Democratic Convention Watch: Open Thread

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Open Thread

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

What is McCain's latest "senior moment", what does Obama need to do to win in November or whatever else is on your mind.

And please be excellent to one another. We do not accept name calling or any attacks on our commenters. Any objectionable comments will be deleted. Try to be civil.

Thanks!

New Open Thread here
This one is now closed for comments.

4188 comments:

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Mike in Maryland said...: AP and SS,

The good news is that there has been progress since the 1950s and the Mattachine Society, and 1969 when the Stonewall riots occurred. Prior to 1969, it was legal for police to arrest anyone just on the suspicion that they were gay or lesbian. There was a particularly notorious police raid on the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969 that led to several nights of rioting. The Stonewall Riots are now commemorated as Gay Pride Day(s) in many cities across the US during June.

There is a long road still ahead, though, until all Americans gain equal rights with all other US citizens. And it's not just homosexuals, but also anybody whose ethnicity, or religion, or gender isn't male WASP who are not treated equally.

Mike; June 28, 2008 2:42 AM
Independent Voter said...: Thanks for posting that p'd ant - I was about to expand on what had been written earlier - that federal law does not consider gays and lesbians as a protected class under the anti-discrimination laws.; June 28, 2008 2:44 AM
Independent Voter said...: oops my bad, I should have said "sexual orientation" is not a protected category under anti-discrimination laws.

Barney Frank introduced legislation earlier this year to add it to Title VII, however it has not gone to the floor for a vote because the gay community got pissed off when transgendered individuals were removed from the language.; June 28, 2008 2:48 AM
Independent Voter said...: grrrrrr.....I should have finished my complete thought. Especially for transgendered this is where "sexual identity" comes in that MinMD was talking about earlier.; June 28, 2008 2:49 AM
apissedant said...: Well progress is nice... it just seems for the past 8 years we seem to be stagnating at best. Not just on equal rights, but on anything that is important. I honestly don't think stagnating is negative enough, but I decided to go with the glass half full wording. Oh well, 2009 is just around the corner!; June 28, 2008 2:50 AM
Independent Voter said...: By the way, the hypocrites Larry Craig and David Vitter co-sponsored legislation to try and get the Marriage Amendment introduced again.

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16020.html; June 28, 2008 2:53 AM
suzihussein22 said...: Yes, we still have a long road. A friend of mine avoids a county that pulls her over. She's Hawaiian. Isn't that one of our 50 states?(little bit of sarcasm there) She gets pulled over because they notice a darker complexion. Not to mention a friend from Laos who got a ticket for having little decorative stripes across his lights. I haven't worked for too many companies, but I hadn't ever noticed any biases against homosexuals. There were 2 women recently who lost their jobs because of excessive absences. They're sueing, but I don't think they'll win in this case. Almost half of my associates are gay and there's never been any bias that I've heard of obvious or subtle.; June 28, 2008 3:00 AM
Independent Voter said...: Well, we are off to bed. I'll see you all tomorrow. Have a great night and I'll talk to you then.; June 28, 2008 3:07 AM
suzihussein22 said...: i v-Me too. It looks like I need some beauty sleep-

http://doginmypocket.com/FunnyDogPictures/dimp479a544cb8bb7.jpg; June 28, 2008 3:10 AM
Karen Anne said...: no civilian company can refuse to hire you for homosexuality

Is that worth anything in real life? I can tell you age discrimination was rampant when I was job hunting in my later career. I got told to my face several times that I was too old, and fat chance anything can be done about it when it's your word against the interviewer's.; June 28, 2008 3:16 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave,

S.J. RES. 43, the so-called 'Marriage Protection Amendment', will be assigned to the Judiciary Committee, where the Chairman is Leahy from Vermont.

I predict that it will be filed in the 'Do not touch' file - no hearings, no vote, and therefore it won't even get to the floor of the Senate. Any attempt by the Repiglicans to force it out of committee will be rather easily defeated. The only interesting part of that vote would be how McSame avoids voting, but sending out signals that he supports it (even though he has consistently stated that this is an issue that should be decided at the state level).

Mike; June 28, 2008 3:24 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Karen Anne said...
no civilian company can refuse to hire you for homosexuality

Karen Anne,

Unfortunately that is not true. Exxon-Mobil, for example, can and does refuse to hire people because of their sexual identity. In 25 states, they can use the excuse that a person is a homosexual to not hire them, or to fire them.

Check here (http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/fortune500.htm) for the Human Rights Campaign report on 'GLBT Equality at the Fortune 500'.

Mike; June 28, 2008 3:39 AM
apissedant said...: karen anne,
As Mike in MD pointed out... I overstated the case. Half the states have laws, and most major corporations have company policies that prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation. The point still remains, it is the least painful method of receiving an early discharge from the military, and many straight people attempt to fake it. The end result is a "boy who cried wolf" environment, where it is actually difficult for an actual homosexual to be removed.; June 28, 2008 4:09 AM
apissedant said...: Republicans complain about garbage litigation and frivolous lawsuits, then they do this:

http://www.pr-inside.com/andy-martin-sues-new-york-times-r521228.htm

A former political candidate and news figure who started rumors that Barack Obama was a Muslim among other lies, is now suing the New York Times for libel and defamation of character.

Here is a link to his writings:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1189687/posts

Apparently, Barack Obama is not an African name, it is a Muslim name, and apparently, this retarded author doesn't realize that Muslim is a major religion in many parts of Africa. And of course Obama's brother's and sisters are:
His children with Kezia include their sons Roy (now known as Abong'o[13]), Bernard, and Abo, and daughter Auma who is a social worker running a children's trust in the United Kingdom.[14] Obama Sr. had two sons with Ruth, named David and Mark. Mark studied physics at Stanford, and now lives in China and is engaged to a Chinese woman.[15] His eighth child, George[16], was with a woman in Kenya whom he was planning to marry at the time of his death.

Here is a story on our wonderful Congress:
The low point in Senate relations may have come during debate on a climate-change bill sponsored by Sens. John W. Warner (R-Va.) and Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.). Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) forced the entire 492-page bill to be read aloud, an exercise that took nearly nine hours. McConnell said the move was payback for Reid's failure to act on President Bush's judicial nominees. Frustrated, Reid moved to end debate and bring the bill to the floor. The vote failed, killing the bill.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062703409_2.html?hpid=topnews; June 28, 2008 6:18 AM
Emit R Detsaw said...: I hear you Karen Anne on the Age Discrimination thing. When I left the military I had an interview that the question was worded carefully, but told me when they asked it that I didn't have a chance at the job because of my age.

"Would you have problem working for someone that is younger than you?"

What a stupid question. Since I really didn't want the job I had fun with the interviewer. I explained that for most of my 20+ years in the military I had bosses younger than me so I was used to it. Then I stated the age discrimination law and that due to the nature of his question I could take him and his company to court and force them to give me the job, but since his position on the elderly was evident I didn't what to work for such a bias company. Never saw someone backpedal so fast in my life. Oh, and they offered me the job, but I told them where they could stick it. ;o); June 28, 2008 9:17 AM
Emit R Detsaw said...: Ok, I normally stay out of the "gay" in the military discussions. I don't feel anyone that wants to serve their country should be refused to. But.... :o)

Isn't there always a but? One of the discussions/phobia's around the topic from the "straight" perspective is that you would have to have separate living quarters for gays from straights, just like they have separate living quarters for men and women. That would mean you need 4 different living quarters.

Of course going by that philosophy, then you should separate out some different religious believers. Can you imagine the break down in moral if a Jewish person had to see the crucifix on the wall of their dorm room every day.

It's a phobia that if you share a room with a gay that they will be eying you or trying to convert you, but it's there. Just like American's obsession with covering flesh. Some day American's will grow up and be mature, but not today. ;o)

Anyway, many other fine military machines (Brits, Aussies, French, Germans, Israelies, etc) allow gays in their militarys and they survive.

Time to let those that want to serve, to proudly serve!; June 28, 2008 9:32 AM
jean said...: Good Morning,
The Headline on CNN politics is
"McCain Hunts Clinton Supporters"
All I can see is McCain with a shotgun holding a woman by her hair as a trophy of the hunt.
This has to be a political cartoon by the end of the day somewhere.LOL; June 28, 2008 10:07 AM
Yamaka said...: Hello Good Morning Democrats:

I didn't have time to visit the site for almost a whole week.

Amazing when the economy is so weak and the Capital Market is in such a turmoil, yet McCain and Barack are tied at 44%! How come?

I expected Barack to run away with the Trophy after Hillary's endorsement!

What's happening?

A full 53% of American say McCain is NOT Bush's Third Term and 80% favor him as the Commander-In-Chief. That's the reason.

Charlie Black's stupid comment opened up the discussion of National Security: Most Americans are NOT comfortable with Barack on this issue, as well.

Well, the Summer is hot and the enthusiasm in election politics is on downhill, now.

Was Barack a Muslim? Maybe, up until he was baptized by Rev Wright some 20 years ago. He WAS a Koran-reciting Muslim or atleast an atheist as his secular mother was. He became a Christian only AFTER meeting pastor Wright at TUCC, Chicago. This is a historical fact.

My question is: So What? He WAS a Muslim, but now IS a Christian.

We should NOT allow such questions linger for too long. They are irrelevant now, after the Nomination.

I will be very infrequent to the Site!

Cheers. :-)
--------------------------------

Stop O:

Your 40-year old biochemistry knowledge on hexose and ATP is awesome, as is your in-depth description of human cloning, and Lesbians can be "married" piece.

How in the world an Engineer is so knowledgeable in Biology and human cloning in detail? Are you a voracious reader? Oh, yes, you learn from your daughter who is doing medicine!!Now I know....

Your suggestion to Sen Obama to move to the Center to get elected is right on the money.

Let's face it Stop O: you know how to crush the cranial nerves of GAYS at this site! I know their potty mouth bothered you, and you returned the favor in kind!! But, just leave them alone. Appreciate them that at least they ARE OPENLY proclaiming their SEXUAL Identity/preference. Good for them!

On why McCain wants to blame Carter and label Barack as Carter II is self-evident. Carter is our last Liberal Democrat in Office! Barack doesn't like Bill Clinton, which he hinted in his Reno Interview! This is the fruit of his labor!!

