Open Thread - 06/06
WichitaD-Day - The Longest Day - Take just a minute to acknowledge those brave men from The Greatest Generation.
lindainks55 said:
My Newsweek arrived in today's mail. I am amazed at the front cover. In large capital letters the headline reads:
AFTER BUSH
And, the subhead:
How to Restore America's Place in the World
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3720360/site/newsweek/...
Without opening the magazine, without looking to see who the author of the front page article is, I sat and stared. As much harm as I think Bush has done to my country and our reputation, I still can hardly believe this headline. Is Newsweek not a reputable news magazine? Is it much farther to the "left" than I realized? WOW! Does this amaze anyone else?
AFTER BUSH
And, the subhead:
How to Restore America's Place in the World
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3720360/site/newsweek/...
Without opening the magazine, without looking to see who the author of the front page article is, I sat and stared. As much harm as I think Bush has done to my country and our reputation, I still can hardly believe this headline. Is Newsweek not a reputable news magazine? Is it much farther to the "left" than I realized? WOW! Does this amaze anyone else?
Gster said:
Linda- I don't think the cover has anything to do with being "left" or "right"- there is a growing number of US citizens starting to see the direct hit our country has taken from this Bozo.
I have lately been thinking about the mess the next Prez will inherit, and it seems to me he/she will have to literally 2 presidents at the same time. One to run things for the term elected to , and maybe more importantly to ( you pick the term) to de-Bush or un-Bush the mess from the last 8 years!
Fix a stretched, strained and maybe broken Military, re-equip them and the Reserve and Nat Guard, fix the forthcoming manpower problems as a consequence of repeated call ups for the Reserve forces, somehow strainghten out our position in the world diplomatic community, etc.
Can just 1 person handle this mess??
I have lately been thinking about the mess the next Prez will inherit, and it seems to me he/she will have to literally 2 presidents at the same time. One to run things for the term elected to , and maybe more importantly to ( you pick the term) to de-Bush or un-Bush the mess from the last 8 years!
Fix a stretched, strained and maybe broken Military, re-equip them and the Reserve and Nat Guard, fix the forthcoming manpower problems as a consequence of repeated call ups for the Reserve forces, somehow strainghten out our position in the world diplomatic community, etc.
Can just 1 person handle this mess??
Julie said:
I saw Saving Private Ryan for the first time this weekend. It was truly amazing.
My paternal Grandfather served during that time but as an Air Force Mechanic he didn't see combat. He would occasionally tell stories about his time overseas. You couldn't ask any questions because he'd stop talking. I had so many questions. Even many years after he retired (he was career) he'd wake up screaming with nightmares.
My (step) maternal Grandpa served in the Merchant Marines. He only talks about the trivial stuff and refuses to answer any questions about his service.
So many stories left untold because of the horrors of war.
I'm thankful and proud of their service.
My paternal Grandfather served during that time but as an Air Force Mechanic he didn't see combat. He would occasionally tell stories about his time overseas. You couldn't ask any questions because he'd stop talking. I had so many questions. Even many years after he retired (he was career) he'd wake up screaming with nightmares.
My (step) maternal Grandpa served in the Merchant Marines. He only talks about the trivial stuff and refuses to answer any questions about his service.
So many stories left untold because of the horrors of war.
I'm thankful and proud of their service.
Vaughn Tolle said:
I had a maternal uncle who served in WWII as a medic in the Pacific theater who never talked about his experiences, and who became very reclusive if any attempt was made to learn of them. I understand this is quite common among war-time veterans as a whole, and yes, Julie, so many stories left untold from which we could learn (hopefully).
Linda, the situation with the current President has gotten to the point that it doesn't really matter the general political leaning of a news magazine or other media outlet that is truly trying to report. I believe I see analogies, imperfect though they are, with the Johnson Administration in 1967-1968. During that time, the Democrats were doing whatever they could to not be associated with the Administration. I think a bit of that could be seen (as I understand it, I didn't watch) in the New Hampshire debate, and the discussion yesterday concerning making the Baker Commission report law led by GOP senators. These things make me wonder whether there will be an isolation of the White House as the end of the term approaches, similar to that faced by LBJ (and RMN, but for other reasons).
