Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Big Surprise
The Raw Story
We'll stop when they're dead. I imagine they feel the same.
The shock troops of conservative talk radio and liberal activism have yet to get President Barack Obama's memo appealing for a ceasefire to America's political wars.
We'll stop when they're dead. I imagine they feel the same.
Quote of the Day
The Rude Pundit
The difference being that you won't cry afterwards.
The Republican Party is Old Yeller, filthy with rabies, and you know there's only one thing you can do with Old Yeller.
The difference being that you won't cry afterwards.
Rushole and his Grand Obstructionist Party
Bill Gallagher goes off on Rushole Limpbaugh, and rightly so.
Since we have no idea, thank heavens, what Rushole does on his sex trips to the Dominican Republic, it's entirely likely that he's an old queen too. I hope Liz doesn't have any ingrown hairs in her hemorrhoids. I hope Rush has lots. BTW, Liz did not dodge military service and was a truck driver in the British army in WWII.
This will make you groan: it's been a Goodyear so far for pay discrimination activists...
Yeah, he's sure 'victimized' by his $400M contract through '16. Burn, baby, burn!
Good. I hope I live to see it come tumbling down.
The Grand Obstructionist Party (my em) is basking in the partisan sun, soaking in the regressive and reactionary rays that have turned the once important national party into a shriveled prune of narrow interests, greed and bigotry.
The Republican Party of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower exists now only as a nostalgic memory, an historic footnote. Any sense of moderation, inclusion and public service for the public good have been effectively purged from the party that now takes its strategic marching orders exclusively from a money-grubbing huckster and third-rate entertainer. Rush Limbaugh is the indisputable face and soul of the post-Bush Republican Party.
For 20 years now, Limbaugh has used his radio show to feed millions with a steady diet of lies, half-lies, deceptions and straw man arguments - heavily spiced with racism, misogyny, fear and hatred. The faithful - the "ditto heads" - then dutifully and mindlessly repeat what they hear.
But now, the entire Republican Congressional leadership, especially in the House, shamelessly follows Limbaugh's orders with the locked-stepped discipline typical of fascist regimes. The non-elected Rush calls the political moves and the elected GOP members of Congress follow.
That's quite an accomplishment for a college drop out who ducked the draft during the Vietnam War because he failed to treat an ingrown hair in a hemorrhoid, went through three wives to now lead the "family values" party, suffered a hearing loss from an addiction to painkillers and - with a $400 million dollar contract through 2016 - has as much in common with working Americans as Queen Elizabeth.
Since we have no idea, thank heavens, what Rushole does on his sex trips to the Dominican Republic, it's entirely likely that he's an old queen too. I hope Liz doesn't have any ingrown hairs in her hemorrhoids. I hope Rush has lots. BTW, Liz did not dodge military service and was a truck driver in the British army in WWII.
Limbaugh is livid over Obama's support for Lilly Ledbetter and the law that bears her name. It threatens the good ole boy games - rooted in discrimination - that the powerful like to play. The first piece of legislation Obama signed into law, The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, protects the rights of people and gives them more time to take pay discrimination cases to court.
This will make you groan: it's been a Goodyear so far for pay discrimination activists...
Limbaugh's hemorrhoids burn when he hears the word s"discrimination" and "unfairness" and he longs for more oxycontin prescriptions to soothe his anger as the victimized white male.
Yeah, he's sure 'victimized' by his $400M contract through '16. Burn, baby, burn!
Rush and his legion of losers long for the good old days. The role of government is to cut the taxes of the rich, paid for with debt for the working class. They want America to remain the world's bully and government spending is good only when it goes to military contractors.
They want control and comfort, sipping martinis and single malt scotch, playing golf, smoking faux Cuban cigars as they set the national agenda and shape public policy in the comfort of their exclusive clubs.
Barack Obama and Lilly Ledbetter are threatening their world.
Good. I hope I live to see it come tumbling down.
"It was sad when that great ship went down..."*
I have no idea why this sort of reference only turns up when Fixer is on a cruise...
In a further slight twist of irony, the 'toon is by Matson. My Dad went to Hawaii in Lurline in 1940.
*Fixer says cruisers never make references to that particular ship. I feel safe enough up here in the mountains to do that, but I hope and pray Westerdam meets no such fate, although it would certainly be newsworthy if it happened in the Caribbean.
In a further slight twist of irony, the 'toon is by Matson. My Dad went to Hawaii in Lurline in 1940.
*Fixer says cruisers never make references to that particular ship. I feel safe enough up here in the mountains to do that, but I hope and pray Westerdam meets no such fate, although it would certainly be newsworthy if it happened in the Caribbean.
The tour ...
