Hi Jane! Happy 4th.

Balrog! Nice to see you.
Happy 4th, you all.

Hey Jane – thanks for the linkage.
Happy Fourth!

Balrog! Happy 4th.

Where have you been keeping yourself?

Jane, what’s the weather like in DC this Fourth?

Good luck house-hunting in NW DC. If you care to come over the line into MD, you can look at our house in Chevy Chase.

We’re in Maui now, where macaroni salad is one of the major food groups. Send Kobe over — although you’d better start now on the paperwork: it takes four months!

Happily here with four dogs & one cat.

WeeRogs do not allow extended yabbling on the tubes. So I’m often here but rarely posting.

Rest assured that I’m fighting the good fight in other ways.

xoxo to all!

Hi Jane!

I have some Ned Lamont posters for Blue America and FDL fundraising gifts — maybe you could get them autographed at Netroots Nation?

I’ll try to send photos to you and Howie — I had the bright idea of using them for Mark Twain Sanitary Fund Flour Sack fundraiser for Darcy Burner, but that didn’t seem to catch on. It’s a great story, though, and well worth the read.

Anyway, email will arrive shortly.

happy America’s day firedogs!

Glenzilla analyzes Barack Obama’s response on FISA. He gets credit for answering his supporters. Not so much credit for the answer itself.

in his response, barak almost challenges us to change his mind;

I learned long ago, when working as an organizer on the South Side of Chicago, that when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I’m not exempt from that. I’m certainly not perfect, and expect to be held accountable too

I believe it was fdr who when approached with a good idea told the person something to the effect;

“I agree, now make be do it”

obama has that quote to fall back on and he must change his position on fisa, I believe he has told us we have to make him do it

TO THE BATMOBILE!

Good luck with the move, Jane.

Looks like Charlie’s getting things lined up to make a run as Veep. In my dreams, he resigns as Guv to run and then loses. That would be the best thing for both Florida and the country.

Hmm….marrying into an instant family to hide the rumors…why does that sound familiar? Paging Mrs. Craig to the red courtesy phone!

Wha’ happened, Jane, did Senator Webb get tired of the poodle bombs in his yard?

Just be sure before you move into your house in Northwest DeeCee that the water bill is paid up — I got a bill for three hundred dollars two months after moving into our Capitol Hill house, many years ago when three hundred dollars was, like, a third of a rent payment!

Yeah, I couldn’t get behind the ‘mashing of sardines’ either.

Another GOOD posting today:
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6138

It’s pretty nice today. A little overcast but not outrageously hot.

We’re actually looking in Chevy Chase, but the DC side.

I read somewhere that the Florida legislature recently passed a law so Charlie doesn’t have to resign to run for Prez or Veep. What kind of a law was that, anyway, that governors have to quit to run for higher office?

By the way I attended the Independence Day parade this AM. I looked for Ms. Bachmann but she never showed up. Al Franken’s group was there and threw plenty of candy, so the WeeRogs voted for him.

PS No signs of street vomit either. Where’s Michelle?

Yeah, like I said, it was a dream. He doesn’t have to resign, but I’m hoping we can put pressure on him to do so since the Florida economy is in the crapper and somebody needs to be minding the store this fall. On second thought, everything they do in Tallahassee makes things worse, so maybe it works better if he stays in office and away from Florida…

Well look at it this way, you didn’t need to run her out of town on a rail!

Teddy,

How’s the weather in the City today?

Nice little 50 second YouTube:

George Met by Protest at Thomas Jefferson’s House on July 4!

Right, it’s a bit warm for tar and feathers today.

Thanks for the Shakesville link. In addition to throwing choice under the bus and trivializing mental health..he is another “goodie” from the same interview:

I think we know that abortions rise when unwanted pregnancies rise. So, if we are continuing what has been a promising trend in the reduction of teen pregnancies, through education and abstinence education giving good information to teenagers. That is important—emphasizing the sacredness of sexual behavior to our children.

The “abstinence” education goes along with his endorsement of expanding “faith based” programs…but the “sacredness of sexual behavior” is a new one for me. Which sexual behaviors are sacred? This situation is getting more strange by the day.

That’s a big ugh.

Sixty-four, cloudy, breezy — probably won’t be seeing any fireworks for the clouds and fog, but we’ll walk over to Alamo Square Park tonight just in case! And how’s the weather there, Matt?

It was a beautiful thing indeed.