To all: I have come to the conclusion that irrespective of what may be said publicly, the Democrats and Republicans in Congress have acknowledged, for the most part, that the great Iraq misadventure will require some U.S. forces to remain there, perhaps in other capacities, for another five to ten years. I haven't heard any public discussion thereof, and I'm upset concerning this. Look, folks in power (if you're reading), just level with me, OK? I'm an adult and can handle it. Just don't continue to play games with reality.
Linda, the situation with the current President has gotten to the point that it doesn't really matter the general political leaning of a news magazine or other media outlet that is truly trying to report. I believe I see analogies, imperfect though they are, with the Johnson Administration in 1967-1968. During that time, the Democrats were doing whatever they could to not be associated with the Administration. I think a bit of that could be seen (as I understand it, I didn't watch) in the New Hampshire debate, and the discussion yesterday concerning making the Baker Commission report law led by GOP senators. These things make me wonder whether there will be an isolation of the White House as the end of the term approaches, similar to that faced by LBJ (and RMN, but for other reasons).
To all: I have come to the conclusion that irrespective of what may be said publicly, the Democrats and Republicans in Congress have acknowledged, for the most part, that the great Iraq misadventure will require some U.S. forces to remain there, perhaps in other capacities, for another five to ten years. I haven't heard any public discussion thereof, and I'm upset concerning this. Look, folks in power (if you're reading), just level with me, OK? I'm an adult and can handle it. Just don't continue to play games with reality.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Danny, this is on the nonDRM music one may get from iTunes. Does the privacy issue mentioned therein bother you as much as it does me (acknowledging that this may be, with a bit of work, deleted)?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/internet/06/05/apple....
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/internet/06/05/apple....
lindainks55 said:
From Wonkette message board. I got such a kick out of these comments; I thought you all would enjoy them too.
Let’s talk about Fred Thompson. Being from Tennessee, if you asked me to tell you about him a year ago I would have said that he’s really, really tall. Like 6’6” or something. And he is NOTORIOUSLY Lazy. He was a bachelor for quite a few years, and the hottest date in the state. We couldn’t believe it when he hooked up with country singer Lori Morgan. She’s younger than his kids, but was really cute. Problem is, she LIVED the lyrics of her twangy country tunes. She led Fred around like a pig on a nose ring. He started talking marriage, and it was just the oddest combination since…..well, Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson. Lori being Lori, she dumped Fred for a football player…Troy Aikman, I think. Then she eventually married another country singer….Sammy Kershaw I think is his name…and they bought a restaurant and they beat the hell out of each other all the time, have each other arrested, then get back together again. Just like their songs. A friend told me Lori wrote a book and said Fred’s penis was 5” in circumference.
Some thoughts on all this:
A) Just because he’s real tall and has a deep voice and plays an authority figure on TV doesn’t mean anything. It’s not like his height can deflect Iranian nukes.
B) Lazy is good. Wish Bush had slept for eight years.
C) I wonder if the kids he has now by the new trophy wife who is younger than the kids from his first marriage...are younger than his grandkids? Are they their own grandpaw yet? Nothing wrong with that I spose, except it’s the antithesis of everything a Republican is supposed to stand for. I read that the top four Repub candidates have ten marriages between them. Yet they can go all self-righteous and tell ME AND YOU about family values?
D) It’s bad enough to have such a small penis. But to have somebody think it was important enough to put in a book?? Yikes.
Moving onto the Republican debates in New Hampshire last night. I don’t get cable and had to rely on internet transcripts. Before the debates were even finished, McCain’s team was sending out emails saying he had won. But according to every CNN or MSNBC internet poll I read, Ron Paul CLEANED THE FLOOR with everybody else there. Paraphrasing here, but when asked about gays in the military, he said it’s not about whether you’re gay or straight, it’s about how you behave as a human being. I love that man.
Of course, Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance to be president. We want someone honest, bold, brave, who truly loves the Constitution of America and will defend it to the death as he cleans up the mess of the past eight years. Ron Paul is the only person in America running for president who can more than fill those shoes. I think it scares people. I think we like a screwed up monetary system and strife. And somehow, we always end up getting what we asked for. Anyway, I ordered my “Ron Paul for President in 2008…..100% Constitutional” t-shirt last night. I hope it gets here by Friday so I can wear it to my lunch date with my friend the Guiliani supporter.
