Hambone v3.0

Tuesday Spring Equinox Open Comments

Time to balance an egg on its end:

The vernal equinox, or spring equinox, is one of two times during the year when the length of day and the length of night are just about equal. And when this happens, the egg balancers and broom standers come out of the woodwork.
As folklore has it, the position of the sun and other planets on the equinoxes means that miraculous feats of balance can occur. True?
No. But twice a year, many people try. That explains the images popping up on social media of precariously balanced raw eggs and brooms. Look, Ma! No hands!

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  1. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    the heck with brooms & eggs! Let’s balance a TROLL (preferably on sharpened fence pickets?)

    🙂

  2. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    the heck with brooms & eggs! Let’s balance a TROLL (preferably on sharpened fence pickets?)
    🙂

  3. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    Yikes, first? Raining vigorously here for the past 20 minutes or so, not a deluge, some thunder around, windy but not really strong. So far. Spouse got his brother and wife safely to InterGalactic before it hit up there and is now in his office near the airport.

    Be careful out there.

    Nope, must settle for 2nd.

  4. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    Yikes, first? Raining vigorously here for the past 20 minutes or so, not a deluge, some thunder around, windy but not really strong. So far. Spouse got his brother and wife safely to InterGalactic before it hit up there and is now in his office near the airport.
    Be careful out there.
    Nope, must settle for 2nd.

  5. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    Hah.

    Unlike man-made laws subject to the viccissitudes of human nature, those rules governing brooms and eggs do not take a day off…

    And some days are better than others to celebrate Alan Sokal’s 1996 “Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity,” one of the more hilarious academic episodes in exposing the loony, Know-Nuthin’ Left and their deconstructionist fantasies.

    In his article, Sokal attacks “the dogma imposed by the long post-Enlightenment hegemony over the Western intellectual outlook” that there is an external world governed by laws of nature which we can understand imperfectly using the scientific method. He also claims that “physical ‘reality’ … is at bottom a social and linguistic construct.” Furthermore, he says,

    Throughout the article, I employ scientific and mathematical concepts in ways that few scientists or mathematicians could possibly take seriously. For example, I suggest that the “morphogenetic field” — a bizarre New Age idea due to Rupert Sheldrake — constitutes a cutting-edge theory of quantum gravity. This connection is pure invention; even Sheldrake makes no such claim. I assert that Lacan’s psychoanalytic speculations have been confirmed by recent work in quantum field theory. Even nonscientist readers might well wonder what in heavens’ name quantum field theory has to do with psychoanalysis; certainly my article gives no reasoned argument to support such a link.

    In sum, I intentionally wrote the article so that any competent physicist or mathematician (or undergraduate physics or math major) would realize that it is a spoof. Evidently the editors of Social Text felt comfortable publishing an article on quantum physics without bothering to consult anyone knowledgeable in the subject.

  6. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Hah.
    Unlike man-made laws subject to the viccissitudes of human nature, those rules governing brooms and eggs do not take a day off…

    And some days are better than others to celebrate Alan Sokal’s 1996 “Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity,” one of the more hilarious academic episodes in exposing the loony, Know-Nuthin’ Left and their deconstructionist fantasies.

    In his article, Sokal attacks “the dogma imposed by the long post-Enlightenment hegemony over the Western intellectual outlook” that there is an external world governed by laws of nature which we can understand imperfectly using the scientific method. He also claims that “physical ‘reality’ … is at bottom a social and linguistic construct.” Furthermore, he says,

    Throughout the article, I employ scientific and mathematical concepts in ways that few scientists or mathematicians could possibly take seriously. For example, I suggest that the “morphogenetic field” — a bizarre New Age idea due to Rupert Sheldrake — constitutes a cutting-edge theory of quantum gravity. This connection is pure invention; even Sheldrake makes no such claim. I assert that Lacan’s psychoanalytic speculations have been confirmed by recent work in quantum field theory. Even nonscientist readers might well wonder what in heavens’ name quantum field theory has to do with psychoanalysis; certainly my article gives no reasoned argument to support such a link.
    In sum, I intentionally wrote the article so that any competent physicist or mathematician (or undergraduate physics or math major) would realize that it is a spoof. Evidently the editors of Social Text felt comfortable publishing an article on quantum physics without bothering to consult anyone knowledgeable in the subject.

