Friday Smart Diplomacy Open Comments

Watching the events unfold in Egypt the past couple of weeks have made it patently obvious to even the most casual of observers that foreign policy under the Obama Administration can most charitably be described as hapless.
CIA Chief Leon Panetta said Mubarek would most likely be stepping down. DNI Gen. James Clapper said the Muslim Brotherhood was now very secular and had all but renounced violence. President Obama has been telling Mubarek that he needs to move aside “yesterday”.
Everybody in the Administration has been either flat-out wrong on their predictions, or willing to throw a long-time ally under the bus, even if that would leave a dangerous power vacuum. Obama said “I just want to say that we are following today’s events in Egypt very closely. We’ll have more to say as this plays out. But what is absolutely clear is that we are witnessing history unfold.” The only thing is, he doesn’t know what history is unfolding.
From Mubarek:

And I tell you here, as a head of state, I do not find any embarrassment at all in listening to the youth of my country, and to satisfying their demands. But the embarrassment would only lie in the fact — and I would never permit — is that I would listen to any sort of intervention that would come from outside, from the outside world, whatever the source is, whatever the intention behind them are.

Looks like he told Obama to get lost and stop calling him.


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183 responses to “Friday Smart Diplomacy Open Comments”

  1. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    CIA Chief Leon Panetta said Mubarek would most likely be stepping down.

    And guess where James Freakin Bond got his information.

    Same place everybody else has.

    It turns out that when CIA Director Leon Panetta said to the House Intelligence Committee that there was “a strong likelihood” that Mubarak would quit today, he wasn’t basing that on secret intelligence but rather…media speculation.

    Criminy freakin Dutch. The 3:00 AM call came, and Leon Freakin Panfreakinetta picked it up, then turned on the freakin TV to get info for the Prez.

    These people are not only in charge of our economy, they are in charge of all of our nukes too.

    The President went out and gave a speech more or less celebrating the victory of the anti-government forces in Egypt. One small problem, they didn’t win. He was then forced to issue a written statement saying that we really, really hope they win next time and good luck with all of that.

    Here’s my question….If Panetta was basing his “strong likelihood” of Mubarak resigning language on media conjecture, what was the basis of Obama’s remarks in Michigan? Was Panetta passing on his CNN viewing notes to the President as well?

    Panetta and Clapper aren’t some low level lackeys, they are two of the top intelligence officials in the country and they both beclowned themselves today.

    It’s a good thing we’re not at war or anything serious.

  2. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    CIA Chief Leon Panetta said Mubarek would most likely be stepping down.

    And guess where James Freakin Bond got his information.
    Same place everybody else has.

    It turns out that when CIA Director Leon Panetta said to the House Intelligence Committee that there was “a strong likelihood” that Mubarak would quit today, he wasn’t basing that on secret intelligence but rather…media speculation.

    Criminy freakin Dutch. The 3:00 AM call came, and Leon Freakin Panfreakinetta picked it up, then turned on the freakin TV to get info for the Prez.
    These people are not only in charge of our economy, they are in charge of all of our nukes too.

    The President went out and gave a speech more or less celebrating the victory of the anti-government forces in Egypt. One small problem, they didn’t win. He was then forced to issue a written statement saying that we really, really hope they win next time and good luck with all of that.
    Here’s my question….If Panetta was basing his “strong likelihood” of Mubarak resigning language on media conjecture, what was the basis of Obama’s remarks in Michigan? Was Panetta passing on his CNN viewing notes to the President as well?
    Panetta and Clapper aren’t some low level lackeys, they are two of the top intelligence officials in the country and they both beclowned themselves today.
    It’s a good thing we’re not at war or anything serious.

  3. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    This is what happens when you have no moral compass to guide you or any principles upon which to base your opinions. All he’s trying to do is run around and get in front of the parade, but the parade is not following, so it keeps turning off and going its own direction while Dear Leader has to scramble around and try to find the front again. This is nothing more than a campaign issue with him – he could care less about the outcome, although he would not mind having his Muslim brothers take over the state.

  4. El Gordo Avatar

    This is what happens when you have no moral compass to guide you or any principles upon which to base your opinions. All he’s trying to do is run around and get in front of the parade, but the parade is not following, so it keeps turning off and going its own direction while Dear Leader has to scramble around and try to find the front again. This is nothing more than a campaign issue with him – he could care less about the outcome, although he would not mind having his Muslim brothers take over the state.

  5. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    This is what happens when you have no moral compass to guide you or any principles upon which to base your opinions. All he’s trying to do is run around and get in front of the parade, but the parade is not following,

    Bollocks.

    They are either incredibly incompetent, or they want the Muslim Brotherhood to win.

    The first has nothing to do with a moral compass, and the second is a definite indication of one.

  6. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    This is what happens when you have no moral compass to guide you or any principles upon which to base your opinions. All he’s trying to do is run around and get in front of the parade, but the parade is not following,

    Bollocks.
    They are either incredibly incompetent, or they want the Muslim Brotherhood to win.
    The first has nothing to do with a moral compass, and the second is a definite indication of one.

  7. Dooood Avatar

    This whole thing in Egypt is pretty simple. Even Nina has it figured out.

    Nina’s father wrote this:

    Note: We never expected this video to become so popular. This was just our latest video of Nina in her day to day life. We are not political pundits. The information Nina is sharing here comes from an Asahi Shimbun Newspaper article about the situation in Egypt. Nina saw the picture in the newspaper and asked about it and her mother explained the content of the article to her in Japanese. Then, the next day, Nina saw a similar picture in my English newspaper and started to explain what she had learned in English, so I grabbed my video camera. We are flattered by all the kind comments, but just wanted to set that record straight.

  8. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    This whole thing in Egypt is pretty simple. Even Nina has it figured out.

    Nina’s father wrote this:

    Note: We never expected this video to become so popular. This was just our latest video of Nina in her day to day life. We are not political pundits. The information Nina is sharing here comes from an Asahi Shimbun Newspaper article about the situation in Egypt. Nina saw the picture in the newspaper and asked about it and her mother explained the content of the article to her in Japanese. Then, the next day, Nina saw a similar picture in my English newspaper and started to explain what she had learned in English, so I grabbed my video camera. We are flattered by all the kind comments, but just wanted to set that record straight.

  9. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Criminy freakin Dutch. The 3:00 AM call came, and Leon Freakin Panfreakinetta picked it up, then turned on the freakin TV to get info for the Prez.

    When it’s all been said and done, that one will be on the highlite reel. LOL.

  10. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Criminy freakin Dutch. The 3:00 AM call came, and Leon Freakin Panfreakinetta picked it up, then turned on the freakin TV to get info for the Prez.

    When it’s all been said and done, that one will be on the highlite reel. LOL.

  11. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    Nina 2012!

  12. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    7 bob42 says:
    February 11, 2011 at 7:26 am
    Nina 2012!

    That comment caused me to reflect some.

    I find that the same people who are telling me the Muslim Brotherhood is no big deal, that Mubarack’s family left Cairo for London 5 times, and that Mubarack was definetly resigning three times are the same ones that tell me Sara Palin is stupid and can cause people to kill other folks with campaign ads.

  13. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    7 bob42 says:
    February 11, 2011 at 7:26 am
    Nina 2012!

    That comment caused me to reflect some.
    I find that the same people who are telling me the Muslim Brotherhood is no big deal, that Mubarack’s family left Cairo for London 5 times, and that Mubarack was definetly resigning three times are the same ones that tell me Sara Palin is stupid and can cause people to kill other folks with campaign ads.

  14. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    New report coming out:

    Leon Panetta is resigning and will be replace by Kieth Olberman because he has better sources.

  15. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    New report coming out:
    Leon Panetta is resigning and will be replace by Kieth Olberman because he has better sources.

  16. Hamous Avatar

    At the risk of being absurdly redundant, Leon Panetta is A FREAKING MO-RON!
    It seems like this pres is surrounding himself with people who would not qualify as “the brightest bulbs in the box” in order to make himself feel smart, smug and superior. Then again, I say to myself, who of any intellectual substance, would have any thing to do with this admin?? They are incompetent, corrupt, massively cronyistic idealogues whose idea of the truth is whatever they need to say to help them that day.

  17. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    At the risk of being absurdly redundant, Leon Panetta is A FREAKING MO-RON!
    It seems like this pres is surrounding himself with people who would not qualify as “the brightest bulbs in the box” in order to make himself feel smart, smug and superior. Then again, I say to myself, who of any intellectual substance, would have any thing to do with this admin?? They are incompetent, corrupt, massively cronyistic idealogues whose idea of the truth is whatever they need to say to help them that day.