“They all just agreed that nuking Iran to keep them from going nuclear would be a fantastic idea... Is there a Canadian out here (man or woman, I don't care) that can marry me and get me out of this hell hole of a country?”
(regarding Mitt Romney) “No, Wolf. 10% said they would not vote for him because he was a MORON not a Mormon.”
“And Duncan Hunter's immigration fence is bigger than John McCain's. My fave thing about Republican debates? The macho dick-measuring stuff.” (Oh how very true of most war mongers).
(Referring to Fred Thompson and that damned red truck he drives around the state every time he is running for something) “Tommy Thompson is so afraid of the Tennessee Stud and his Truck of Destiny.”
And to sum up all political debates “Just like being at the zoo and watching monkeys throw shit at each other then lovingly groom it off.”
Let’s talk about Fred Thompson. Being from Tennessee, if you asked me to tell you about him a year ago I would have said that he’s really, really tall. Like 6’6” or something. And he is NOTORIOUSLY Lazy. He was a bachelor for quite a few years, and the hottest date in the state. We couldn’t believe it when he hooked up with country singer Lori Morgan. She’s younger than his kids, but was really cute. Problem is, she LIVED the lyrics of her twangy country tunes. She led Fred around like a pig on a nose ring. He started talking marriage, and it was just the oddest combination since…..well, Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson. Lori being Lori, she dumped Fred for a football player…Troy Aikman, I think. Then she eventually married another country singer….Sammy Kershaw I think is his name…and they bought a restaurant and they beat the hell out of each other all the time, have each other arrested, then get back together again. Just like their songs. A friend told me Lori wrote a book and said Fred’s penis was 5” in circumference.
Some thoughts on all this:
A) Just because he’s real tall and has a deep voice and plays an authority figure on TV doesn’t mean anything. It’s not like his height can deflect Iranian nukes.
B) Lazy is good. Wish Bush had slept for eight years.
C) I wonder if the kids he has now by the new trophy wife who is younger than the kids from his first marriage...are younger than his grandkids? Are they their own grandpaw yet? Nothing wrong with that I spose, except it’s the antithesis of everything a Republican is supposed to stand for. I read that the top four Repub candidates have ten marriages between them. Yet they can go all self-righteous and tell ME AND YOU about family values?
D) It’s bad enough to have such a small penis. But to have somebody think it was important enough to put in a book?? Yikes.
Moving onto the Republican debates in New Hampshire last night. I don’t get cable and had to rely on internet transcripts. Before the debates were even finished, McCain’s team was sending out emails saying he had won. But according to every CNN or MSNBC internet poll I read, Ron Paul CLEANED THE FLOOR with everybody else there. Paraphrasing here, but when asked about gays in the military, he said it’s not about whether you’re gay or straight, it’s about how you behave as a human being. I love that man.
Of course, Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance to be president. We want someone honest, bold, brave, who truly loves the Constitution of America and will defend it to the death as he cleans up the mess of the past eight years. Ron Paul is the only person in America running for president who can more than fill those shoes. I think it scares people. I think we like a screwed up monetary system and strife. And somehow, we always end up getting what we asked for. Anyway, I ordered my “Ron Paul for President in 2008…..100% Constitutional” t-shirt last night. I hope it gets here by Friday so I can wear it to my lunch date with my friend the Guiliani supporter.
“They all just agreed that nuking Iran to keep them from going nuclear would be a fantastic idea... Is there a Canadian out here (man or woman, I don't care) that can marry me and get me out of this hell hole of a country?”
(regarding Mitt Romney) “No, Wolf. 10% said they would not vote for him because he was a MORON not a Mormon.”
“And Duncan Hunter's immigration fence is bigger than John McCain's. My fave thing about Republican debates? The macho dick-measuring stuff.” (Oh how very true of most war mongers).
(Referring to Fred Thompson and that damned red truck he drives around the state every time he is running for something) “Tommy Thompson is so afraid of the Tennessee Stud and his Truck of Destiny.”
And to sum up all political debates “Just like being at the zoo and watching monkeys throw shit at each other then lovingly groom it off.”