  7. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    This has to be somebody’s “special friend”.

  8. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    This has to be somebody’s “special friend”.

  9. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    Here is a book detailing the Sokal Hoax and the ensuing uproar by the editors of Lingua Franca. From the review at Amazon:

    In 1995, a New York University physicist named Alan Sokal, frustrated by what he considered the misuse of science by academic philosophers and literary critics, decided to play a meaningful prank. After studying the arcane jargon of postmodernism, he cooked up a superficially au courant but patently ill-founded paper called “Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity” and submitted it to the journal Social Text, edited by a collective of academic celebrities. Wooed by the article’s apparent endorsement of their approach and evidently unschooled in basic science, the editors accepted and published the paper.
    The Sokal Hoax gathers Sokal’s paper; the Social Text editors’ arch, wounded reply when it was revealed, in the pages of the academic journal Lingua Franca, that the paper was a transparent scam; and a selection of journalistic accounts, letters to the editor, and accusations and counteraccusations surrounding what came to be called “the Sokal hoax.” Some of these documents are thoughtful, addressing ways in which it might be possible to bridge the wide gap between the sciences and the humanities. Many, however, are defensive and polemical, almost embarrassing to read. They compound Sokal’s charge that faddishness has overcome common sense in the halls of academe, and that the postmodern emperor has no clothes.

    In its modest way, the collection is an entertainment, serving as an anthology of ivy-covered silliness. More seriously, it adds depth to Sokal’s collaboration with physicist Jean Bricmont, Fashionable Nonsense, and other books about the hoax and its implications, which continue to excite discussion. –Gregory McNamee

  10. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Here is a book detailing the Sokal Hoax and the ensuing uproar by the editors of Lingua Franca. From the review at Amazon:

    In 1995, a New York University physicist named Alan Sokal, frustrated by what he considered the misuse of science by academic philosophers and literary critics, decided to play a meaningful prank. After studying the arcane jargon of postmodernism, he cooked up a superficially au courant but patently ill-founded paper called “Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity” and submitted it to the journal Social Text, edited by a collective of academic celebrities. Wooed by the article’s apparent endorsement of their approach and evidently unschooled in basic science, the editors accepted and published the paper.
    The Sokal Hoax gathers Sokal’s paper; the Social Text editors’ arch, wounded reply when it was revealed, in the pages of the academic journal Lingua Franca, that the paper was a transparent scam; and a selection of journalistic accounts, letters to the editor, and accusations and counteraccusations surrounding what came to be called “the Sokal hoax.” Some of these documents are thoughtful, addressing ways in which it might be possible to bridge the wide gap between the sciences and the humanities. Many, however, are defensive and polemical, almost embarrassing to read. They compound Sokal’s charge that faddishness has overcome common sense in the halls of academe, and that the postmodern emperor has no clothes.
    In its modest way, the collection is an entertainment, serving as an anthology of ivy-covered silliness. More seriously, it adds depth to Sokal’s collaboration with physicist Jean Bricmont, Fashionable Nonsense, and other books about the hoax and its implications, which continue to excite discussion. –Gregory McNamee

  11. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    I have linked it here before, but I should mention again one of the coolest, free educational resources available is the MIT Open Course Ware site. There are over 2,000 courses in science, engineering, anthropology, etc.

    And you don’t even have to register to use it.

  12. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    I have linked it here before, but I should mention again one of the coolest, free educational resources available is the MIT Open Course Ware site. There are over 2,000 courses in science, engineering, anthropology, etc.
    And you don’t even have to register to use it.

  13. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    Here’s a little math quiz for the unemployed rocket scientists who used to work for NASA. No cheating now, you have to watch the entire video to get the entire story.
    http://hotair.com/archives/2012/03/19/video-how-long-does-it-take-to-go-80-miles-at-80-miles-per-hour/

  14. El Gordo Avatar
    El Gordo

    Here’s a little math quiz for the unemployed rocket scientists who used to work for NASA. No cheating now, you have to watch the entire video to get the entire story.
    http://hotair.com/archives/2012/03/19/video-how-long-does-it-take-to-go-80-miles-at-80-miles-per-hour/

  15. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Good morning, Hamsterville. I have to head out into heavy rain & thunderstorms with 1 cat going to the vet. Catch y’all later.

