2010 archive
Stray Thought 0
One of the first signs of civilization was clay pots. After all these years, one would think humans could make a coffee carafe that didn’t drip when poured.
Unintended Consequences 0
I’m staying out of Massachusetts. All I have to do to get poison ivy is look at it.
Also, global warming:
Scientists believe the plant might also be gaining in potency because, especially in cities, it is thriving on increasing carbon dioxide levels, partly the result of burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests.
It’s the Best Catch There Is 0
Catch 22:
Republicans in Congress prevent immigration reform, while Republicans prey on prejudice in the states.
Stimulus. We Don’t Need No Stinking Stimulus. 0
We need good old-fashioned traditional values, like breadlines.
Endless Warmongering 0
The rumble of the drums, having faded, starts to become louder.
Someone Can Be Found To Buy Anything 0
And it is getting creepy.
The Fifth Freedom 0
The freedom to hate:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Municipal Land-Use Hearing Update | ||||
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In related news, Adam Serwer looks at the backstory:
Video via Hanlon’s Razor.
No Einsteins on the Right II 0
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Excerpt: “Physics is a liberal plot . . . .”
Via TPM.
“Privacy Please” 0
The ACLU has a quiz to help you diagnose your on-line exposure.
I didn’t learn anything new from it, but I have followed this sort of stuff for years. If you aren’t sure about your privacy on line, it’s probably worth the three minutes.
Legacies 0
The San Jose Mercury-News editorializes:
These destructive emotions have mushroomed of late, particularly among politicians unashamed of stoking the flames of bigotry for political gain. The ground zero mosque debate is the most obvious example, but The New York Times reported last week that many proposed mosques in less symbolic locations across the country are facing the same kind of opposition.
Read the whole thing.
The First Day of School Can’t Come Too Soon 0
From the BBC. Picture at the link:
Crews painted “shcool” on the approach road to Southern Guilford High School.
Exploding Balloons 0
Pretty much what John Cole said.
My fellow lefties need to live in the real damn world, for Christ’s sake.
You don’t like the way your Congressperson votes. Write a letter to your Congressperson, don’t blame Obama. It’s easy with these here computer thingees to write letters.
You don’t like that Obama has trouble getting stuff through Congress. Write your Congressperson, for heaven’s sake.
Obama ain’t voting against Obama’s initiatives. Your Congressperson–yes, you, your Congressperson–is.
You don’t like an Obama policy. Write the White House.
But don’t act surprised that’s he’s turned out to be a slightly left-of-center moderate (at least as viewed through a reality lens, as opposed to a wingnut lens).
That’s what he campaigned as; he did not pretend to be otherwise. If you have forgotten that, read the campaign speeches, for Pete’s sake.
If he has failed as a unifier, it is because some have refused to be uniter, not because he has not tried to unite.
Has he made mistakes? Sure.
I made one just last year. It happens to all of us.
Don’t blame him for not trying to do what he didn’t promise to do (such as leave Afghanistan, which falls into the mistake category but that’s for another day). Blame yourself for not paying attention and for building castles in the ai–oh, never mind.
And grow up, for Heaven’s sake.
Think back over the past decade:
Do you really want Republicans to be in charge again?
Contract on America 0
Dave Johnson:
We, the People built this country’s prosperity and this built wealth. We reinvested that wealth, building the world’s most competitive economy. Now a few people are gaming the system and breaking the formula, taking for themselves vast riches, leaving the rest of us to clean up the mess.
It’s worth a read.
Via Skippy.
Call HUAC 0
Bicyles unAmerican:
I must be surrounded by unAmericans, because a lot folks in these parts seem to like their bikes.
Afterthought:
And you wonder why they put the “nut” in “wingnut.”
Via TPM.
40 Years Ago, Who Woulda Thunk? 0
Plus ca change:
The week-long activities focus mainly on non-combatant exercises and are part of the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Washington and Hanoi.