02:20 PM EST
    Andre Bauer: Mark! What are you wearing?! Where's the matching outfit from the Adidas store that my assistant Chad sent over?

    Mark Sanford: Uh, to be honest Andre, I didn't feel comfortable in those clothes. This is what I wear when I run.

    Andre: Ugh! Could you at least take off those tube socks? They don't look right on a cyclist.

    Mark: Well, we're not gonna look like professional cyclists on this stupid tandem bike anyway.

    Andre: Oh my GOD! Look at those yellow pit stains on that t-shirt you've got on. How did your wife let you leave the house with that thing on?

    Mark: Pit stains? Oh, I guess it is a little yellow...

    Andre: UGH! And it smells. How long have you worn that thing? My shirt is made with microfibers that prevent odors.

    Mark: Can we just get this over with?

    Andre: Wait a minute? I think I should ride up front.

    Mark: But, I'm the governor.

    Andre: The governor who is dressed like a dork in tube socks and a pit-stained t-shirt! Look at how great I look. And, I just got this cool new haircut.

    Mark: Okay, okay. Jeez, you're worse than a woman.

    Andre: What is that supposed to mean?!

    Mark: Nevermind.

    Andre: Shhhh. Here come the photographers. SMILE!  


    Parent

    Everything's jake (none / 0) (#179)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 09:27:40 PM EST
    as long as nobody has a mixed-race, out-of-wedlock child hidden away somewhere..

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#180)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 10:35:32 PM EST
    And someone to exploit it.

    Parent
    Get your tan on ladies! (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:09:14 PM EST
    A brew-ha-ha in Delaware...people are complaining about pre-op transexuals going topless on the beach...and the cops can't do a thing because technically the ladies are still dudes...awesome.

    That's pretty funny (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:20:47 PM EST
    A quick scan of many Florida beaches would show many men who should be covering their man-maries, and they aren't even planning a gender change.


    Parent
    "moobs" (none / 0) (#103)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:21:53 PM EST
    LOL... (none / 0) (#115)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:45:12 PM EST
    Depending on how the town council "addresses the situation", man-boob exposure might be criminalized in Delaware:)

    Parent
    Err... (none / 0) (#99)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:09:41 PM EST
    Didn't you see them recently?

    Parent
    I was supposed to... (none / 0) (#111)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:41:03 PM EST
    fell through at the last minute....much to my chagrin.  Be sure to tell me all about the fun I missed man!

    Parent
    Will do. (none / 0) (#141)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:14:35 PM EST
    maybe not so OT (none / 0) (#118)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:53:39 PM EST
    You know what they say - little feet, large moobs

    I believe you meant to say Little Feat.

    Parent

    Yes, Feat. (none / 0) (#137)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:11:12 PM EST
    OSHA has decreed no need for respirators (5.00 / 2) (#176)
    by Joan in VA on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 07:01:24 PM EST
    in the Gulf. Same as they decreed at the WTC. I know we aren't supposed to look backwards but do we need to make the same mistakes over and over and...

    Seems like such an insignificant amount of money (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by Raskolnikov on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 09:07:37 PM EST
    compared to how much the overall clean-up effort is going to cost.  Respirators are around $100/piece, even scaled to tens of thousands we're only talking a few million dollars.  When they're talking about a price tag in billions it seems somewhat remarkable.

    Have there been any further updates or news about respiratory conditions among clean-up crews?  Perhaps BPs risk assessors did the math and determined the chance of a successful class-action lawsuit combined with the projected payout would be less than the cost of BP equipping clean-up crews with respirators?  

    Parent

    It's the optics, more than the money (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by KeysDan on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 12:08:11 PM EST
    in this case, is my bet.  The visuals of air masks are too devastating and bring the health dangers of oil and Corexit to a flat screen near you, and in HD to boot.  OSHA is like NOAA, we need second opinions at every turn.  As President Obama says, the relationships are too "cozy".

    Parent
    Providing Air Masks = Admisssion of a Problem. (none / 0) (#185)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 03:10:23 PM EST
    If BP were to equip workers with air masks it would indicate that BP knows there is something toxic about the $hit workers are being exposed to. Admission of a problem is admission of guilt -- which would, and should, be used against them in a court of law.

    From BP's perspective it's better to have thousands of sick, defenseless, workers who fall ill for some 'unknown' reason. Like, maybe, "food poisoning", as BP CEO Tony Hayward suggested last week.

    Question is: why doesn't the administration acquire/require masks (respirators) for the workers? Then again, that would indicate the administration also knows that the workers are being exposed to toxic compounds and have, heretofore, chosen to do nothing about it.

    Parent

    Wow How Creative (2.67 / 3) (#186)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 03:26:20 PM EST
    I guess that is the reason you do not either use, or hand out gas masks when operating your car.

    Gasoline and car emissions are toxic, but if you used a mask when pumping gas or driving, others could sue you, as you would be admitting guilt.

    Lawyer, scientist? not....  

    Campaign mud slinger or propagandist, possibly.

    Parent

    I'd say this sums it up in regards to this topic (5.00 / 1) (#187)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 04:00:12 PM EST
    for YOU Squeaky

    Campaign mud slinger or propagandist, possibly.

    For some reason you seem to be really on the side of BP and Haliburton and Nalco. No need to protect people working to clean up after the corporate mess.

    This:


    When Life gives you an unstoppable Oil Gusher,

    Don't mix it with something that makes it EVEN MORE Toxic,
    to the ENVIRONMENTAL Food Chain,
    that you're suppose to be PROTECTING!

    is from an excellent, informative post written at Kos by Jamess. It is very well researched. Recommended.

    Parent

    Got Nothing (3.50 / 2) (#188)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 04:05:37 PM EST
    Throw mud:

    For some reason you seem to be really on the side of BP and Haliburton and Nalco. No need to protect people working to clean up after the corporate mess.

    reflex action

    Parent

    Suit yourself (none / 0) (#189)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 04:53:26 PM EST
    Just to make it clear you are against the use of any protective gear when in direct contact with Corexit.

    Since you probably will not real the link I attached I'm going to very briefly summarize it:

    Jamess points out BP defends use of Corexit. Environmental watchdogs are worried since


    "Dispersants can also enhance oil's toxicity in the dispersion process."

    Then Jamess goes into information about how and why Corexit was approved, and goes into some technical info about Corexit.

    Then he links to info about marine studies, and EPA toxicity tests info leads to this

    Here are my Take-Away points:  

    A) Disperant + Fuel Oil (when combined) is much more Toxic than either alone.

    B) Disperant + Fuel Oil (when combined) is about 3x more Toxic than EPA's Reference Level for Toxicity!

    It's just like those Marine Biologists have been telling us -- Oil and Corexit COMBINED, is much worse, than either one alone.


    Then he links to this article and quotes:

    Swimming Through the Spill...
    By Susan D. Shaw, NYTimes -- May 28, 2010

    [...] What I witnessed was a surreal, sickening scene beyond anything I could have imagined.

    As the boat entered the slick, I had to cover my nose to block the fumes. There were patches of oil on the gulf's surface. In some places, the oil has mixed with an orange-brown pudding-like material, some of the 700,000 gallons of a chemical dispersant called Corexit 9500 that BP has sprayed on the spreading oil.
    [...]