  16. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Good morning, Hamsterville. I have to head out into heavy rain & thunderstorms with 1 cat going to the vet. Catch y’all later.

  17. duhmoose Avatar
    duhmoose

    #3 I have now lost almost an hour of work watching that. I love physics and math lectures. I will have to watch the whole series when I get home.

  18. duhmoose Avatar
    duhmoose

    #3 I have now lost almost an hour of work watching that. I love physics and math lectures. I will have to watch the whole series when I get home.

  19. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    #9 duhmoose

    Glad to be of service. (<:

  20. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    #9 duhmoose
    Glad to be of service. (<:

  21. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    G’Morning All

    Even if you can’t balance an egg, you can still enjoy this on this first day of spring.

  22. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    G’Morning All
    Even if you can’t balance an egg, you can still enjoy this on this first day of spring.

  23. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Really, I am not one to wring my hands in worry about anything. I really do try to remain hopeful in all things. Then I read this piece from Dennis Prager asking parents to consider what is being poured into their children’s skulls of mush.

    Here is just a small sampling of a pretty disturbing/comprehensive list.

    The United States is no better than any other country,
    God is at best a non-issue, and at worst, a foolish and dangerous belief.
    Therefore, criticism of Christianity is enlightened, while criticism of Islam is Islamophobia.
    Whites can be racist; non-whites cannot be (because whites have power and the powerless cannot be racist).

    And the list gets worse. Part of Prager’s conclusion included this

    Woodrow Wilson, progressive president of Princeton University before becoming president of the United States, said in a speech in 1914, “I have often said that the use of a university is to make young gentlemen as unlike their fathers as possible.”

    /No apologies if someone else has posted this. 😉

  24. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Really, I am not one to wring my hands in worry about anything. I really do try to remain hopeful in all things. Then I read this piece from Dennis Prager asking parents to consider what is being poured into their children’s skulls of mush.
    Here is just a small sampling of a pretty disturbing/comprehensive list.

    The United States is no better than any other country,
    God is at best a non-issue, and at worst, a foolish and dangerous belief.
    Therefore, criticism of Christianity is enlightened, while criticism of Islam is Islamophobia.
    Whites can be racist; non-whites cannot be (because whites have power and the powerless cannot be racist).

    And the list gets worse. Part of Prager’s conclusion included this

    Woodrow Wilson, progressive president of Princeton University before becoming president of the United States, said in a speech in 1914, “I have often said that the use of a university is to make young gentlemen as unlike their fathers as possible.”

    /No apologies if someone else has posted this. 😉

  25. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    #7 – EG – Ya missed it by roughly 23 hours……………..

    from Yesterday at 9:43 by OletimerLin

    Tough question for the day:
    If you are going 8o miles per hour, how long does it take to go 80 miles?

  26. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #7 – EG – Ya missed it by roughly 23 hours……………..
    from Yesterday at 9:43 by OletimerLin

    Tough question for the day:
    If you are going 8o miles per hour, how long does it take to go 80 miles?

  27. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    The question is:

    Is It Unconstitutional for Laws to Be Based on Their Supporters’ Religiously Founded Moral Beliefs?

    The assault on religious belief and even its legitimate place in the Public Square in America continues unabated. Eugene Volokh, UCLA lawprof and co-founder of the hugely popular law blog site, The Volokh Conspiracy, addressess the question once again, even though I sense even he is a little weary of the discussion.

    This is a good, brief argument anyone can use for those too frequent altercations with members of the Godless Left, the atheistic Right and militant secularists of all breeds.

    In fact, many important political movements — the antislavery movement, the civil rights movement, and various antiwar movements — were composed in large part of religious people who acted for explicitly religious reasons, and justified their positions using explicitly religious arguments. Would we say that opposition to slavery was illegitimate because it was mostly overtly religious? If not, then we also can’t condemn opposition to cloning or abortion or same-sex marriage on these grounds.