As I do on "at sea" days, I give you a tour of the ship. Today is the first installment of our walkabout on Westie.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Quote of the Day Zwei
From Brian Beutler of Yglesias on 'Joe the Economist':
That might violate the Clean Water Act, but Repugs couldn't care less.
...it seems pretty clear to me that the conservative movement plans to quadruple down on its “gin up the crazies” strategy. If they were serious about changing their image, they’d dump Joe “Sarah Palin is Absolutely the Real Deal” Plumber into an ice fishing hole somewhere near Wasilla.
That might violate the Clean Water Act, but Repugs couldn't care less.
Some advice for tax evaders
AP
Speaking as someone who worked 'under the table' for years at a time, PAY CASH and DON'T KEEP RECORDS. The IRS can't prove something of which no records exist. As Tom Clancy said in one of his novels, "If it didn't get written down, it didn't happen."
It may come back and bite ya on the ass, though. It's the reason my Social Security retirement benefit is less than $700 a month. Oh well...
Nancy Killefer, who failed for a year and a half to pay employment taxes on household help, has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House said Tuesday.
Speaking as someone who worked 'under the table' for years at a time, PAY CASH and DON'T KEEP RECORDS. The IRS can't prove something of which no records exist. As Tom Clancy said in one of his novels, "If it didn't get written down, it didn't happen."
It may come back and bite ya on the ass, though. It's the reason my Social Security retirement benefit is less than $700 a month. Oh well...
Tammy Duckworth tapped for Assistant VA Secretary
Think Progress 
From 'comments' on the post:
The death-spiraling Repugs know that what remains of their 'base' can be entertained by rolling a shiny nickel across the floor. Clowns are all they got.
And, ominously:
I speak for the Brain in applauding the choice of Ms. Duckworth.
Today, the Obama administration announced that the President intends to nominate veteran Tammy Duckworth to be Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Duckworth, who lost both her legs serving in the Iraq war, is currently director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and ran for the House in the 2006 elections. From the Obama team’s press release:
As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.
Duckworth was appointed director of the state Veterans office in Illinois in 2006. In previous testimony before Congress, she expressed her commitment to Veterans and the need for transformation of the Department. “The VA system faces new challenges as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.” She also noted “the patient profile is changing. More wounded soldiers are surviving very serious injuries.”
From 'comments' on the post:
misshusseinmolly Says:
The juxtaposition of this item with the “Joe the Plumber” story just below (See 'Joe the Economist' - G) it should hit everybody right between the eyes. The Obama team is making use of qualified people to serve their country. The GOP is making use of clowns to distract and entertain their base.
The death-spiraling Repugs know that what remains of their 'base' can be entertained by rolling a shiny nickel across the floor. Clowns are all they got.
And, ominously:
cwarddc Says:
I hope she’s paid her taxes!
I speak for the Brain in applauding the choice of Ms. Duckworth.
Half Moon Cay ...
Did a whole buncha nothing in paradise yesterday. And we're on a speed run through the Windward Passage between Hispaniola and Cuba as I write this, bound for Aruba tomorrow morning.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Foreign? Domestic? How do you tell?
Mark Karlin, the editor of BuzzFlash, asks the burning question:
He bought a Ford Focus because a) it's the patriotic thing to do in his view, and b) because they're in so much trouble they damn near gave him the damn thing! You can go read.
I left him this comment and will go back later to watch myself get torn to shreds by other commenters...
Here's the definitive advice on buying a new car or truck: Buy whatever you like that you can afford. You don't owe any auto manufacturer, foreign, domestic, or in-between, a damn thing.
Why the Editor of BuzzFlash Just Bought an American Car. Shouldn't You?
He bought a Ford Focus because a) it's the patriotic thing to do in his view, and b) because they're in so much trouble they damn near gave him the damn thing! You can go read.
I left him this comment and will go back later to watch myself get torn to shreds by other commenters...
American Iron
Submitted by Gordon on Mon, 02/02/2009 - 2:36pm.
We bought a new American pickup three years ago. a Toyota Tacoma, assembled in Fremont, California in a former GM assembly plant that was moved to China. GM appears to be doing quite well everywhere in the world besides here, and I hope the Chinese are all sportin' around in Corvairs and Vegas.
As previous commenters have noted, the parts for almost all makes are world-sourced, including those for that most iconic of American brands, Harley-Davidson. If the U.S. had a 'domestic content' law like some countries do, your Focus would have cost you twice as much, at a guess.
It's fine if you want to support Ford, but would you have bought it if they weren't in so much trouble that they made you such a smokin' deal?