  18. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    Seven years ago, 62% of Montana voters passed a referendum to decriminalize cannabis for medical use. Opponents of the measure tried their usual bag of scare tactic tricks, and none of the dire consequences they predicted have materialized.

    Money has been legitimately invested, legitimate jobs have been created, 27,000 people that secretly smoked pot now admit they smoke it, and of course, the government supported tax free black market lost 27,000 loyal customers.

    Prior to the November the Montana house was split 50/50. Now republicans have a 68/32 super-majority, and a slightly smaller majority in the senate. Guess what their doing with that power…

  19. bob42 Avatar

    Seven years ago, 62% of Montana voters passed a referendum to decriminalize cannabis for medical use. Opponents of the measure tried their usual bag of scare tactic tricks, and none of the dire consequences they predicted have materialized.
    Money has been legitimately invested, legitimate jobs have been created, 27,000 people that secretly smoked pot now admit they smoke it, and of course, the government supported tax free black market lost 27,000 loyal customers.
    Prior to the November the Montana house was split 50/50. Now republicans have a 68/32 super-majority, and a slightly smaller majority in the senate. Guess what their doing with that power…

  20. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #8 Sarge, I think the folks that theorize a connection between Palin and the Tucson shooter are spewing biased, unfounded, political rhetoric.

    On the other hand, Palin’s intelligence speaks for itself. And it has trouble forming complete sentences.

  21. bob42 Avatar

    #8 Sarge, I think the folks that theorize a connection between Palin and the Tucson shooter are spewing biased, unfounded, political rhetoric.
    On the other hand, Palin’s intelligence speaks for itself. And it has trouble forming complete sentences.

  22. meglettx Avatar

    bob420 – I’d be real curious about what constitutes “medical need” for 27,000 folks.

  23. Lawrence Avatar
    Lawrence

    bob420 – I’d be real curious about what constitutes “medical need” for 27,000 folks.

  24. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Prior to the November the Montana house was split 50/50. Now republicans have a 68/32 super-majority, and a slightly smaller majority in the senate. Guess what their doing with that power…

    You’re acting as if the people of Montana don’t support it.

    But repeal of the law was an important plank in the Montana GOP’s platform.

    On medical marijuana, the full platform convention on Saturday rejected a proposal to give Montanans a chance to “revote” on the 2004 initiative that enacted medical marijuana in the state.

    Instead, delegates decided to adopt a proposal from state Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor, to say the party supports having the 2011 Legislature “amend or repeal” Montana’s medical marijuana act.

    Montana’s medical marijuana program has come under fire the past year as thousands of people have been approved for medical marijuana cards, sometimes at traveling clinics that see and approve scores of patients a day.

    Shockley, a frequent critic of the state’s medical marijuana program, said it’s not what voters expected when they approved the 2004 initiative, and that the Legislature is to best place to address the program’s multiple problems.

    “We know it was wrong,” he said of the program. “We know the people didn’t know what they were voting for, and it’s our job to correct it.”

    It seems that those eeeeevilllll Republicans are keeping a campaign promise.

    And Montanans knew that it was a promise and gave the GOP an overwhelming victory.

    But then, everytime the People vote against your wishes, you start calling them terrible names and demand they do what you want them to do.

    So, there’s nothing new here Bob. Lets move on.

  25. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Prior to the November the Montana house was split 50/50. Now republicans have a 68/32 super-majority, and a slightly smaller majority in the senate. Guess what their doing with that power…

    You’re acting as if the people of Montana don’t support it.
    But repeal of the law was an important plank in the Montana GOP’s platform.

    On medical marijuana, the full platform convention on Saturday rejected a proposal to give Montanans a chance to “revote” on the 2004 initiative that enacted medical marijuana in the state.
    Instead, delegates decided to adopt a proposal from state Sen. Jim Shockley, R-Victor, to say the party supports having the 2011 Legislature “amend or repeal” Montana’s medical marijuana act.
    Montana’s medical marijuana program has come under fire the past year as thousands of people have been approved for medical marijuana cards, sometimes at traveling clinics that see and approve scores of patients a day.
    Shockley, a frequent critic of the state’s medical marijuana program, said it’s not what voters expected when they approved the 2004 initiative, and that the Legislature is to best place to address the program’s multiple problems.
    “We know it was wrong,” he said of the program. “We know the people didn’t know what they were voting for, and it’s our job to correct it.”

    It seems that those eeeeevilllll Republicans are keeping a campaign promise.
    And Montanans knew that it was a promise and gave the GOP an overwhelming victory.
    But then, everytime the People vote against your wishes, you start calling them terrible names and demand they do what you want them to do.
    So, there’s nothing new here Bob. Lets move on.

  26. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    On the other hand, Palin’s intelligence speaks for itself. And it has trouble forming complete sentences.

    And I compare that to the folks who make great freakling speeches, then rely on CNN for thier Strategic Ingtelligence reports.

    So far, the talk in complete sentences guys have been a total freaking disaster, domestically and overseas.

    You go ahead with syntax as your guiding principal for choosing Leaders, I’ll go with the Common Sense folks.

  27. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    On the other hand, Palin’s intelligence speaks for itself. And it has trouble forming complete sentences.

    And I compare that to the folks who make great freakling speeches, then rely on CNN for thier Strategic Ingtelligence reports.
    So far, the talk in complete sentences guys have been a total freaking disaster, domestically and overseas.
    You go ahead with syntax as your guiding principal for choosing Leaders, I’ll go with the Common Sense folks.

  28. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Freakin Admiral Freakin Clapper spoke in complete sentences when he tlold Congress that an organization that calls itself the MUSLIM brotherhood is not a religious organization.

    I wish he’d refudiate that kind of crap.

  29. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Freakin Admiral Freakin Clapper spoke in complete sentences when he tlold Congress that an organization that calls itself the MUSLIM brotherhood is not a religious organization.
    I wish he’d refudiate that kind of crap.

  30. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    In other news:

    Conservatives/Tea Party got much better representation in the Texas House committee/chair assignments than, almost to a man, they would have without the saber rattling over the House Speaker position and the saber rattlers are said to come off looking foolish?

    /just keeping up

  31. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    In other news:
    Conservatives/Tea Party got much better representation in the Texas House committee/chair assignments than, almost to a man, they would have without the saber rattling over the House Speaker position and the saber rattlers are said to come off looking foolish?
    /just keeping up

  32. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #14 Lowrents,

    I have no doubt that some of those 27,000 are taking advantage of the law. I don’t care. Mostly they are the folks that were using the prohibited plant illegally before. If the law is too loose, amend it. Re-criminalizing medical cannabis is immoral, and an act of hypocrisy for a crew of politicians that say they support smaller government and more freedom. They’re no different than the liberal authoritarian nanny staters that want the government to dictate what people eat at restaurants .

    I’ve been acquainted with more than a few people that have used the prohibited plant for medical reasons:
    One is a Viet-Nam veteran who is less than 10 years my elder, but suffers with advanced arthritis. He works odd jobs when he can, but subsists mainly on disability and the charity of others. He’s very wary about becoming addicted to prescription pain meds. Over the years I’ve set up a couple of hand me down PCs for him. His house always smells like a rope factory on fire. He says it helps him, and when he has it he has to take less Vicodin. But maybe he’s just a stoner. I don’t know and I don’t care.

    15 Years ago I worked with a very sharp computer programmer that never went out with the party crowd. More recently, a common friend that I’ve kept up with asked me to help him with her yard work before we watched the Sunday games. I was curious about that because she’d always been very athletic, and enjoyed gardening and yard work. I was shocked to find that she was in a wheel chair because of MS. Her house smelled like an Amsterdam coffee shop. She said it helps, and I believe her.

    I still miss my brother in law that was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The worst thing about stage four cancers is that there is no stage five. The nausea from the disease along with the chemo was problematic for him to the point that he couldn’t maintain the treatment schedule. My ex-wife asked me about it, and I did not hesitate to become a “criminal” to try and help him.

    What would you do?