(they actually printed my letter in the local paper in C’ville, too)

And for something to ponder and scratch yo’ heads about:

BAGHDAD (AFP) – More than 1,200 US troops serving in Iraq signed up for extended service in the military to mark America’s national day on Friday.

At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20…..0704143017

the entire blurb makes me shudder.

Charlie’s getting married? Where, California? Who’s giving him away, Larry Craig? Linsay Graham carrying the flowers?

Abstinence education KILLS. And our nominee should say so!

Sunny, light breeze and will get into the upper 80’s. My wife and I are heading into Flagstaff this afternoon and that will be cooler because it is 7,000 feet.

Jane – trying to get into that second link in your first item – it’s restricted.

He seems to be pandering to the evangelic crowd at the moment. There were a good number of the abstinence education grant around the last few years and what a waste of money.

If only we could get the legislature to stay away. That would be even better.

This is interesting (EPUed on the previous thread

“……. the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.”

Fourth of July quiz:

From what document is the above quote taken?

Michele is practicing lip-locks for her next encounter with Dubya. She is just so very, very cute, dontcha think?

You could try making a variant of tonnato sauce with sardines, Jane. Just cut back on half the tuna, use equivalent amount of oil-packed sardines instead. Garnish with a little chopped parsley and lemon rind. (And some fresh garlic buzzed into the sauce is tasty, too.)

Serve with crudites and fresh chunks of bread.

Bon appetit!

waving howdy

happy 4th everyone

So where are you, Balrog? I’m a southeast corner of Eagan gal. Yeah, a soccer gramma.

Rayne!
Suzanne!
Happy Fourth!

That would be the only low point in the Declaration of Independence. Kinda dropped the idea of all of us being created equal on that passage, huh?

Too easy – Declaration of Independence.

Just ran across this at HuffPost:

There is growing concern among Bush allies that the Democrats will effectively portray the President and GOP candidate John McCain as out of touch.

Oh, those wascally Democwats.

LMAO

Who would ever suggest such a thing?

Ah—way too easy I guess. Yeah—seems as if Jefferson dropped a stroke between the preamble and the grievance portion of the draft.

How can you be out of touch if you buy your ribs at Costco?

I cheated. I re-read the Declaration and used parts in my post last night at Open Salon. I left that bit out.

I printed the thing out to lay at tables for my party this afternoon and discovered that bit for the first time….

OT…well, maybe not. This is a smorgasbord, right? Rove declines invitation of HJC to come for tea.

Declaration of Independence.

To say that native americans were not full partners in the original US government is perhaps a bit of an understatement.

Speaking of Rove-
Holy crap!
NewsBox: Edwards, Rove to face off in UB debate

GOP strategist Karl Rove and former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards will debate the issues of the presidential campaign Sept. 26 as part of the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series, The Buffalo News has learned.

I wish it were sooner…

Rove? Distinguished?

Holy shit!

Only in Buffalo!

Actually, Rove’s declaration of dependence distinguishes him from . . . hmmmm . . . nobody.

Memory Lane: Just before 9/11 I was visiting friends in DC. The friends graciously invited a neighbor for dinner. The wine hardly served when neighbor mentioned long ago he had worked in the office of Sen. Helms. I politely inquired if he (Helms, of course) had always been crazy? As if he had not heard, he said “What?”…Grimaced, and continued, “Bi…!” I guess that is my favorite Helms memory, but I never got the answer. Sounds like alittle get the guest and embarrass the hosts, Id say.

Interesting poll result:

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. June 26-29, 2008. Adults nationwide.

.

“How proud are you to be an American: extremely proud, very proud, moderately proud, only a little proud, or not at all proud?” N=515 adults, MoE ± 4.5 (Form A)

.

Extremely Very Moderately Only a Little Not at All
% % % % %
6/26-29/08
61 28 7 2 1
.

“Overall, do you think the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased or disappointed by the way the United States has turned out?” N=511 adults, MoE ± 4.5 (Form B)

.

Pleased Disappointed Unsure
% % %
6/26-29/08
29 69 2

——————————————————————————–

61% of those polled are proud to be americans

But 69% of the same people think that the founding fathers would be pissed about what has happened to their Republic.

American wins hot dog eating contest–great news for the fourth!!!

“NEW YORK (CNN) — World-record holder and defending champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut held on to his hot dog-eating title Friday in an unprecedented tie-breaker at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July contest.

Joey Chestnut set a record last year of 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes.