    Only a few meters down, the nutrient-rich water became murky, but it was possible to make out tiny wisps of phytoplankton, zooplankton and shrimp enveloped in dark oily droplets. These are essential food sources for fish like the herring I could see feeding with gaping mouths on the oil and dispersant. Dispersants break up the oil into smaller pieces that then sink in the water, forming poisonous droplets -- which fish can easily mistake for food.

    Though all dispersants are potentially dangerous when applied in such volumes, Corexit is particularly toxic. It contains petroleum solvents [oleophilic?] and a chemical that, when ingested, ruptures red blood cells and causes internal bleeding [Lethality?]. It is also bioaccumulative, meaning its concentration intensifies as it moves up the food chain.

    The timing for exposure to these chemicals could not be worse. Herring and other small fish hatch in the spring, and the larvae are especially vulnerable. As they die, disaster looms for the larger predator fish, as well as dolphins and whales.

    --------------------

    As an aside artists might be interested in some of the physical properties of Corexit:


    II. TOXICITY AND EFFECTIVENESS
    VIII. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

    1 ) Flash Point: 181.4ºF
    2 ) Pour Point: Less than -71ºF
    3 ) Viscosity: 22.5 cst at 104ºF
    4 ) Specific Gravity: 0.949 at 60ºF
    5 ) pH: 6.2
    6 ) Chemical Name and Percentage by Weight of the Total Formulation: CONFIDENTIAL
    7 ) Surface Active Agents: CONFIDENTIAL
    8 ) Solvents: CONFIDENTIAL
    9 ) Additives: None
    10 ) Solubility: Miscible

    IX. ANALYSIS FOR HEAVY METALS, CYANIDE, AND CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS
    Compound     Concentration (ppm)
    Arsenic    0.16
    Cadmium      N/D
    Chromium    0.03
    Copper      0.10
    [...]

    Sound familiar? Want that airborne? Would you NOT want anyone who works with airborne heavy metals and who knows what else, to wear any protective gear?


    Parent

    Please Cite (none / 0) (#190)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 05:19:07 PM EST
    Just to make it clear you are against the use of any protective gear when in direct contact with Corexit.

    I have never remotely said anything of the sort.

    Parent

    Unfortunately when you insist (none / 0) (#191)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 05:42:47 PM EST
    on politicizing this event you do actually end up arguing for BP and gang.

    Points made upthread (as I understand it) 1) that BP is avoiding masks to avoid the appearance that these BP Disaster first responders even need protection (and what appears to be toxic reactions are in fact something else like food poisioning). 2) This is in order to limit legal liability. Then 3) a commenter wonders why federal agencies are NOT requiring masks, if they are somehow also culpable of negligence (or worse) and are covering up. That is a pretty serious challenge. But your reaction is:


    I guess that is the reason you do not either use, or hand out gas masks when operating your car.
    Gasoline and car emissions are toxic, but if you used a mask when pumping gas or driving, others could sue you, as you would be admitting guilt.

    Lawyer, scientist? not....  

    Campaign mud slinger or propagandist, possibly.  

    which completely politicizes it and does not address the real issues. Its actually sort of a silly thing to say. Since you are protecting federal agencies that others are questioning then you are justifying what they are doing. "Nothing happening here, just move along". That ignores the actual issues which appear to be real issues and ongoing ones.

    Parent

    Non Sequitur (none / 0) (#192)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 06:01:32 PM EST
    Please cite where I said anything like:

    Just to make it clear you are against the use of any protective gear when in direct contact with Corexit.


    Parent
    Well why don't you just say what you support? (none / 0) (#193)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 06:17:35 PM EST
    Since I was asking you to clarify. Do you still think to question EPA and OSHA's reasons to not require masks is "propaganda"?

    Parent
    My Point (none / 0) (#194)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 06:25:23 PM EST
    Was that FoxholeAtheist's comment was pure opinion, presented as legal reasoning for BP to escape liability, faulty lawyering, and hearsay science.

    As far as EPA or OSHA go I have no idea what they are requiring, or their reasoning behind it, nor do I know what is required.

    Parent

    Well I didn't read the comment that way... (none / 0) (#195)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 06:56:00 PM EST
    but I can see how you would. One problem is - all we have right now is incomplete information. Opinion does tend to fill the gaps and that is unfortunate (which I think is your point and that opinion is colored by previous opinions of Obama administration). So the real solution is not to stop the opinion but to actually get real accurate information!

    I don't think Obama sat down and read the toxicity reports and then said "well it sounds like poison, but eh, use it anyhow". The point (for me at least) is how is the president organizing the differing and sometimes battling federal agencies involved in the disaster and the response and the corporate players involved? As I've said this disaster is above anyone's paygrade and disasters have the potential to unify us. We are all wanting this to be solved, and cleaned up asap. But I do think negative reactions to the handling of an admittedly acute disaster (unfolding in slow motion) are valid! Informed citizens are more helpful.

    Parent

    BS (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:21:04 PM EST
    So the real solution is not to stop the opinion but to actually get real accurate information!

    Get real accurate information to what end? Some here have been breathlessly reporting information and commenting on that information, with the seemingly sole intent of proving once again that Obama is no good.

    Informed citizens are more helpful.

    Again, helpful for what? To make a case against Obama? If you and your friends really want to be helpful, stop the keyboard 101 brigade work, and volunteer to help with the cleanup.

    Other than that it appears to be news junkie stuff, mostly pointing out that BP is acting in its own interests (big surprise) and that Obama has no leadership (worn out meme here)

    Parent

    More BS (none / 0) (#200)
    by ZtoA on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:35:13 PM EST
    Get real accurate information to what end? Some here have been breathlessly reporting information and commenting on that information, with the seemingly sole intent of proving once again that Obama is no good.

    You are just going to have to have to put up with it since it seems to be pretty much in your eyes. You seem to have some sort of weird game playing unreality thing going.

    And regarding going and helping, come on dude, this sub-thread is about those responders getting sick.

    Parent

    References for Corexit Toxicity + Sick Workers (none / 0) (#197)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:23:19 PM EST
    • Paul Quinlan, "Less Toxic Dispersants Lose Out in BP Oil Spill Cleanup," The New York Times, January 22, 2006.
    • Jerrold Nadler, "Nadler Calls on EPA to Halt Use of All Toxic Dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico," Jerrold Nadler official website, May 24, 2010.
    • Elisabeth Rosenthal, "In Standoff With Environmental Officials, BP Stays With an Oil Spill Dispersant," New York Times, May 24, 2010.
    • "Transcript of American Morning," CNN, May 25, 2010.
    • Rob Stein, "Illnesses among workers highlight concerns about health risks of oil cleanup," The Washington Post, May 27, 2010.
    • "Fishermen Report Illness From BP Chemicals," WSDU, May 19, 2010.
    • "Regulations 1910.134," OSHA.
    • Gina Solomon, "Oil Spill Clean-Up Workers Getting Sick," The Huffington Post, May 28, 2010.
    • "Official: Protect Health Of Louisiana's Fishermen," WDSU, May 27, 2010.
    • Riki Ott, "Human Health Tragedy in the Making: Gulf Response Failing to Protect People," Huffington Post, May 19, 2010.
    •  "Fishermen Report Illness From BP Chemicals," WDSU, May 19, 2010.