  33. bob42 Avatar

    #14 Lowrents,
    I have no doubt that some of those 27,000 are taking advantage of the law. I don’t care. Mostly they are the folks that were using the prohibited plant illegally before. If the law is too loose, amend it. Re-criminalizing medical cannabis is immoral, and an act of hypocrisy for a crew of politicians that say they support smaller government and more freedom. They’re no different than the liberal authoritarian nanny staters that want the government to dictate what people eat at restaurants .
    I’ve been acquainted with more than a few people that have used the prohibited plant for medical reasons:
    One is a Viet-Nam veteran who is less than 10 years my elder, but suffers with advanced arthritis. He works odd jobs when he can, but subsists mainly on disability and the charity of others. He’s very wary about becoming addicted to prescription pain meds. Over the years I’ve set up a couple of hand me down PCs for him. His house always smells like a rope factory on fire. He says it helps him, and when he has it he has to take less Vicodin. But maybe he’s just a stoner. I don’t know and I don’t care.
    15 Years ago I worked with a very sharp computer programmer that never went out with the party crowd. More recently, a common friend that I’ve kept up with asked me to help him with her yard work before we watched the Sunday games. I was curious about that because she’d always been very athletic, and enjoyed gardening and yard work. I was shocked to find that she was in a wheel chair because of MS. Her house smelled like an Amsterdam coffee shop. She said it helps, and I believe her.
    I still miss my brother in law that was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The worst thing about stage four cancers is that there is no stage five. The nausea from the disease along with the chemo was problematic for him to the point that he couldn’t maintain the treatment schedule. My ex-wife asked me about it, and I did not hesitate to become a “criminal” to try and help him.
    What would you do?

  34. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #17 Sarge

    Clapper doesn’t have to do his own refudiation. Somebody in the foul O’s administration realized that Clapper sounded like a fool, and sent out the “director of the office of public affairs for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence” to fix this by stating that Clapper “is well aware that the Muslim Brotherhood is not a secular organization.”

    http://realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/02/10/dni_james_clapper_muslim_brotherhood_a_largely_secular_group.html

    “Clowns to the left of me…”

  35. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #17 Sarge
    Clapper doesn’t have to do his own refudiation. Somebody in the foul O’s administration realized that Clapper sounded like a fool, and sent out the “director of the office of public affairs for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence” to fix this by stating that Clapper “is well aware that the Muslim Brotherhood is not a secular organization.”
    http://realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/02/10/dni_james_clapper_muslim_brotherhood_a_largely_secular_group.html
    “Clowns to the left of me…”

  36. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    G’Morning all

    The White House refuted criticism Wednesday that the U.S. doesn’t have a coherent Egypt policy. Their message has been perfectly consistent.

    From day one the administration has maintained that Hosni Mubarak is vital to stability in the Middle East, so he must go.

  37. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    G’Morning all
    The White House refuted criticism Wednesday that the U.S. doesn’t have a coherent Egypt policy. Their message has been perfectly consistent.
    From day one the administration has maintained that Hosni Mubarak is vital to stability in the Middle East, so he must go.

  38. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Conservatives/Tea Party got much better representation in the Texas House committee/chair assignments than, almost to a man, they would have without the saber rattling over the House Speaker position and the saber rattlers are said to come off looking foolish?

    I’d look a bit closer at the ratings of the Young Conservatives of Texas if I were you.

    The most troubling is this one:

    Border & Intergovernmental Affairs

    Veronica Gonzales – D — Chair – 10% (same as 81st)

    Looks like Straus didn’t learn his lesson about what we think about Border Security.

    And at a time when unemplyment is high and bidness not as good as it could be, we get this one:

    Business & Industry

    Joe Deshotel – D — Chair – 26% (same as 81st)

    And a personal insult is taken with this one:

    Defense & Veterans Affairs

    Joe Pickett – D — Chair – 17%

    Then there’s this:

    Culture, Recreation & Tourism

    Ryan Guillen – D — Chair – 29% (Mark Homer in 81st)

    Another disappointment:

    Land & Resource Management

    Rene Oliveira – D — Chair – 15% (Dennis Bonnen was chair in 81st)

    If you think this is a good sign, think again:

    Local & Consent Calendars

    Senfronia Thompson – D — Chair – 13% (same as 81st)

    One of the most important Committees for getting Consertative Legislation passed has gone to the wolves:

    Rules & Resolutions

    Ruth McClendon – D — Chair – 16%

    Ummmm—-yah:

    Urban Affairs

    Harold Dutton – R — Chair – 10% (Yvonne Davis in 81st)

    You can go ahead and listen to the Establishment cheerleaders if you want to.

  39. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Conservatives/Tea Party got much better representation in the Texas House committee/chair assignments than, almost to a man, they would have without the saber rattling over the House Speaker position and the saber rattlers are said to come off looking foolish?

    I’d look a bit closer at the ratings of the Young Conservatives of Texas if I were you.
    The most troubling is this one:

    Border & Intergovernmental Affairs
    Veronica Gonzales – D — Chair – 10% (same as 81st)

    Looks like Straus didn’t learn his lesson about what we think about Border Security.
    And at a time when unemplyment is high and bidness not as good as it could be, we get this one:

    Business & Industry
    Joe Deshotel – D — Chair – 26% (same as 81st)

    And a personal insult is taken with this one:

    Defense & Veterans Affairs
    Joe Pickett – D — Chair – 17%

    Then there’s this:

    Culture, Recreation & Tourism
    Ryan Guillen – D — Chair – 29% (Mark Homer in 81st)

    Another disappointment:

    Land & Resource Management
    Rene Oliveira – D — Chair – 15% (Dennis Bonnen was chair in 81st)

    If you think this is a good sign, think again:

    Local & Consent Calendars
    Senfronia Thompson – D — Chair – 13% (same as 81st)

    One of the most important Committees for getting Consertative Legislation passed has gone to the wolves:

    Rules & Resolutions
    Ruth McClendon – D — Chair – 16%

    Ummmm—-yah:

    Urban Affairs
    Harold Dutton – R — Chair – 10% (Yvonne Davis in 81st)

    You can go ahead and listen to the Establishment cheerleaders if you want to.

  40. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    “Clowns to the left of me…”

    Yah–

    But they all speak in complete sentences and went to the best schools.

  41. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    “Clowns to the left of me…”

    Yah–
    But they all speak in complete sentences and went to the best schools.

  42. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    The Weather Isn’t Getting Weirder
    The latest research belies the idea that storms are getting more extreme.
    By ANNE JOLIS

    Last week a severe storm froze Dallas under a sheet of ice, just in time to disrupt the plans of the tens of thousands of (American) football fans descending on the city for the Super Bowl. On the other side of the globe, Cyclone Yasi slammed northeastern Australia, destroying homes and crops and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

    Some climate alarmists would have us believe that these storms are yet another baleful consequence of man-made CO2 emissions. In addition to the latest weather events, they also point to recent cyclones in Burma, last winter’s fatal chills in Nepal and Bangladesh, December’s blizzards in Britain, and every other drought, typhoon and unseasonable heat wave around the world.

    But is it true? To answer that question, you need to understand whether recent weather trends are extreme by historical standards. The Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project is the latest attempt to find out, using super-computers to generate a dataset of global atmospheric circulation from 1871 to the present.

    As it happens, the project’s initial findings, published last month, show no evidence of an intensifying weather trend. “In the climate models, the extremes get more extreme as we move into a doubled CO2 world in 100 years,” atmospheric scientist Gilbert Compo, one of the researchers on the project, tells me from his office at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “So we were surprised that none of the three major indices of climate variability that we used show a trend of increased circulation going back to 1871.”

    In other words, researchers have yet to find evidence of more-extreme weather patterns over the period, contrary to what the models predict. “There’s no data-driven answer yet to the question of how human activity has affected extreme weather,” adds Roger Pielke Jr., another University of Colorado climate researcher.

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704422204576130300992126630.html

    My observation:
    To Al Gore, Obama and any climate alarmists out there:

    http://copsandcourts.com/wp-content/uploads/liar1.jpg

  43. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    The Weather Isn’t Getting Weirder
    The latest research belies the idea that storms are getting more extreme.
    By ANNE JOLIS
    Last week a severe storm froze Dallas under a sheet of ice, just in time to disrupt the plans of the tens of thousands of (American) football fans descending on the city for the Super Bowl. On the other side of the globe, Cyclone Yasi slammed northeastern Australia, destroying homes and crops and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
    Some climate alarmists would have us believe that these storms are yet another baleful consequence of man-made CO2 emissions. In addition to the latest weather events, they also point to recent cyclones in Burma, last winter’s fatal chills in Nepal and Bangladesh, December’s blizzards in Britain, and every other drought, typhoon and unseasonable heat wave around the world.
    But is it true? To answer that question, you need to understand whether recent weather trends are extreme by historical standards. The Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project is the latest attempt to find out, using super-computers to generate a dataset of global atmospheric circulation from 1871 to the present.
    As it happens, the project’s initial findings, published last month, show no evidence of an intensifying weather trend. “In the climate models, the extremes get more extreme as we move into a doubled CO2 world in 100 years,” atmospheric scientist Gilbert Compo, one of the researchers on the project, tells me from his office at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “So we were surprised that none of the three major indices of climate variability that we used show a trend of increased circulation going back to 1871.”
    In other words, researchers have yet to find evidence of more-extreme weather patterns over the period, contrary to what the models predict. “There’s no data-driven answer yet to the question of how human activity has affected extreme weather,” adds Roger Pielke Jr., another University of Colorado climate researcher.

