# Gun-Toter From Obama Event: I, Like My Pastor, Want Prez To Die"
Secret Service: We'll 'Follow Up' On Obama Death Prayers
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Monday, August 31, 2009
May God Help the Birthers?
Talking Points Memo | Breaking News and Analysis: "Secret Service: We'll 'Follow Up' On Obama Death Prayers
# Gun-Toter From Obama Event: I, Like My Pastor, Want Prez To Die"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
# Gun-Toter From Obama Event: I, Like My Pastor, Want Prez To Die"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Nuttier and Nuttier Repricans
Talking Points Memo | Breaking News and Analysis: "VA GOP Guv Nominee: Don't Believe Anything I Wrote in My Far-Right Masters Thesis -- I Don't!"
Back and Forth with the Rabbitt.
@20 Roger Rabbit
Can you back this up?
@11 “I think a large part of the difficulty is the underlying concept the advertising should aubsidize news.”
Certainly printing and handbills both predate print advertising.
I also wonder what role paid adverts paid in nthe pamphleteering that was important to the American & French revolutions?
As for today's ST, I utterly agree. I suspect it is little more than sport pages plus legal notices plus fish wrapper.
HMMMMM ....
If the paper bag initiative failed, maybe we could have one to tax the sale of paper newspapers?
Of course, the ST would then claim that we were restricting free speech. BUT, our atttornies could then charge that the only content of the ST is fish wrapper and wrapping paper is not free speech?
Can you back this up?
@11 “I think a large part of the difficulty is the underlying concept the advertising should aubsidize news.”
The underlying concept, which is a very old one, was created by people who bought printing presses to go into business as job shops that made their money by produced advertising circulars. At some point, they figured out that adding news content more than paid for itself because it got more people to read the advertisements.
Certainly printing and handbills both predate print advertising.
I also wonder what role paid adverts paid in nthe pamphleteering that was important to the American & French revolutions?
As for today's ST, I utterly agree. I suspect it is little more than sport pages plus legal notices plus fish wrapper.
HMMMMM ....
If the paper bag initiative failed, maybe we could have one to tax the sale of paper newspapers?
Of course, the ST would then claim that we were restricting free speech. BUT, our atttornies could then charge that the only content of the ST is fish wrapper and wrapping paper is not free speech?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
MJ More MJ
Was MJ Bleaching His Skin?
Investigators found marijuana, skin-bleaching and hair-growing ointments in Michael Jackson's home. Still no new insight into his death.
and then there is Hempfest
Investigators found marijuana, skin-bleaching and hair-growing ointments in Michael Jackson's home. Still no new insight into his death.
and then there is Hempfest
Home | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Home | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "Unemployment
Nation's Unemployment Outlook Improves Drastically After Fifth Beer 08.28.09"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest
Nation's Unemployment Outlook Improves Drastically After Fifth Beer 08.28.09"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest
Nation's Unemployment Outlook Improves Drastically After Fifth Beer
of it.Magic, Religiojn, and Falgellae
The BioLogos Foundation - Science and the Sacred: 
In his book No Free Lunch
, William Dembski makes the case for intelligent design by arguing that the bacterial flagellum, thanks to its apparent irreducible and specified complexity, could never have been produced through evolution. To support his argument, Dembski presents a calculation for the flagellum, which he describes as a "discrete combinatorial object". sents a calculation for the flagellum, which he describes as a 'discrete combinatorial object'."
OF COURSE! If biology said this, Dembski would have a point. Actually, if we look at any event this way, it would be a miracle because we assume no element of the event or entity had a prior history. So everything is a miracle, so nothing is a miracle.
The Flagellum Unspun
In his book No Free Lunch, William Dembski makes the case for intelligent design by arguing that the bacterial flagellum, thanks to its apparent irreducible and specified complexity, could never have been produced through evolution. To support his argument, Dembski presents a calculation for the flagellum, which he describes as a "discrete combinatorial object". sents a calculation for the flagellum, which he describes as a 'discrete combinatorial object'."OF COURSE! If biology said this, Dembski would have a point. Actually, if we look at any event this way, it would be a miracle because we assume no element of the event or entity had a prior history. So everything is a miracle, so nothing is a miracle.
NIH to Support Christian Schools?
Curriculum | The BioLogos Foundation: "The BioLogos Foundation is particularly interested in reaching out to Christian schools and home schools to enhance science education. The curriculum developed by the foundation focuses on the topics of science that directly interesect with evangelical Christianity. Teachers and educational leaders are identifying schools that would be interested in such a change and what approaches would be most
helpful.
A significant number of the foundation’s team members have been associated with home schools and Christian schools as former students, as parents and/or as faculty members in Christian colleges where most students come from Christian high schools.
The foundation holds these schools in very high regard. Although they are challenged by limited budgets, they are committed to preparing students for success in the university setting while still putting what they learn into a Christian context.
The BioLogos foundation is committed to working alongside these educators to better inform science education in a manner that respects the findings of science and is harmonious with the biblical message. For more information, see resources for teachers in the Resources section."
helpful.A significant number of the foundation’s team members have been associated with home schools and Christian schools as former students, as parents and/or as faculty members in Christian colleges where most students come from Christian high schools.
The foundation holds these schools in very high regard. Although they are challenged by limited budgets, they are committed to preparing students for success in the university setting while still putting what they learn into a Christian context.
The BioLogos foundation is committed to working alongside these educators to better inform science education in a manner that respects the findings of science and is harmonious with the biblical message. For more information, see resources for teachers in the Resources section."
Mallahan gets Union Vote
Politics Northwest | The Seattle Times | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Seattle firefighter & police unions to endorse Mallahan
Posted by Jim Brunner
Seattle's firefighter and police unions will announce their endorsement of Joe Mallahan for mayor at a news conference Tuesday.
Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27 president Kenny Stuart said his union's leaders interviewed both Mallahan and his opponent Mike McGinn and found Mallahan 'was far and away the best candidate for labor and public safety.' He said Mallahan quickly grasped the issues important to firefighters and promised to ensure they have the resources needed to do their jobs."
Posted by Jim Brunner
Seattle's firefighter and police unions will announce their endorsement of Joe Mallahan for mayor at a news conference Tuesday.
Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27 president Kenny Stuart said his union's leaders interviewed both Mallahan and his opponent Mike McGinn and found Mallahan 'was far and away the best candidate for labor and public safety.' He said Mallahan quickly grasped the issues important to firefighters and promised to ensure they have the resources needed to do their jobs."
Conservatives Lose in Japan
Al Jazeera English - AJE: "Japan PM 'to quit over poll defeat'
Exit polls show landslide victory for opposition ending decades of LDP rule."
Here is the beginn
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Middle class feels locked out of housing market
Middle class feels locked out of housing market: "'We suggest the government implement the second housing reform in order to meet the housing demand from the middle class,' said Li Ming, an expert on the Housing Act.
Li added that a proposal to that effect has been sent to the Ministry of Land and Resources and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
It calls on the government to introduce nonprofit developers that can provide affordable houses for middle-class families, but it does not say how that might be made to work."
Li added that a proposal to that effect has been sent to the Ministry of Land and Resources and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
It calls on the government to introduce nonprofit developers that can provide affordable houses for middle-class families, but it does not say how that might be made to work."
Nancie, Ronnie and Teddie?
BlatherWatch: "Nancy reagan tells of friendship with senator kennedy
Reagans(Nancy and Ron Reagan, Time magazine photo)
Ron Reagan (KPTK m-f, 3-6p)
did a brave thing: he brought his uncontrollable, unrehearseable, unpredictable, 88-year-old Republican mother on his show Wednesday."
Reagans(Nancy and Ron Reagan, Time magazine photo)
Ron Reagan (KPTK m-f, 3-6p)
did a brave thing: he brought his uncontrollable, unrehearseable, unpredictable, 88-year-old Republican mother on his show Wednesday."Care Bear?
Crave, a tech blog on cool gadgets and crushworthy stuff - Page 2 - CNET Asia: "W00t! It looks like robots may soon infiltrate the nursing profession, besides the theater, catwalk and home. What's a little more offputting is that RIBA, the new Robot for Interactive Body Assistance, has a cuddly teddy bear cuteness. On the one hand, this probably makes the idea of a robot nurse that can malfunction and go rogue on you a la I, Robot less daunting. On the other hand, with our penchant for all things k
awaii, this makes RIBA's integration and interaction with its human charges far more acceptable."
awaii, this makes RIBA's integration and interaction with its human charges far more acceptable."Invest in Afrique?
allAfrica.com: Nigeria: Sanusi Promises Double Digit Growth (Page 1 of 2): "London — The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi yesterday in London expressed optimism about the country's macroeconomic prospects, saying that Nigeria is expected to achieve a growth rate of 5 per cent this year buoyed by non-oil growth in the agriculture sector, improved oil prices and production following the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, the steady decline of headline inflation and the nation's robust foreign reserves."
Jews on the Diamond
The Jewish Daily Forward: "The Chosen Are Up At Bat
By Ron Dicker
This season, Major League Baseball boasts 14 Jewish players — making it a golden age for enthusiasts of fantasy baseball who prefer their players on the Old Testament side.Read More"
By Ron Dicker
This season, Major League Baseball boasts 14 Jewish players — making it a golden age for enthusiasts of fantasy baseball who prefer their players on the Old Testament side.Read More"
Religion - Blogrunner
Religion - Blogrunner: "Christi Parsons | Los Angeles Times
27 days ago
The crafting of Obama's Cairo speech to world Muslims
He sat with his legs crossed in an armchair in the Oval Office, his brow furrowed. Aides clustered on the couches around him."
27 days ago
The crafting of Obama's Cairo speech to world Muslims
He sat with his legs crossed in an armchair in the Oval Office, his brow furrowed. Aides clustered on the couches around him."
Mohammed, Khalid Shaikh
Ben Smith: Political News and Analysis - POLITICO.com: "After enduring the CIA's harshest interrogation methods and spending more than a year in the agency's secret prisons, Khalid Sheik Mohammed stood before U.S. intelligence officers in a makeshift lecture hall, leading what they called 'terrorist tutorials.'
In 2005 and 2006, the bearded, pudgy man who calls himself the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks discussed a wide variety of subjects, including Greek philosophy and a
l-Qaeda dogma. In one instance, he scolded a listener for poor note-taking and his inability to recall details of an earlier lecture.
Speaking in English, Mohammed 'seemed to relish the opportunity, sometimes for hours on end, to discuss the inner workings of al-Qaeda and the group's plans, ideology and operatives,' said one of two sources who described the sessions, speaking on the condition of anonymity because much information about detainee confinement remains classified. 'He'd even use a chalkboard at times.'
These scenes provide previously unpublicized details about the transformation of the man known to U.S. officials as KSM from an avowed and truculent enemy of the United States into what the CIA called its 'preeminent source' on al-Qaeda. This reversal occurred after Mohammed was subjected to simulated drowning and prolonged sleep deprivation, among other harsh interrogation techniques."
Andrew Sullivan suggests this story is a CIA plant. Here is the rest of it.