    But what about the Establishment Clause? Well, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that the Establishment Clause doesn’t invalidate laws simply because their supporters backed them for religious reasons. See, e.g., McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420, 442 (1961); Bob Jones Univ. v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 (1983); Harris v. McRae, 448 U.S 297, 319-20 (1980). And for the reasons I mention above, the Court’s decisions here were correct. True, the First Amendment does bar the government from teaching religion, from requiring religious practices such as prayer, and (generally) from singling out conduct for better or worse treatment because it’s religiously motivated (e.g., punishing religious animal sacrifices but not secularly motivated animal killing, or giving a sales tax exemption to religious publications but not secular ones). But it doesn’t bar the government from implementing religiously-motivated prohibitions on people’s conduct, whether as to murder, theft, slavery, civil rights, cloning, or abortion.

  28. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    The question is:
    Is It Unconstitutional for Laws to Be Based on Their Supporters’ Religiously Founded Moral Beliefs?
    The assault on religious belief and even its legitimate place in the Public Square in America continues unabated. Eugene Volokh, UCLA lawprof and co-founder of the hugely popular law blog site, The Volokh Conspiracy, addressess the question once again, even though I sense even he is a little weary of the discussion.
    This is a good, brief argument anyone can use for those too frequent altercations with members of the Godless Left, the atheistic Right and militant secularists of all breeds.

    In fact, many important political movements — the antislavery movement, the civil rights movement, and various antiwar movements — were composed in large part of religious people who acted for explicitly religious reasons, and justified their positions using explicitly religious arguments. Would we say that opposition to slavery was illegitimate because it was mostly overtly religious? If not, then we also can’t condemn opposition to cloning or abortion or same-sex marriage on these grounds.
    But what about the Establishment Clause? Well, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that the Establishment Clause doesn’t invalidate laws simply because their supporters backed them for religious reasons. See, e.g., McGowan v. Maryland, 366 U.S. 420, 442 (1961); Bob Jones Univ. v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 (1983); Harris v. McRae, 448 U.S 297, 319-20 (1980). And for the reasons I mention above, the Court’s decisions here were correct. True, the First Amendment does bar the government from teaching religion, from requiring religious practices such as prayer, and (generally) from singling out conduct for better or worse treatment because it’s religiously motivated (e.g., punishing religious animal sacrifices but not secularly motivated animal killing, or giving a sales tax exemption to religious publications but not secular ones). But it doesn’t bar the government from implementing religiously-motivated prohibitions on people’s conduct, whether as to murder, theft, slavery, civil rights, cloning, or abortion.

  29. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #7 EG: The part at the end of the video describes just how poorly that wimmin was educated. She simply could not get the concept of rate. I have tried twice, but simply can not bear to watch the video all in one piece, the ridiculous cogitations of the wimmin is like fingernails on a blackboard to me.

  30. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #7 EG: The part at the end of the video describes just how poorly that wimmin was educated. She simply could not get the concept of rate. I have tried twice, but simply can not bear to watch the video all in one piece, the ridiculous cogitations of the wimmin is like fingernails on a blackboard to me.

  31. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Love to sit around the couch with y’all, but we gotta do the taxes today.

  32. OletimerLin Avatar
    OletimerLin

    Love to sit around the couch with y’all, but we gotta do the taxes today.

  33. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #12 Squawk: It took quite a while for universities to get as bad as they now are, how long do you think it will take to turn them around, is it even possible?

  34. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #12 Squawk: It took quite a while for universities to get as bad as they now are, how long do you think it will take to turn them around, is it even possible?

  35. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    USA USA is now a racist chant?

    /file this under a bit of dated news.
    /And if someone has already posted this…… well 😉

  36. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    USA USA is now a racist chant?
    /file this under a bit of dated news.
    /And if someone has already posted this…… well 😉

  37. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    From Drudge we have this story and it is horrifying if it proves to be true.

    Evidence emerged on Monday that government inspectors were aware that minors were being castrated while in Catholic-run psychiatric institutions.
    Minutes of meetings held in the 1950s show that inspectors were present when castrations were discussed. The documents also reveal that the Catholic staff did not think parents needed to be involved.