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704422204576130300992126630.html
    My observation:
    To Al Gore, Obama and any climate alarmists out there:
    http://copsandcourts.com/wp-content/uploads/liar1.jpg

  44. Tedtam Avatar

    You know, it’s quite possible that Mubarek WAS going to step down, until The Big O had to open his mouth in public and make it look like TBO was giving the orders. The culture in the Mideast dictates that the men, especially the leaders, be strong figures and give out crap rather than accept delivery. Mubarek may have been forced into a position of staying BECAUSE TBO didn’t know when to shut up. If he had been seen as TBO’s puppet, things could have gotten a lot worse for him and for his staff.

  45. Tedtam Avatar

    You know, it’s quite possible that Mubarek WAS going to step down, until The Big O had to open his mouth in public and make it look like TBO was giving the orders. The culture in the Mideast dictates that the men, especially the leaders, be strong figures and give out crap rather than accept delivery. Mubarek may have been forced into a position of staying BECAUSE TBO didn’t know when to shut up. If he had been seen as TBO’s puppet, things could have gotten a lot worse for him and for his staff.

  46. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    This is the same James Freakin Clapper who got the deer in the headlights look when asked about the arrests of terrorists in London.

    But he sure does talk good. Complete sentences and everything.

  47. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    This is the same James Freakin Clapper who got the deer in the headlights look when asked about the arrests of terrorists in London.
    But he sure does talk good. Complete sentences and everything.

  48. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    [Disclaimer: I don’t support congressional resolutions like the one to recognize Darwin day.]

    I was having trouble deciding how to commemorate International Darwin Day (tomorrow) but now have a good idea of what I’ll be doing.

  49. bob42 Avatar

    [Disclaimer: I don’t support congressional resolutions like the one to recognize Darwin day.]
    I was having trouble deciding how to commemorate International Darwin Day (tomorrow) but now have a good idea of what I’ll be doing.

  50. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    So the French are actually learning and we’re not;
    Multiculturalism has failed, says French president.

    PARIS (AFP) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared Thursday that multiculturalism had failed, joining a growing number of world leaders or ex-leaders who have condemned it.

    “My answer is clearly yes, it is a failure,” he said in a television interview when asked about the policy which advocates that host societies welcome and foster distinct cultural and religious immigrant groups.

    “Of course we must all respect differences, but we do not want… a society where communities coexist side by side.

    “If you come to France, you accept to melt into a single community, which is the national community, and if you do not want to accept that, you cannot be welcome in France,” the right-wing president said.

    “The French national community cannot accept a change in its lifestyle, equality between men and women… freedom for little girls to go to school,” he said.

    Mornin’ Gang

  51. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    So the French are actually learning and we’re not;
    Multiculturalism has failed, says French president.

    PARIS (AFP) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared Thursday that multiculturalism had failed, joining a growing number of world leaders or ex-leaders who have condemned it.
    “My answer is clearly yes, it is a failure,” he said in a television interview when asked about the policy which advocates that host societies welcome and foster distinct cultural and religious immigrant groups.
    “Of course we must all respect differences, but we do not want… a society where communities coexist side by side.
    “If you come to France, you accept to melt into a single community, which is the national community, and if you do not want to accept that, you cannot be welcome in France,” the right-wing president said.
    “The French national community cannot accept a change in its lifestyle, equality between men and women… freedom for little girls to go to school,” he said.

    Mornin’ Gang

  52. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    So the French are actually learning and we’re not;
    Multiculturalism has failed, says French president.

    Mark Steyn was on Dennis Miller yesterday and made this statement:

    “Multiculturalism is a Unicultural phenomenon.”

  53. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    So the French are actually learning and we’re not;
    Multiculturalism has failed, says French president.

    Mark Steyn was on Dennis Miller yesterday and made this statement:
    “Multiculturalism is a Unicultural phenomenon.”

  54. Hamous Avatar

    Multiculturalism is a failure each and every time it is tried, kind of like liberalism. If our elites could just learn that we would have secure borders and be running budget surpluses in no time.

  55. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    Multiculturalism is a failure each and every time it is tried, kind of like liberalism. If our elites could just learn that we would have secure borders and be running budget surpluses in no time.

  56. Hamous Avatar

    Multiculturalism only works in the land of Rainbow Farting Unicorns and their winged Pegasus cousins.

  57. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    Multiculturalism only works in the land of Rainbow Farting Unicorns and their winged Pegasus cousins.

  58. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    Cosmic Trivia: Every century, the length of days on Earth increase by 1.4 milliseconds. Observing a slow but basically flat rate of deceleration of rotation of an object in the absence of friction, 620 million years ago, the Earth day was under 22 hours.

    Every day contains 24 hours, which in turn contain 60 minutes, which in turn contain 60 seconds apiece, for a total of 86,400 seconds in a day. But if the Earth’s rotation is slowing down, that would mean that in the future, we’ll need more seconds to add up to a day, and that we needed fewer in the past.

  59. bob42 Avatar

    Cosmic Trivia: Every century, the length of days on Earth increase by 1.4 milliseconds. Observing a slow but basically flat rate of deceleration of rotation of an object in the absence of friction, 620 million years ago, the Earth day was under 22 hours.

    Every day contains 24 hours, which in turn contain 60 minutes, which in turn contain 60 seconds apiece, for a total of 86,400 seconds in a day. But if the Earth’s rotation is slowing down, that would mean that in the future, we’ll need more seconds to add up to a day, and that we needed fewer in the past.

  60. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    A rare new non-OC post is up.

  61. Hamous Avatar

    A rare new non-OC post is up.

  62. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt
    Mubarek has stepped down it is being reported.

  63. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    http://live.reuters.com/Event/Unrest_in_Egypt
    Mubarek has stepped down it is being reported.

  64. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    OMG! Big Jolly has gone over to the Dark Side!

  65. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Big Jolly.

    The David Brooks of Houston.

  66. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Big Jolly.
    The David Brooks of Houston.

  67. meglettx Avatar

    #19. I would refuse the chemo treatment and request pain medication. I would probably then embark on a treatment regimen that would build up my immune system rather than the standard protocol of destroying it with the chemo. If it didn’t work, so be it. I would be happy I tried to live a quality final chapter rather than let the doctors kill me with the chemo.

  68. Lawrence Avatar
    Lawrence

    #19. I would refuse the chemo treatment and request pain medication. I would probably then embark on a treatment regimen that would build up my immune system rather than the standard protocol of destroying it with the chemo. If it didn’t work, so be it. I would be happy I tried to live a quality final chapter rather than let the doctors kill me with the chemo.

  69. fat albert Avatar
    fat albert

    #12 Bob:

    Is there ANY event in your world that is not connected (at least in your mind) with the legalization of marijuana? You are totally obsessed dude.

    So, how to you think the current events unfolding in Egypt will affect the possibility of Texas legalizing medical use later this year?

  70. fat albert Avatar
    fat albert

    #12 Bob:
    Is there ANY event in your world that is not connected (at least in your mind) with the legalization of marijuana? You are totally obsessed dude.
    So, how to you think the current events unfolding in Egypt will affect the possibility of Texas legalizing medical use later this year?

  71. fat albert Avatar
    fat albert

    So, the current population of Montana is 970,000. According to you, almost 3% of the population is sick with such a dire illness that they must use a “medicine” with no curative use at all, only palliative. That is one sick state.

    So much for the benefits of fresh air and outdoor living. . . . .

  72. fat albert Avatar
    fat albert

    So, the current population of Montana is 970,000. According to you, almost 3% of the population is sick with such a dire illness that they must use a “medicine” with no curative use at all, only palliative. That is one sick state.
    So much for the benefits of fresh air and outdoor living. . . . .

  73. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    #24 – Heck I just wish “they” would let us know when Co2 has an effect on the SUN…………..I’m sure someone here can tell us the minute percentage the earth is compared to Sol………….I’m wagering there are a BUNCH of zeros to the right of that there decimal…………..

  74. Katfish Avatar

    #24 – Heck I just wish “they” would let us know when Co2 has an effect on the SUN…………..I’m sure someone here can tell us the minute percentage the earth is compared to Sol………….I’m wagering there are a BUNCH of zeros to the right of that there decimal…………..

  75. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #40 Fat Albert, I readily admitted that not all of those 3% are obtaining the prohibited plant for purely medical reasons, and pointed out that many if not most were already consuming cannabis, despite the authoritarian wet dream of effective or fiscally efficient prohibition.

    I think it’s immoral to make criminals out of truly sick people (or their helpful family members) just because selfish politicians still want folks to believe that their silly prohibition ideas are effective.