    Parent
    BP Responds to Sick Workers In Court Filing (none / 0) (#199)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:34:00 PM EST
    LINK, June 02/10:
    Over the weekend, attorneys for John Wunstell Jr. -- one of the Louisiana fishermen who fell ill and had to be hospitalized after working on BP's Gulf oil cleanup crew -- filed a restraining order against the oil giant. The order demanded that the company cease spraying dispersants into the Gulf unless BP managers also provide "appropriate personal protective equipment," and cease alleged harassment campaigns and termination threats targeting workers who chose to wear their own protective masks.

    Attorneys for BP have now filed a motion to block the restraining order...BP's legal team contends that "dispersant use has been specifically approved by both the Coast Guard and EPA"...
    BP's attorneys also suggest that the federal authorities overseeing the Gulf spill would be implicated in any finding for Wunstell: "Any injunctive relief against BP would inherently also operate against the federal decision-makers and executive branch officials".



    Parent
    Happy that (none / 0) (#1)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 10:57:32 AM EST
    USA vs England is at a reasonable time - although it's gonna be rough with the time difference for a lot of the matches.

    More on the economy (none / 0) (#2)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:03:45 AM EST
    Here

    Job creation by private companies grew at the slowest pace of the year in May, even while the hiring of temporary census workers drove overall payrolls up 431,000. The unemployment rate dipped to 9.7 percent as many people gave up searching for work.

    SNIP

    All told, 15 million people were unemployed in May.


    man (none / 0) (#6)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:25:11 AM EST
    did we get lucky with the census timing.

    Do we have any idea how long those "temp" jobs will last?

    Parent

    Possibly through July, per my (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:28:24 AM EST
    unbelievably well-informed on this subject offspring.  

    Parent
    Around July (none / 0) (#9)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:29:20 AM EST
    I think

    Parent
    I wonder if the realization (none / 0) (#31)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:09:17 PM EST
    that the temp census jobs were in the pipeline was part of the reason for the pres and Congress not going 'all-in' on a jobs bill. Maybe they thought the private sector jobs recovery would be farther along by now, and the census jobs would just be the icing on the cake and not the whole of the job creation.

    Well it sure did not pan out that way. Surely there are some other jobs that need doing that minimally trained people can perform.

    Parent

    Ah (none / 0) (#55)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:07:10 PM EST
    As federal stimulus fades, private hiring falters

    After a deep contraction that sidelined more than 8 million workers, the U.S. economy posted solid gains in the second half of 2009 and the first quarter of this year. The big snap back was fueled by two powerful forces. First, after panicky businesses slashed production deeply during the recession, inventories of unsold goods all but dried up. A surge in restocking lifted production. But so far, it hasn't been matched by a big increase in demand.

    A bigger tailwind came from an historic boost from the federal government -- in the form of hundreds of billions of dollars of emergency spending and tax cuts. That stimulus effect has now largely played out, which means the positive impact on the economy is now beginning to fade, which is expected to bring a slowdown later this year. Economists at Goldman Sachs figure GDP growth of three percent in the first half of the year will fall to 1.5 percent in the second half.

    The expiration this month of the tax credit for first-time home buyers, for example, is expected to bring a sharp pullback in home sales this summer. The May employment data -- showing a drop in construction jobs -- may already reflect that housing slowdown, according the Wells Fargo chief economist John Silvia.

    This is not good.

    Parent

    sounds like it's time for (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:21:26 PM EST
    another stimulus.

    Maybe this time we can throw a bunch of money towards alternative energy, instead of alternative banking.

    Parent

    Money at alternative banking... (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:22:40 PM EST
    wouldn't have been so bad...we threw money at the same old rigged crooked banking.

    Parent
    how would you like to (none / 0) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:10:23 AM EST
    have one of these within smelling distance of your house?

    The Steak-Scented Billboard: Advertising's Stinking Future

    So basically, they've got some big vats of beef-scented chemicals and some fans, and they're just indiscriminately blasting the whole area with meatstink? Are there laws against this? Think of the poor clerk in that gas station, forced to work in the heavy fog of fake meat odor all day! Or, even worse, if you lived nearby?


    interesting (none / 0) (#4)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:16:14 AM EST
    They should be nervous (none / 0) (#37)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:30:29 PM EST
    and anyone who publishes such garbage as "America is back!" while the unemployment rate is around 10% should be fired!

    You think maybe that's why they are failing?

    Parent

    One among many (none / 0) (#47)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:46:45 PM EST
    The fact that they have been publishing that and other glossing-over-the-surface pablum for years has made them irrelevant.

    Parent
    Im sure NewsMax (none / 0) (#57)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:21:06 PM EST
    could take care of all those garbage problems in the first week.

    Parent
    No doubt (none / 0) (#167)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:38:06 PM EST
    Dont tell me: (none / 0) (#172)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 06:01:56 PM EST
    those stories of positive developments on Newsweek's cover are just another example of how the left has "taken over" the media, academia and the sciences.

    Parent
    I would say they are (none / 0) (#181)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:44:26 PM EST
    proof that you have some writers who, if they believe that themselves, are dumber than dirt.

    If they don't believe what they write then they must think we are dumber than dirt.

    You pick'em. Either way the public is no longer buying their biased crap.

    Parent

    I'd agree if I thought (none / 0) (#183)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:39:57 AM EST
    you meant that anything biased was "crap", but we both know that's not what you mean.

    And speaking of crap, it takes a lot of fertilizer to grow Tall Cotton, doesn't it?

    Parent

    Re: what the "beautful game" means (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:24:06 AM EST
    around the world:  read "Outcasts United," by NYT reporter Warren St. John.  Refugee kids from various countries in Africa, and from Eastern Europe and the Middle East end up in Clarkston, Georgia.  Their soccer coach is a female from Amman, Jordon.  Interesting read.

    I have found (none / 0) (#10)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:31:26 AM EST
    the ads for the world cup on tv to be very poignant.

    It will be very exciting to have it in Africa for the first time.  Here's to hoping South Africa can keep up the home country tradition of making it to the second round.

    Parent

    A bit of trivia for you (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:49:06 AM EST
    World Cup referees run an average of 12 miles per game.  How many miles do the average players run?

    Answer

    Parent

    I absolutely believe it (5.00 / 0) (#21)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:55:55 AM EST
    consider this - the refs have to follow the play and the ball at all times.  There are 11 players per team - and only 4 refs (only one of which is on the field).  The 11 players spread the field out, they are not all chasing the ball at once (beyond the age of 8).

    Actually if you've ever seen under 8 soccer it's hilarious.  Basically the entire group of mini people chase the ball while the two goalies pick flowers.

    Parent

    Clouds (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:32:07 PM EST
    There is also the mandatory cloud watcher, the skinny kid (non-goalie) that gets tangled in the net at least 3 times a season and the 'snacker' who sits on parents lap in their socks.

    oh yeah.... the one with the right shoe that flies off every time they take a shot at the ball which is by tradition 3 ft away.

    Parent

    "Mini people" (none / 0) (#30)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:08:52 PM EST
    I love that!

    I watched all three of my sisters play t-ball.  Same thing happened - the outfielders were picking dandelions and LOTS of overthrown balls.  They always had scores like 32-28.