Stop O: When are you going to change your moniker/pen name? YOU drive Obama supporters very crazy. They hate you more than they dislike McCain!!!!!lol

Take care. Keep writing.

Cheers. :-); June 28, 2008 10:43 AM
apissedant said...: emit,
I'm pretty sure nearly everyone here agrees with you. I only know of one guy that was gay that I served with, and he was most definitely not "out" while he was in. I guarantee there were more, but from my experience, no one advertised that in the Navy. I honestly don't care if any of them were gay or not. The funny part to me, was that to my knowledge the gays that were in really wanted to serve, so they wouldn't tell anyone they were gay until they were afraid of being outed. I knew a couple guys I knew were straight that made half-hearted attempts at pretending to be gay to get out. I never saw anyone succeed in the attempt.

jean,
cute.; June 28, 2008 11:38 AM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Hello There,

Good to see lots of open discussion abut Gays.

Yamaka, where were you? Your chiming on whether your Barack WAS a Muslim is interesting.

I agree with you: So what if Obama WAS a Muslim? Right now, he IS a Christian, period.

But, Yam. The problem was not the question of his religion. It's the way it was packaged and sold by Obama's Campaign!

1. He said, " I have NEVER been a Muslim". But history says otherwise, as chronicled in his own books. This is like his answer on Rezko:

2. He said, " I just did 5 h of work for Rezko, that's all". But later he said he and Rezko's family know each other intimately for nearly 20 years. Rezko has generously donated for his IL and US Senate races! This is similar to his assertion on campaign dollars.

3. He said, "I get money only from small donors". But the fact is a full 55% he collected from "bundles" coming from middle managers of big companies and corporations.

So, Yam, your Barack has NOT been clean and straight with the American people.

That's why in spite of the positive spin by an army of liberal MSM, McCain is fully tied with BHO at 44%. Most of the uncommitted voters will favor McCain for his service and immense sacrifice to this Great Nation.

What sacrifice did your Barack do to this Country, Yam?

None. Nah. Nuttah.

I hope you keep chiming on this site!

Stay tuned.; June 28, 2008 12:10 PM
Independent Voter said...: Karen Anne and Emit,

I totally agree with you on the age discrimination. It sucks that our corporations only want our most experienced workers to be "Wal-Mart Greeters". What sucks even more is that our society permits it.; June 28, 2008 12:16 PM
apissedant said...: Whatever happened to greywolf?

One major reason for age discrimination: WAGES

A kid that just graduated from college has never had a pension or a 401k, or full benefits. He or she typically has large students loans to pay back, and has never really earned good wages, so they don't realize how terrible the benefits and wages they are being offered are. The auto industry and the airline industry is continually laying off older employees, or forcing them into early retirement. They then hire kids straight out of college and pay them half the wages with almost no benefits. YAY TO THE FREE MARKET!

Age discrimination does exist, but I believe is mostly centered around expectations of proper wages and all. They could also be much worse. In the Netherlands, older employees automatically get higher wages. They have weird laws that have pay tied to age, experience, and job type. Due to this, older people in fields with low to mid level difficulty are very likely to be unable to find jobs. My wife has several friends who have degrees in retail sales, and are now back in school because they're too old and can no longer get retail jobs. Contracts there are typically 1 year, so each year the company has the opportunity to let you go for a cheaper worker.

My wife just got a lifetime contract, so if we stay in Holland, we won't have to worry about that now. :) (at least on her side, who knows about me)

I like many things about the US, and I like many things about Europe and other nations. I like to take a fair look at both to see what could be done to improve them. Sadly, we are doing better on age discrimination than they are. The older people switching jobs may receive relatively low wages, but they can still get employed. When I was 22, I flew to Pittsburgh to interview with a company called Medrad. It was a call back interview, and I was competing against a 40 year old retired army guy, and a 40 year old laid off service tech from Kodak. The retired army guy got the primary position, and I was offered a position in California, but I chose against taking it. Only the Kodak guy didn't get offered a job.; June 28, 2008 1:16 PM
Joshua said...: apissedant

You say that you are a chemistry student. Where are you a chemistry student: high school, community college, college, graduate school, or post graduate school? Are you studying for GED, diploma, degree and which degree?; June 28, 2008 1:22 PM
Joshua said...: I have no problems with gays or homosexuals or whatever they choose as label. I know for a fact that it is not a choice. They are born that way. It is however a choice to be promiscuous, gay or straight. It is however a choice to have low morals, gay or straight. It is however a choice to mix sex and drug use. It is a choice to spread STDs and to introduce it into the heterosexual community by also being bisexual. It is also a fact that gays don’t want equal rights, they want superior rights. If AIDs had been treated like the communicable disease it is and if people with HIV had been quarantined back in the late 1970’s like any other communicable disease carrier would have been treated except for the special rights, AIDs would not be the problem it is today.; June 28, 2008 1:39 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: a new one just got added to my "ignore" list; June 28, 2008 1:58 PM
Joshua said...: What is marriage?

Marriage is a social construct. It occurs in many higher animals, not just humans. In the human race, we choose to organize our societies in a manner that promotes our values and well-being. Humans have many relationships. There is one special relationship we choose to accord a special protection. That is marriage. We choose to protect a marriage as a union between one man and one woman. We do this because we choose to protect the woman and the children born into that marriage.

That is correct. Marriage is for the benefit of the woman and the children. We have chosen to make the earnings, assets etc of the family that of the family so that the children can have a secure nurturing environment for the betterment of the whole society.

Some homosexuals throw in the canard of “then why do we allow postmenopausal women to get or remain married?” That is nonsense. We choose to extend the benefits because we do not want to have to inspect each woman’s genitals and decide whether or not she can procreate.

There can be no doubt that homosexuality is a dead-end mutation. The sole purpose of our being on this planet is to attend to our wellbeing and to propagate the species. Clearly, homosexuality is an abnormality. To pretend otherwise is ridiculous.

Since homosexuals did not choose to be such, discriminating against them is totally senseless. It makes as much sense to discriminate against homosexuals as it does to discriminate against blue-eyed people. Both are mutations, i.e., deviations from normal.; June 28, 2008 2:02 PM
Joshua said...: Humans are pack animals. They seek approval from one another. That is why some posters feel the need to announce that they are placing some poster on their ignore list. If you place a poster on ignore, just do so. Why are you so weak and pathetic to feel the need to announce it? Are you seeking the approval of anonymous posters? You are certainly a dolt. I have had you on ignore all the time. You know that I have you on ignore if I never comment on anything you post. I am secure enough I don’t feel the need to say: I have you on ignore. You are certainly an idiot, and here is your ignore backatcha.; June 28, 2008 2:07 PM
apissedant said...: Hey vicki!
Aren't there three vicki's on this site? You guys are killing me. Two of you should legally have your named changed in order to make my life easier. ;); June 28, 2008 2:16 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

Is abnormal bad? In your opinion, does the word carry any type of connotation?

Some people believe that the purpose of any human is to survive and to be right. Sometimes our desire to be right is so strong that we will give up our lives for it. What do you think about that?; June 28, 2008 2:20 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Regarding the discussion we had the other day on this thread about the PUMA people - CNN has a very short article about the Clinton supporters that are anti-Obama. The COMMENTS on the article are pretty interesting to read:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/27/clinton-diehards-organize-online/#comments

.; June 28, 2008 2:54 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
What percentage do you think were ever actually Clinton supporters?; June 28, 2008 3:03 PM
apissedant said...: They have a mediocre piece on nuclear power at CNN if you let the player continue playing after the Clinton piece. It is incorrect in its statement there have been no deaths from the nuclear power program, because 3 army soldiers did die in the now defunct army nuclear program.

They are not explain why American power plants cannot have a Chernobyl type meltdown, probably from lack of knowledge. It is really a simple explanation. The movie K-19, which is about a nuclear meltdown on a Russian sub explains it rather well. The movie is terribly inaccurate on most nuclear issues, but it gets one thing right:
Russian nuclear power from the original design increased power as the temperature increased in the reactor. This creates meltdowns, because when temperature starts spiraling out of control, it continues growing and growing like a chain of dominoes. Conventional western nuclear power operates in the opposite way:
As temperature increases, power decreases. Higher temperature decreases density, making the water moderate and deflect neutrons back into the core at a slower rate. Fission creates higher temperature, so if power increases too fast, temperature increases as well. This increase in temperature actually decreases power, and essentially shuts down the reactor on its own, even if the numerous safety precautions all fail. Power is also required to keep the reactor going, so a loss of power means the reactor automatically shuts down. Most of this information can be found on wikipedia, so I'm not divulging any state secrets. ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressurized_water_reactor; June 28, 2008 3:19 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I find it interesting that Huffington Post had two articles: One regarding Obama going abroad in July and the other regarding Obama being asked for his ID in the D.C. gym posted before 11pm last night. Today CNN had the two stories posted after 11am. Looks like HuffPost is putting out some news faster than CNN is :)

Obama '08

p.s. to apissedant - probably a good deal of the PUMA's are republicans that would have never voted for Hillary - at least that is my guess. Last week the polls showed that 25% of the Hillary supporters won't vote for Obama, this week it was down to 18%, so I suspect in a couple of weeks from now the number will drop to under 10% and probably around 5% in November. We can live with that :); June 28, 2008 3:29 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Boys Only: Women Banned From Country Club Grill Room

McCain's Son A Member, Campaign Refuses To Comment

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/us/28countryclub.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1214681493-qCeOe8XbpkfKEOvw7cbChQ

WOW the urls are really big now that I have the new version of FireFox!; June 28, 2008 3:34 PM
apissedant said...: leah,
I would agree. I think there are definitely some wackos that refuse to switch over and seriously planning to vote for McCain instead of Obama. I think there are some that are a little bitter, but will come around, but I think a large number of them are Republicans. That one article you sent said that a woman associated with PUMA donated 500 dollars to McCain's 2000 campaign.

There are wackos in Obama camp, wackos in Clinton camp, and definitely a whole lot of wackos in the McCain camp. No matter what happens or what anyone does and no matter what happens, these wackos are always going to be upset and believe they've been wronged, even if their candidate won and did everything they wanted.; June 28, 2008 3:55 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: TODAY...