Vaughn Tolle said:
Uh, Linda, your tiny url link takes me to a page on Oprah.com concerning health. Looked around for a comparison to 1974, but couldn't find it. :-(
lindainks55 said:
Hmmmm, guess I should provide a better link to the place that really is interesting.
http://tinyurl.com/3b6sbn
I tested this one at tinyurl before just blindly copying and pasting. Should get you there and you will enjoy it!
http://tinyurl.com/3b6sbn
I tested this one at tinyurl before just blindly copying and pasting. Should get you there and you will enjoy it!
lindainks55 said:
Vaughn, On that Oprah page there were the "five secrets to the female orgasm."
(giggle)
I haven't read them yet, but may go back and see if there are any secrets I hadn't previously found.
as soon as I quit laughing!
I had gone to Oprah.com to read about Michael Moore's new film concerning health care.
HONESTLY!!
(giggle)
I haven't read them yet, but may go back and see if there are any secrets I hadn't previously found.
as soon as I quit laughing!
I had gone to Oprah.com to read about Michael Moore's new film concerning health care.
HONESTLY!!
Vaughn Tolle said:
Linda, discretion had caused me to not point out that piece to which you refer, knowing surely you didn't intend it be read, as it only referred to five and not nine things. :-)
I found the 1974-2007 analogies interesting reading, to be sure. Guess I hadn't noticed the high-waisted pants fashion statement, but when I glanced at the title of the others, before reading the text, the comparisons were immediately obvious.
I found the 1974-2007 analogies interesting reading, to be sure. Guess I hadn't noticed the high-waisted pants fashion statement, but when I glanced at the title of the others, before reading the text, the comparisons were immediately obvious.
Danny said:
Vaughn,
Apologies on the late reply. In how it is currently implemented , yes. However, if it were encrypted information less so. Better still, if it were just some random identifier unique to you but to someone outside meaningless information would be better still.
However, a downfall to this mechanism. Someone breaks into a 'leaky' computer, someone lets a friend borrow their iPod, a person comes over to the house and uses a computer, or live in an apartment with several roommates. The issue then arises how does one assign guilt if the song(s) get into the wild? The purchaser for not protecting them enough?
Still, I think in the majority of cases, if the third option were chosen, it wouldn't be so bad. In its current implementation, I'm not very keen on the idea.
Apologies on the late reply. In how it is currently implemented , yes. However, if it were encrypted information less so. Better still, if it were just some random identifier unique to you but to someone outside meaningless information would be better still.
However, a downfall to this mechanism. Someone breaks into a 'leaky' computer, someone lets a friend borrow their iPod, a person comes over to the house and uses a computer, or live in an apartment with several roommates. The issue then arises how does one assign guilt if the song(s) get into the wild? The purchaser for not protecting them enough?
Still, I think in the majority of cases, if the third option were chosen, it wouldn't be so bad. In its current implementation, I'm not very keen on the idea.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Danny, I'm with you on the third option. The current implementation leaves me cold, as you likely gathered.
lindainks55 said:
Yes, Wendy.
Bush said, "American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. Crossing that line would be a grave mistake,"
But he NEVER mentioned that the bill asked for federal funding ONLY for those blastocysts that are destined to be thrown away at fertility clinics. There are still those 28% who believe him.
Bush won't be in office much longer.
Bush said, "American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. Crossing that line would be a grave mistake,"
But he NEVER mentioned that the bill asked for federal funding ONLY for those blastocysts that are destined to be thrown away at fertility clinics. There are still those 28% who believe him.
Bush won't be in office much longer.
Danny said:
We know where I stand on the issue, however if you could clarify this for me:
"The bill would permit funding for research on embryonic stem cells regardless of the date of their creation, as long as they were donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, they would "otherwise be discarded" and donors gave their approval."
Are all of those "ands"? That the embryo in question is donated from an in-vitro fertilization clinic and it would have to have been discarded and the "donor" also had to give permission?
I'm really against it if it leads to making embryos for the specific purpose of destroying them. However, if the human in development is going to be killed one way or the other, then I'll likely be quiet about it(read as in the above paragraph). But as I stated, my only concern is just that I hope it doesn't lead to making embryos for the specific purpose of destroying them.
"The bill would permit funding for research on embryonic stem cells regardless of the date of their creation, as long as they were donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, they would "otherwise be discarded" and donors gave their approval."