    Parent

    I was soured on t-ball (none / 0) (#78)
    by Raskolnikov on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:12:56 PM EST
    when I was younger.  After hitting the ball out to left field, I proceeded to run around the bases after something like three errors (from badly thrown balls).  They didn't allow me the score and made me go back to 2nd or 3rd base; my very young self was outraged.  I felt like I was robbed an in-the-park homerun, even if I did have a huge amount of help haha!

    Parent
    I have two kids that played "swarm ball" (none / 0) (#45)
    by Joan in VA on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:42:45 PM EST
    and I always enjoyed watching. Little kids with those big socks on their stick legs are just adorable!

    Parent
    Under 8 soccer--hive ball (none / 0) (#65)
    by MKS on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:40:08 PM EST
    Walking the dogs in the park, I always pass this little baseball field.  On a couple of days, a small portion of it was staked out as a tiny soccer field for these tiny girl soccer players....They could not have been more than 4.

    It was so funny.  A large swarm of little bee girls just hung together like a cloud.  The cloud would hover here, hover there, not going much of anywhere.  Then all of sudden out would spurt the ball and one girl running after it, until the cloud would catch up.  Goalies lying on the ground.  It was so hilarious.  The parents were amused too.  No Little League parents.  Just fun.  

    Parent

    yep (none / 0) (#71)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:50:42 PM EST
    little league parenting doesn't start till under 10.  I think that's how long the learning curve for parents takes, since a lot of them don't know the game.

    Although that can be the worst - when they think they know but really don't - so they are yelling at their kids to "get the ball!", even if they really shouldn't, which as a coach you just want to hit them.

    But yea, under 8 is just precious.  There's really nothing you can do but sit back and laugh.

    Parent

    My mom (none / 0) (#73)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:59:53 PM EST
    Taught kindergarte for 44 years.  It was fun to go into her classroom and watch them - sitting at the little mini tables in mini chairs.  I was kind of like a specimen in the zoo at first - they would stare at me, until one got comfortable enough to talk to me. Then they were so friendly -they wanted to hug me and show me their missing teeth and show me how they could read or tie their shoes.

    Cuteness.

    Parent

    Article says no refs from the USA (none / 0) (#36)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:25:14 PM EST
    in the 30 squads of 3 refs each. Doesn't say if any USA refs tried out and did not make the fitness cut. Kind of disappointing, whatever the reason. Seems like a very prestigious job.

    Parent
    i can't think (none / 0) (#42)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:40:09 PM EST
    of a harder ref job than soccer.  It's basically 90 min of running with very few stops in play.  Hard to see, lots of acting from the players, and very intense fans.  But mostly the continuous nature means you constantly gotta be on guard, and there is no replay at all.  

    Although this caused a mild controversy last year during the final when the Zidane head-butted a player on the Italian team, the ref didn't see it, but they showed it on the big screen at the stadium and he got a red card.

    Parent

    I don't believe that's the case (none / 0) (#163)
    by Grey on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:26:12 PM EST
    Fourth official Luis Medina Cantalejo saw the headbutt from his position at pitchside and he's the one who told the ref what happened, which is within the rules.  IIRC, the use of replays is banned by FIFA even for the fans, so whatever was shown in the stadium was shown after the red card was issued.

    Parent
    Can't seem to print this interesting (none / 0) (#49)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:54:18 PM EST
    article for tutoree.

    Parent
    Can you try cutting and pasting (none / 0) (#72)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:57:57 PM EST
    the text into a Word doc or other text editor? (Keeping the CNN byline if you are worried about that.)

    I thought it was very interesting, and I don't even follow soccer. I imagine your tutoree would like it.

    Parent

    Or (none / 0) (#74)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:00:53 PM EST
    Email the story to yourself from the links at CNN.  Then maybe it will print.

    Parent
    FInally printed it. After I again tried to (none / 0) (#82)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:20:44 PM EST
    implement the wireless function on the printer, it receives messages from unknown sources.

    Parent
    The kid I tutor is a big fan of Mexico (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:34:47 AM EST
    and he is worried they face South Africa in the first round.  

    Parent
    tough group (none / 0) (#27)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:07:06 PM EST
    with Uruguay, France, Mexico and South Africa.

    Actually some are expecting France not to qualify for the 2nd round which will be... shocking to say the least, considering they just barely lost in the Final 4 years ago to Italy.

    I have a hard time seeing S.A. making it out, but home field advantage/motivation is a beautiful thing.

    Parent

    Is Mexico a contender? I gotta (none / 0) (#33)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:16:10 PM EST
    keep up with this 12-yr. old fan!

    Parent
    according to SI (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:20:21 PM EST
    they expect Mexico to come out of that group in the 1st seed and Uruguay to get the 2nd seed.  Two teams make it out of each group to the round of 16.  After that it's win or go home.

    Mexico is certainly a legit contender (possibly favorite) for that... I wouldn't expect them to win the whole thing though.

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#12)
    by Yman on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:34:57 AM EST
    The "Hope is a Game-Changer Project - a project to distribute thousands of indestructible soccer balls all over the world.

    Parent
    As well as the... (none / 0) (#18)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:49:59 AM EST
    Homeless World Cup...warmed my heart to learn of this beautiful tourney.

    Parent
    Hadn't heard of that (none / 0) (#23)
    by Yman on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:57:50 AM EST
    Sounds like a great cause.

    Parent
    this is the craziest (none / 0) (#25)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:02:01 PM EST
    soccer story I've ever heard.

    WW1 Christmas Truce, and soccer match between the trenches. Link

    Parent

    Isn't that weird? (none / 0) (#28)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:07:46 PM EST
    That you could come across and meet your enemy face to face, play a game with them, trade novelities, communicate (as best you could), and then go back and shoot at each other?

    Parent
    Weird... (none / 0) (#52)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:03:13 PM EST
    and heart-warming...futbol has contributed to many cease-fires...see the Ivory Coast and how it helped ease the killing in their civil war.

    We should hold the World Cup every 6 months!

    Parent

    Lakers up 1-0 on the Celtics (none / 0) (#7)
    by Dadler on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:25:57 AM EST
    After being worried for most of the first quarter, the Lakers assuaged my fears. They are a much deeper and tougher team than the one that faced Boston in 2008. Gasol, while looking terrible and intimidated early, shook it off, toughened up and had a solid game.  Artest looks ready for prime time, played his usual crazy hard D AND had no fear of taking a shot.  Bynum getting his knee drained looks like it helped him greatly, at least in game 1. Having him get effective minutes means the purple and gold have three seven footers to contend with, all with B+ to A skills.  Kobe, while frustrated early, was able to find his groove.  I just like the look last night on both ends. The Celtics looked old.  Or we made them look that way.

    I'm optimistic, but I hate the 2-3-2 format. Spending a week in Boston won't be easy for the Lakers, but if they head east up 2-0, it becomes much more manageable.  With the 2-3-2 format, game 2 now becomes HUGE for both teams. Not that any finals game isn't huge.

    And the memoir blog is back. THE EARLY DAZE INTERRUPTED - MEMORIAL DAY.

    Peace, Y'all.

    terrible game (none / 0) (#15)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:43:17 AM EST
    for the celtics.

    But they have been pretty good at bouncing back from terrible games so far in these play-offs.