    They aren’t effective. They have never been effective, and they never will be. In essence the War on a Plant ended decades ago, and the authoritarians lost. They just don’t want to admit it to you, or to themselves. As I’ve demonstrated a few times over the years, anybody that wants it can find it.

  76. bob42 Avatar

    #40 Fat Albert, I readily admitted that not all of those 3% are obtaining the prohibited plant for purely medical reasons, and pointed out that many if not most were already consuming cannabis, despite the authoritarian wet dream of effective or fiscally efficient prohibition.
    I think it’s immoral to make criminals out of truly sick people (or their helpful family members) just because selfish politicians still want folks to believe that their silly prohibition ideas are effective.
    They aren’t effective. They have never been effective, and they never will be. In essence the War on a Plant ended decades ago, and the authoritarians lost. They just don’t want to admit it to you, or to themselves. As I’ve demonstrated a few times over the years, anybody that wants it can find it.

  77. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Yo Hammy…………….as I recall you enjoyed my partner’s band “The Shadowcasters” when I met you @ Dan Electro’s a while back…………….Same GREAT band doing 1 early set tonight @ 9:30 at Concert Pub North (full menu & drinks at this joint)………….”no cover” ($5) if you arrive before 8pm…………..

    http://www.theconcertpub.com/TCP-North.html

  78. Katfish Avatar

    Yo Hammy…………….as I recall you enjoyed my partner’s band “The Shadowcasters” when I met you @ Dan Electro’s a while back…………….Same GREAT band doing 1 early set tonight @ 9:30 at Concert Pub North (full menu & drinks at this joint)………….”no cover” ($5) if you arrive before 8pm…………..
    http://www.theconcertpub.com/TCP-North.html

  79. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #39 Fat Albert, I find no connections between the War on Drugs and the Egypt situation, nor have I stated that there were any.

    However, there are numerous connections between the government’s WoD and foreign policy. Every year, millions of tax payer dollars go to foreign countries to bribe their governments into supporting our silly drug policies.

    It’s wasteful, ineffective, and even harmful to domestic industries.

    This growth took place in a country ravaged by political violence for most of the 20th century and by the cocaine trade since the 1980s, and it came with significant help from the United States. To limit coca farming and expand job opportunities in Colombia, the U.S. government in 1991 suspended import duties on Colombian flowers. The results were dramatic, though disastrous for U.S. growers. In 1971, the United States produced 1.2 billion blooms of the major flowers (roses, carnations and chrysanthemums) and imported only 100 million. By 2003, the trade balance had reversed; the United States imported two billion major blooms and grew only 200 million.

    Happy Valentines Day.

  80. bob42 Avatar

    #39 Fat Albert, I find no connections between the War on Drugs and the Egypt situation, nor have I stated that there were any.
    However, there are numerous connections between the government’s WoD and foreign policy. Every year, millions of tax payer dollars go to foreign countries to bribe their governments into supporting our silly drug policies.
    It’s wasteful, ineffective, and even harmful to domestic industries.

    This growth took place in a country ravaged by political violence for most of the 20th century and by the cocaine trade since the 1980s, and it came with significant help from the United States. To limit coca farming and expand job opportunities in Colombia, the U.S. government in 1991 suspended import duties on Colombian flowers. The results were dramatic, though disastrous for U.S. growers. In 1971, the United States produced 1.2 billion blooms of the major flowers (roses, carnations and chrysanthemums) and imported only 100 million. By 2003, the trade balance had reversed; the United States imported two billion major blooms and grew only 200 million.

    Happy Valentines Day.

  81. Hamous Avatar

    Caroline Glick nails it again here:

    Nuclear proliferation analysts from the Federation of American Scientists and the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) assess that since 2006, Pakistan has increased the size of its nuclear arsenal from 30-60 atomic bombs to approximately 110. That makes Pakistan the world’s fifth largest nuclear power ahead of Britain and France.

    Say, haven’t we heard all about that from the alphabet soup lamestream media a$$holes for years now? Oh, I guess that would be a NO wouldn’t it?

    This should be a comforting little tidbit of stability:

    They’re always trying to downplay the numbers [of Pakistan’s nuclear warheads] and insisting that ‘it’s smaller than you think.’” Pakistan’s nuclear growth goes on as its economy is in shambles, its government is falling apart and a large portion of the country’s territory is controlled by the Taliban.

    Pakistan is the largest recipient of US foreign aid. In 2009 Congress approved a five-year $7.5 billion civilian aid package. Last October, the Obama administration proposed supplementing the aid with $2b. for Pakistan’s military.

    The Obama administration’s decision to ban relevant language from the official US policy discourse was ideologically motivated. And in choosing ideology over reality, the Obama administration has induced a situation where rather than construct policies to deal with reality, at all levels, US officials have been charged with constructing policies to deny and ignore reality.

    AGAINST THIS backdrop it becomes fairly clear why the Obama administration’s handling of the political turmoil in Egypt has been so incompetent.

    I could not have said it better myself.

  82. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    Caroline Glick nails it again here:

    Nuclear proliferation analysts from the Federation of American Scientists and the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) assess that since 2006, Pakistan has increased the size of its nuclear arsenal from 30-60 atomic bombs to approximately 110. That makes Pakistan the world’s fifth largest nuclear power ahead of Britain and France.

    Say, haven’t we heard all about that from the alphabet soup lamestream media a$$holes for years now? Oh, I guess that would be a NO wouldn’t it?
    This should be a comforting little tidbit of stability:

    They’re always trying to downplay the numbers [of Pakistan’s nuclear warheads] and insisting that ‘it’s smaller than you think.’” Pakistan’s nuclear growth goes on as its economy is in shambles, its government is falling apart and a large portion of the country’s territory is controlled by the Taliban.
    Pakistan is the largest recipient of US foreign aid. In 2009 Congress approved a five-year $7.5 billion civilian aid package. Last October, the Obama administration proposed supplementing the aid with $2b. for Pakistan’s military.

    The Obama administration’s decision to ban relevant language from the official US policy discourse was ideologically motivated. And in choosing ideology over reality, the Obama administration has induced a situation where rather than construct policies to deal with reality, at all levels, US officials have been charged with constructing policies to deny and ignore reality.
    AGAINST THIS backdrop it becomes fairly clear why the Obama administration’s handling of the political turmoil in Egypt has been so incompetent.

    I could not have said it better myself.

  83. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Debunking the myth that 90% of the guns used by drug cartels in Mexico come from the U.S.:

    There has clearly been a long and well-documented history of arms smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border, but it is important to recognize that, while the United States is a significant source of certain classes of weapons and ammunition, it is by no means the source of 90 percent of the weapons used by the Mexican cartels, as is commonly asserted.

    http://bit.ly/fe25Jg

  84. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Debunking the myth that 90% of the guns used by drug cartels in Mexico come from the U.S.:

    There has clearly been a long and well-documented history of arms smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border, but it is important to recognize that, while the United States is a significant source of certain classes of weapons and ammunition, it is by no means the source of 90 percent of the weapons used by the Mexican cartels, as is commonly asserted.

    http://bit.ly/fe25Jg

  85. Hamous Avatar

    #46 Big Jolly: Ya most tagot this thingie that STRATFOR requests to go in front of any quotations form the article:

    Mexico’s Gun Supply and the 90 Percent Myth is republished with permission of STRATFOR.

  86. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #46 Big Jolly: Ya most tagot this thingie that STRATFOR requests to go in front of any quotations form the article:

    Mexico’s Gun Supply and the 90 Percent Myth is republished with permission of STRATFOR.

  87. Dooood Avatar

    Associated Press:

    AUSTIN, Texas – Online retail giant Amazon.com is closing a suburban Dallas distribution center and scrapping plans to expand Texas operations after a dispute with the state over millions of dollars in sales taxes, an executive informed employees Thursday in an e-mail obtained by The Associated Press.

    Dave Clark, Amazon’s vice president of operations, writes in the e-mail that the center will close April 12 due to Texas’ “unfavorable regulatory climate.” Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako would not say Thursday how many employees work at the Irving distribution center.

    Texas contends Amazon is responsible for sales taxes not collected on online sales in the state. The comptroller’s office last year demanded $269 million in uncollected sales taxes from the company. The case is currently pending before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

  88. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Associated Press:

    AUSTIN, Texas – Online retail giant Amazon.com is closing a suburban Dallas distribution center and scrapping plans to expand Texas operations after a dispute with the state over millions of dollars in sales taxes, an executive informed employees Thursday in an e-mail obtained by The Associated Press.
    Dave Clark, Amazon’s vice president of operations, writes in the e-mail that the center will close April 12 due to Texas’ “unfavorable regulatory climate.” Amazon spokeswoman Mary Osako would not say Thursday how many employees work at the Irving distribution center.
    Texas contends Amazon is responsible for sales taxes not collected on online sales in the state. The comptroller’s office last year demanded $269 million in uncollected sales taxes from the company. The case is currently pending before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

  89. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Obama cuts out that pesky CIA middle man.