General Election:

Rasmussen Tracking

Obama 49, McCain 44

Obama +5.0; June 28, 2008 4:05 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Leah,

If you want the address bar (what Mozilla calls the 'Awesome Bar') to act more like the previous versions, C|Net's Download.com has a video on how to do make the change.

http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9971026-12.html?tag=nl.e415

You can revert back to the default 'Awesome Bar' if you want to.

I have always been pretty careful in putting bookmarks in various folder categories, so I don't need most of the 'search' features found in the Awesome Bar. I also know how to search the browser History, which also negates me having to need a lot of the Awesome Bar features.

Also, Download.com has 3 additional 'hacks' to the 'Awesome Bar' you might want to consider:
1. Control how many listings you're getting
2. Keep bookmarks off the address bar
3. Keep certain sites from showing up altogether

Instructions on doing those three hacks are at:
http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9972852-12.html?tag=nl.e415

So far, my experience with Firefox v3.0 has been good. Some quirks, as with all new versions of software, but I'm getting used to them, and starting to appreciate more and more some of the more subtle changes (after I made the change to the Awesome Bar I first discussed above).

Mike; June 28, 2008 4:16 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Chestertown, Maryland:

"Jim Barry has planted 4,100 tiny white flags all over his yard in Chestertown, on the Eastern Shore. The former Naval Academy professor and Vietnam veteran says the message of the flags is about human loss and it isn't meant to be political."

So what do 4,100 tiny white flags look like?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-06/40488017.jpg

Article at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/easternshore/bal-te.md.flags28jun28,0,262458.story; June 28, 2008 4:25 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Mike in Maryland -

Thank you for the info. I wasn't even planning on getting the new version but my old Firefox had a major problem last weekend and I had to take it off completely - so that's how I ended up with the new version. I haven't noticed anything wrong with this new one yet but then again I haven't used it that much.; June 28, 2008 4:51 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "There are wackos in Obama camp, wackos in Clinton camp, and definitely a whole lot of wackos in the McCain camp. No matter what happens or what anyone does and no matter what happens, these wackos are always going to be upset..."

This sounds elitist to me not dissimilar to BHO's "bitter" comment in PA.

American voters are smart, mostly.

Although there are about 220 million eligible voters, only about 120 million opt to vote in a GE. Others are just tuned out - voter apathy may be one reason.

Of the voting population, FAR LEFT is about 20%, FAR RIGHT is about 20% (these two are Party loyalists) and the main bulk Centrists are about 60%. Depending on the overall character of the Candidates and their policies, the Centrists lean either to the Left more or Right more.

BHO has hurt himself on the flip-flop on NAFTA, on Public Financing, on FISA reform and on DC Gun Issue. About 72% of Americans don't like him reversing his views on these issues. He is seen as a serious hypocrite.

PUMA are real people angry at the Democratic Party. One poll showed only 53% of Hillary Democrats are planning to go for Obama. Many are ideologically different type. Some would go to McCain and others will stay home.

Gallup clearly showed

McCain = Obama = 44% in spite of so much positive spin by MSNBC, CNN and Huffington! ALL liberal news outlets. Look for some middle- of- the roader!!

Interesting.

Stay tuned.; June 28, 2008 4:55 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: "An Attack That Came Out of the Ether" is a Washington Post article on how the 'Obama is a Muslim' email was researched to find out who and what started it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062703781.html?hpid=topnews

The person researching it, Danielle Allen, works at the Institute for Advanced Study (where Albert Einstein worked), boasts two doctorates, one in classics from Cambridge University and the other in government from Harvard University, and won a $500,000 MacArthur "genius" award at the age of 29.

Interesting reading on how Internet rumors are started, and the information she found on some of the wackos who start Internet rumors.

Mike; June 28, 2008 5:15 PM
apissedant said...: Mike,
I posted a little bit about that earlier. The one guys exposed in the investigation is suing NYT for libel and defamation of character. He is a public figure, and he has been spreading lies about another public figure. The NYT called him on it, and he's now suing them for telling the truth.... WOW!; June 28, 2008 5:20 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Daily Tracking poll:

Rasmussen (06/28/2008):
Obama - 47%
McCain - 40%

And there is a discussion at Pollster.com on why the Gallup poll is SO different and inconsistent with the other polling organizations' results.

A sample:
"Gallop was showing a 10 point Dem party ID margin for the last week with 40% Independents, while Newsweek was showing a 15 point margin in party ID with 35% Independents."

and

"This is the first election since 1976 where neither party is running on the record of who is currently in the White House. That's what being a change election is all about. I get a feeling that the more conservative pollsters [which includes Gallup] are having difficulty with their models because of this. They aren't used to polling for a Republican who can't run on his party's record while the current president has roughly a 30% approval rate. They might not expect young people to turn out in record numbers. They haven't seen in recent times a primary as polarized as the Dems was. They don't know what to expect with the Black vote, which could surprise. They don't know how to poll cell phones in a nation where there are more cell phones than land lines. They don't know how to best reach non-primarily English speakers which are a fast growing group in this country."

Interesting reading.

Mike; June 28, 2008 5:25 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: One more word about tracking polls:

Per one reader's comments at Pollster.com:
Over the past week of Gallup Poll Daily tracking, an average of 34% of Americans have identified themselves as Democrats, with just 24% saying they are Republicans. (About 40% do not identify with either major party.)

So, according to Gallup:
Dems = 34%
Reptiles = 24%
Independents = 40%

Even Gallup doesn't agree with the 20-20-60 split some propagandist idiots are trying to claim is the political breakdown in the US.

Mike; June 28, 2008 5:31 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "Our extensive Gallup polling of the electorate simply did not pick up any major Obama surge over McCain in recent days. Broadly speaking, the two candidates remain closely matched among registered voters."

- Gallup Editors' Analysis 6-27-08.

Roach:

Read this carefully, and understand, if you can.

1. It is a common knowledge that bulk of the American electorate is in the middle. By one estimate it is as much as 60% at the Center.

2. They will change their minds even at the polling station. They look for character, credibility and sincerity, besides a policy clarity in the Candidates.

Kerry lost it at the very end in 2004.

3. They are not wackos as some people think.

4. BHO WAS born to a Muslim father and an atheist/secular mother. That makes him a Muslim, as per the paternalistic practices of Africa and Arabia and elsewhere.

5. He was baptized at around age 26 as Christian by pastor Wright at TUCC at Chicago. These are facts supported by documents.

Roach: Don't fight this lost WAR again and again.

Stay tuned.; June 28, 2008 5:45 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Roach:

Stop calling Republicans as Reptiles.

Then they will call you some funny names! You ALWAYS start the unnecessary roughness!

Seriously,

1. Can a strict Lesbian contract HIV infection? (She is never bisexual/no GAY contact anytime).

2. If the answer is no, then what gives this virus special habitat among the GAY men to destroy them?

Please clarify if you know the answer. Don't get into a rage/tirade of name calling.

I need to know a true biological reason.; June 28, 2008 6:01 PM
apissedant said...: Hey Mike in MD,
I got an idea. Let's just copy and paste the same messages over and over again, and spam political websites and blogs with our garbage. We don't have to worry about statistics or facts, because we'll just make the stuff up as we go. After that we can go on and spout out about white heterosexual middle aged men and their propensity to molest children. It'll be great and constructive, and everyone will totally respect our opinion and listen to every word we have to say.; June 28, 2008 6:08 PM
apissedant said...: I can even come up with research evidence to support my ridiculous assertion:
Using the fixated-regressed distinction, Groth and Birnbaum (1978) studied 175 adult males who were convicted in Massachusetts of sexual assault against a child. None of the men had an exclusively homosexual adult sexual orientation. 83 (47%) were classified as "fixated;" 70 others (40%) were classified as regressed adult heterosexuals; the remaining 22 (13%) were classified as regressed adult bisexuals. Of the last group, Groth and Birnbaum observed that "in their adult relationships they engaged in sex on occasion with men as well as with women. However, in no case did this attraction to men exceed their preference for women....There were no men who were primarily sexually attracted to other adult males..." (p.180).

http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/HTML/facts_molestation.html

An actual university study, not some silly Free Republic made up crap.; June 28, 2008 6:14 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Hmmm, Rassmussen currently says (http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/why_polls_sometimes_show_different_results) that "just over 41% of the population consider themselves to be Democrats and just under 32% are Republicans." If my math is correct, that means about 27% consider themselves not affiliated with either party or with another party. And if you look at the month-to-month figures, the numbers who identify themselves as Dems has gone from 38.7% to 41.7% (+3), while those who identify themselves as Reps has gone from 33.1% to 31.6% (-1.5%.

The Franklin & Marshall/Hearst Argyle poll (6/16-22/08 of 1501 registered voters), taken by Opinion Research (http://edisk.fandm.edu/FLI/keystone/pdf/keynjn08_1.pdf), found that 30% identified themselves as Republican, 44% identified themselves as Democrat, 22% identified themselves as Independent/Other, and 4% didn't know.

Just a bit more proof that the 20-20-60 split is a fabrication of someone's warped imagination.

I think enough proof has been given that there currently is no 20-20-60 split, and that that split has not been shown in history, that it does not need to be discussed any more. Of course, if any PROOF could be provided by anyone of such a split in the electorate's political philosophy, such proof exhibited by specifically citing a reputable citation (web site or otherwise), I might consider the information.

Mike; June 28, 2008 6:25 PM
apissedant said...: Mike
That doesn't make sense. Republicans are the moral majority, and by your statistics and the facts you have posted on this website, they are neither moral nor the majority.

I know Republicans to be very bad liars, and with little imagination (even stop says they are too stupid to use two different browsers when participating in a straw poll). From this, I would assume that Republicans must be honest. Therefore, your statistics must be wrong.; June 28, 2008 6:30 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: AP,

Good idea on using old, refuted data to spread such incorrect information, but since I like history to be factual, researched and confirmable by many sources, and 'facts' to be, well, factual, I would find myself in a major philosophical/moral dilemma in doing something like that.

I'm an adult who tries to face reality as reality exists, not trying to force reality into some nice conceptualized idea of 'what I think it should be is how I'll look at reality' psychological illness.

I'm not saying that I am a fatalist. On the contrary, when I see reality as it is, but not as I would like it to be, I make attempts to cause the actual reality to change. I talk to people, discuss issues with them, and attempt to change their mind-set. I always try to use concrete facts, and examples from history to support my position.