  38. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    From Drudge we have this story and it is horrifying if it proves to be true.

    Evidence emerged on Monday that government inspectors were aware that minors were being castrated while in Catholic-run psychiatric institutions.
    Minutes of meetings held in the 1950s show that inspectors were present when castrations were discussed. The documents also reveal that the Catholic staff did not think parents needed to be involved.

  39. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #17 Bonecrusher

    2 generations at least if we started in 1950. Now? A couple centuries and a God caused miracle changing of minds.

  40. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    #17 Bonecrusher
    2 generations at least if we started in 1950. Now? A couple centuries and a God caused miracle changing of minds.

  41. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    Happy soggy Tuesday everyone.
    http://www.americanthinker.com/cartoons/

  42. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    Happy soggy Tuesday everyone.
    http://www.americanthinker.com/cartoons/

  43. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    Definitely a case of Homeowner Association NAZIs run completely amok. I would love for a majority of the homeowners being subjugated by this association to simply hold an emergency meeting and fire the current board for abject stoopidity.

  44. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    Definitely a case of Homeowner Association NAZIs run completely amok. I would love for a majority of the homeowners being subjugated by this association to simply hold an emergency meeting and fire the current board for abject stoopidity.

  45. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I announce the passing of my brother-in-law, Rocky. He left this world last night around 10:30. My sister is remarkably calm and composed and at peace this morning.

    Rocky and Cathy loved to go to the beach and fish. They collected sea shells and loved finding “treasure” in the sand. When they had the time, they’d pile in his truck and head to “their spot” for the day.

    While I’m sure that Rocky had his moments, I never saw him with anything but a big smile and a “Hello, Darlin’!” on his lips. They were a couple always in love. Rocky loved his long beard and ponytail, and when he began his battle with cancer, he had to cut a lot of that off. He looked so different! They shared a passion for gardening, and either one of them could put a stick in the ground and make it grow. Rocky liked his garden “geegaws,” and Cathy liked to buy spinners and such to stick in among the spinach and beans. He made a “warning” item for any squirrels that might want to intrude in his precious garden – a skull, with some bird feathers and a squirrel tail tied to it, swaying in the breeze. The week before he lost total ambulatory ability, he sat in his chair in the backyard while my sister brought him the seedling trays with soil in it. Rocky never planted just a few seeds – he always did the whole packet! Cathy now had dozens of tomato and cabbage seedlings – her last living gift from her husband.

    They enjoyed sitting in the backyard, watching their garden, their chickens, and the wildlife. Rocky was pretty good with a pellet gun, and took down a number of squirrels that decided to chew on things not Rocky approved. They put out cracked pecans for them to eat. Rocky really enjoyed watching the birds, and had several bird feeding stations in the yard. They knew their “regulars” and watched for them. When I went to visit, we’d sit in the backyard and they’d comment on the birds by name, and point them out to me.

    Rocky loved life, loved the simple things, and he loved his family. He suffered some childhood trauma, and I think he spent these last few years coming to terms with those emotions. I know that he used to push God away, but with his wife, was coming closer to Him. That is where my joy comes from. I trust that God would not deny such a kind and loving soul.

    The sadness comes because his death leaves a hole in our lives. I’ll miss him. I’ll miss his smile. I’ll miss his unabashed joy in nature. And I’ll miss “Hello, Darlin’!”