    WASHINGTON – Caught up in stunning news like the rest of the world, President Barack Obama was in an Oval Office meeting Friday when he learned of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation. He watched the celebration on television and prepared to make an afternoon statement.

    How much does Panetta make?

    We can fire him cut the deficit by exactly that much now that Obama is getting his briefings directly from the source.

  90. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Obama cuts out that pesky CIA middle man.

    WASHINGTON – Caught up in stunning news like the rest of the world, President Barack Obama was in an Oval Office meeting Friday when he learned of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation. He watched the celebration on television and prepared to make an afternoon statement.

    How much does Panetta make?
    We can fire him cut the deficit by exactly that much now that Obama is getting his briefings directly from the source.

  91. Tedtam Avatar

    Well, we are about to embark on an experiment. Our lifeline is our fax machine, and we have problems every few months with the phone line. We were hanging onto our home land line as a backup, but they are both down right now. I’m tired of messing with it, so we are going to an online faxing service. We will be able to download our faxes via email, and we can port our current fax number over. The plan I’m going with 500 pages/$5 each month ($55 annually), with an overage of 3 cents per page. I think most months we can stay under 500, but even so it’ll be cheaper than the 10K pages/$20 month.

    Our two landlines are costings us over $80 month. That should offset the price of any extra ink we have to buy for the printers.

    I’m thinking about getting a monochrome laser printer, based on the feedback I got yesterday, and letting my assistant keep her inkjet. That way, we have at least one printer with color capabilities for maps and photos. If I can find a color laser for a reasonable price, that would be preferable. I’m still shopping around.

    In the meantime, I’m sending back the broken replacement printer to Epson with a note saying that I will no longer be needing their services.

  92. Tedtam Avatar

    Well, we are about to embark on an experiment. Our lifeline is our fax machine, and we have problems every few months with the phone line. We were hanging onto our home land line as a backup, but they are both down right now. I’m tired of messing with it, so we are going to an online faxing service. We will be able to download our faxes via email, and we can port our current fax number over. The plan I’m going with 500 pages/$5 each month ($55 annually), with an overage of 3 cents per page. I think most months we can stay under 500, but even so it’ll be cheaper than the 10K pages/$20 month.
    Our two landlines are costings us over $80 month. That should offset the price of any extra ink we have to buy for the printers.
    I’m thinking about getting a monochrome laser printer, based on the feedback I got yesterday, and letting my assistant keep her inkjet. That way, we have at least one printer with color capabilities for maps and photos. If I can find a color laser for a reasonable price, that would be preferable. I’m still shopping around.
    In the meantime, I’m sending back the broken replacement printer to Epson with a note saying that I will no longer be needing their services.

  93. Katfish Avatar

    #50 tedtam
    What are you gonna do with your Wang?

  94. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #50 tedtam
    What are you gonna do with your Wang?

  95. Katfish Avatar

    #28 bob
    The Force was strong in that one.

  96. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    #28 bob
    The Force was strong in that one.

  97. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #51

    “I cut my teeth on a Wang.”

    “Two gay bears in bed wearing clown clown suits singing show tunes.”

    Google bombing is so much fun!

  98. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Well, we are about to embark on an experiment. Our lifeline is our fax machine, and we have problems every few months with the phone line. We were hanging onto our home land line as a backup, but they are both down right now. I’m tired of messing with it, so we are going to an online faxing service. We will be able to download our faxes via email, and we can port our current fax number over. The plan I’m going with 500 pages/$5 each month ($55 annually), with an overage of 3 cents per page. I think most months we can stay under 500, but even so it’ll be cheaper than the 10K pages/$20 month.

    Finally giving up on Wangs?

  99. bob42 Avatar

    #51
    “I cut my teeth on a Wang.”
    “Two gay bears in bed wearing clown clown suits singing show tunes.”
    Google bombing is so much fun!

  100. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Well, we are about to embark on an experiment. Our lifeline is our fax machine, and we have problems every few months with the phone line. We were hanging onto our home land line as a backup, but they are both down right now. I’m tired of messing with it, so we are going to an online faxing service. We will be able to download our faxes via email, and we can port our current fax number over. The plan I’m going with 500 pages/$5 each month ($55 annually), with an overage of 3 cents per page. I think most months we can stay under 500, but even so it’ll be cheaper than the 10K pages/$20 month.

    Finally giving up on Wangs?

  101. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    #48 – TP – Sometimes the politicians try like the dickens to convince us, the great unwashed, that corporations somehow pay taxes. No, they just tack it on to the price of the product, either before or after the sale. I buy from Amazon from time to time because of (1) no sales tax and (2) free shipping to my door. No politician can stand that I’m not paying for gasoline to travel around (and paying gas taxes) and not paying sales tax on some item they had nothing to do with. I remember when Walmart went to the Chicago area and the pols in Chicago saw an opportunity to cut a fat hog, impose hiring and insurance requirements, use union contractors (and yes even unionize the employees, collect bookoo taxes, etc.) Instead, Walmart ringed the city but only opened shops in the suburban cities, with the resulting sales tax windfall going to them rather than to Chicago. As long as there are options available, why should we criticize companies that are merely fulfilling their obligations to their owners?

    #50 – I’ve kept my eyes open and have a couple of laser printers that I picked up for around $50 at Frys. My best estimate is that with replacement toner etc., copies wind up costing about 1 cent each (print cost only, not including paper, electricity, etc.). A typical toner cartridge cost around $60 and is good for about 6000 copies. Of course, you can always go higher in cost and improved efficiency depending on your volume. I’ve not had good luck with the generic refill companies and seem to be able to only use factory toner replacements.

  102. El Gordo Avatar

    #48 – TP – Sometimes the politicians try like the dickens to convince us, the great unwashed, that corporations somehow pay taxes. No, they just tack it on to the price of the product, either before or after the sale. I buy from Amazon from time to time because of (1) no sales tax and (2) free shipping to my door. No politician can stand that I’m not paying for gasoline to travel around (and paying gas taxes) and not paying sales tax on some item they had nothing to do with. I remember when Walmart went to the Chicago area and the pols in Chicago saw an opportunity to cut a fat hog, impose hiring and insurance requirements, use union contractors (and yes even unionize the employees, collect bookoo taxes, etc.) Instead, Walmart ringed the city but only opened shops in the suburban cities, with the resulting sales tax windfall going to them rather than to Chicago. As long as there are options available, why should we criticize companies that are merely fulfilling their obligations to their owners?
    #50 – I’ve kept my eyes open and have a couple of laser printers that I picked up for around $50 at Frys. My best estimate is that with replacement toner etc., copies wind up costing about 1 cent each (print cost only, not including paper, electricity, etc.). A typical toner cartridge cost around $60 and is good for about 6000 copies. Of course, you can always go higher in cost and improved efficiency depending on your volume. I’ve not had good luck with the generic refill companies and seem to be able to only use factory toner replacements.

  103. Tedtam Avatar

    Oh, guys! Remember – I never really was the owner of the Wang. The Wang belonged to my employer, and he kept it in a file room, where every secretary could visit it as necessary to complete her duties. I have no idea where that first Wang is today.

    But if you want to keep your Wangs, you go right ahead.

  104. Tedtam Avatar

    Oh, guys! Remember – I never really was the owner of the Wang. The Wang belonged to my employer, and he kept it in a file room, where every secretary could visit it as necessary to complete her duties. I have no idea where that first Wang is today.
    But if you want to keep your Wangs, you go right ahead.

  105. Katfish Avatar

    So you cut your teeth on your employer’s Wang? Don’t know what they called it back then, but nowadays, that’s the makings of a hostile work environment.

  106. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    So you cut your teeth on your employer’s Wang? Don’t know what they called it back then, but nowadays, that’s the makings of a hostile work environment.

  107. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    Well Hambone was right about our President’s Intelligence gathering ability; Obama learns of Mubarak resignation from TV the in Oval Office. 🙁

  108. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    Well Hambone was right about our President’s Intelligence gathering ability; Obama learns of Mubarak resignation from TV the in Oval Office. 🙁

  109. Tedtam Avatar

    And besides, Wangs can’t fax. They can’t even email.

    All I could do was write hard copy documents with the Wang.

    In this technological age, Wangs are pretty much useless.