In 2005 and 2006, the bearded, pudgy man who calls himself the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks discussed a wide variety of subjects, including Greek philosophy and a
l-Qaeda dogma. In one instance, he scolded a listener for poor note-taking and his inability to recall details of an earlier lecture.Speaking in English, Mohammed 'seemed to relish the opportunity, sometimes for hours on end, to discuss the inner workings of al-Qaeda and the group's plans, ideology and operatives,' said one of two sources who described the sessions, speaking on the condition of anonymity because much information about detainee confinement remains classified. 'He'd even use a chalkboard at times.'
These scenes provide previously unpublicized details about the transformation of the man known to U.S. officials as KSM from an avowed and truculent enemy of the United States into what the CIA called its 'preeminent source' on al-Qaeda. This reversal occurred after Mohammed was subjected to simulated drowning and prolonged sleep deprivation, among other harsh interrogation techniques."
Andrew Sullivan suggests this story is a CIA plant. Here is the rest of it.
Jimmy McDermitt
cross posted at EFFin’ Unsound » Blog Archive »
McD's district has changed hugely since he became the rep . He has about no contacts with the UW. We have become one of the top five schools in the USA but I have never seen McD on campus. The UW is obviously the largest government entity in his District.
As a demiocratic pol, McD , is seemingly uninterested in any local issues .. whether that is light rail, visas for high tech workers, funding health research, bringing biotech to Seattle, or the Seattle Mayoral mess. Ule
While the District remains largely free of Repricans, it has changed in the huge representation of upper class techies, management tyoes, lawyers, etc. These folks are not Beck/Hannity watchers , but they (we) do have many interests that Jim seemingly knows nothing about.
Take healthcare, long one of Sunny Jim's mantras. Yet this doc is almost AWOL from the nissue ..either in Congress or in terms of his involvement with the local stakeholders (UW, local docs, Group Health, etc). This does both Seattle and the nation a disservice because Seattle has some of the most innovative healthcare scenes in the US.
All in all, Jimmy D is over ripe. The danger for librils maybe that he could be replaced by someone more independent of the dems and labor.
McD's district has changed hugely since he became the rep . He has about no contacts with the UW. We have become one of the top five schools in the USA but I have never seen McD on campus. The UW is obviously the largest government entity in his District.
As a demiocratic pol, McD , is seemingly uninterested in any local issues .. whether that is light rail, visas for high tech workers, funding health research, bringing biotech to Seattle, or the Seattle Mayoral mess. Ule
While the District remains largely free of Repricans, it has changed in the huge representation of upper class techies, management tyoes, lawyers, etc. These folks are not Beck/Hannity watchers , but they (we) do have many interests that Jim seemingly knows nothing about.
Take healthcare, long one of Sunny Jim's mantras. Yet this doc is almost AWOL from the nissue ..either in Congress or in terms of his involvement with the local stakeholders (UW, local docs, Group Health, etc). This does both Seattle and the nation a disservice because Seattle has some of the most innovative healthcare scenes in the US.
All in all, Jimmy D is over ripe. The danger for librils maybe that he could be replaced by someone more independent of the dems and labor.
Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles
Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles: "Milk drinking started around 7,500 years ago in central Europe
The ability to digest the milk sugar lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe, not in more northern groups as was previously thought, finds a new study..."
The ability to digest the milk sugar lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe, not in more northern groups as was previously thought, finds a new study..."
Friday, August 28, 2009
Too fat to fly?
News.com.au Top stories | News from Australia and around the world online | News.com.au: "Too fat to fly woman a hoax
Too fat to fly woman a hoax
REPORTS an overweight woman was refused to board a plane because she was 'too fat' were fake, says the airline.
Too fat to fly woman a hoax
REPORTS an overweight woman was refused to board a plane because she was 'too fat' were fake, says the airline.
What Does Beck Cost Fox?
Seattle Jew: "More Advertisers Bolt Glenn Beck
Cause and effect?
"More Sponsors Shun 'Glenn Beck'" (AdWeek, 8/28)
"Big Beck: Goes over 3 million viewers, beats O’Reilly in demo." (TVbytheNumbsers 8/27)
"Although Fox may not be losing out in terms of revenue — ads on Beck's show can be rerouted to others — it's significant that so many companies would signal not to run ads following this boycott.
And yet, only more viewers seem to be tuning in. "
Doesn't this argue that the boycott needs to be extended to all of Fox?
Japan Tries Two Party Democracy?
Al Jazeera English - AJE: "Changing face of Japanese politics
Voters look set to show ruling party exit and end over 50 years of conservative rule."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Voters look set to show ruling party exit and end over 50 years of conservative rule."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Don’t Run, Ed, Don’t Run
Carl Ballard posted at HA that he hopes Ed Murray does not run because Murray would take vortes from McGinn.
Great thread and it shows in great comments! Tx
My take:
If Ed had run, I would have enthusiastically supported him as a candidate.
As for M(allahyan)'s use of his own funds, I suggest you get used to this. Our system is based on someone with deep pockets financing campaigns. Even Obama had far more money from big donors than small donors.
The real issue with Mallahan is that he has run not told us anything about how he would accomplish his goals other than by being a good manager. Mayors hire managers. Mayors need to be politicians.
McGinn is less impressive to me than he is to you, but I have not met him. I worry that a number of his positions, even where I agree with them, have no "meat on the bones." We have real problems and slogans will not solve them. I hope he will now tell us what he actually would do.
What Ed would bring to this is his intelligence, his experience as a politician, and a broad base of support in Seattle. This is pretty much what you are saying too?
The problem is that, in a three way campaign each of us would need to decide whether a vote for Ed was a vote against our second choice. For that reason I hope Ed does not run.
Assuming Murray does not run the M&M candy-dates will have to come out of their shells and tell us a lot more about what they really stand for.
That would be a unusual o0pportunity for citizens to make a decision.