  46. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I announce the passing of my brother-in-law, Rocky. He left this world last night around 10:30. My sister is remarkably calm and composed and at peace this morning.
    Rocky and Cathy loved to go to the beach and fish. They collected sea shells and loved finding “treasure” in the sand. When they had the time, they’d pile in his truck and head to “their spot” for the day.
    While I’m sure that Rocky had his moments, I never saw him with anything but a big smile and a “Hello, Darlin’!” on his lips. They were a couple always in love. Rocky loved his long beard and ponytail, and when he began his battle with cancer, he had to cut a lot of that off. He looked so different! They shared a passion for gardening, and either one of them could put a stick in the ground and make it grow. Rocky liked his garden “geegaws,” and Cathy liked to buy spinners and such to stick in among the spinach and beans. He made a “warning” item for any squirrels that might want to intrude in his precious garden – a skull, with some bird feathers and a squirrel tail tied to it, swaying in the breeze. The week before he lost total ambulatory ability, he sat in his chair in the backyard while my sister brought him the seedling trays with soil in it. Rocky never planted just a few seeds – he always did the whole packet! Cathy now had dozens of tomato and cabbage seedlings – her last living gift from her husband.
    They enjoyed sitting in the backyard, watching their garden, their chickens, and the wildlife. Rocky was pretty good with a pellet gun, and took down a number of squirrels that decided to chew on things not Rocky approved. They put out cracked pecans for them to eat. Rocky really enjoyed watching the birds, and had several bird feeding stations in the yard. They knew their “regulars” and watched for them. When I went to visit, we’d sit in the backyard and they’d comment on the birds by name, and point them out to me.
    Rocky loved life, loved the simple things, and he loved his family. He suffered some childhood trauma, and I think he spent these last few years coming to terms with those emotions. I know that he used to push God away, but with his wife, was coming closer to Him. That is where my joy comes from. I trust that God would not deny such a kind and loving soul.
    The sadness comes because his death leaves a hole in our lives. I’ll miss him. I’ll miss his smile. I’ll miss his unabashed joy in nature. And I’ll miss “Hello, Darlin’!”

  47. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #22 Bonecrusher

    She even offered to pull up the flowers and pay part of the board’s legal fees a couple of weeks ago – an offer she says was refused.

    That is my point of contention with the HOA. She made a good faith effort to say “Okay I was wrong, I wish to rectify the problem”. These jerks can only see collecting the fees either in getting a cash settlement or confiscating her property.

    We live in an uber legalistic society and that is scary.

  48. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    #22 Bonecrusher

    She even offered to pull up the flowers and pay part of the board’s legal fees a couple of weeks ago – an offer she says was refused.

    That is my point of contention with the HOA. She made a good faith effort to say “Okay I was wrong, I wish to rectify the problem”. These jerks can only see collecting the fees either in getting a cash settlement or confiscating her property.
    We live in an uber legalistic society and that is scary.

  49. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #23 TT: Sorry to hear about the passing of your BIL and glad that is suffering is over at the same time. One of my closest friends passed on 17Sept2011 after a 3 year battle with esophageal cancer. I still miss him every day. It does not sting so much now, but there is a hole in my life that can never be filled.
    I wish that it were not the case for either of us, but I can say that I know just how you feel.

  50. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #23 TT: Sorry to hear about the passing of your BIL and glad that is suffering is over at the same time. One of my closest friends passed on 17Sept2011 after a 3 year battle with esophageal cancer. I still miss him every day. It does not sting so much now, but there is a hole in my life that can never be filled.
    I wish that it were not the case for either of us, but I can say that I know just how you feel.

  51. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #24:

    These jerks can only see collecting the fees either in getting a cash settlement or confiscating her property.

    Frequently a HOA will hire a management company to perform the HOA functions. The management company has no fidelity to the individual homeowners, they exist solely to make money. If I ever have the opportunity to move to a better place (one that has a freaking workshop) it has to be unencumbered by any HOA, as I do not want to give them any power over my property.

  52. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #24:

    These jerks can only see collecting the fees either in getting a cash settlement or confiscating her property.

    Frequently a HOA will hire a management company to perform the HOA functions. The management company has no fidelity to the individual homeowners, they exist solely to make money. If I ever have the opportunity to move to a better place (one that has a freaking workshop) it has to be unencumbered by any HOA, as I do not want to give them any power over my property.

  53. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    24 Squawk,

    Regrettably, sometimes HOA administrators use the process to slap liens on folks who cannot afford them in an effort to obtain (for third parties) a piece of real estate at a bargain price.

    My HOA is a case in the other extreme. I wish they would enforce the Covenant that we signed onto over thirty years ago. My neighborhood is not some gated high dollar development, but I am just as proud of mine as my “betters”. I have one neighbor running a pit bull puppy mill and the one across the street mows his lawn at least once a quarter.