    The Celtics are old, but I think they really want this.  And that might make all the difference.  We shall see.

    And I agree, the Garden is a significant advantage over the Staples Center.  At least that's what it was like in '08. Our "celebrities" are pretty much local sports stars from other teams - and people from LA who can afford to travel - I'm sure Jack will be at at least one of the games, although he's one of the few celebs who is a legit fan.

    Parent

    I think my boy from Queensbridge... (none / 0) (#16)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:46:03 AM EST
    wants it the most of anybody on the floor...Artest was a beast last night, and that'll be the difference from 2 years back...Lakers in 6.

    Parent
    Loved it (none / 0) (#29)
    by Dadler on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:08:07 PM EST
    Ron Ron didn't look nervous to be in his first finals game at all. We'll see how it goes in the hostile confines of the new Gahden. At least it ain't the old gahden. That place was hell.

    Parent
    BTW... (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:40:59 PM EST
    2-2-1-1-1 should be written in stone for any 7 game series, 2-3-2 is bullsh*t, I totally concur.

    Parent
    I'd concur if they would agree to take (none / 0) (#46)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:43:56 PM EST
    fewer days for the travel. 2-2-1-1-1 would take nearly a month the way they do it now.

    Parent
    Works for me... (none / 0) (#51)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:58:54 PM EST
    1 full day off for travel and thats it.

    Parent
    A grinding, slow, physical game (none / 0) (#70)
    by MKS on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:50:29 PM EST
    So unLaker-like.  Just tough, half-court sets with lots of patience and physical toughness by the Lakers....

    Not much from Garnett.  He missed two layups in a row in the Fourth Quarter on one half court trip.

    Gasol played with confidence in the second half.

    Kobe hit a three just for emphasis on the game's final play....

    This series is what the acquisition of Artest was all about.

    Parent

    On the needless demise of my wife's bank (none / 0) (#13)
    by Dadler on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:37:16 AM EST
    Even more (none / 0) (#14)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:37:44 AM EST
    on that Cook County public defender who allegedly choked an assistant prosecutor - he's 47!

    At some point, Hams got on top of the victim and was choking him with both hands around his neck, Patterson said. When two sheriff's deputies tried to pull Hams off the victim, Hams continued choking him with one hand and attempted to resist the deputy's efforts with his other hand, Patterson said.

    Seriously.

    Would be interested in reading (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:51:07 AM EST
    transcript, if any, of what went on in the courtroom immed. before this attack.  

    Parent
    Especially (none / 0) (#26)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:06:44 PM EST
    Because he was allegedly upset because he was tired of the prosecutor "mocking him".

    Without knowing more details, sounds a little paranoid to me.

    Parent

    Over the setting of a court hearing date. (none / 0) (#32)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:15:03 PM EST
    Doesn't sound (none / 0) (#35)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:23:34 PM EST
    Like something to choke someone over.

    Parent
    Although, looking back on my years (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:05:04 PM EST
    as an attorney, a few names come to mind.  And I'm generally a pretty peaceful person!

    Parent
    Would also be interested in results (none / 0) (#20)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:51:48 AM EST
    of toxicology screen on the attacker.

    Parent
    That's the first thing (none / 0) (#22)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 11:57:24 AM EST
    that popped into my mind.  Was the guy high or drunk?  Or just a guy with very serious anger-management problems?

    Parent
    I'm thinking PCP and/or meth. (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:00:09 PM EST
    Yeh, a possibility (none / 0) (#41)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:38:33 PM EST
    Or maybe he went to a law school that taught a course in "Choke-holding the opposition 101."  I have some close friends who are attorneys- maybe I'd better make sure to be very, very nice to them.  ;-)

    Parent
    At least (none / 0) (#44)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:42:03 PM EST
    if you're setting a date to do lunch.  :)

    Parent
    Or perhaps... (none / 0) (#56)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:17:20 PM EST
    the prosecutor is just a real piece of work...we've all got a breaking point...and I find certain drugs push that breaking point far off into the sunset:)

    Parent
    Hmmm (none / 0) (#59)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:21:30 PM EST
    Saying "I want to accommodate everyone invloved" on a court date doesn't make him sound like a piece of work, though. :)

    Parent
    I'm sure there is more to the story... (none / 0) (#62)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:27:18 PM EST
    but who knows.

    Parent
    Dog, sweetie, the prosecutor (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:00:01 PM EST
    may have been a complete jerk (who knows?)- it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility.  But the public defender totally ruined his career, at the minimum, and may well wind up in jail.  If he couldn't take the heat, he should have gotten out of the kitchen.  Violence is not the answer, no matter if he was hugely provoked.  There are other ways to "get back" at people you dislike, and for a lawyer, doing your job to the best of your abilities, and winning your cases, would seem to me to be preferable.  Winning is the best revenge.

    Parent
    I'm with ya Z... (none / 0) (#174)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 06:27:54 PM EST
    talking to a guy who has raised his hands in anger once since junior high...and that guy threw a bar stool at me, hit me square in the chest.

    But I firmly believe some people are, as my old man used to say, "cruisin' for a bruisin'"...though I have no idea if that's the case here.

    Parent

    "Free BP Summer Big Screens - Live (none / 0) (#39)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:33:34 PM EST
    from the Royal Opera HOuse."  [Covent Garden.]

    I just got this email.  

    So, (none / 0) (#40)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:38:05 PM EST
    There's another protest going on here in DC.  It's organizers are passionate.  What are they protesting, you may ask?  The National Spelling Bee

    Why?

    They want to simplify the English language.  For example, they want to drop the "w" in words like "slow".  They want to change "fruit" to "froot".

    Their logo:  "Enuf is enuf. Enough is too much."

    They're welcome to communicate... (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:57:06 PM EST
    in writing any way they want, that's still allowed.

    English is a stoopid language in many ways...but I don't see any reason to f*ck with it now.

    Parent

    how do you spell FISH? (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:04:42 PM EST
    gh as in rough

    o as in women

    ti as in nation

    GHOTI

    Parent

    English is, indeed, (none / 0) (#136)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:09:59 PM EST
    a complicated language, mainly because it has so many words from a number of different languages.  However, around 3/4 of English words follow regular, phonemic-linguistic rules.  If you learn those rules, you've got 3/4 of the English language.  (The other 1/4, you just have to memorize.)  I am a retired special education teacher, and I taught mildly intellectually handicapped and severely dyslexic kids to read, and to spell.  It's difficult, but not impossible.  And these days, let's face it, we've got "Spell Check."  (OTOH, you need to know the difference between "two," "to," and "too."  Or between "four" and "for.")

    Parent
    Makes Sense (none / 0) (#48)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 12:53:49 PM EST
    lǽdengeþéode  nis  carr, It is more like a river, changing all the time.

    Some are always against change, which is futile where language is concerned.

    Parent

    sound like its a job (none / 0) (#61)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:27:12 PM EST
    they were born to do

    Parent
    I dunno about this (none / 0) (#63)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:34:37 PM EST
    I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm a terrible speller and this might make it easier.

    But at the same time, I'm becomming less and less of a "spring chicken" every year.  And you know what they say - you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

    I mean, I finally learned how to spell "enough" and now you want to change it on me???