The death of the traditional media would also offer an oppening to expand the influence of blogs!
Great thread and it shows in great comments! Tx
My take:
If Ed had run, I would have enthusiastically supported him as a candidate.
As for M(allahyan)'s use of his own funds, I suggest you get used to this. Our system is based on someone with deep pockets financing campaigns. Even Obama had far more money from big donors than small donors.
The real issue with Mallahan is that he has run not told us anything about how he would accomplish his goals other than by being a good manager. Mayors hire managers. Mayors need to be politicians.
McGinn is less impressive to me than he is to you, but I have not met him. I worry that a number of his positions, even where I agree with them, have no "meat on the bones." We have real problems and slogans will not solve them. I hope he will now tell us what he actually would do.
What Ed would bring to this is his intelligence, his experience as a politician, and a broad base of support in Seattle. This is pretty much what you are saying too?
The problem is that, in a three way campaign each of us would need to decide whether a vote for Ed was a vote against our second choice. For that reason I hope Ed does not run.
Assuming Murray does not run the M&M candy-dates will have to come out of their shells and tell us a lot more about what they really stand for.
That would be a unusual o0pportunity for citizens to make a decision.
The death of the traditional media would also offer an oppening to expand the influence of blogs!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Petah Tikva: Ethiopians protest discriminatory school admission - Israel News, Ynetnews
Petah Tikva: Ethiopians protest discriminatory school admission - Israel News, Ynetnews: "Petah Tikva: Ethiopians protest discriminatory school admission
Published: 08.26.09, 11:26 / Israel News
Some 50 Ethiopian immigrants are demonstrating in front of Petah Tikva's city council building demanding their children be admitted into the city's sch
ools."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Published: 08.26.09, 11:26 / Israel News
Some 50 Ethiopian immigrants are demonstrating in front of Petah Tikva's city council building demanding their children be admitted into the city's sch
ools."Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Seattle's Big Guy-less Mayoral Race
Politics Northwest | The Seattle Times | Seattle Times Newspaper: "..Rolf, ..president of SEIU Healthcare 775.., said unions are left without any obvious champion in the mayor's race since the defeat of incumbent Greg Nickels in the primary. (Some business interests, like Vulcan Inc., find themselves in the same boat.)"
This may be a good thing.
Unions and Vulcan .. that isa truly unholy alliance.
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
This may be a good thing.
Unions and Vulcan .. that isa truly unholy alliance.
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
China Sells Girls .. new outsourcing threat?
Chinese dating site for singles seeking Chinese women for love and marriage! - Chnlove.com: "Unlike other sites where online dating may be unpleasantly treated as a casual identity game, Chnlove enables single gentlemen meet their true love with the help of local agencies in China and other Asian countries. Our platform's partnered agencies strictly examine the ladies' information and assist all communications until your dreams come true." Link
Capitalist Incentives to Patriotism - BEIJING officials will offer nearly a million discount coupons in a bid to get residents to flood theaters to watch patriotic films opening next month to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Communist China.
Capitalist Incentives to Patriotism - BEIJING officials will offer nearly a million discount coupons in a bid to get residents to flood theaters to watch patriotic films opening next month to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Communist China.
China opposes Dalai Lama visit
China opposes Dalai Lama visit: "China opposes Dalai Lama visit
China brands the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule,
a separatist. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
BEIJING - CHINA is resolutely opposed to the proposed visit of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Taiwan, the self-ruled island it claims as its own.
'No matter under what form or identity Dalai uses to enter Taiwan, we resolutely oppose this,' the Taiwan Affairs Bureau said in a statement carried by the Xinhua news agency.
China brands the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, a separatist. -- REUTERS"
China brands the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule,
a separatist. -- PHOTO: REUTERSBEIJING - CHINA is resolutely opposed to the proposed visit of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Taiwan, the self-ruled island it claims as its own.
'No matter under what form or identity Dalai uses to enter Taiwan, we resolutely oppose this,' the Taiwan Affairs Bureau said in a statement carried by the Xinhua news agency.
China brands the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, a separatist. -- REUTERS"
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Give Ethiopian Jewry a chance to flourish | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post
Give Ethiopian Jewry a chance to flourish | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post: "Right of Reply: Give Ethiopian Jewry a chance to flourish"
22 Arab countries and just 2 Miss Universe entrants? | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post
22 Arab countries and just 2 Miss Universe entrants? | Op-Ed Contributors | Jerusalem Post: "The religious thought police in the Arab world argue that a woman showing off her body is disgraceful. Blowing yourself up at a crowded bus stop is not disgraceful, though."
A Greco-Irish Tragedi in Three Brotherly Acts
Kennedy Successor To Be Chosen By Special Election
'Problem by problem,' Kennedy transformed himself
By JOHN F. HARRIS & ALEXANDER BURNS | 8/26/09 8:46 PM
"I am a Republican and he was a Democrat, but we were friends," Jack Burkman, a Republican party strategist, said.
From Al Jazeera:
A 2009 survey by The Hill, a publication following politics on Capitol Hill, found that senate Republicans believed Kennedy was the chamber's easiest Democrat to work with and the most bipartisan.
 |
| Barack Obama, left, said that he valued Kennedy's 'wise counsel' [AFP] |
"He was one of the few people in the United States senate who could genuinely reach across the aisle and bring Democrats and Republicans together," he told Al Jazeera from Los Angeles.
"There are a lot of people who claim to be able to do this, but there really are only two or three.
"I think America needs more Ted Kennedys, people who believe passionately in what they believe in."
Is China Fascist?
Classism vs Corportatism
I have not read David's book but I think liberals as well as conservatives all to easily conflate fascism (Mussolini) with Nazism (Hitler)
The scary thing today, IMO, is that both right and left are all to willing to play with the "power to the people" rhetoric.