Over the years, I've succeeded in convincing several people that their Republican philosophy was not good for them and/or society as a whole. I, along with my mother and sister, quietly but gradually and over a number of years, brought our step-father's political thinking from almost John Birch reactionary to moderately conservative on most issues, and very accepting of some liberal ideas.

As I said, good idea, but not for me.

Mike; June 28, 2008 6:44 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: AP said...
Therefore, your statistics must be wrong.

I's jist posts what my's research shews.

And it shows that the Reptiles are not in the majority. And even if they think they're 'moral', they still lie when they claim to be the 'moral majority'.

Their mindset is the mindset of all the Reptile party - falsely title things (calling the estate tax the 'death tax'; calling a bill to give industries the right to pollute the air the 'clear skies bill'; claiming that ketchup is a vegetable; etc.), or make up lies and claim them to be facts ("It is safe to walk into an I-Rak market" when guarded by dozens of soldiers, tanks and Apache helicopters; "The oil companies are overtaxed and can't make a 'decent' profit" when they are making historical profits quarter after quarter; etc).

Got anything to show that my research is wrong? VBG

Mike; June 28, 2008 6:56 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Roach:

You ALWAYS start the unnecessary roughness!

Seriously,

1. Can a strict Lesbian contract HIV infection? (She is never bisexual/no GAY contact anytime).

2. If the answer is no, then what gives this virus special habitat among the GAY men to destroy them?

Please clarify if you know the answer. Don't get into a rage/tirade of name calling.

I need to know a true biological reason.

Stay tuned.

p.s.

I said that McCain supporters won't do malicious mischief to change the AOL straw poll by trying to circumvent the process (by changing browsers for the sake of manipulation), unlike many BHO people or Net savvy Ron Paul's supporters. That makes them normal people, not "stupid" ones!

Some BHO supporters know how to obfuscate an argument. Because they lack substance!; June 28, 2008 7:06 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "I's jist posts what my's research shews."

Are you making fun of Republicans or BHO's people?

Is this not an unnecessary roughness?

For your age, this is quite inappropriate, I dare say.; June 28, 2008 7:13 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "calling the estate tax the 'death tax';"

Because a death in the family triggers this unnecessary punitive tax.

The accumulated wealth was already taxed several times. Why to do one more time when a death occurs?

The Name is Just Appropriate.

Get rid of Death Tax.

Bring in a flat fair Consumption TAX of some % to pay for ALL expenditure of the Fed (A $20K prebate will save the low income people).

Get rid of the IRS, the draconian Agency!; June 28, 2008 7:24 PM
apissedant said...: Mike,
I didn't use VBG in my little satire because I didn't find it amusing at all, more sad really.

I must say that VBG is completely appropriate now though. I loved your posts, keep it up.; June 28, 2008 7:32 PM
suzihussein22 said...: My husband, the independent, says Ripyouofflicans.; June 28, 2008 7:40 PM
apissedant said...: Believe it or not, Google understands what he means by that. ;)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=dCP&q=Ripyouofflicans&btnG=Search; June 28, 2008 8:10 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Yep, the google knows what he means. ;); June 28, 2008 8:23 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: BREAKING NEWS!!!

Headline News

MCCAINS' CALIFORNIA HOME IN TAX DEFAULT

Newsweek To Report: McCains Failed To Pay Taxes On Beach-Front Condo For Last Four Years... Property In Default...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

.; June 28, 2008 8:26 PM
suzihussein22 said...: You have got to be kidding! It takes us normal people only about 2 months in TN.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/mccains-failed-to-pay-tax_n_109785.html

Now he understands our pain! That will only leave him with what, about 6 homes?; June 28, 2008 8:29 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Okay, I needed a little laugh after that one-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/27/colbert-explains-upside-o_n_109594.html

One more pro for carpooling. One more con for crime.; June 28, 2008 8:44 PM
suzihussein22 said...: McCain doesn't see how it matters-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kelly/john-mccain-doesnt-know-t_b_109601.html

a) He's lost his bearings.

b) He's out of touch.

c) He's elitist.

d) All of the above.

This was supposed to be answers from sincere non-reporter questions.; June 28, 2008 8:48 PM
suzihussein22 said...: McCainism of the day-

"It makes me feel very wonderful to have such a wonderful reception."

This was at a speech he actually delivered on a weekend and was heckled a few times. At least we'll only be seeing these for 4 months.; June 28, 2008 8:55 PM
apissedant said...: Poor McCain, exactly why I don't let my wife touch the checkbook. JK!!!

Seriously, if he has that much trouble managing a 100 million dollar fortune, how will he possibly manage a 3 trillion dollar budget?

As to those that say it is no big deal and that mistakes happen: Everyone (McCain and Obama supporters) got all over Hillary for being 2-5 months late on bills. That was decided to be a huge deal, so I would have to say 4 year old debts are also a problem.; June 28, 2008 9:04 PM
suzihussein22 said...: apissedant-I don't usually let my husband have the checkbook. And he's the one in college halfway to a BS. ;); June 28, 2008 9:13 PM
apissedant said...: Haha, I don't have problems balancing it, but I do have problems finally sitting down, writing out the checks, and putting them in the mailbox. I try to keep as many bills online, so I don't have to keep track of anything. My wife refuses to touch the checkbook, she's used to a cash and carry European lifestyle, and let's me handle the American credit machine.; June 28, 2008 9:26 PM
jean said...: Question please with all the chemistry people here.
I cleaned a pound of Jalepeno's and the hands are still burning.
I know I should of worn plastic golves.
What will neutralize the acid on my hands.
vinager?
baking soda & water?
Would appreciate the input.
OUCH
jean; June 28, 2008 9:29 PM
jean said...: Please
jean; June 28, 2008 9:33 PM
apissedant said...: Vinegar is a weak acid, baking soda should be fine though.; June 28, 2008 9:33 PM
jean said...: thanks:); June 28, 2008 9:35 PM
apissedant said...: apparently don't use water!!! just googled it.; June 28, 2008 9:35 PM
apissedant said...: http://www.tipking.co.uk/tip/7275.html

This lady recommends rubbing alcohol.; June 28, 2008 9:36 PM
apissedant said...: Another recommends milk, and milk makes more sense. Not really a Chemistry question though.; June 28, 2008 9:38 PM
suzihussein22 said...: I've heard that rubbing alcohol can damage tissue. What about aloe? OW!; June 28, 2008 9:40 PM
apissedant said...: ok, read more, clean it, try 'em all... varied response from various people. Do use water at some point obviously.; June 28, 2008 9:41 PM
apissedant said...: Rubbing alcohol isn't that bad. The stuff you buy for swimmer's ear is 97% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). If it is safe to put in your ears, it is safe to put on your hands.; June 28, 2008 9:43 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 28, 2008 9:44 PM
apissedant said...: It obviously does damage to tissue, but nothing serious. That's why you pour it in cuts, because it kills any bacteria... as well as some good stuff. EWWWW Dr. Pepper and toothpaste tastes like crap.; June 28, 2008 9:44 PM
jean said...: It worked.
Boy it really did hurt.
Husband is at a game with kid and still laughing.
THANK YOU APISSEDANT.
Needless to say I will remember not to do it again:)
jean; June 28, 2008 9:45 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: jean-

Just be sure not to touch your eyes or nose.

Have you tried just putting a whole bunch of dishsoap on your hands several times rinsing (with COLD water) inbetween ?; June 28, 2008 9:45 PM
jean said...: leah,
I must be delicate.
Washed my hands 10times.
What a stupid move.; June 28, 2008 9:46 PM
apissedant said...: Here is from another website. Definitely a biology issue again. URGH, you people deciding everything that involves compounds is chemistry. ;)

Because of the innate hotness of all chile peppers, they can burn not only the inside of your mouth, but your skin as well. If you find that you simply can't bear the heat after eating a chile pepper, try to consume a dairy product, like milk, yogurt, or ice cream. Dairy products contain a chemical called caisen that combats the effects of chile peppers' capsicum by stripping it from its receptor site on the skin. I've also tried sugar and that seems to work in a pinch.; June 28, 2008 9:46 PM
apissedant said...: jean,
Out of curiosity, and for future reference, which one worked?; June 28, 2008 9:47 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "MCCAINS' CALIFORNIA HOME IN TAX DEFAULT"

This will perhaps make him very human.

Lots of people have problem paying high taxes!

CA is a high tax State!

______________________________

Roach:

You didn't want to answer my serious question. Fine.

Here is another important qn:

By June 3rd 2008, about 40 million people voted in the Democratic Primary, which was dubbed as the most voted Primary because of Junior Messiah and Hillary, the first woman in the race.

This would give 40/220 = 18.18%.

(220 million is the eligible voters in US, as per Govt sources)

How many Democrats did not vote in this Primary?

I stand by my assertion that there are about 20% FAR LEFT (Democrats) and about 20% FAR Right (Repubs) and the rest are the middle Centrists who may lean more to the Left or Right depending on the character, credibility and clarity of policies of the Candidates.

I bet more will lean towards McCain because he is moderate Maverick. He is a very well known entity. BHO is not known to many Americans in the heartland. Face the fact.

About 80% of voters favor McCain as our next Commander-In-Chief, not the inexperienced untested BHO (Gallup. com)

Stay tuned.; June 28, 2008 9:48 PM
apissedant said...: I feel like posting more... even though it is over... it is kind of interesting. I don't know biology at all, and now I'm trying to find out what is in a jalipeno that burns in the first place... anyways.. here is more for future reference:

Try rubbing alcohol first to remove the burning oil. Then, soak the skin in milk or another dairy product. Only use water or saline for your eyes, however, and please remember that the best way to combat the chile pepper heat is to use rubber gloves when handling peppers.

Also, this was suggested by a poison control center for those times you do not have a dairy product on hand: Wash the skin with warm, soapy water. Rub the skin with vegetable or olive oil and let set a minute. Rinse.

Hopefully this helps you find some relief with your burning skin.; June 28, 2008 9:49 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: If it is the acid that bothers you, please make baking soda water and soak it, with several changes.