    Regards
    Simple

  54. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    24 Squawk,
    Regrettably, sometimes HOA administrators use the process to slap liens on folks who cannot afford them in an effort to obtain (for third parties) a piece of real estate at a bargain price.
    My HOA is a case in the other extreme. I wish they would enforce the Covenant that we signed onto over thirty years ago. My neighborhood is not some gated high dollar development, but I am just as proud of mine as my “betters”. I have one neighbor running a pit bull puppy mill and the one across the street mows his lawn at least once a quarter.
    Regards
    Simple

  55. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    has anybody ever seen or heard one of these in person?

  56. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    has anybody ever seen or heard one of these in person?

  57. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Simple

    Yeah I know what you mean. I am not against all HOAs. I live in the country so that I can do what I want to do on my property without worrying about HOAs. I understand their purpose. I can foresee a day when I might wanna move to a piece of property protected with an HOA to keep folks like me in line. 🙂

    I also understand that when you buy into a “HOA community” you are required to sign a “contract” that you will follow the rules. In this ladies case I leap to her defense only because she made a good faith effort to correct the problem. I always fall back on personal accountability and she knew her community had guidelines. On the first warning she should have ceased her actions.

  58. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Simple
    Yeah I know what you mean. I am not against all HOAs. I live in the country so that I can do what I want to do on my property without worrying about HOAs. I understand their purpose. I can foresee a day when I might wanna move to a piece of property protected with an HOA to keep folks like me in line. 🙂
    I also understand that when you buy into a “HOA community” you are required to sign a “contract” that you will follow the rules. In this ladies case I leap to her defense only because she made a good faith effort to correct the problem. I always fall back on personal accountability and she knew her community had guidelines. On the first warning she should have ceased her actions.

  59. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    and if #28 wasn’t out there far enough, we have this.

  60. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    and if #28 wasn’t out there far enough, we have this.

  61. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    More is becoming known about the shooter in the Afghanistan Massacre. In addition to the arrest he had for assaulting his girlfriend, and the resulting anger management classes the judge assigned him, he also fled the scene of a one car hit and run accident in 2008. He also defrauded a couple of $600,000 just before he joined the Army, and they were awarded a judgement of $1.3 million in damages. While many have made a big deal out of his joining the Arm shortly after 9/11, but it is also possible that he joined because he could no longer work and was being sued by the people he defrauded.

    Some might question why the Army would hold on to a guy like that, but I’ll point out that the Army does not check the police blotters and civil judgement records of every court and police station in the nation, and none of them have a requirement to send information to the Army. Its likely that the only way his Commanders would know about any of this is if he wanted them to.

    But the thing I want to focus on here is the informaton the Army has released regarding his service record. He was denied promotion to SGT 1st Class last year, a rank he should have achieved by normal Army standards about two years ago. His MOS was 11B, Infantryman.

    First we’ll address his training:

    Military Education/Year Completed:

    Combat Life Savers Course 2002

    Warrior Leaders Course 2008

    Sniper 2008

    Visual Tracker 2008

    Combatives Level 1 2010

    Combatives Level 2 2010

    U.S. Air Force Airlift Planner 2010

    Advance Leaders Course (ALC) 2010

    Civilian Education/Year Completed

    Associate Degree (2 Yr College) 1992

    None of that training is partidularly special for an Infantryman. The only one that stands out, to me, is the Airlift Planner course. All the rest of it is training all Infantrymen are expected to have as they increase in rank. I will note thet the fact he took all the requisite Leadership Courses and was denied promotion to E7 says that his current Commanders did not feel confident in giving him the authority and responsibility that advancment to that rank brings. E7 is where you start being a really big deal in NCO ranks. Not getting there in 11 years is a negative indicator.

    Much has been made in the media about his “sniper training”, but the training he received here is more like advanced marksmanship training than it is the kind of training that true Army Snipers receive. I know that because it does not say that he attended Sniper School, nowhere in his Assignment History does it say he was sent to Sniper School, and graduation from that school results in a change of MOS to Army Sniper.