Hitler and Mussolini came to power with promises to make Italy and Germany "work for the people." At least initially, both leaders did just that .. they employed everyone and exploited a jingoistic pride of country not unlike what most Americans want now. Gandhi and Roosevelt praised il Duce.
What bwent wrong? I have never understood why fascism, European style, was built around the cult of the great leader. But, that cult remains a real concern today. Obviously there are cults of the same sort in N. Korea and Burma but the bigger question comes from China.
The Chinese state controls 75% of the "stock market." It may well be that President Hu and his oligarchs are benign patriots, but the dangers are all too real. Remember the Soviet Union. A nominally socialist movement became, but by its fall, a nationalistic, jingoistic monster.
The most frightening thing to remember is that Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin were very successful until they mixed imperialism with the rest of fascism. The rest of the world looked the other way as Hitler built camps, Mussolini tried to colonize Africa, and Stalin colonized a vast swath of Eurasia.
I suspect that racism and imperialism are intrinsic to any system built around a great leader. How many Popes or Kings have not had outsize egos? What did Napoleon do with the ideals of the French?
China may be creating a form of fascism that does not require a cult of the personality. I hope so. Maybe the foundations of Confucianism offer a better basis for government than the foundations of Christianity?
We have a different problem here. No one supports fascism in the US. What we do support is classism ... a system not unlike that of Britain before WW I.
What happens when a class bound society competes with a corporate state?
Cross post at HA.
I have not read David's book but I think liberals as well as conservatives all to easily conflate fascism (Mussolini) with Nazism (Hitler)
The scary thing today, IMO, is that both right and left are all to willing to play with the "power to the people" rhetoric.
Hitler and Mussolini came to power with promises to make Italy and Germany "work for the people." At least initially, both leaders did just that .. they employed everyone and exploited a jingoistic pride of country not unlike what most Americans want now. Gandhi and Roosevelt praised il Duce.
What bwent wrong? I have never understood why fascism, European style, was built around the cult of the great leader. But, that cult remains a real concern today. Obviously there are cults of the same sort in N. Korea and Burma but the bigger question comes from China.
The Chinese state controls 75% of the "stock market." It may well be that President Hu and his oligarchs are benign patriots, but the dangers are all too real. Remember the Soviet Union. A nominally socialist movement became, but by its fall, a nationalistic, jingoistic monster.
The most frightening thing to remember is that Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin were very successful until they mixed imperialism with the rest of fascism. The rest of the world looked the other way as Hitler built camps, Mussolini tried to colonize Africa, and Stalin colonized a vast swath of Eurasia.
I suspect that racism and imperialism are intrinsic to any system built around a great leader. How many Popes or Kings have not had outsize egos? What did Napoleon do with the ideals of the French?
China may be creating a form of fascism that does not require a cult of the personality. I hope so. Maybe the foundations of Confucianism offer a better basis for government than the foundations of Christianity?
We have a different problem here. No one supports fascism in the US. What we do support is classism ... a system not unlike that of Britain before WW I.
What happens when a class bound society competes with a corporate state?
Cross post at HA.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Nikon Tattoo?
Nikon Rumors: "3307274703 4cef2156c5 Real Nikon fan
NIKON TATTOO, originally uploaded by John Leach Photography.
Obamism in Russia?
Latest Ghana News of Wednesday 26 August 2009: "Second 'Russia Obama' is Half-Ghanaian
MOSCOW, Russia — A second candidate of African descent announced he'll run for head of a rural district in southern Russia, election officials said Monday, making for an unusual slate in a country with deeply ingrained racism. The campaign for head of the Srednyaya Akhtuba district already has attracted wide media attention because of the candidacy"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
MOSCOW, Russia — A second candidate of African descent announced he'll run for head of a rural district in southern Russia, election officials said Monday, making for an unusual slate in a country with deeply ingrained racism. The campaign for head of the Srednyaya Akhtuba district already has attracted wide media attention because of the candidacy"
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Great Author, Unknown in the West
News From KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY of DPRK: "Kim Jong Il Authors Lots of Works
Pyongyang August 25 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il has authored and published lots of famous works developing and enriching the revolutionary idea of President Kim Il Sung, the Songun idea, through his tireless ideological and theoretical activities over the last nearly five decades since he started his Songun revolutionary leadership.
Many of his works were published as collections of his works and pamphlets including Vol. 1~15 of 'Selected Works of Kim Jong Il', Vol. 1~10 of 'Accomplishing Juche Revolutionary Cause' and 'On the Military Idea and the Songun Politics of Our Party'.
Those works are the results of Kim Jong Il's endless thinking, inquiry and wisdo ............."
Pyongyang August 25 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il has authored and published lots of famous works developing and enriching the revolutionary idea of President Kim Il Sung, the Songun idea, through his tireless ideological and theoretical activities over the last nearly five decades since he started his Songun revolutionary leadership.
Many of his works were published as collections of his works and pamphlets including Vol. 1~15 of 'Selected Works of Kim Jong Il', Vol. 1~10 of 'Accomplishing Juche Revolutionary Cause' and 'On the Military Idea and the Songun Politics of Our Party'.
Those works are the results of Kim Jong Il's endless thinking, inquiry and wisdo ............."
Trabant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trabant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "The Trabant is an automobile that was produced by former East German auto maker VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau in Zwickau, Sachsen. It was the most common vehicle in East Germany, and was also exported to countries both inside and outside the communist bloc."