It is sodium bicarbonate a base that will neutralize the acid pretty quickly. It is an Antacid.; June 28, 2008 9:54 PM
jean said...: I used a cup of baking soda in 2 cups of cold water(approximently, I was in a hurry)
I soaked my hand for a few minutes and life was good.
It is still warm but quite tolerable.
Leah
Thanks, I knew not to touch my face and eyes but ignored not wearing gloves.
Brain Fade.
Thanks again.
jean; June 28, 2008 9:56 PM
suzihussein22 said...: jean-I'm glad you're hands are starting to feel better.; June 28, 2008 10:02 PM
jean said...: Hey soft,
Thanks.
How embarressing.
Just to let you know.
Quick appetizer on the grill.
Jalepenos deseeded.
Soft cream cheese mixed with sundried tomatoes.
Put the mixture in the Jalepenos and wrap with bacon and grill.
Takes about 20 minutes.
This recipe has no fat or calories on your day off.
;)
jean; June 28, 2008 10:08 PM
apissedant said...: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsaicin

Capsaicin is neither an acid nor a base. The burn is a biological response to a toxin, not due to heat, cold, acid, or base reactions. To relieve the burn, you just need to remove the capsaicin, not neutralize it. This is why water doesn't work, because capsaicin is hydrophobic. Soap or detergents should work, but will show varying results. A nonpolar solvent works better, something that has a carbon chain. This is why isopropyl alcohol works, because of the nonpolar region. Petroleum ether or gasoline should work too, but I think gasoline would cause its own burn if not properly washed out.; June 28, 2008 10:09 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Having an "epidermal intolerance" of the juice of the jalapeno, aloe has worked the fastest for me and then baking soda. It's interesting that sugar was brought up, since milk contains lactose, which is also a type of sugar. Aloe has a polysaccharide(sp.?) component. Alcohol just sounded more like an antiseptic than an anti-inflammatory in this instance.; June 28, 2008 10:14 PM
jean said...: It is still quite warm.
I just got the isopropyl alcohol.
Us common people not majoring in any type of chemistry would appreciate the term rubbing alcohol.
I was fortunate that it was in big letters on the bottle:)
I,m just a banker, OK.
Really thanks.
jeanm; June 28, 2008 10:17 PM
apissedant said...: Soft,
The purpose isn't to stop inflammation, it is to remove the toxin from the skin. Nonpolar items are typically soluble in alcohols, vinegar should technically work also, but the solubility is probably lower in acetic acid than a pure neutral alcohol. Regular liquor can be used as well.; June 28, 2008 10:18 PM
apissedant said...: jean,
Sorry, should have put rubbing alcohol in parenthesis.; June 28, 2008 10:19 PM
jean said...: ap,
I,m not touching the Grey Goose:); June 28, 2008 10:20 PM
apissedant said...: jean!!!
Share the vodka!! I haven't had grey goose in years!!; June 28, 2008 10:22 PM
apissedant said...: Due to budget constraints, I'm now stuck to 15 dollar plastic bottles of cheap rum.... =/; June 28, 2008 10:25 PM
suzihussein22 said...: jean-I guess you can have some of my Jack.(albeit reluctantly); June 28, 2008 10:26 PM
apissedant said...: Interesting fun fact:

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is a main pungent component of hot pepper. Hot pepper has been used for a long time, not only as a spice but also as a traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric disorders and, when applied topically, for the relief of pain and inflammation (Szallasi and Blumberg, Pharm, Rev., 51, pp 159-212(1999)). Capsaicin has a wide spectrum of physiological activities: it exhibits strong irritant effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and also induces pain and irritancy upon topical application. However, after such induction of pain, capsaicin induces desensitization both to capsaicin itself and also to other noxious stimuli, thereby producing analgesic effect. Based on this property, capsaicin and its analogues such as olvanil, nuvanil, DA-5018, SDZ-249482, and resiniferatoxin are used as an analgesic agent, or a therapeutic agent for incontinentia urinae or skin disorder.

The same item that just brought you so much pain when topically applied, is used to remove pain when topically applied. Odd. Biology doesn't make sense. :); June 28, 2008 10:29 PM
jean said...: Like I said.
That is the special bottle.
No chance. X-mas gift.
Soft,
Keep your Jack and enjoy a cocktail this evening:)
I am gonna go cook these things with all the work that was envolved.
Have a good night.
Thanks again.

jean; June 28, 2008 10:31 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: DCW's new updated June 28th
Presidential Forecast/General Election Tracker is now up on the front page of this website or you can access it via the link at the top left of the this page :); June 28, 2008 10:34 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: DCW has added the Open Thread VP EDITION link to the top left of the page.

Time to talk about VPs again over there :); June 28, 2008 11:15 PM
apissedant said...: YAY!!! DCW rocks.; June 28, 2008 11:21 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: it would be the fatty part of milk that would remove the capascin (or a fat in general). if the heat is too much in the mouth try either something sweet, or something fatty. Ice cream works well because it is both. :-)

apissedant: I thought I was the only one here who knew about the SL-1 nuke accident in Idaho.; June 29, 2008 12:33 AM
apissedant said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 29, 2008 12:47 AM
apissedant said...: Wow, I didn't realize there was a Wikipedia article about it. You think CNN could at least check wikipedia before they did a report.; June 29, 2008 12:49 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant-

CNN did an article about what? What are you talking about?; June 29, 2008 1:09 AM
apissedant said...: Leah,
The link you posted about the CNN website video earlier... the video immediately after was about nuclear power, Obama, and McCain. It stated there were no nuclear power incidents causing death in the United States, which is incorrect. It also failed to explain that Chernobyl had a "positive temperature coefficient of reactivity," and no American reactors do. So for Chernobyl, when temperature goes up, power level goes up, which of course causes temperature to go up, and so on and so on. American reactors have temperature go up during an incident, which causes power to go down, and the reactor basically shuts itself down. Extra little built in safety precaution, just in case the operator is a moron, disables all other precautions, and then does something really really stupid.; June 29, 2008 1:16 AM
apissedant said...: Dave,
Out of curiosity, what was your "proof"?; June 29, 2008 2:12 AM
Joshua said...: Emma

Sometimes our desire to be right is so strong that we will give up our lives for it. What do you think about that?

I wouldn’t put it that way. Anyone who feels the need to be right and is prepared to give up his/her life to be right is certainly maladjusted. However, humans want to be treated fairly. A human will give up his life if need be, just to correct a perceived slight.

That is very easy to prove: Suppose you have a job paying you $10 per hour. It pays your bills and you are happy. Then one day you land another job. The boss pays you $15 per hour for doing the same job you had been doing. You are as happy as a pig in (you know). You carry on your nice job all smug. Then one day you discover that the boss is paying everyone else $30 per hour for doing the same job as you. I am certain that you would quit that job on the spot and come back looking to settle score with the boss.

Take another example. There is an endless supply of Arabs lining up to kill themselves just to get back at a Westerner. It does not matter that their association with the West has improved their lot. They feel a definite slight.; June 29, 2008 4:56 AM
Joshua said...: Emma

“Is abnormal bad? In your opinion, does the word carry any type of connotation?”

Is having blue eyes bad? Bad compared to what? What is the alternative? There are times what having blue eyes can be a strike against you. There are times when it puts you at an advantage. The same with being gay, IMO.; June 29, 2008 5:07 AM
Karen Anne said...: Jean,

Before I knew what a jalepeno was (New England born, many years ago), I picked up this interesting thing to look at in the supermarket, put it down, and them rubbed my eyes...; June 29, 2008 9:27 AM
Independent Voter said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; June 29, 2008 10:14 AM
Independent Voter said...: jean, YIKES! Sounds like you had a rough day yesterday. Are your hands feeling better today?

How did your jalapeno poppers turn out last night?

Also you said, This recipe has no fat or calories on your day off.

Does this mean that if these are made on a day that you work or go to school that there is fat and calories in them? LOL! Just kidding!; June 29, 2008 10:18 AM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - sorry I had a brain fart. I had come out in December of 1992 - after Bill Clinton won the election but before his inauguration and his signing of DADT. Bill and attended several functions on and off base (like picnics, bonfires, etc.) where we held hands. My unit members and commanding officer didn't care. But then after DADT my C O believed that his hands were tied as to having to report me. Bill was later discharge after he came out to protest their decision to discharge me. (Yes we were in different branches).; June 29, 2008 10:29 AM
jean said...: Good Morning,
My hands are feeling much better thank you.
Stuck with fixing French Toast and a fruit bowl for breakfast, Much safer ingrediants:)
Karen,
It sounds like that was a trip to the grocery store cut short:)
Just a reminder, Richard got married yesterday.
I remembered yesterday but then I got side tracked:)
jean; June 29, 2008 11:07 AM
Meg said...: Mike:

I asked you the question about the word "abnormal" because, as you must know, it can be interpreted on a blog in many different ways. If you called me abnormal I might think you are saying that there's something wrong with me because I am not like everyone else. Hence the question.

It's interesting that you answered it in terms of what might be a detriment or an advantage, which was not how I was looking at the question.; June 29, 2008 11:54 AM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Hello There:

ABC's "This Week" had the bleeding liberal Huffington this morning and she said,

"Obama is putting his finger in the air, and moving to the Center to get elected; his base will be angry and disappointed".

This statement is true, and evokes some analysis.

Huffington says Obama is hurting his "Brand". What is the Brand is she talking about? All along, BHO has been about grabbing power. He was not for any particular STAND on issues.

Already, on FISA, on Jerusalem, on NAFTA, on DC Gun Control he has flip-flopped big time. Some more "running away" from the Base is coming!

He is now yielding to McCain on going to Iraq to have a field trip to assess what's happening there. I bet he will acknowledge that things have indeed "changed". He will, consequently, flip-flop on Iraq Troop Withdrawal, which according to Huffington would be a disaster for Obama Brand. Maybe, if there is a Brand!

Congressman from IL Rahm Emanual said McCain's approval rating is going down! A Classic Liberal Left's Propaganda!!

The fact is, according to Gallup.com, since Mar 7, nothing has changed:

BHO = McCain = 44%.. The 12% who are not for either Candidate will call this Election.

This is my prediction:

Obama will try to move to the Center. His "Base" will be disillusioned and will drop him!

On National Security McCain is the stronger candidate, and as Commander-in-Chief, 80% of voters favor John McCain (gallup.com)

On Economy no one has any clear idea what to do. So, Obama has no traction on any issue. One Energy, McCain has a comprehensive short and long term solution. Obama does not understand the problem at all: he is in the pockets of extreme environmentalists - the Eco-Terrorists!