    Parent

    in case you were worried (none / 0) (#64)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:37:39 PM EST
    about the supply of crazy running low:

    Report: Knotts Called Haley 'F---ing Raghead,' Attacked Her Religion, Family

    It sounds like South Carolina State. Sen. Jake Knotts' "raghead" comments last night are even worse than first reported.

    Knotts says he believed Haley has been set up by a network of Sikhs and was programmed to run for governor of South Carolina by outside influences in foreign countries. He claims she is hiding her religion and he wants the voters to know about it.

    "We got a raghead in Washington; we don't need one in South Carolina," Knotts said more than once. "She's a raghead that's ashamed of her religion trying to hide it behind being Methodist for political reasons."



    You can't even be shocked anymore (none / 0) (#66)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:41:45 PM EST
    You just have to shake your head.  Even Jonah Goldberg wrote that this guy should resign.

    Parent
    yeah (5.00 / 2) (#67)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:44:51 PM EST
    what the hell happened to pretense?

    I miss it.

    Parent

    More evidence (none / 0) (#140)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:14:19 PM EST
    That the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

    Sigh.

    US high school ends game of "Beat the Jew"

    Seriously - you can't make this stuff up.

    Parent

    Republican state Sen. Jake Knotts later apologized for the slur, saying the remarks about President Barack Obama and state Rep. Nikki Haley were meant as a joke. Haley, born in Bamberg, S.C., is the daughter of immigrants from India.

    Knotts made his remark on an Internet political talk show, Pub Politics. Co-host Phil Bailey said Knotts said, "We've already got a raghead in the White House, we don't need another raghead in the governor's mansion."

    No audio was available because of a technical problem, Bailey said.

    "If it had been recorded, the public would be able to hear firsthand that my 'raghead' comments about Obama and Haley were intended in jest," Knotts said in his statement. "Bear in mind that this is a freewheeling, anything-goes Internet radio show that is broadcast from a pub. It's like local political version of Saturday Night Live, which is actually where the joke came from."

    Not that he isn't a moran for even trying to make this kind of a joke...

    Parent
    A new one in the world of apologia. (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 01:48:27 PM EST
    It's SNL's fault.

    Parent
    note to Knotts (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:05:25 PM EST
    comedians can sometimes get away with using words like raghead, politicians, not so much.

    Parent
    joking? (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:11:00 PM EST
    "We need a good Christian to be our governor," he said. "She's hiding her religion. She ought to be proud of it. I'm proud of my god."

    Knotts says he believes Haley's father has been sending letters to India saying that Haley is the first Sikh running for high office in America. He says her father walks around Lexington wearing a turban.

    "We're at war over there," Knotts said.

    Asked to clarify, he said he did not mean the United States was at war with India, but was at war with "foreign countries."

    which part of that was supposed to be funny I wonder?

    Parent

    Since the adventures of the present Governor (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by christinep on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:15:35 PM EST
    and assorted crazy stories from South Carolina....
    Whats up in South Carolina? Is the air they breathe or the water?!? Maybe its too hot.

    Parent
    we're at war (none / 0) (#81)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:16:44 PM EST
    with "foreign countries"... I wonder if Knotts is a Native American.

    I mean INDIA?  Oh brother.

    Parent

    I find it highly suspicious (none / 0) (#88)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:35:56 PM EST
    the candidate chose Methodism as her cover though. <snk.>

    It traces its roots back to the holiness revival movement of John and Charles Wesley[6] within the Anglican Church.

    [Wiki.]

    Parent
    Me too. Indefensible. (none / 0) (#96)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:56:15 PM EST
    And the Republicans (none / 0) (#155)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:57:24 PM EST
    seem to be outraged by Knott's "raghead" remark about Haley, but not about his "raghead" remark about Obama?  It figures.

    Parent
    ok (none / 0) (#76)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:08:35 PM EST
    when OReilly is the sane one we are in big trouble:

    Laura Ingraham appeared last night on the O'Reilly Factor to discuss the Gulf oil spill, and at first it starts off with both agreeing that Barack Obama is blowing it. When it comes to holding Obama's team accountable, however, Ingraham can hardly believe her ears when O'Reilly says that he wants to give Janet Napolitano some "slack" because she's not responsible for the cleanup. Ingraham reminds O'Reilly that Napolitano runs the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA -- the agency tasked with the federal response to emergencies such as the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Ingraham calls the show a "spin zone," and O'Reilly accuses her of blind partisanship


    Turkish Imam Criticizes Gaza Flotilla (none / 0) (#83)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:22:23 PM EST
    SAYLORSBURG, Pa.--Imam Fethullah Gülen, a controversial and reclusive U.S. resident who is considered Turkey's most influential religious leader, criticized a Turkish-led flotilla for trying to deliver aid without Israel's consent.


    The whole subject (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:25:31 PM EST
    and all its years and all its tentacles and all its testicles is a fluster cuck

    Parent
    certainly (none / 0) (#87)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:34:50 PM EST
    but in this case I have tended to agree with the Imam from the beginning.  

    Parent
    I do too (5.00 / 1) (#182)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 03:04:16 AM EST
    It is a topic though that incites so much anger and debate.  Honestly, we've even had marital fights in our own house about Israel and Palestine.  And we have also had a Palestinian who joined the Army and also became a pilot who agrees with you.  It is a topic that has the whole world at each others throats and just when I think I can assume to know how someone would think and feel about that subject I'm proven wrong.  What is strangest is when my husband is upset at Israel for being trigger happy and being thuggish and I'm not.  If there would be anything I could think of that I could assume, it SHOULD be that our opinions would be reversed on that but we aren't.  At least not at this time.

    Parent
    You guys see this?... (none / 0) (#90)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:40:12 PM EST
    the American citizen who was killed was shot in the head 4 times at close range, with one in the chest for good measure...sounds like a summary f*ckin' execution by the rappelling commandos.

    Parent
    But, according to TL sidebar, (none / 0) (#91)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:44:23 PM EST
    Turkey will consumate deal to sell arms to Israel.  

    Parent
    right (none / 0) (#94)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:53:35 PM EST
    and like Jon Stewart said, they just assumed they were being welcomed by Swat Team shaped pinatas.

     

    Parent

    As far as I'm concerned... (none / 0) (#97)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 02:56:24 PM EST
    they were within their rights to defend the deck of their vessel from pirates.

    Wonder how many years the Somali kid woulda got if he put 4 in somebodys dome while boarding...

    Parent

    they were not there as pirates (none / 0) (#100)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:14:47 PM EST
    they were not interested in anything but keeping weapons from Hammas.

    hardly the same as your somali buddies

    Parent

    Boarding a ship without permission... (none / 0) (#104)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:24:14 PM EST
    is boarding a ship without permission brother...the fact that these pirates waved a banner of authority carries little weight with me...you know this:)  Seems they were interested in putting multiple caps in domes...the proof is in the autopsy.

    Sh*t I think this guy was within his natural rights to defend himself from kidnapping...I'm weird like that.

    Parent

    if you lived there (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:28:46 PM EST
    and had to deal with the rockets Hammas lobbes at you constantly you might feel differently about the militarys right to keep rockets out of their hands.

    look, I rarely defend Israel. but in this case they did exactly what the floaters wanted.  they responded.  be careful what you wish for.
     