Chestnut, of San Jose, California, beat rival Takeru “The Tsunami” Kobayashi, of Japan, in a “dog off” in Coney Island where the two contestants battled to see who could finish five hot dogs first.

Chestnut and Kobayashi tied in the regulation competition, both eating 59 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, a record for a 10-minute competition.

“It was a little messier than I wanted it be, but I got them in me and I got them down,” Chestnut said after the competition.

Organizers decided this year to change the contest from 12 minutes to 10 minutes after “a piece of old Brooklyn historical ephemera was found that stated that the first contest, held on July 4th, 1916, was a 10-minute contest,” Major League Eating spokesman Ryan Nerz said.

The previous record for a 10-minute contest was 42 hot dogs, held by Tim “Eater X” Janus, Nerz said….”

Ha! I’d love a link for that.

Congratulations to Charlie Crist and his intended. I’m sure that these guys will be very happy together.

WHAT?!?! He must want to be VP very, very badly.

I suspect Matt Sanchez will perform the ceremony.

Here ya go.

Laura Flanders has an interesting piece upstairs!
Cape Wind:The Fight for the Future of Power in America

Thanks, MayDaze.

07/04/08 AP: Soldier made famous in Iraq photo dies
Police say a former Army medic made famous by a photograph of him carrying an injured Iraqi boy during the first week of the war has died of an apparent overdose in Pinehurst…After he returned from Iraq, Dwyer struggled with post traumatic stress.

I’ve lived in McLean, Chevy Chase and NW DC; Currrently residing in CA

You will like the area so will the dogs.

Under one scenario being considered by President Bush’s Cabinet, about 80 detainees would remain at the facility in Cuba to be tried by military commissions, and about 65 others would be turned over to their native countries, according to several sources familiar with the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

But the focus of the intensifying debate is what to do with about 120 remaining prisoners, who are viewed by the administration as too dangerous to release but who are unlikely to be brought before military commissions because of a lack of evidence. Officials are considering whether to propose legislation in coming days that would establish legal procedures for such prisoners, who could be transferred to military or civilian prisons on the U.S. mainland, sources said.

Which link is that, RW?

Let’s see Obama’s position on jailing gitmo prisoners about whom the govt has no evidence that they have done anything wrong and who have already been imprisoned for seven years.

RW could i have a link for that too please?

MSNBC I think

Maybe that’s what the new legislation is for; to get those people with characteristics that make them suspect. Dear God

Found it!
Thanks.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..id=topnews

here’s the link- WaPo

Photoshop should be restricted, N.

‘No miners aloud’

;>)

One has to wonder what the real reason in for refusing to release the 120

Don’t want em out tellin the world about their treatment as innocents?

Thank you…i’m so sorry to hear this news.

What an abomination this administration has been–

Hope it isn’t followed by an similar Obamanation

And Condi is declaring how proud she is of this war; Al Qu. on its heels. What is she smoking?

Smokin might do Condi some good!

A thorough enema would be good for the White House.

The right sort of enema would require the world’s largest fire hose.

Jindal exorcising McSame! Great!

J. is a serious Conservative, I think, and about 100 times smarter than Mc the Joke. With a brilliant and disciplined wife. Could Obama snag J? Wouldn’t that be interesting?

Too much of the Fundie stylings what with his statements about participating in “exorcisms” and pushing for the intelligent design to be taught in LA schools.

Although the way Obama has turned and flipped to the right, it wouldn’t be THAT much of a surprise.

I absolutely can, so please don’t believe the emails. I have repeatedly said that I think it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. Now, I don’t think that “mental distress” qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy, where there are real, significant problems to the mother carrying that child to term. Otherwise, as long as there is such a medical exception in place, I think we can prohibit late-term abortions.

I think I am as put out by that statement as Melissa McEwan. The phrase “prohibit late-term abortions” always sounds like a stepping stone to me. The government defines “good abortion” v. “bad abortion” before getting rid of choice altogether. As if the little woman needs the government to tell her “good” v. “bad,” and doesn’t deserve to privately consult her own friends, family and doctor and make her own choices.

*sigh* Is this just “campaign rhetoric” on Obama’s part? I hope so.

Does one ‘flip’ to the right, or ‘flop’?

Yeah, Jindal as Obama’s Veep would make me rethink my vote – again.

Biden might be a thought, though.

I was really thinking more of a position of support. I cannot imagine that Mc idiot is someone that triggers his very high regard. Obama is so much smarter, let alone all the family stuff.