Are all of those "ands"? That the embryo in question is donated from an in-vitro fertilization clinic and it would have to have been discarded and the "donor" also had to give permission?
I'm really against it if it leads to making embryos for the specific purpose of destroying them. However, if the human in development is going to be killed one way or the other, then I'll likely be quiet about it(read as in the above paragraph). But as I stated, my only concern is just that I hope it doesn't lead to making embryos for the specific purpose of destroying them.
lindainks55 said:
Yes, Danny, ALL of those stipulations must be met. I, too, am against harvesting eggs for the purpose of research. Hundreds of thousands of fertilized blastocysts are thrown away at fertility clinics all across the U.S. This bill would use federal funds for research on ONLY those, no others. They are the same ones scientists currently use in research, following ALL those same criteria, but the research is funded with private funds.
lindainks55 said:
Have I explained the logistics of this funding problem?
Have I addressed the very expensive equipment that is normally shared but if it was purchased with federal funds for other research the scientists in the same lab who are doing ESC research can't touch it?
Have I addressed the very expensive equipment that is normally shared but if it was purchased with federal funds for other research the scientists in the same lab who are doing ESC research can't touch it?
Danny said:
Linda,
I know equipment used to do research is quite expensive. However when it comes to funding and how funding is spent and then stipulations placed on things purchased with funding... well I'm going to stay in my own little world on this instance and believe that magic solved all of the problems. ;)
I know equipment used to do research is quite expensive. However when it comes to funding and how funding is spent and then stipulations placed on things purchased with funding... well I'm going to stay in my own little world on this instance and believe that magic solved all of the problems. ;)
lindainks55 said:
OK. I believe in Santa Claus. He has never missed my house. I'm NOT making fun, I'm being honest! My children and grandchildren also believe in Santa Claus (at least around me they know not to disbelieve!).
Rox said:
I see you all have been having fun today. TGIF, fer sure, VT. Thanks for the chuckles...especially the Oprah article. >grin<
lindainks55 said:
Honest Rox! If you go to Oprah.com and find the click for Michael Moore's book, "Sicko," then go through the several pages talking about that movie you end up at that link I posted here, HONEST!
What's that saying about doth protest too much???
Besides I went back and read that article and it wasn't worth reading...
Speaking of Sicko. I'm looking forward to seeing it! What I've read says it is well done and points up many problems with out health-care system "they" would rather we not know. I think it comes out later this month.
What's that saying about doth protest too much???
Besides I went back and read that article and it wasn't worth reading...
Speaking of Sicko. I'm looking forward to seeing it! What I've read says it is well done and points up many problems with out health-care system "they" would rather we not know. I think it comes out later this month.
Rox said:
I'm looking forward to seeing Sicko, too. If all it does is raise a furor over the insurance industry, that's fine with me. At least that would start some good and hopefully honest debate. From what I heard, there are Republicans who saw it in Cannes and thanked Michael Moore for speaking up about it. They must be those two or three that aren't in Insurance's pocket. I don't think this is a partisan thing, either. Democrats are riding along in pockets, too.
LOL on the OO (Oprah Orgasm) article! Too bad it wasn't longer, but then I guess it was buy-the-book-and-read-more kinda thing.
I used to get Cosmo, faithfully. Back when it did me some good, that is. >grin< Now my oldest daughter gets its. I think that's rather telling, don't you? LOL
LOL on the OO (Oprah Orgasm) article! Too bad it wasn't longer, but then I guess it was buy-the-book-and-read-more kinda thing.
I used to get Cosmo, faithfully. Back when it did me some good, that is. >grin< Now my oldest daughter gets its. I think that's rather telling, don't you? LOL
Steven Davis said:
I think Sicko is supposed be out on 06-29-07. In the dcoumentary there is supposed to be a part where a man is asked to chose ( by his MCO) which of his severed fingers he wanted replaced on his hand. His ring finger or his middle finger. The man wanted his ring finger replaced so he could wear his wedding ring again for his wife. I was telling my son this story and he was able to guess which finger I would have replaced and for what expressive purpose. I sometimes wish I was not such a bad influence on him.
Steven Davis said:
Bill Maher interviewing Michael Moore about the movie "Sicko":
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n_QoffvYQpw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n_QoffvYQpw
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