January, 2012 archive
Herpetophobia, Republican Style 0
Jay Bookman puts his tongue firmly in his cheek to theorize about why all the Newt-Hate:
I can only think of one explanation: They’re all liberals who are trying to sabotage the former speaker because they’re terrified at what Gingrich would do to President Obama in a debate. And they’re doing everything they can to prevent that calamity.
Spill Here, Spill Now, Put a Lid on It 0
Not a lid on the spill, natch. A lid on the facts about it (emphasis added).
The email conversation, which BP agreed to release Friday as part of federal court proceedings, suggests BP managers recognized the potential of the disaster in its early hours, and company officials sought to make sure that the model-developed information wasn’t shared with outsiders.
“Outsiders” such as the U. S. Coast Guard, for example.
Same Scam, Different Name 0
Every time I hear of a new effort by Republicans to keep voters from the polls, I remember hearing my Daddy talk about paying his poll taxes.
The Candidates Debate 0
Daniel Ruth reports on a Florida debate. A nugget:
Does anyone honestly believe Freddie Mac paid Newt Gingrich $1.6 million to provide history lessons?
More at the link. It gets better.
QOTD 0
Francis Bacon, from the Quotemaster (subscribe here):
Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be not altered for the better designedly.
Droning On 1
Thoreau:
So far they insist that the drone will not make lethal decisions on its own, but you know it’s only a matter of time. Am I the only one who thinks that every single Northrop employee should be forced to watch all of the Terminator movies several times over?
The link to the L. A. Times news story is at Thoreau’s place.
Twits on Twitter 0
Selective twits:
The company has insisted that it will not use the gagging system in a blanket fashion, but would apply it on a case-by-case basis, as already happens when governments or organisations complain about individual tweets.
Much more at the link.
Protect Our Vote (Sticky)
0
Rally at the Bell Tower to preserve the franchise, sponsored by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, keynote speaker.
When: 9 a. m., January 31.
Where:
9th and Franklin Streets
Richmond, Va. (map).
More Info: Call 757-287-0277 or email vlbc2011@yahoo.com.
View the announcement (jpg).
Dustbiters 0
I forgot to tune into the FDIC last night to see the parade of fiscal responsibles being honored for their acumen at destroying jobs, money, and trust(s).
I shall recognize them now for their mastery of the universe.
These banks are now blanks:
-
BankEast, Knoxville, Tennessee
Patriot Bank Minnesota, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Tennessee Commerce Bank, Franklin, Tennessee
Brain Pain 0
Listen to this episode of Radio Times, which explores the complexities of the U. S. Income Tax code, including (and this is the part that pains) the rationales for the favoritism to the rich over the poor and the middle class.
It will make your brain hurt.
Arizona Parodies Itself 0
See Delaware Liberal for details on Arizona’s latest move in its attempt to become the Alabama of the Southwest.
The Bully Pulpit 0
In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jay Bookman considers Newt the Gingrinch’s performance in the most recent episode of Survivor: Wingnut Studio Republican media circus debate. A snippet.
But when the critical moment comes, he deflates. As speaker, he shrunk from Bill Clinton, to the point that his aides and lieutenants didn’t want to have them in the same room lest a passive Gingrich agree to too much. In these debates, once Romney decided to fight back aggressively, Newt has repeatedly retreated. In the previous debate, he was left speechless and flustered by a pressing Romney, and apparently he still hasn’t recovered his bluster.
Cliches that Come to Life 0
“So much money he can’t count it all.” TPM:
Details at the link.
Spill Here, Spill Now, Weasel 0
Buccaneer Petroleum loses a round in its attempt to weasel out of its contracts.
A U.S. federal judge on Thursday said BP must uphold a clause in its contract with Transocean Ltd that would shield the Swiss-based driller from compensatory damage claims related to the 2010 disaster.
That means London-based BP may have to shoulder alone compensation claims brought by the likes of fishermen and hoteliers whose livelihoods were affected by largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
However, U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier left open the possibility that Transocean might still have to pay all or part of any punitive damages and civil penalties imposed by the U.S. government under the federal Clean Water Act.
I notice that BP is now a Swiss company. Guess they wanted a new hideout.
The Facebook Frolics Files 3
Fed app with it all.
The FBI is seeking to develop an early-warning system based on material “scraped” from social networks.
It says the application should provide information about possible domestic and global threats superimposed onto maps “using mash-up technology”.
Absolutely nothing could go wrong with this.
Also, pigs, wings.
Update from the Foreclosure-Based Economy 0
Foreclosures continue to work their magic.
(snip)
A key reason for the dismal 2011 sales is that builders must compete with foreclosures and short sales—when lenders accept less for a house than what is owed on the mortgage.
Goo-Goo-Googling Eyes on You 0
The ACLU takes a look at Google’s new privacy policy.
If you ever log in to Google (Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Plus, YouTube, or anything else Googly), you should read it.
Kudos to Google for explaining in plain English that you can check in, but you can never leave.