  110. Tedtam Avatar

    And besides, Wangs can’t fax. They can’t even email.
    All I could do was write hard copy documents with the Wang.
    In this technological age, Wangs are pretty much useless.

  111. Katfish Avatar

    Where’s wagonburner?

  112. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Where’s wagonburner?

  113. Katfish Avatar

    All I could do was write hard copy documents with the Wang.

    Your sure that’s the only hardness around your boss’ Wang?

  114. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    All I could do was write hard copy documents with the Wang.

    Your sure that’s the only hardness around your boss’ Wang?

  115. Tedtam Avatar

    I knew I couldn’t get that one past you, WB!

    Where’s the nearest confessional, son? Wanna make a visit?

  116. Tedtam Avatar

    I knew I couldn’t get that one past you, WB!
    Where’s the nearest confessional, son? Wanna make a visit?

  117. Tedtam Avatar

    #60 WB

    That edifice looks familiar. If those are saints on the top of the facade, as I think they are, that means you are at St. Peter’s Square.

    Big, ain’t it?

  118. Tedtam Avatar

    #60 WB
    That edifice looks familiar. If those are saints on the top of the facade, as I think they are, that means you are at St. Peter’s Square.
    Big, ain’t it?

  119. Hamous Avatar

    The Wang belonged to my employer, and he kept it in a file room, where every secretary could visit it as necessary to complete her duties.

    I guess getting the old “job description” down in writing is pretty important when dealing with a Wang isn’t it?

  120. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    The Wang belonged to my employer, and he kept it in a file room, where every secretary could visit it as necessary to complete her duties.

    I guess getting the old “job description” down in writing is pretty important when dealing with a Wang isn’t it?

  121. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    58 Super Dave says:
    February 11, 2011 at 1:31 pm
    Well Hambone was right about our President’s Intelligence gathering ability; Obama learns of Mubarak resignation from TV the in Oval Office.


    Ummmmmmmmmm

  122. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    58 Super Dave says:
    February 11, 2011 at 1:31 pm
    Well Hambone was right about our President’s Intelligence gathering ability; Obama learns of Mubarak resignation from TV the in Oval Office.


    Ummmmmmmmmm

  123. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #62 TT

    Where’s the nearest confessional, son?

    I hear you can do it on your iPhone now. Confess, that is.

  124. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #62 TT

    Where’s the nearest confessional, son?

    I hear you can do it on your iPhone now. Confess, that is.

  125. Hamous Avatar

    #66 Mharper42:

    I hear you can do it on your iPhone now

    But can you access your bosses Wang with an iPhone? I guess the app for that would be an iWang.

  126. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #66 Mharper42:

    I hear you can do it on your iPhone now

    But can you access your bosses Wang with an iPhone? I guess the app for that would be an iWang.

  127. Tedtam Avatar

    Boney, uWang all you want. 😉

  128. Tedtam Avatar

    Boney, uWang all you want. 😉

  129. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Getting rid of your fax machine??? But those have been an integral part of the American business experience for decades!!! Do you know how many jobs you’re shipping overseas because of your callous disregard for the American worker just because you want progress??? For shame!!!

    But seriously, I’ve been fighting for the last ten years to stop my clients from sending me faxes. It’s really annoying when they email me to ask what my fax number is. I’ve removed the fax number from all stationary I use. I also have to fill out a ton of quality surveys this time of year. I never fill out the spot for our fax number. Send me a freakin’ telegram, why don’t ya.

    Kill the fax! Kill the fax! Kill the fax!

  130. Hamous Avatar

    Getting rid of your fax machine??? But those have been an integral part of the American business experience for decades!!! Do you know how many jobs you’re shipping overseas because of your callous disregard for the American worker just because you want progress??? For shame!!!
    But seriously, I’ve been fighting for the last ten years to stop my clients from sending me faxes. It’s really annoying when they email me to ask what my fax number is. I’ve removed the fax number from all stationary I use. I also have to fill out a ton of quality surveys this time of year. I never fill out the spot for our fax number. Send me a freakin’ telegram, why don’t ya.
    Kill the fax! Kill the fax! Kill the fax!

  131. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    But can you access your bosses Wang with an iPhone?

    Isn’t that what got Brett Favre in trouble?

  132. Hamous Avatar

    But can you access your bosses Wang with an iPhone?

    Isn’t that what got Brett Favre in trouble?

  133. Tedtam Avatar

    #69 Hammy

    Kill the fax! Kill the fax! Kill the fax!

    I sense a serious downgrading in the tone of civility here. Calm yourself, or TBO’s jackbooted media thugs shall hunt you down.

  134. Tedtam Avatar

    #69 Hammy

    Kill the fax! Kill the fax! Kill the fax!

    I sense a serious downgrading in the tone of civility here. Calm yourself, or TBO’s jackbooted media thugs shall hunt you down.

  135. Tedtam Avatar

    #69 Hamous

    I have also been a proponent of a database for the contractors doing this type of work. There’s about 40-50 of us on the approved list at any time, and there are two sweet little ladies who have to input the new meter request data into the city’s computer system. Then they print out a copy of the work order. Then they fax them to us. Now, they also send a cover letter that we are supposed to sign and fax back to let them know that we received them.

    If we lose the paper copies, which happens occasionally, they have to pull the paper copy from their files and refax to us. If the work order gets assigned to the wrong contractor, which happens occasionally, they update the computer system, reprint the work order, refax to us, and we have to fax back the confirmation. If the customer changes the plumber selection, which happens fairly frequently, they have to do the same thing. After all the faxes are sent out, then they have to file all of that paper by plumber name. Each and every wissin’ day.

    If they city would just allow we contractors to access these work orders from their database directly, password protected and read-only of course, about 75% of this work could be avoided. We could download replacement copies as needed without making a nuisance of ourselves.

    But, of course, that makes too much sense.

  136. Tedtam Avatar

    #69 Hamous
    I have also been a proponent of a database for the contractors doing this type of work. There’s about 40-50 of us on the approved list at any time, and there are two sweet little ladies who have to input the new meter request data into the city’s computer system. Then they print out a copy of the work order. Then they fax them to us. Now, they also send a cover letter that we are supposed to sign and fax back to let them know that we received them.
    If we lose the paper copies, which happens occasionally, they have to pull the paper copy from their files and refax to us. If the work order gets assigned to the wrong contractor, which happens occasionally, they update the computer system, reprint the work order, refax to us, and we have to fax back the confirmation. If the customer changes the plumber selection, which happens fairly frequently, they have to do the same thing. After all the faxes are sent out, then they have to file all of that paper by plumber name. Each and every wissin’ day.
    If they city would just allow we contractors to access these work orders from their database directly, password protected and read-only of course, about 75% of this work could be avoided. We could download replacement copies as needed without making a nuisance of ourselves.
    But, of course, that makes too much sense.

  137. Hamous Avatar

    #68 TT:

    Boney, uWang all you want

    I don’t own an iPhone so that app don’t do me any good.

  138. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #68 TT:

    Boney, uWang all you want

    I don’t own an iPhone so that app don’t do me any good.

  139. Hamous Avatar

    #72 TT:

    If they city would just allow we contractors to access these work orders from their database directly, password protected and read-only of course, about 75% of this work could be avoided. We could download replacement copies as needed without making a nuisance of ourselves.

    What?!? You mean actually bring the city into the 21st century with that stupid bridge that Slick Willie was supposed to build?? Surely you jest. I imagine that when one goes into the bowels of city gov’t (a little plumber lingo there) one would find green lamp shades and sleeve garters and funny visors.

  140. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #72 TT:

    If they city would just allow we contractors to access these work orders from their database directly, password protected and read-only of course, about 75% of this work could be avoided. We could download replacement copies as needed without making a nuisance of ourselves.

    What?!? You mean actually bring the city into the 21st century with that stupid bridge that Slick Willie was supposed to build?? Surely you jest. I imagine that when one goes into the bowels of city gov’t (a little plumber lingo there) one would find green lamp shades and sleeve garters and funny visors.

  141. Tedtam Avatar

    Can’t uWang without an iPhone? 😉

  142. Tedtam Avatar

    Can’t uWang without an iPhone? 😉

  143. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Rest in Peace, Cinnamon.

    This morning we took our 3-year-old cat Cinnamon on her last trip to the vet. The cancer previously removed from her nasal passages had aggressively returned, invading not only her nose but starting to come through the roof of her mouth. She had been unable to eat but a few bites this morning. She was a bright-eyed spunky fighter to the end, and was purring as I rubbed her chin during our last moments with her.

    We only had this little stray cat in our lives about 8 months, but we had come to love her and will miss her terribly.

    Farewell Cinnamon, aka Cinny, Cincy, Cincinnati, Cinny-Chickens. I admit it, I am demented when it comes to baby-talk nicknames for special critters.