    Parent

    they responded alright (none / 0) (#108)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:32:14 PM EST
    but even the israeli gov't admits they didn't "handle it well"

    look, honestly, I don't think the Flotilla should have been there wither.  But if you're gonna perform a raid - do it right.

    #1 - wait until they've actually broken the law (gone beyond the "blockade line").

    #2 - be prepared for resistance.

    #3 - don't kill people in international waters.

    there are many ways Israel could have handled this.  They picked the wrong one.

    Parent

    Just as you might feel differently... (none / 0) (#110)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:38:23 PM EST
    if you had to live under the blockade in Gaza.

    It's a seriosuly f*cked up situation with violent maniacs on both sides...but Israel was the aggressor in this particular incident.  And I know who we arm to the teeth.

    Parent

    I would not live there (none / 0) (#116)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:49:46 PM EST
    on either side.  and I am not defending either side. I am simply saying the floaters knew what would happen.  it was a provocation.  they got what they wanted.  I wonder if they think it was worth it.


    Parent
    Is it your opinion the people on (none / 0) (#117)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:53:09 PM EST
    Flotilla boats knew the boats would be boarded by Israli military?  And that persons on those boats would be killed or injured by Israeli military firearms?  Irrespective of actions of those on the boats?

    Parent
    no (none / 0) (#123)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:57:52 PM EST
    when they attacked armed commandos with axes and clubs they knew what would happen.  or you would think they certainly knew what would happen.

    Haaretz:


    Post-operation assessments have the number of hard-core activists involved in the fighting at between 60 and 100. It appears that they were well trained and experienced, especially in view of the arsenal found and code books used to pass on orders from group leaders. Among the rioters, in addition to Turks, were Yemenis, Afghans and one person from Eritrea. All were apparently experienced in hand-to-hand fighting. Some of them did not retreat when shots were fired.

    The operation involved a month of training, with dummy takeovers of a ship at sea with 50 soldiers performing the role of activists. The navy admits that it trained mostly for "a Bil'in type of opposition, but there was no feeling that this was going to be a walk in the park." He was referring to a village at the separation fence where demonstrations take place.



    Parent
    Greenwald quotes a witness who (none / 0) (#129)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:00:04 PM EST
    states Israeli military fired on the subsequently-boarded flotilla vessel before boarding it.  

    Parent
    Haaretz Gets it Right (none / 0) (#126)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:59:51 PM EST
    IMO, this Haaretz article about sums up the affair, in answer to your question.

    Parent
    I asked Capt Howdy his opinion, which (none / 0) (#131)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:04:11 PM EST
    he gave.

    Parent
    Closed Mind As Usual (none / 0) (#134)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:08:11 PM EST
    Keep it up, you may get an award some day.... lol

    Parent
    Haaretz (none / 0) (#132)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:04:51 PM EST
    has had a lot to say about this.  I have been quoting them.

    Parent
    What do you think of Greenwald's (none / 0) (#135)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:09:04 PM EST
    post today?  

    Parent
    I read the headline (none / 0) (#143)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:18:49 PM EST
    it hasnt shaped my opinion in the least.  what I have read has been foreign press.  mostly Haaretz.

    Parent
    Greenwald states the complete record (none / 0) (#145)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:21:23 PM EST
    re video, security cameras on board, witness statements, etc. is not yet available, and may never be, due to Israeli military impounding all the video, camera equipment, notes, etc.  

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#119)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:54:43 PM EST
    Rosa Parks seat on the bus was a provocation too.

    Parent
    did she have an ax? (none / 0) (#125)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:59:51 PM EST
    I dont remember one being involved.

    Parent
    Engines and tow (none / 0) (#138)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:11:48 PM EST
    The recommended procedure was to disable the engines once they were in the blockade zone and then tow them in.

    but no.... it was much better to hover over them in international waters and shoot on them (new video apparently shows they were firing before they ever hit the deck) ala Palin going after wolves.....

    Parent

    have you read any of the accounts of this (none / 0) (#142)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:15:44 PM EST
    perhaps they were firing because they saw people coming with axes?
    again, Haaretz

    As seen on a video documenting the takeover, the first four commandos to rappel onto the deck were attacked by activists with bars, axes and knives. The fourth commando, K., saw his team leader on the deck, with a Turkish activist holding the pistol he had grabbed from him and pointing it to his head. K. jumped from the rope and managed to shoot the activist holding the gun. This happened 20 seconds after the first soldier landed on the deck.

    The commanders of the first unit were hit by the mob as they landed. One of the soldiers managed to fix another rope, after there were problems with the original one, for 10 more soldiers to land. The commandos cared for the wounded and took over part of the upper deck of the ship.

    At this stage, six minutes into the operation, another force landed from a second helicopter, led by a major. At that point they realized that three commandos were missing and they began looking for them. A short while later the naval commando chief landed along with dozens more soldiers, some of whom climbed from boats. Others landed from a third helicopter.

    The search involved limited shooting, in the bridge and on the lower deck, until the three men were recovered. The head of the naval commandos gave orders by radio to use live fire, two minutes after the incident had begun.

    Shots had been fired earlier, but Lt. Col. A. later explained that in his orders he wanted to make sure that the troops realized that "the mood of the incident had changed."



    Parent
    If this account is accurate and complete, (none / 0) (#144)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:19:32 PM EST
    and, assuming the blockade is "legal," and boarding a ship in international waters to enforce the blockade is also "legal," it appears use of deadly force was justified.  

    Parent
    I have no opinion (none / 0) (#146)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:21:57 PM EST
    on any of those if's.

    but if I was one of those soldiers told to board and search the ship and was attacked or my comrades were attacked I would have done what they did most likely.


    Parent

    Blockade Zone (none / 0) (#152)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:36:43 PM EST
    I haven't understood the argument that it was legal to enforce a blockade outside of a legally enforceable blockade zone but that is for the international lawyers to determine.

    Personally, I find the use of deadly force against what one Israeli politician called the 'political provocation!!!!!' of a shipment of wheel chairs, water purifiers and relevant supplies appalling.

    Parent

    well of course its appalling (none / 0) (#154)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:38:31 PM EST
    that doesnt change the fact that when you attack commandos with axes bad things happen.  no big surprise.


    Parent
    Poor, poor (none / 0) (#173)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 06:12:11 PM EST
    commandos with their illegal actions. Poor, poor incompetant fools.

    It's so similar to a SWAT unit that enters the wrong house at 2:00 am and shoots a child walking to the bathroom.  OMG!!!   It was too a weapon!  That barbie doll coulda been used to stab somebodys eye out!!!!

    Parent

    They wanted to defy.. (none / 0) (#122)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:57:17 PM EST
    the blockade, draw the world's attention to the oppression of the people of Gaza...I don't think they expected to be executed for it.

    Parent
    maybe (none / 0) (#124)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:58:53 PM EST
    they should have stayed away from axes and clubs.

    Parent
    The Israelis even attacked (none / 0) (#164)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:27:09 PM EST
    an American ship once; killing, I believe, some thirty odd sailors. Dont be so absolutley sure you wouldnt grab an object to use for a weapon, if you saw those commandos coming down from a helicopter at you, Capt.