Therefore, Cindy and John McCain will be in the Inaugural Ball.

BHO has to go back to Hyde Park.

Because, he has NO Conviction on anything! He wants only POWER!

Stay tuned.; June 29, 2008 12:16 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
I understand, but what was your proof? My theory is that what constitutes proof has increased significantly since the start of DADT. I am willing to bet that one major exception to that would be my friend Mike from New York. I doubt he had to really prove much, he was an officer and an instructor of ethics at the naval academy. I am willing to bet the threshold for an officer to prove it is much less.; June 29, 2008 12:27 PM
Joshua said...: Sorry Emma, but my answer clearly implied that there is no good and there is no bad other than by comparing it to something else. Good or bad is an individual matter. What is good by your standards may be bad by my standards.

Here is an example: if you are a woman, appearing in public with your face covered will land you in a world or problems. You might consider that bad for you. If, however, you appear like that in Afghanistan, you fill find better reception than if you appeared with your face exposed.

Bad is a relative matter, not an absolute. And it is based on the individual and the environment.; June 29, 2008 12:37 PM
Joshua said...: Emma

You are having a problem in wanting me to tell you if something is bad. Bad is subjective. I choose abnormal. Abnormal is a statistical term and lends itself to an objective definition. Look at a Bell curve. This is also called a NORMAL curve. In any population every trait is represented on that curve. The closer the individual is to the mean (statistical term for average) the more normal the trait. By definition, any individual who lies (exists) more than 2 standard deviations from the mean, is abnormal.; June 29, 2008 12:38 PM
jean said...: Did anyone see about the vandalism on the cars in Florida against Obama and McCain.
60 CARS!!!!
Do you think it was PUMA.
jean; June 29, 2008 12:50 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

I am not having a problem. I'm not trying to get you to say anything. I was just interested in your definition, which is scientific and of course quite accurate.

I think there is a connotation to the word. We don't say that Einstein was abnormal when we are trying to find a positive way to describe his intellect. I think in society this word can be offensive to some people.

This of course begs the question of whether we should be aware of others' sensitivities to certain words or whether we should not.; June 29, 2008 12:58 PM
apissedant said...: emma,
I think by that same definition of abnormal, we would also have to describe Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and probably every other founding father. Each one in one way or another was far outside the norm of society. Weird I've never heard them described as abnormal either.

By the way, why are you feeding the elephant? The first rule at a zoo is don't feed the animals.; June 29, 2008 1:09 PM
Joshua said...: Emma

I understand. Sensitivity is important. Is there a preferable word instead of abnormal when talking about gay behavior?

I would certainly describe Einstein as abnormal. His intellect was abnormal. His life choices were abnormal. His relationships with his first wife, then cousin cum wife, and his child were abnormal. Good is only a matter of opinion and depends on how it affects you or society.; June 29, 2008 1:14 PM
Meg said...: Apissed:

My problem is that I know very little about chemistry or economics or political history. I do know about people and cultures and words. I read the insulting posts here and wonder why someone would take the time to write a really long post in order to "educate" someone and in the process piss people off. So I'm just curious.; June 29, 2008 1:16 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

You say that sensitivity is important. Do you realize that your words in your 1:39 pm post yesterday were offensive to me? I'm not gay and they were offensive. As soon as you say "I have no problems with...." you are lumping a large group of people into a category and stereotyping them.

I have 2 questions for you:
1. Did you offend me on purpose or accidentally?

2. Do you care if your words offend me?; June 29, 2008 1:34 PM
apissedant said...: emma,
I realize you're not aiming anything at me, but I'm going to start with a defense and explanation anyways... the reasoning will become evident by the end of the post.
The Chemistry discussion between Stop, myself, and Mike was immature and stupid, and I eventually chose against continuing the conversation instead of answering a 10th grade question to, "prove" I was a Chemistry student and lab instructor. The conversation about Chemistry (actually biology) last night was to actually help someone, and nothing more.
I probably come off arrogant or like I am attempting to sound smart at some points, but that is never my intention. I come to this site with the knowledge that I know more about some subjects, and others here know more about other subjects. I love the fact that at this site we educate and help each other. That we all share knowledge, information, and opinions to be able to make better political decisions. Ed, Dave, Richard, and Leah have brought many things to my attention that I found insightful and wonderful. I love that.

Mike's purpose here is much different. If you want to see offensive, I will show you it. The post yesterday at 1:39 is not the winner, I will show you the winner:

Mike said (to Mike in Md),
You have already posted that you have EK. One thing I have is a great memory. I also remember that your husband died of AIDS.

Mike in MD responded,
And I posted that he died of lung cancer, not AIDS. Neither of us ever tested positive for AIDS.

Mike responded,
Husband is a lose term, but the point is about a man needing a husband. For someone with your lifestyle you don’t know much. The test is not for AIDs. It is for HIV.
OK, your boyfriend died of lung cancer (you object to husband). Exactly what was the tissue diagnosis? Was it primary or secondary lung cancer? Are you sure he did not have pneumocystis pneumonia?

Mike in MD responded,
Non-small cell carcinoma.

Mike responded,
The problem I have with certain types of liberals is that they don’t understand that there are consequences to their actions and lifestyle choices. They totally lack the personal responsibility gene.
Take the case of your boyfriend. Why did you try to obscure the diagnosis and state non-small cell carcinoma? Yes, you are technically correct, but I suspect that it was specifically squamous cell ca. Everybody would probably immediately recognize that this is a cancer caused by lifestyle choices – hence your attempt to obscure the fact.

Mike is an arrogant prick that is not trying to educate anyone. He is trying to put down and disrespect everyone here. He is attempting to spread hate, and prevent the spread of knowledge and understanding. Imagine him as one of the protesters outside the 2000 recount location. His purpose is to create trouble and prevent change. You and I choose to post in a place where we agree with the other people on most issues, and where we can learn more. That is why it is so hard for you to understand his intentions. The idea of going to Republican websites and insulting everyone never even crossed your mind.

So just ignore him, because there is no point in engaging him.; June 29, 2008 2:00 PM
Joshua said...: Emma

You post that you know little about “chemistry or economics or political history.” In the same post you complain about someone trying to “educate” you. Do you see the absurdity of that post?

I stated facts. You have not shown any of my statements to be factually incorrect. If you are offended by facts, that is your prerogative. The answers to your recent questions are:

1. No

2. No; June 29, 2008 2:00 PM
apissedant said...: If you do not understand what he is so offensively attempting to imply:

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a lung infection that occurs primarily in people with weakened immune systems--especially people who are HIV-positive.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) Human Papilloma Virus is associated with squamous cell carcinoma

Are you thoroughly offended now? Will you properly ignore him now?

There was also this, which doesn't even make sense. I am a heterosexual, married, 26 year old student. Mike in Md is a homosexual, retired professional. We live in different states, and argue quite a bit, but we both agree on politics. He is environmentally conscious, and took public transportation to work everyday, where as I own a sports car and have been driving everywhere since I was sixteen, only using public transportation while on vacation. Yet according to Mike:
I have never attacked you, but you seem to be riled by my comments. I understand that you share similar lifestyle with Apissedant.

What he means I do not know, nor care. Mike in MD seems to be a good guy, and I don't mind being compared to him. I don't see anyway where we could be compared, but oh well.; June 29, 2008 2:12 PM
Meg said...: Mike:

Thank you for your responses. I understand now, except that my first question to you was not a yes/no question. But never mind. You don't need to respond.

Apissed:

No, my comments were not aimed at you. The personalities on this blog are really interesting to me. Look at how angry people were at Aunt Jean during the primaries and then later everything changed. It's possible to like someone on a blog once you get to know them even if you are outraged at the stuff they type.

Mike is Mike.; June 29, 2008 2:15 PM
apissedant said...: A comparison to Dave would have made sense though. Dave and I are both ex-military, and currently back in school to better ourselves. We both have loved ones that our currently working, and covering the bulk of the bills until we finish. We are both graduating far ahead of when we should in order to alleviate the financial burdens of our loved ones. Those are some serious similarities, so that comparison would have made a lot more sense.; June 29, 2008 2:17 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I would like to politely request that folks start putting the words 'OFF TOPIC' at the top of any comments that are not related to politics or this political race. It will make this thread faster to read. Thanks :); June 29, 2008 2:22 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: jean-

I have not seen anything about the Obama / McCain car incident in Florida, but I have not read the news yet today. Where did you see it?; June 29, 2008 2:24 PM
apissedant said...: OFF TOPIC

Leah,
Sorry, I was trying to explain to another good democratic the need to ignore trolls.

BACK ON TOPIC

Leah,
Did you get what I was saying with nuclear power last night? Remember, Carter was and is pro nuclear, and you love him! He was a nuclear officer in the Navy, and has a nuclear powered submarine named after him.
I get a little defensive about nuclear power, and I think it has been unjustly given a bad name. Wind, solar, and water power are definitely better, and should be the end goal (along with higher efficiencies and reliable public transportation), but nuclear is 1000% better than coal or gas.; June 29, 2008 2:27 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
vandalism link
http://news.aol.ca/article/cars-anti-obama/269461/; June 29, 2008 2:28 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Sunday June 29, 2008

General Election:

Rasmussen Tracking
Obama 49, McCain 43
Obama +6.0

Gallup Tracking
Obama 46, McCain 42
Obama +4.0

OBAMA '08; June 29, 2008 2:28 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: OFF TOPIC

apissedant -

I have never said I love or not love Carter. As far as the nuclear comments on here I must admit I have not been reading them. Anything that has to do with 'scientific' stuff is not up my alley so I don't have a very high interest in reading about it.

Now I am off to read the new news. My day has started off a bit late today.

p.s. DCW has put a link at the top left of the page to the old OPEN THREAD VP EDITION. There was some interest on another thread to start up the vice-president discussion again, so I hope to see some of ya'll over there :); June 29, 2008 2:36 PM
jean said...: Leah,
Did you find it.
jean; June 29, 2008 2:42 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - sorry for taking so long. I'll be in and out of here today because I'm working on a paper.