Thinking Can Make You Fat
Gallery: Overhyped Health Headlines Revealed | Popular Science:
U.K. Daily Telegram September 11, 2008
The Studies
“Glycemic Instability and Spontaneous Energy Intake: Association with Knowledge-Based Work,”Psychosomatic Medicine, 2008"
U.K. Daily Telegram September 11, 2008
The Studies
“Glycemic Instability and Spontaneous Energy Intake: Association with Knowledge-Based Work,”Psychosomatic Medicine, 2008"
More Crazy Beck
"This president, I think, has exposed himself as a guy, over and over and over again, who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture, I don't know what it is,'' Beck said on FOX & Friends last month "I'm not saying that he doesn't like white people. I'm saying he has a problem. This guy is, I believe, a racist.''
and more than nuff said.
China Makes Reparations to Dalai Lama? (Irony)
China concludes reparation of Dalai Lamas' palaces: "China concludes reparation of Dalai Lamas' palaces
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-23 19:15
LHASA: China on Sunday officially concluded the reparation of the Potala Palace and Norbu Lingka, or the former winter and summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas.
The Chinese government has spent nearly 300 million yuan (US$43.9 million) in the two projects, along with another 94.74 million yuan in the reparation of the Sagya Monastery, which is known for housing numerous classical books on Buddhism and precious paintings.
A ceremony was held Sunday on the public square in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, to celebrate the success of repair work.' The reparation of the three key cultural relics is an important part in the conservation of the Tibetan culture,' said State Councilor Liu Yandong at the ceremony.
The Potala Palace, built in the 7th century, is on the world cultural heritage list. Norbu Lingka, which means 'treasure park' in the Tibetan language, was the s
ummer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
The three projects started in 2002 with a combined budget of 330 million yuan."
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-23 19:15
LHASA: China on Sunday officially concluded the reparation of the Potala Palace and Norbu Lingka, or the former winter and summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas.
The Chinese government has spent nearly 300 million yuan (US$43.9 million) in the two projects, along with another 94.74 million yuan in the reparation of the Sagya Monastery, which is known for housing numerous classical books on Buddhism and precious paintings.
A ceremony was held Sunday on the public square in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, to celebrate the success of repair work.' The reparation of the three key cultural relics is an important part in the conservation of the Tibetan culture,' said State Councilor Liu Yandong at the ceremony.
The Potala Palace, built in the 7th century, is on the world cultural heritage list. Norbu Lingka, which means 'treasure park' in the Tibetan language, was the s
ummer palace of the Dalai Lamas.The three projects started in 2002 with a combined budget of 330 million yuan."
New Site .. worth seeing
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Rainy Day Bear has interesting taste in graphics. I recommend it mainly for some of the links.
Rainy Day Bear has interesting taste in graphics. I recommend it mainly for some of the links.
Myth of Free Fuel
International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - Nachrichten: "Interview with Germany's New Environment Chief
Electric Cars No Good If Really Just Nuclear-Powered
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Jochen Flasbarth, the president-elect of Germany's Federal Environment Agency, speaks about Germany's misplaced transport priorities, why it needs lighter cars and why electric cars are a bad idea if they're just powered by nuclear energy. more..."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Electric Cars No Good If Really Just Nuclear-Powered
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Jochen Flasbarth, the president-elect of Germany's Federal Environment Agency, speaks about Germany's misplaced transport priorities, why it needs lighter cars and why electric cars are a bad idea if they're just powered by nuclear energy. more..."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
The Folks at Hempfest Should Read This
Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World: "MK considers bill to bar smoking in vehicles with kids
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Exclusive: Study finds air in cars with cigarettes much more toxic than in restaurants allowing smoking."
I was disturbed at the number of kids at Hempfest in Seattle. MJ smoke has MORE carcinogens in it than tobacco smoke and certainly kids deserve to make their own choices about the risk when they are old enough.
Smart Politics
Al Jazeera English - AJE: "Palestinian PM plans for statehood
Fayyad hopes building new infrastructure and institution will force Israel's hand."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it. 
Fayyad hopes building new infrastructure and institution will force Israel's hand."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Netanyahu Leaves Divided Israel for Europe Trip
Some Israelis say that they have almost never had it this good, while others say that the prospects for peace could hardly be worse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who pays his first official visit to Berlin this week, has divided the Jewish state and is openly quarreling with the West. By Erich Follath more...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Boycott Glen Beck!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to recommend that you consider signing this petition to boycott products that support the Glen Beck show.
I have NEVER made such a recommendation before but this man is frighteningly akin to the worst and most crazed political figures.
These are Beck's current sponsors:
- GM
- Campbell Soup
- Chrysler
- Honda
- Oreck
Proctor & Gamble (have announced they will pull ads)- Pfizer
- Kellogg
Walmart- Kraft Foods
- Nestle
- Fox (News Corp)
please also forward this message.
PROGRESS: companies now that ban Beck:
PROGRESS: companies now that ban Beck:
- Wal-Mart:
- Travelocity:
- Best Buy
- CVS:
- Allergan
- Ally Bank (a unit of GMAC Financial Services):
- Re-Bath:
- ConAgra
- GEICO
- Lawyers.com
- Men's Wearhouse
- Procter & Gamble,
- Progressive Insurance,
- RadioShack,
- Roche
- SC Johnson,
- Sanofi-Aventis,
- Sargento
- State Farm Insurance.
r request is being processed...
More Advertisers Bolt Glenn Beck
New Rules, Tell it to Maher
WacoTrib. - Waco Tx News, Sports, W eather, Events, Classifieds & more | Wacotrib.com: "Students adapt to new schools, new rules
Lead Image
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald
Waco High School students laugh as they head to class wearing garb adhering to the school's new dress code on the first day of classes Monday.
Some local students experienced their first day at new schools on Monday, while others adapted to new rules regarding dress code and where they could eat lunch. So far, so good, say school administrators, who praised the youngsters' ability to adapt and say the new rules will foster a better learning environment."