More really bad news at Gitma techniques…just let it roll.

Jindal really is a far out wingnut. My buddy lives in LA and he thinks the guy is nuts.

rwcole Jeez, thanks for the link:

Lawmakers in Kansas, for example, have already reacted negatively to a proposal from Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, to move some detainees to the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. His Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, has also said that he would move detainees to Leavenworth and other civilian and military facilities, and that he would close Guantanamo.

I don’t even know what to say.

Under one scenario being considered by President Bush’s Cabinet, about 80 detainees would remain at the facility in Cuba to be tried by military commissions, and about 65 others would be turned over to their native countries, according to several sources familiar with the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity

Please tell me that the 65 won’t be sent back in an extraordinary rendition way.

Okay why does that statement make me feel like I am arguing with a fundamentalist and not the Democratic nominee?

I heard some interesting coverage about a group (Sheriffs, I think) who are generally Dem. They said after Katrina that they realized brains matter. I do think he must not have much regard for Mc. So his endorsement wouldn’t hurt is about all I had in mind. No doubt he is serious on the “right”. He probably doesn’t much like his choice.

‘Flip’ suggests the possibility of some dexterity, ‘flipping’ burgers, doing ‘flips’, or an ‘in your face’ attitude, but ‘flop’ suggests some clumsy, spineless, slouching, usually downward or an endeavor which is ‘less than a success’ …

For the Uighurs (Moslems who are Chinese nationals) it would be similar, IIRC.

I can’t understand why anyone would think the idea of an out and out Republikan VP for Obama is a good idea. Jinal, Hagel, no, no, no, no. This is the democratic party. Obama needs to get a grip, or maybe his handlers need to get a grip or someone needs to get a grip.

Here’s an article about him from TPM Election Central – where I got some of my impressions.

Tell me about it. They are innocent too. I believe a number of them have been sent to Albania. Fortunately(?) China will not take them. I feel terrible for them and their families. Once a juice peddlar, now a “terraist,” by decree of Chimpy and China.

We’re actually looking in Chevy Chase, but the DC side.

Very convenient, particularly if you can get yourself close to the Metro — or to a bus that will take you to a metro stop. Saves on gas.

As I recall, they’re considered state enemies by the Chinese government, and would be killed or imprisoned if returned.

Sounds like he was convinced. I’ve never understood exorcism, of course. Even Dr.Scott Peck had practiced it for awhile in his work. Thanks

The point being, there’s no place to send them – except, as you say, if a third country takes them.

“Made to disappear” actually, as a Chinese friend of mine would say.

Sulfuric smells, collapsing in a seizure. Hm. I know someone that happened to. Diagnosed with olfactory aura/seizure disorder.

Reminds me of Naomi Klein writing about the “disappearances” in Latin America under Pinochet and the other dictators.

Crist’s famously frugal lifestyle could be coming to an end. While he has never bought a home and earns $140,000 a year as governor, his net worth of about $450,000 was by far the smallest of any other statewide officeholder.

Meanwhile, Todd Rome estimated in court records that his ex-wife’s income has been as high as $1.48-million a year, and the Romes’ numerous properties included a 10,000-square-foot vacation home in Southampton, N.Y.

It was a great wedding./snark The bride was rich (and young) and the groom was . . . .umm . . .a politician(?)

I always thought something like that would be considered some kind of hysterical episode. Interesting. Maybe I’m just behind the times.

Yeah, noone said China doesn’t have problems. But my main concern is the problems of the US. It pisses me off even more when I think the Chimpo administration exacerbates certain situations in China.

And her family business is costumes. They can wear whatever they choose.

jeep jeep

shoutout to all the firedogs

Encouraging their environmental policies (or lack thereof) by purchasing from them seems a poor policy, but I think we have Clinton to blame for that (IIRC).

Sweet. What costume would Gov. Crist choose? I wonder . . .

I don’t blame Clinton wholeheartedly. I blame the Chimpo administration for taking it to the ultra-level.

hey tw3k!

Yeah, Chimp does have the Midas touch in reverse.

hi

http://www.unsubscribe-me.org/

Some folks have said Little Boots has the merde touch

Actually I think China would react poorly to any finger wagging, and I think they may be coming to a realization on the environment by themselves.

Same thing.