The proof was in the pictures taken at the different events. It wasn't anything to the extent of "passionate" kissing like that which took place in the video that was posted the other day. Just the implication back then seemed to be good enough for them since the policy was brand new. But like I said, they did have the pictures.; June 29, 2008 2:43 PM
Karen Anne said...: OT:

My concern with wind power is when it clobbers thousands of birds, as at Altamont, and then the wind power people lie their heads off about the new turbines being safer for birds, or not coming apart in hurricanes.

Currently there is a plan afoot for a wind farm off RI, in the middle of a pristine area. RI is also a migratory bird pathway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u14tBwO5QVQ

Solar, conservation, even nuclear, I prefer.; June 29, 2008 2:47 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
lol, fine, I guess "love" was too strong a word.; June 29, 2008 2:48 PM
apissedant said...: karen,
That is a very good point. You have to be very careful where windmills are placed. I think there are even more problems with bats than birds in places like West Virginia, and where the bats are necessary to control bug populations. There are some places where windmills work though, just have to be careful on the placement.; June 29, 2008 2:50 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: jean-

Yes I found it EVERYWHERE!

It is horrible that people would do something like that.

Those people just need to get over it - Obama IS the nominee and that's that!

Besides what they are doing is not helping Hillary.

I think it is time for Hillary to give a press conference and for her to DENOUNCE and REJECT all the PUMA type groups.; June 29, 2008 2:52 PM
jean said...: Leah,
It was also against McCain.
Being that it is against both parties I find interesting.
obviously it is a hate crime due to the slander of race and religion.
Being against McCain also.
Do you think they are going to put it as home-terrorism.
Things are quite different in catagories now.
jean; June 29, 2008 2:56 PM
jean said...: Leah,
HRC is a total victom in this.
I know you don't like her but there is noway you can put this in her court.
Nut jobs are Nut jobs.
NOONE would say this is OK or give any room for this kind of action.
jean; June 29, 2008 2:59 PM
jean said...: Leah,
Do you think it is PUMA?
jean; June 29, 2008 3:01 PM
apissedant said...: Birds and Windmills. The Netherlands is both a major user of wind energy, and a has an animal rights political party. Their animal rights laws actually dwarf ours in most cases. They still depend on small family farms instead of terrible disease infested corporate farms like we do. Anyways, heres the news.

Wind turbines not so deadly for birds -Dutch study (Yahoo, 5 July 2005 - here's the link in Dutch from the Dutch Bird protection society)

Wind turbines producing "green" energy kill many fewer birds than previously thought and pose less of a threat to avian life than cars, a study by the Dutch Bird Protection charity and power utility Nuon showed.

The study, published on Wednesday, was based on results from three wind farms. It showed each turbine killed an average 28 birds per year, a third of what had been assumed on the basis of research conducted in the 1980s.

"The mathematical model which was used up until now seems to predict too many collision victims for modern wind turbines in the Netherlands," Bird Protection and Nuon said in a statement.

The new study suggests the Netherlands' 1,700 wind turbines kill about 50,000 birds a year. About 2 million birds perish each year on Dutch roads, it said.

The study showed that large wind turbines producing more than 1.5 megawatts of power killed slightly more birds than smaller, older windmills, but Bird Protection noted that the bigger windmills produce five to 10 times more electricity.; June 29, 2008 3:02 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: jean-

I am not saying that Hillary has any personal responsibility in this.

But I am saying that while the groups like PUMA and others have gained momentum she has not came out yet to 'denounce and reject' them.

Also in some ways her 'website' (not her personally) have promoted PUMA. During the weeks after Obama clinched the nomination, Hillary's website was allowing people to promote the PUMA website and continued to let the posters post anti-Obama and pro-McCain comments. This did not help with uniting people behind Obama.

So now I think it is up to her and her folks to help put a stop to this.

I have no idea who is responsible for the damage to the cars in Florida, but it is logical to think that it was done by radical Hillary supporters that are still unhappy that Hillary is not the nominee.; June 29, 2008 3:21 PM
jean said...: Can you explain the anti McCain.
jean; June 29, 2008 3:23 PM
Meg said...: I don't think these are people with rational political opinions. They only want ONE THING, which they can't have. There is no second choice. They were robbed by the DNC of their queen.; June 29, 2008 3:34 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: from WFTV Orlando:

Along with the paint, hundreds of business cards were left on windshields.

The cards contain criticism of Obama on one side, and support for Hillary Clinton and her family on the other side.

The same cards were left on channel nine vehicles in Daytona Beach several weeks ago.

The vandalism happened the same night the Obama campaign kicked off its Florida organization with parties across the state.

-----

I don't think this had anything to do with McCain.
Probably one person in the group of thugs that did this painted something about McCain. But this was an anti-Obama incident and not really about McCain.

I've only read 'one' article that even mentions McCain the rest don't mention him.; June 29, 2008 3:43 PM
jean said...: emma,
Yes.
But does fanatism,threat,and damage have any definition that you know of.
It is against both Obama and McCain.
Could be interesting.
jean; June 29, 2008 3:44 PM
suzihussein22 said...: http://www.wftv.com/wrdq/16738560/detail.html

It's a shame that they damaged government property especially, because their anti-Obama compatriots will ultimately pay extra taxes to compensate for the damages.; June 29, 2008 3:47 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Folks:

FL vandalism may not be by PUMA.

Maybe, by some local anarchists against both the Nominees.

People want to hit PUMA, because they are angry that there is no upside movement for BHO in the last 4 weeks in spite of the massive spin by the liberal MSM .

BHO supporters, be logical, if you can.

Hillary should focus on her Book on the Nomination Process!

Stay tuned.

p.s Spain scored a goal against Germany in the European Soccer Final!; June 29, 2008 3:51 PM
Joshua said...: Emma

Since you describe factual information as offensive, if you choose to expose yourself to the internet, be prepared to be “offended.” If you prefer to wallow in your admitted ignorance, stay off the internet. I am not your momma and I don’t care about your hurt feelings.; June 29, 2008 3:53 PM
suzihussein22 said...: As some southerners would say, bless their hearts-

http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/mccain/articles/2008/06/27/20080627campaign-web.html

I could imagine hearing crickets chirp for some of these people.

As part of my word verification said, g'day!; June 29, 2008 3:55 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Folks:

I know emma and MinM very well.

Both can be quite obnoxious. They will say they want to be civil - but in a second they both will violate their own rule!!!!!!!

Have fun; watch Soccer for a change!!; June 29, 2008 3:59 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: The AOhell article is now 'NOT FOUND', so I did a Google search (vandalism anti-Obama) and found this article (among others):
http://www.local10.com/news/16739792/detail.html

The article says that all the vehicles were city owned, and "Police also found that many of the vehicles had open gas tanks."

There are a number of scenarios that I see could have happened.

- It could be 'libertarians' who are tying to cause havoc. They don't like any of the candidates since Ron Paul didn't win the nomination, they hate Obama and McCain for winning, and they were some of the most ardent Hillary supporters who didn't want Hillary to win because the longer the Dem primary lasted the more chaos they saw benefitting them. The gas theft (if there was one - the article doesn't say) could have been to throw off the police in their search for the culprits.

- It could be gas thieves trying to cover their tracks.

- It could be reactionary religious and/or racial nuts trying to cause havoc (racial epithats, anti-McCain [because he isn't 'fundamentalist' enough], etc.) In this scenario, if Hillary supporters are blamed, then feminists get the blame, thus they figuratively 'kill three birds with one stone'.

Or it could be any number of other reasons.

I don't think it is PUMA-supporters, unless they are much dumber than I originally thought (although how they can go much lower on the intelligence scale than I thought they were/are is beyond me).

Mike; June 29, 2008 4:03 PM
suzihussein22 said...: m in md-I agree. There were an awful lot of cards planted for it to be radical HRC supporters.; June 29, 2008 4:13 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Emma,

Just as in real life, some people will search for the appropriate technical word to describe something, but will decide upon a word that can be interpreted in several different ways, not giving an indication when they speak or write it of which meaning in which they intend it to be understood.

For instance, they could describe a female dog as a 'b***h', without any other context. Did they mean the biological meaning, or did they mean the 'street' definition? If called, they try to make the other person feel defensive that they could even imagine that the speaker or writer intended anything but the technical term.

We have at least one poster on this site who is very adept at making those types of posts - truly insulting, but when called on the post, has a "Who me? I would never do such a thing" response.

It is one thing to do it occasionally in error, but you'll know when that happens when the author is sincere in correcting any misinterpretation of the word usage. It is totally different when the author tries to shame the questioner when questioning the author's choice of words.

It is also unethical for a poster to intentionally make others think that two different posters are the same (as one poster did at one time when trying to make others think that he and I were the same poster), or one poster tries to make people believe there are two different posters by posting under two different pseudonyms. We have both types of unethical posters on this forum.

Mike; June 29, 2008 4:25 PM
apissedant said...: Mike, 100% agreed. The first thing I thought of was Libertarians as well. Also, the anti-McCain portion was kind of a lame afterthought. Maybe just to ensure that McCain and his supporters didn't get blamed and get negative press off of it. The legalize pot crap is Libertarian, and writing that right next to "Obama smokes crack" just seems retarded. Not PUMA, too obvious and the pot reference doesn't make sense.; June 29, 2008 4:30 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "(although how they can go much lower on the intelligence scale than I thought they were/are is beyond me)."

This is unnecessary roughness!

You actually invite trouble!!; June 29, 2008 4:32 PM
Meg said...: M in M:

OFF TOPIC

Well, sometimes you have to get smacked upside the head to learn. I know it's best not to respond. Yes, I would say I learned that lesson quite well today. Apissed tried to warn me.; June 29, 2008 4:33 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Here's a poll that looks like it came from a pretty conservative viewpoint-

http://tinyurl.com/4zlz2t; June 29, 2008 4:35 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Spain won the European Soccer Championship against Germany 1-0.

Spain showed wonderful foot work and agility till the very last second!

Good for them.; June 29, 2008 4:38 PM
apissedant said...: Mike in Md,
My favorite part about a poster who uses words with two meanings and then claims they were not being offensive.... is that he also only accepts one definition for that word, despite the possible dozens of definitions for that word. A word only means one thing, what he wants it to mean, and the rest of us should just instinctively know.; June 29, 2008 4:38 PM
suzihussein22 said...: To our CA posters-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080629/ap_on_re_us/wildfires

My heart goes out to you.

apissedant-I hope the NC peat fire smoke is affecting you badly either.; June 29, 2008 4:40 PM
suzihussein22 said...: OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA; June 29, 2008 4:41 PM
apissedant said...: OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA 08!; June 29, 2008 4:41 PM
suzihussein22 said...: apissedant-BRAVO! I was getting repetitve. ;); June 29, 2008 4:42 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: NO ONE on this thread said that PUMA did it. I only mentioned PUMA in my post above when I said 'PUMA type groups'.