Lead Image
Duane A. Laverty/Waco Tribune-Herald
Waco High School students laugh as they head to class wearing garb adhering to the school's new dress code on the first day of classes Monday.
Some local students experienced their first day at new schools on Monday, while others adapted to new rules regarding dress code and where they could eat lunch. So far, so good, say school administrators, who praised the youngsters' ability to adapt and say the new rules will foster a better learning environment."
Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com
Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com:
By ANDIE COLLER & DANIEL LIBIT | 8/24/09 6:30 AM"
With two wars still neither lost nor won, unemployment at 9.7 percent with a bullet and health reform currently dismantled and lying in pieces on the kitchen floor, a number of lawmakers have spent the hottest month of the summer making mountains out of the marginal and engaging in made-for-YouTube crazy talk that has all but crowded out real discussion of the very serious issues on the table.
By ANDIE COLLER & DANIEL LIBIT | 8/24/09 6:30 AM"
With two wars still neither lost nor won, unemployment at 9.7 percent with a bullet and health reform currently dismantled and lying in pieces on the kitchen floor, a number of lawmakers have spent the hottest month of the summer making mountains out of the marginal and engaging in made-for-YouTube crazy talk that has all but crowded out real discussion of the very serious issues on the table.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
JDaughter of a Singer ....
Jerusalem Post | Breaking News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World: "A legacy of love
By YAEL BRYGEL
Singer Neshama Carlebach is carrying on the work of her late father, but in no way feels overshadowed."
By YAEL BRYGEL
Singer Neshama Carlebach is carrying on the work of her late father, but in no way feels overshadowed."
Cross Post: Seattle's mayor in a pickle.
HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Truth and Consequences, the Seattle Way: "Nickels in the Pickels
I agree with Goldy that Greg was and is a very good administrator. But, long term success in politics requires building a support base and Nickels failed to do this.
Nicklels supprt came from three organized sources .. labor unions, the dem party, and business. All that is pretty tradional and ays for LOTS of ads.
What he never did was create the kind of local support previous mayors have done . esp Norm Rice. Nor did he use the Council to create a political infrastructure to support his ideas.
I fault Obama in the same way. He ran a great TOP DOWN campaign that has left local activists (moi) largely leaderless.
This is inept poltics in an age of media chaos. The Brown Shorts understand this all too well .. they are very well organized onh the ground in churches, hate radio stations, … they have an almost fityh colyumn like structure of activists .. from Susan Hutchinson to the Mars Church.
If Damayor had built a community structure of his won or had kicked the GD demo party to do ITS job, Nickle would not be in the pickle now."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
I agree with Goldy that Greg was and is a very good administrator. But, long term success in politics requires building a support base and Nickels failed to do this.
Nicklels supprt came from three organized sources .. labor unions, the dem party, and business. All that is pretty tradional and ays for LOTS of ads.
What he never did was create the kind of local support previous mayors have done . esp Norm Rice. Nor did he use the Council to create a political infrastructure to support his ideas.
I fault Obama in the same way. He ran a great TOP DOWN campaign that has left local activists (moi) largely leaderless.
This is inept poltics in an age of media chaos. The Brown Shorts understand this all too well .. they are very well organized onh the ground in churches, hate radio stations, … they have an almost fityh colyumn like structure of activists .. from Susan Hutchinson to the Mars Church.
If Damayor had built a community structure of his won or had kicked the GD demo party to do ITS job, Nickle would not be in the pickle now."
Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.
Science and Medicine
U-M researchers discover therapeutic target that could help patients with pulmonary fibrosis | Eureka! Science News: "U-M researchers discover therapeutic target that could help patients with pulmonary fibrosis"
We've identified the target. We know the enemy now," said Subramaniam Pennathur, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine/nephrology. "This is the first study that shows pulmonary fibrosis is driven by this NOX4 enzyme."
I have not yet seen the paper, but if true this may have important implications for other diseases including hypertension, scleroderma, graft vs. host ???
We've identified the target. We know the enemy now," said Subramaniam Pennathur, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine/nephrology. "This is the first study that shows pulmonary fibrosis is driven by this NOX4 enzyme."
I have not yet seen the paper, but if true this may have important implications for other diseases including hypertension, scleroderma, graft vs. host ???
Gordon Brown in new storm over freed Lockerbie bomber | UK news | The Observer
Gordon Brown in new storm over freed Lockerbie bomber | UK news | The Observer: "Brown and Gaddafi
....Downing Street released the text of a cordial letter sent to the Libyan leader on the day that Abdulbaset al-Megrahi was released, asking that the event be kept low key because a 'high-profile' ceremony would distress his victims and their families.
But critically the letter also refers to a meeting between the two leaders six weeks earlier at the G8 summit in Italy, adding that 'when we met [there] I stressed that, should the Scottish executive decide that Megrahi can return to Libya, this should be a purely private family occasion' rather than a public celebration."
SJ recommends the excellent portrayl of schizophrenia in Jamie' Foxx's movie to anyojne wishing to understand the bemedalloed Khadaffi.
....Downing Street released the text of a cordial letter sent to the Libyan leader on the day that Abdulbaset al-Megrahi was released, asking that the event be kept low key because a 'high-profile' ceremony would distress his victims and their families.
But critically the letter also refers to a meeting between the two leaders six weeks earlier at the G8 summit in Italy, adding that 'when we met [there] I stressed that, should the Scottish executive decide that Megrahi can return to Libya, this should be a purely private family occasion' rather than a public celebration."
SJ recommends the excellent portrayl of schizophrenia in Jamie' Foxx's movie to anyojne wishing to understand the bemedalloed Khadaffi.