  144. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Rest in Peace, Cinnamon.
    This morning we took our 3-year-old cat Cinnamon on her last trip to the vet. The cancer previously removed from her nasal passages had aggressively returned, invading not only her nose but starting to come through the roof of her mouth. She had been unable to eat but a few bites this morning. She was a bright-eyed spunky fighter to the end, and was purring as I rubbed her chin during our last moments with her.
    We only had this little stray cat in our lives about 8 months, but we had come to love her and will miss her terribly.
    Farewell Cinnamon, aka Cinny, Cincy, Cincinnati, Cinny-Chickens. I admit it, I am demented when it comes to baby-talk nicknames for special critters.

  145. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #76 Mharper42, condolences on the loss of your faithful furry companion.

  146. bob42 Avatar

    #76 Mharper42, condolences on the loss of your faithful furry companion.

  147. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #56 Tedtam

    But if you want to keep your Wangs, you go right ahead.

    They can have my Wang when they pry my cold dead fingers off of it!

  148. bob42 Avatar

    #56 Tedtam

    But if you want to keep your Wangs, you go right ahead.

    They can have my Wang when they pry my cold dead fingers off of it!

  149. Katfish Avatar

    Our next winner for best lede that I did not make up comes to us from the land from which hamous sprung and everyone’s favorite loony farm.

    An apparent weekend spat over a man erupted into a fracas featuring a hot sauce bottle, vegetable juice can, torn hair weave and a scratched breast, according to a recently released police report.

  150. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Our next winner for best lede that I did not make up comes to us from the land from which hamous sprung and everyone’s favorite loony farm.

    An apparent weekend spat over a man erupted into a fracas featuring a hot sauce bottle, vegetable juice can, torn hair weave and a scratched breast, according to a recently released police report.

  151. Tedtam Avatar

    Mharper, my condolences. As much as I curse and throw Barf Kitty, I will be sad when her time comes. Pets just have a way of worming themselves into our hearts and making themselves at home in there.

  152. Tedtam Avatar

    Mharper, my condolences. As much as I curse and throw Barf Kitty, I will be sad when her time comes. Pets just have a way of worming themselves into our hearts and making themselves at home in there.

  153. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    It’s official. Based on the headlines on chron.com we are truly a “world class city” now.

  154. Hamous Avatar

    It’s official. Based on the headlines on chron.com we are truly a “world class city” now.

  155. Tedtam Avatar

    I hear that Chris Baker is coming back to KSEV?! That guy is a fake. I guess I’ll have to find something else to listen to on Friday afternoons. I’ll miss the Three Amigos.

  156. Tedtam Avatar

    I hear that Chris Baker is coming back to KSEV?! That guy is a fake. I guess I’ll have to find something else to listen to on Friday afternoons. I’ll miss the Three Amigos.

  157. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Chris Baker was never on KSEV.

    You’re thinking of KTRH—and the other one.

  158. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    Chris Baker was never on KSEV.
    You’re thinking of KTRH—and the other one.

  159. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    For about a year now, the bass section of our choir has been singing in missing man formation. Nobody wants to sit in the chair most often occupied by a man who unexpectedly left us a year ago Tuesday. His voice and his involvement with numerous activities there are still missed.

    Up until two years ago, we had a very lenient alcohol policy at the little UU church, and the choir could do monthly “birthday” celebrations where we’d end practice a few minutes early and party. Many would bring munchies and a few of us would bring a bottle of wine to share with friends. Food, drink, and fellowship were plentiful.

    Some folks, perhaps wisely, pointed out that the prior policy was in danger of being “noncompliant” with TABC rules (gasp!), and now we are no longer permitted continue our prior tradition, a move our friend vigorously lobbied against.

    But not this Sunday…

    My good friend’s ashes are beneath a tree that was planted in his name and is located near the building. I’m covertly arranging an ad-lib memorial where willing choir members will have a glass of wine, and sing him one more song.

    What are they gonna do? Excommunicate most of the choir? 😉

  160. bob42 Avatar

    For about a year now, the bass section of our choir has been singing in missing man formation. Nobody wants to sit in the chair most often occupied by a man who unexpectedly left us a year ago Tuesday. His voice and his involvement with numerous activities there are still missed.
    Up until two years ago, we had a very lenient alcohol policy at the little UU church, and the choir could do monthly “birthday” celebrations where we’d end practice a few minutes early and party. Many would bring munchies and a few of us would bring a bottle of wine to share with friends. Food, drink, and fellowship were plentiful.
    Some folks, perhaps wisely, pointed out that the prior policy was in danger of being “noncompliant” with TABC rules (gasp!), and now we are no longer permitted continue our prior tradition, a move our friend vigorously lobbied against.
    But not this Sunday…
    My good friend’s ashes are beneath a tree that was planted in his name and is located near the building. I’m covertly arranging an ad-lib memorial where willing choir members will have a glass of wine, and sing him one more song.
    What are they gonna do? Excommunicate most of the choir? 😉

  161. Tedtam Avatar

    #83 Sarge

    You’re right. But he’s still a fake and annoyingly so.

  162. Tedtam Avatar

    #83 Sarge
    You’re right. But he’s still a fake and annoyingly so.

  163. Tedtam Avatar

    AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!
    I’m trying to do some comparison shopping on Amazon.com and the wissin’ page keeps reloading! When I tell it to stop reloading, the page disappears. So here I am, trying to scan down the printers listed quickly, before the damn reload sends me back to the top.

    AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!

  164. Tedtam Avatar

    AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!
    I’m trying to do some comparison shopping on Amazon.com and the wissin’ page keeps reloading! When I tell it to stop reloading, the page disappears. So here I am, trying to scan down the printers listed quickly, before the damn reload sends me back to the top.
    AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!

  165. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    #86 Try Fry’s, or Best Buy, or other sites for printer reviews. Amazon’s site has some issues.

    If you decide to purchase locally, sales tax is usually less than shipping, depending on policy and the weight of the device.

  166. bob42 Avatar

    #86 Try Fry’s, or Best Buy, or other sites for printer reviews. Amazon’s site has some issues.
    If you decide to purchase locally, sales tax is usually less than shipping, depending on policy and the weight of the device.

  167. Tedtam Avatar

    I figure out it was loading repetitive pages – I couldn’t see them all as the kept “falling” off the RH side of the page. Closed it all down and reopened.

  168. Tedtam Avatar

    I figure out it was loading repetitive pages – I couldn’t see them all as the kept “falling” off the RH side of the page. Closed it all down and reopened.

  169. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Thanks Bob & TT for letting me mourn here.

  170. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Thanks Bob & TT for letting me mourn here.

  171. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Chris Baker? to be on KSEV? He doesn’t strike me as being someone Dan Patrick would want on KSEV. Since Baker lost his afternoon show on KPRC (and/or KTRH), I have heard him on air a few times when he was subbing — I think once it was for Glenn Beck.

    Chris Baker along with the vile Phil Hendrie were brainchildren of dunderhead Clear Channel manager Ken Charles, who ruined KPRC to the point that it no longer uses any call letters — it’s now just “The 9-5-0”. Some of Ken’s other brilliant programming moves included pizzing off both Dan Patrick and Tom Tynan, causing them to bail and go to other stations.

  172. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Chris Baker? to be on KSEV? He doesn’t strike me as being someone Dan Patrick would want on KSEV. Since Baker lost his afternoon show on KPRC (and/or KTRH), I have heard him on air a few times when he was subbing — I think once it was for Glenn Beck.
    Chris Baker along with the vile Phil Hendrie were brainchildren of dunderhead Clear Channel manager Ken Charles, who ruined KPRC to the point that it no longer uses any call letters — it’s now just “The 9-5-0”. Some of Ken’s other brilliant programming moves included pizzing off both Dan Patrick and Tom Tynan, causing them to bail and go to other stations.

  173. Tedtam Avatar

    Found on the net:

    I’m not saying that the customer service in my bank is bad, but when I went in the other day and asked the clerk to check my balance … she leaned over and pushed me

  174. Tedtam Avatar

    Found on the net:

    I’m not saying that the customer service in my bank is bad, but when I went in the other day and asked the clerk to check my balance … she leaned over and pushed me

  175. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    mhrper42, Just saw the sad news of little Cinnamon. How wonderful were the months she lived with you. How kind and loving for you to gently help her onto the Rainbow Bridge. She can play with our sweet Valentine. You will see her again.

  176. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    mhrper42, Just saw the sad news of little Cinnamon. How wonderful were the months she lived with you. How kind and loving for you to gently help her onto the Rainbow Bridge. She can play with our sweet Valentine. You will see her again.

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