I wish people would READ all the words typed within the sentences before they take them out of context.; June 29, 2008 4:45 PM
apissedant said...: ss,
No problem! Thanks for thinking of me with the wildfires too! I'm lucky, because I have no health problems as of now. Now I just need to quit smoking so I can continue that lucky streak!! I feel bad for those with asthma and all, because at least one day a week the sky is literally foggy with smoke!

The funny (sort of), part about the fire in NC is it was started by a guy removing dead trees in part to prevent fire. His machinery caught on fire, and apparently they didn't have anything prepared for a situation like that. GENIUS!; June 29, 2008 4:47 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: OFF TOPIC

apissedant -

You did it again - you're good!
I was watching earlier, but then got distracted!; June 29, 2008 4:47 PM
apissedant said...: leah,
Don't worry, no one is accusing you! Stop said, "people", and by Mike's argument style, if you interpret "people" as you, then that is your problem and insecurity.

Personally, I just don't think it was Hillary supporters at all. I wonder if they finger printed the cards and if they were smart enough to wear gloves.; June 29, 2008 4:50 PM
Meg said...: Latest news:

McCain met with Billy Graham and son. The elder said “"We had an opportunity to pray for the senator and his family, and for God's will to be done in this upcoming election."

No endorsement there.

Bill Clinton will meet with Obama in the next 48 hours.....to discuss what?; June 29, 2008 4:55 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: apissedant-

I know. I just wanted it to be made clear that NO ONE has said that PUMA did it. And if someone thinks that 'people' have said that PUMA did then that person should give an example and and link to where it is ;:; June 29, 2008 4:55 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I really don't see what the big deal is with Bill Clinton. If Hillary had won the nomination I am sure that Hillary would not have made an attempt to go and meet with Michelle Obama - LOL!

Bill is the ex-candidate's HUSBAND and the media is making more of this than is necessary. No one is expecting the wives of Edwards and Richardson and Dodd to go campaigning for Obama.

They need to just let Bill go back to where he came from and leave him out of this!

OBAMA '08; June 29, 2008 5:00 PM
apissedant said...: OFF TOPIC

North Carolina wildfire from Virginia Pilot:
Particulate matter was, at that moment, .005 milligrams per meter cubed, which simply means a little high.

"Because of the fire," Moore said. "It was .1 this morning when the smoke came through. It's not good."

That's measured in Virginia Beach, Va, quite a bit north of the actual fire. People with respiratory problems must hate life.; June 29, 2008 5:02 PM
apissedant said...: I'm willing to bet most people here know about this website, or could easily find it.... but just in case:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/index.html
.

That is Cornell University's Law School website that posts all the Supreme Court decisions within hours of them being handed down. I don't know how far it goes back, but it has "Poor Joshua" in there, from 1989. That is as far back as I have used it. If you have never read that decision, I recommend it, and it is only 1 page too.; June 29, 2008 5:05 PM
apissedant said...: http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/search/display.html?terms=poor%20Joshua&url=/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0489_0189_ZD1.html
.

That is the Poor Joshua decision. It was a really sad case.; June 29, 2008 5:06 PM
apissedant said...: Leah,
I would rather he doesn't campaign for Obama personally... he keeps saying stupid things. One quick, well rehearsed and pre-approved speech endorsing Obama, and then disappear to his work.; June 29, 2008 5:08 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Who can take this guy seriously?-

Ralph Nader, who said Obama was “talking white” to appeal to voters earlier in the week, continued to attack the Democratic nominee on ABC’s “This Week,” accusing him of being too cozy with an assortment of corporate interests.

Those pesky Libertarians-

Barr said he is the only candidate offering the combination of a crackdown on excessive government spending along with concern for civil liberties.

But he had to distance himself from past congressional votes in support of the Patriot Act and for legislation authorizing the war in Iraq — positions anathema to much of the Libertarian Party base.; June 29, 2008 5:09 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: OT

Speaking of wildfires, especially peat fires:

Much of the farmland on my first step-father's farm is 'muck', which is old peat bog that was drained (during the late 19th/early 20th centuries) so that it could be farmed. The soil is very black in color when moistened. Since the soil is so rich in organic matter, it can catch fire somewhat easily.

A couple of decades before I lived on the farm, a mid-summer lightning strike caused part of the muck to catch fire, although the fire was totally underground. It burned the rest of that summer, through the winter, and was only extinguished the following spring when above-average rainfall finally put it out. During the winter, it was extremely obvious where the fire was burning, as there was no snow on the ground above the fire, but plenty of snow everywhere else. About 4-5 acres of the field were affected.

The fire left no permanent evidence of where it occurred, and that portion of the field is farmed today, with no indication that the fire raised or lowered crop yields to any degree.

Mike; June 29, 2008 5:12 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Even he hasn't been fiscally conservative enough-

http://tinyurl.com/66jwzb; June 29, 2008 5:21 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: OFF TOPIC

Leah,

Have you found the spell checker in Firefox v3.0?

If you type a word and Firefox underlines it because it is misspelled, right click the word, and you will get a list of suggested words to replace the misspelled word.

Mike; June 29, 2008 5:33 PM
jean said...: Leah never said it was PUMA.
From what I saw as the definition of the group they are not just HRC supporters by any means.

In reference to the fires.
I live in Southern CA.
We are just waiting for our turn.
The last big one I had a house full of people for over a week.
I cooked my behind off.
Just to let you know if you call your house and you get the machine,
the house didn't burn down.
There are always instances but it worked real good at the time:)
jean; June 29, 2008 5:47 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Off Topic

Mike in Maryland -

I use the spellchecker that I have on my Google Toolbar. It does the same thing. Also on the Google toolbar I have the translator that when your mouse hovers over a word it will tell you what the word is in other language. I have mine set up for Italian :); June 29, 2008 5:59 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: National

RCP Average

06/15 - 06/28

Obama 47.4

McCain 40.3

OBAMA +7.1; June 29, 2008 6:28 PM
Independent Voter said...: ss - To our CA posters-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080629/ap_on_re_us/wildfires

My heart goes out to you.

apissedant-I hope the NC peat fire smoke is affecting you badly either.

------

ss, thank you. I'm just happy we are getting hit with the wildfires down here again. It's hit us twice since I've lived here. Although it has never effected me directly it did cause a lot of respiratory problems for a lot of people.

Second, I think you meant to say that you hoped it was NOT affecting p'd ant badly. ;); June 29, 2008 6:42 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Leah,

Let's make this a bit clearer to some of our 'friends' on this site.

Here is the raw data that RCP used to come up with their average. In all cases, Senator Obama's poll number is given first, RV= Registered Voter, LV= Likely Voter:

RCP Average 06/15-06/28 47.4 40.3 Obama +7.1
Rasmussen Tracking 06/26-06/28 3000 LV 49 43 Obama +6.0
Time 06/19-06/25 805 RV 47 43 Obama +4.0
LA Times/Bloomberg 06/19-06/23 1115 RV 49 37 Obama +12.0
Franklin & Marshall 06/16-06/22 1501 RV 42 36 Obama +6.0
Newsweek 06/18-06/19 896 RV 51 36 Obama +15.0
FOX News 06/17-06/18 900 RV 45 41 Obama +4.0
USA Today/Gallup 06/15-06/19 1310 LV 50 44 Obama +6.0

And what does Gallup say?
Gallup Tracking 06/25-06/28 2644 RV 46 42 Obama +4.0

Mike; June 29, 2008 6:45 PM
jean said...: Independant,
Did you have house guest?
Mine were over a week till they were allowed back in.
jean; June 29, 2008 6:45 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
HAHA!! I didn't even notice that! She is hoping I'm sick and can't breath!!!; June 29, 2008 6:49 PM
suzihussein22 said...: i v-Thanks for the clarification on my behalf. I wasn't wishing him ill. ;)

cough Are you done with your paper, young man? cough; June 29, 2008 6:50 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: "'PUMA type groups'."

There was no need to bring "PUMA" or "PUMA type groups" in the context referring to some vandalism in FL at all.

"PUMA type groups" means that there is an underlying irritation about them! Face the fact and move on.

On Bill Clinton:

Whether you know it or not, he IS the only Democrat who won back to back the WH since FDR in the last Century. Therefore, he EARNED his place in American History.

That's the reason media will give him all the oxygen he takes.

Michelle is no Bill. Check your Political History. She is a liability for BHO; Bill could very well be the King Maker, for God's sake.

BTW, w/o Bill's blessings, Hillary Democrats will NOT vote for BHO, who is an unknown entity in many parts of American heartland even today.

W/O Hillary Democrats, BHO has already lost the Election, IMO!

Stay tuned.; June 29, 2008 6:50 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Bill Clinton = History = Past History

Obama = The Here and Now and The Future

Now move on :); June 29, 2008 6:55 PM
stopOBAMAnow said...: Dukakis and Kerry were leading ahead at this point in time before they met their Waterloo! Four more months to go - Debates should start, and the October surprise needs to happen!

On the choice of Commander-In-Chief, BHO is no where to be seen!!

No FAR Left Liberal was elected to WH since 1976! 2008 is not any different.

Stay tuned.; June 29, 2008 6:58 PM
jean said...: Leah,
COME ON.
You bash McCain about saying Carter was a lousy president but then you Bash Bill Clinton who,whether you like it or not,
will go down in history as one of the BEST economic presidents.
You cannot go on both sides of the fence.
jean; June 29, 2008 6:59 PM
Independent Voter said...: OT

LOL ss - no I haven't finished, but I just got back from moving laundry from the washer to the dryer. ;( Still have to get the domestics done. I sent Bill to the beach to have fun. I know he was happy to leave me alone for a little while. UGH! I can't wait for our Palm Springs weekend. Is it July 4th yet?

LOL - I knew you weren't wishing p'd ant harm I just found it a little funny and thought you guys would too.; June 29, 2008 7:00 PM

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