Annie Leibovitz, photographer of stars, faces ruin
Annie Leibovitz, photographer of stars, faces ruin: "Annie Leibovitz is as famous as the people she photographs but now the genius behind the lens is close to financial ruin -- a victim, some say, of her own relentless artistic ambition.
Among the qualities making Leibovitz, 59, the most sought after portrait photographer in the world are legendary perfectionism and the pouring of resources into lavish sets."
"
Among the qualities making Leibovitz, 59, the most sought after portrait photographer in the world are legendary perfectionism and the pouring of resources into lavish sets."
"
In what now appears as a disastrous decision to raise funds, Leibovitz took a 24-million-dollar loan from Art Capital Group (ACG) -- in effect a high-end pawn broker -- in December 2008 using her own photographs as collateral.
That debt is due September 8 and if she can't pay up, she could lose her life's work."
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Fish Wrapper
The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia: "The Future of Newspapers
The Future of Newspapers"
The Future of Newspapers"
Worms
Science News: "Some of these newly discovered species of swimming worms release glowing bombs, possibly to confound predators. Swirly lines show a hypothetical evolutionary relationship among the new species, with a potential ancestor worm at the bott 
om. Full Story © 2009 Karen J. Osborn"
om. Full Story © 2009 Karen J. Osborn"Obama's Peace Initiative
Carnegie Middle East Center: "What do We Do if Obama Wages Peace like Bush Waged War?
Paul Salem
17/08/2009"
Paul Salem
17/08/2009"
Gaddafi, my neighbor | Columnists | Jerusalem Post
Gaddafi, my neighbor | Columnists | Jerusalem Post: "My friends tell me that I'm the Jewish Forrest Gump, a man who unexpectedly finds himself in strange and surprising
situations. But the place I fin
d 
myself in now surprises even me. I've just discovered that Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi is going to be my neighbor. Quite literally. In about a month. In New Jersey."
situations. But the place I find 
myself in now surprises even me. I've just discovered that Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi is going to be my neighbor. Quite literally. In about a month. In New Jersey."No Spanking Swedish Kids
The Local - Sweden's news in English: "Smacking kids is never acceptable: Swedish politician
Smacking kids is never acceptable: Swedish politician
Thirty years have passed since Sweden ban
Smacking kids is never acceptable: Swedish politician
Thirty years have passed since Sweden ban
Smacking kids is never acceptable: Swedish politician
Thirty years have passed since Sweden banned parents from smacking their children. But Liberal Party MP Helena Bargholtz is dismayed to learn that New Zealand is holding a referendum to reintroduce the practice.ned parents from smacking their children. But Liberal Party MP Helena Bargholtz is dismayed to learn that New Zealand is holding a referendum to reintroduce the practice."Ramadan TODAY
Pakistan Daily | The Pakistan News Agency: "According to the Fiqh Council of North America:
1st of Ramadan will be on Saturday, August 22, 2009
1st of Shawwal (Eid Al-Fitr) will be on Sunday, September 20, 2009"
1st of Ramadan will be on Saturday, August 22, 2009
1st of Shawwal (Eid Al-Fitr) will be on Sunday, September 20, 2009"
PAF starts drone production
Pak Air Force has formally started the production of pilotless drone planes in collaboration with...
Al Jazeera English - AJE
Al Jazeera English - AJE: "Iran defence nominee 'a wanted man'
Argentine prosecutor complains that Ahmad Vahidi is a suspect in a 1994 bombing."
Hell all he is charged with is the bombing death of 85 jews.
Argentine prosecutor complains that Ahmad Vahidi is a suspect in a 1994 bombing."
Hell all he is charged with is the bombing death of 85 jews.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The ends of mRNAs may prevent the beginnings of cancer | Eureka! Science News
The ends of mRNAs may prevent the beginnings of cancer | Eureka! Science News:
"'So now, in the cancer cell, the same protein is being made, but a lot of regulatory sequences have been lost,' says Mayr. 'And in the beginning, I had no idea what this means. But then I found that those shorter mRNAs were making much more protein. ....So, my theory is that in normal cells, genes are tightly regulated by their long 3'UTRs,' says Mayr. 'And the cancer cell somehow has the ability to express the shorter mRNA without those regulatory sequences. Without that regulation, it's able to express large quantities of protein.'"
Not totally a surprise but if this happens in cancer, where else does it happen?
Review: Nightmare Nazi Dominates Tarantino’s Glorious Basterds | Underwire | Wired.com
Review: Nightmare Nazi Dominates Tarantino’s Glorious Basterds | Underwire | Wired.com:
I am not a Brad Pitt fan but this sounds good.
For those who do not understand Sen. Kennedy’s illness, he died of one of the worst tumors that exist: “Glioblastoma multiforme.” This is a horrible killer. Death from ” Glio”is painful and the loss of ones own brain in an aware individual hard to describe.
For reasons I do not understand, I have lost a number of admired colleagues to this evil fate. Some of you may have known one of these folks, Hal Weintraub. One of the building at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is named for Hal Weintraub, one of the smartest scientists and best people I have ever known .. a person whose own research at the utch and at the UW has already saved many lives.
There is, however, a small bit of good news. Recently the drug Avastin has shown some promise. Avastin was developed as an “anti tumor angiogeneisis drug” at Genentech by another friend, Napoleon Ferrara … a name many of us hope to see in the Nobel announcement some October.
The effect is small, extending life rather tha saving it.
The hope, however is large because once we find a limited effect, we can work with the drug to optimize it and .. maybe .. even save lives.
I am fairly certain mr. Kennedy received Avastin as an experimental drug and if so, future victims of this horrid disease owe him one more “thank you.”