    Parent
    I wonder if (none / 0) (#156)
    by Zorba on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:08:42 PM EST
    James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner thought that what they were doing was worth it?  In the greater scheme of things, I believe that history would say "Yes."  They took the chance, they paid the price, and in the end, the American Civil Rights Movement prevailed.  (And, BTW, for what it's worth, Goodman and Schwerner were American Jews- there were a lot of Jewish-Americans who participated in the Civil Rights Movement.)


    Parent
    Weapons? (none / 0) (#112)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:42:51 PM EST
    uh..... the world knew this was happening.  This had nothing to do with weapons.  

    Israel has the right to a weapons blockade.  They do not have the right to starve the people of Gaza which is what they are intentionally doing.

    Parent

    read this from Haaretz (none / 0) (#101)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:18:07 PM EST
    Hostages (none / 0) (#113)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:44:33 PM EST
    Depends on which side of line you stand on. They could have just as well been called prisoners, who would be tried in Turkey.

    If the Gaza blockade is illegal, which it appears to be, then the armed attack was no different than an armed attack by pirates.

    Parent

    The Israelis blew it: (none / 0) (#157)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:17:36 PM EST
    all they had to do was communicate their full intention to inspect all the cargo on board once the flotilla had docked, and, all things considered, the activists wouldn't have had a leg to stand on.

    Instead, the Israelis, with an already well earned shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later reputation, did nothing but escalate a tense situation into runaway by swooping down on the flotilla like ninjas from the sky, as if this were just another house-bulldozing-to-send-a-message exercise.

     

    Parent

    you are (none / 0) (#160)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:20:37 PM EST
    correct

    Parent
    dont patronize me :) (none / 0) (#166)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:33:09 PM EST
    heh (none / 0) (#168)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:38:58 PM EST
    Im not.  it was a total over reaction.  but that doesnt mean the provocateurs are innocent lambs.

    as as far as your other comment upthread, no, if I saw commandos, particularly Israeli commandos coming at me I would wave in as friendly a way as I could manage.  with both hands.

     

    Parent

    I'd like to find some innocent (none / 0) (#170)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:44:50 PM EST
    lambs in this world -- above the age of twelve.

    All I can say about what people think they "would do" in situations like that, is that people are never more prone to irrational acts than when they're terrified. Which probably explains why the ME is such an ongoing incubater of irrationality.

    Parent

    The key word there being "nearly" (none / 0) (#159)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:19:59 PM EST
    Obama to name Clapper as new DNI (none / 0) (#109)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:35:30 PM EST
    So sayeth Ambinder

    President Obama intends to nominate Gen. James Clapper (Ret.), the current undersecretary of Defense for intelligence, as Director of National Intelligence.

    Pending weather, the announcement will be made in the Rose Garden tomorrow. Clapper would be the fourth DNI since the position was created five years ago to oversee the intelligence community's 16 agencies.

    He is a former Army intelligence officer who rose to head the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency before he was forced out by the Bush administration over his support for a strong DNI position. He is also a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Clapper was rehired as the second USDI after Stephen Cambone resigned in 2007, reflecting a chance of consensus about intelligence within the Bush administration. He spent the intervening period as a defense contractor.

    Clapper has had some tense relationships with members of Congress, particularly Rep. Peter Hoekstra, whose top intelligence aide said today that Clapper's nomination would not fix problems within the intelligence community. Other members of Congress are concerned about Clapper's willingness to brief them on key developments.

    Clapper has deep relationships across the intelligence community and is friendly with senior managers at the Central Intelligence Agency, which will look forward to working cooperatively with him.



    "He spent the intervening period (none / 0) (#121)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:56:53 PM EST
    as a defense contractor."

    Also, surprised ceremony to announce new head of such a vital function is weather dependent.

    Parent

    Maybe (none / 0) (#127)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:59:58 PM EST
    They'll melt because they are so sweet?  :)

    Parent
    All I can think is, (none / 0) (#158)
    by Anne on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:18:46 PM EST
    "Clap on...Clap off...The Clapper!"

    Sorry...it must be the 4-day week that felt like a 10-day week...

    Parent

    No (none / 0) (#161)
    by jbindc on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:21:36 PM EST
    I thought it too.  :)

    Parent
    For all the non-soccer fans (none / 0) (#114)
    by CST on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:44:42 PM EST
    out there looking for something to watch during the world cup.

    Link

    Question... is this sexist?

    Answer... I don't know, but it sure is beautiful.

    It's like lookin' in the mirror. ;-) (5.00 / 3) (#147)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:24:29 PM EST
    Not sexist at all... (none / 0) (#120)
    by kdog on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 03:55:05 PM EST
    to appreciate the beauty of the human body...enjoy the World Cup beefcake guilt-free pal:)

    Parent
    I did not complain at all about my (none / 0) (#150)
    by ruffian on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 04:33:43 PM EST
    Vanity Fair cover with two of the players. Makes up for all the young women I usually get to look at. They throw me some eye candy every now and then.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#165)
    by squeaky on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:28:56 PM EST
    I think that  sexism, racism, bigotry, etc, has to be evaluated in regard to the operations of power and oppression, as well as context.

    This objectification of beef cake in this case, does not appear to function as a tool of oppression, imo. It appears glorification of athleticism, accomplishment, talent, and the utter beauty of the human body. And if anyone winds up having an erotic fantasy, well that is not so bad either.... lol

    Parent

    men, well gay men and I assume (none / 0) (#169)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:42:39 PM EST
    straight men as well, have absolutely no problem being sex objects.


    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#162)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:22:44 PM EST
    hey, I even agree with him once a year about something..

    welcome to arizona (none / 0) (#171)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 05:58:26 PM EST
    Altered mural fuels racial debate in Prescott

    The "Go on Green" mural, which covers two walls outside Miller Valley Elementary School, was designed to advertise a campaign for environmentally friendly transportation. It features portraits of four children, with a Hispanic boy as the dominant figure.

    R.E. Wall, director of Prescott's Downtown Mural Project, said he and other artists were subjected to slurs from motorists as they worked on the painting at one of the town's most prominent intersections.

    "We consistently, for two months, had people shouting racial slander from their cars," Wall said. "We had children painting with us, and here come these yells of (epithet for Blacks) and (epithet for Hispanics)."

    Wall said school Principal Jeff Lane pressed him to make the children's faces appear happier and brighter.



    That site couldn't be a more perfect (none / 0) (#175)
    by jondee on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 06:30:53 PM EST
    commentary on a certain species of over-the-top hypocrisy and bizarre sense of entitlement: every post containing information which refutes the information contained in the-message-of-the-day is deleted (in the spirit of open debate and free inquiry), yet the site owner has every expectation of being able to come to THIS site and virtually regurgitate whatever the rw talk radio-Faux News script of the week is here.

    Truely amazing.

     

    Obama as Cinderella (none / 0) (#177)
    by waldenpond on Fri Jun 04, 2010 at 07:18:29 PM EST
    This is appropriate for anyone who would be President today...

    via BJ "Cinderella, clean up Wall Street"

    Response to 199 (none / 0) (#201)
    by squeaky on Sat Jun 05, 2010 at 07:51:39 PM EST
    Your comment is not responsive to my question. I asked you to back up your claim that had BP offered protection to the clean up crews they would be admitting guilt and therefore increasing their liability.

    You have not provided any information to back up you claim.