Naturally, I wish you the best of luck with your new car, but no matter where a car is made, the folks who keep 'em runnin' throughout their service lives (and beyond, sometimes. Heh.) at the dealerships, independent repair shops, parts stores, tire, muffler, and, heaven should only forbid, body shops, etc. are all Americans trying to earn a living. (Damn! I fergot ta mention wreckin' yards and Pick-n-Pull! - G)
The best vehicle I ever owned in terms of reliability and low cost of ownership was a Chevy LUV 4x4, made in Japan by Isuzu. I bought it brand new and it never saw the inside of a repair shop for the 21 years and 147,000 miles that I owned it and I think it's still running around down in Arizona somewhere. Great American brand, that Chevrolet! (wink)
Here's the definitive advice on buying a new car or truck: Buy whatever you like that you can afford. You don't owe any auto manufacturer, foreign, domestic, or in-between, a damn thing.
Quote of the Day
From a post at ePluribus Media on Michael Steele as RNC chairman:
Republicans: "Look Y'all–We Got Us One Too!"
Oh, the irony...
Ironic Times
GLOBAL WARMING OCCURRING AT RECORD PACE
Based on recent observations.
NBC Refuses to Run Suggestive PETA Ad During Super Bowl
Fears it would offend sensitive pro football audience.
Republican Suicide Watch
P.M.Carpenter. Go read this one for a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I just wish they'd hurry up and die.
It may now well be America's favorite pastime: Republican Suicide Watch.
As the Post's David Broder observed more than a month ago: "[C]ongressional Republicans ... shrunken ranks are increasingly dominated by right-wing Southerners who care not what their stance does to harm the party's national image."
So when the party's new chairman, Michael Steele, announced last week to his fellow Republicans that his first task would be to address their "image" problem, was he sufficiently aware of just who his fellow Republicans are, and, with respect to the 2010 election, what they're up to?
Because these jokers are becoming political jokes, real fast -- and there's nothing more politically suicidal than that.
I just wish they'd hurry up and die.
Bloody Mary Morning
This one's for you, Fixer. (Shit-eatin' grin smiley face...)
Willie Nelson & The Dixie Chicks
Thanks, SteelTom
Made it ...
Sorry about the silence the last couple days. We had a 2 hour delay getting out of JFK Saturday and got in late that night. We met up with Westerdam at Port Everglades yesterday around noon and, after finding Annie and Joe, spent the afternoon running into members of the crew we know from other ships. One of the great things about Holland America Line is the closeness between crew and regular cruisers. We were greeted with hugs and shouts of "Mr. and Mrs. F! Welcome back!" Feels like home.
We're at sea now, heading to Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay, where we'll be spending the day. I'll post pics over at Worlds this evening before dinner.
See yas later ... more coffee ... or maybe a Bloody Mary? Yeah, I know it's only 0730 but the Earth is divided into 25 time zones so it's 1700 somewhere. Heh ...
We're at sea now, heading to Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay, where we'll be spending the day. I'll post pics over at Worlds this evening before dinner.
See yas later ... more coffee ... or maybe a Bloody Mary? Yeah, I know it's only 0730 but the Earth is divided into 25 time zones so it's 1700 somewhere. Heh ...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Pace That Thrills
Normally I would put something like this at Fixer & Gordon, but this so entertaining I thought I would share it with all of you. This is a clip from "The Pace That Thrills" which was released in 1952.
The field meet scenes were filmed at an old Southern California motorcycle racing venue called Crater Camp, later changed to Crater Bowl. It was right off Topanga Canyon Road on the Valley side. I spectated at a race there once and I think it closed in about 1960. I will assume there are big fancy homes there now.
I'm not sure, but I think the street riding scenes were filmed on Ventura Boulevard west of the San Fernando Valley. That used to be THE way to get from L.A. to Ventura and beyond before the 101 (Ventura) Freeway. Of note are the tank-shift Indian and the complete disregard for traffic laws that put us motorcyclists in such good stead with the law and the general populace for so long. This clip ends about how you think it will as Harley-Davidsons emerge victorious. Heh. Enjoy.
The field meet scenes were filmed at an old Southern California motorcycle racing venue called Crater Camp, later changed to Crater Bowl. It was right off Topanga Canyon Road on the Valley side. I spectated at a race there once and I think it closed in about 1960. I will assume there are big fancy homes there now.
I'm not sure, but I think the street riding scenes were filmed on Ventura Boulevard west of the San Fernando Valley. That used to be THE way to get from L.A. to Ventura and beyond before the 101 (Ventura) Freeway. Of note are the tank-shift Indian and the complete disregard for traffic laws that put us motorcyclists in such good stead with the law and the general populace for so long. This clip ends about how you think it will as Harley-Davidsons emerge victorious. Heh. Enjoy.
Thanks, datanoster.
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