Re Chrlie Crist, Sondheim said it best:

“Honey Bunch, sad to say but I have a hunch
Screen romances went out-to-lunch — that’s no reason to pout.
Don’t look bleak — happy endings can spring a leak,
‘Ever after can mean one week,
We’re just having a drought.
Smile and sweat it out.

If we can just hang on, we’ll have compatibility
You musn’t worry — we’re gonna be alright.
One day the ache is gone.
(There’s nothing like senility.)
So what’s your hurry — we’re gonna be alright.

Meanwhile, relax.
You take a lover, I’ll take a lover
When that’s played-out, they get the axe.
We can retire, sit by the fire.
Fade out.

We’ll build our house upon
The rock of my virility
We’d better scurry — we’re gonna be all night.
Oh boy — we’re gonna be alright.

I was told just be faithful and never scold,
Sounded easy so I was sold — I’ve been miserable since.
I was taught when the prince and the dragon fought
That the dragon was always caught,
Now I don’t even wince
When it eats the prince.

I know I perfect pair — they’re lives are at the pinnacle.
But how do we know they’re gonna be alright.
The bride is slightly square, the groom is slightly cynical
A little vino — they’re gonna be alright.

She aims to please. She has a baby
Then though they maybe having fine times
When there’s a crise, she has another
Now she’s a mother
Nine times.

It all went wrong — but where?
Details are slightly clinical.
She’s out in Reno. The kids adored the flight.
Hi ho — they’re gonna be alright.

Honey Child, bury everything. Learn to smile
Happy couples can stay in style just by practicing charm.
All is well (’least as far as their friends can tell).
Please ignore the peculiar smell — there’s no cause for alarm.
(Mildew will do harm.)

She once was quite well read.
He once was intellectual.
No one’s suspicious — they’re gonna be alright.
She’s nice and sweet and dead.
He’s tall and ineffectual.
They look delicious — they’re gonna be alright.

Who’s on the skids? She goes to night school
(If it’s the right school, he’ll permit her.)
They love their kids, they love their friends too
Lately he tends to
Hit her.

Sometimes she drinks in bed,
Sometimes he’s homosexual,
But why be vicious? They keep it out of sight?
Good show — they’re gonna be all right.
And so — they’re gonna be alright.
Hi ho — we’re gonna be alright.”

Donita in a patriotic Spin a couple of flights up

He absolutely does. Some things may be more purposeful than we see, so that all these things he hates, like the EPA, Social Security, can just go on down the tubes. Success as he sees, I guess. I guess he likes to wreck things, and is so good at it.

I hope so. Read somewhere that they have now overtaken us as the worst polluter on the planet.

Wow. She doesn’t take this Friday off.

I think it’s all about his being a market fundamentalist ideologue.

I am willing to be soft on China in some ways. It’s going through its “Asian miracle” period, a period in which Asian countries become polluters. Then take a step back and eventually work on the environement, etc. The US has no such excuse.

I vote for the cowboy outfit from the Village People.

If we have too many more of those miracles, it’s gonna take a miracle to save the planet.

Yeah I worry the trashing of the environment is Chimpy’s nod to the EndTimes crowd.

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore . . .
It happens,

And Cheney’s puppet: I’ve got mine, so you get yours.

What are those sort of leggings called? The ones cowboys wear? Heh.

I guess for the true Rapture believers, we can do anything since we’re all (well, they’re all) going to be taking a one-way vertical flight – as soon as war breaks out in the Holy Land.

Helms was worried about dirty words on the bathroom walls. Irony of dying during a campaign with a Black American. They really will have to all die off. McC. hailing Jesse. O Good.

Joe Lieberman may be on that one-way vertical flight into rapture fancy. Hard to tell. He was such a hit at Pastor Hagee’s shindig.

I thought you had to be a Christian to get a ticket, but may be wrong. I’m sure Hagee would make an exception for Joe if he could.

Argh. Crist > money > “presidential”?

Oh sure, and Hagee is like “Moses.”

Happy 4th of July, everyone.

Happy 4th, mui.

Hagee is heavy into Israel for the purpose of converting all those Jews…how’s that for respect for one another. He et al want them to get converted before the rapture. swoops everyone up….except those who are not eligible.

On the food link – I love swiss chard, get it every Tuesday at the farmer’s market in Felton when I’m in California. I like to saute it with bacon and onions and a little Indonesian curry powder for breakfast. Like it with diced pork loin, sweet potato or winter squash, onion and Indian ginger pickle as a stir fry for dinner.

Swiss chard is just delicious!