    His Awards and Decorations tell the same kind of story. The BIG thing to take away from this is the absence of the award of a Purple Heart. Much has been made of the two injuries he sustained, but the absence of the Purple Heart shows neither of them were in combat. His much ballyhooed head injury was due to a roll over automobile accident similar to the one he ran away from.

    Awards and Decorations:

    Army Good Conduct Medal (Three awarded)

    Unless you get officially disciplined through an entry in your Service Record or an action under UCMJ, you get one every three years. I have three myself.

    Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star (Two awarded)

    National Defense Service Medal

    Overseas Service Ribbon

    Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

    Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

    All of the above are what are known as “Thanks for showing up for the War” Medals. The National Defense Service Medal is awarded during Basic Training for 30 days service during war time (I have one), and the Global War on Terrorism Medal has similar requirements. The Iraq Campaign Service Medal is awarded for anyone who goes to Iraq regardless of their job there. My stepson has two, one for his first tour where he guarded convoys, and another for when he serviced generators at Baghdad Airport, and he was wearing both the NDSM and GWTSM during hs graduation from Air Force Basic.. The Overseas Service ribbon goes to anyone who serves anywhere overseas and the Global War Expeditionary medal goes to anyone who is sent to a unit that has been designated as having a GWT function, regardless of whether or not its in a cobat zone.

    Combat Infantry Badge

    Expert Infantry Badge

    The CIB is awarded to anyone who is assigned to combat duty. Many in the military view the Expert Infantry Badge as a greater achievement. It is awarded on completion of a grueling test that measures physical and mental ability to perform all duties and functions of an Infantryman. In any given Infantry Unit that has seen combat, you wll see more CIBs than you will EIBs. Again, the fact that he had an EIB but was denied promotion to E7 is another indicator that he had pretty much reached the end of the line in his Army carreer and was looking at spending another couple of years as an E6 with eventual release from service due to the Army’s “Up or Out” policy.

    Army Commendation Medal (Six awarded)

    Army Achievement Medal

    They sound impressive, but not really. I was put up for an ARCOM for figuring out a complicated paperwork problem. If you’ve been in the Arm for 11 years and don’t have an ARCOM or an AAM, it means you’ve really pizztoff the First Sergeant, CO, Plattoon Sergeant, or somebody over at Battalion.

    Meritorious Unit Commendation (Two awarded)

    Army Superior Unit Award

    Both of these are awarded to all members of a unit and represent the collective achievement of the unit and not personal actions or abilities.

    Stop making a Hero or Victim out of this guy. His life was a mess, he has nobody to blame but himself for that, and he used it as an excuse to kill 9 children and 7 adults while they slept.

  62. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    More is becoming known about the shooter in the Afghanistan Massacre. In addition to the arrest he had for assaulting his girlfriend, and the resulting anger management classes the judge assigned him, he also fled the scene of a one car hit and run accident in 2008. He also defrauded a couple of $600,000 just before he joined the Army, and they were awarded a judgement of $1.3 million in damages. While many have made a big deal out of his joining the Arm shortly after 9/11, but it is also possible that he joined because he could no longer work and was being sued by the people he defrauded.
    Some might question why the Army would hold on to a guy like that, but I’ll point out that the Army does not check the police blotters and civil judgement records of every court and police station in the nation, and none of them have a requirement to send information to the Army. Its likely that the only way his Commanders would know about any of this is if he wanted them to.
    But the thing I want to focus on here is the informaton the Army has released regarding his service record. He was denied promotion to SGT 1st Class last year, a rank he should have achieved by normal Army standards about two years ago. His MOS was 11B, Infantryman.
    First we’ll address his training:

    Military Education/Year Completed:
    Combat Life Savers Course 2002
    Warrior Leaders Course 2008
    Sniper 2008
    Visual Tracker 2008
    Combatives Level 1 2010
    Combatives Level 2 2010
    U.S. Air Force Airlift Planner 2010
    Advance Leaders Course (ALC) 2010
    Civilian Education/Year Completed
    Associate Degree (2 Yr College) 1992

    None of that training is partidularly special for an Infantryman. The only one that stands out, to me, is the Airlift Planner course. All the rest of it is training all Infantrymen are expected to have as they increase in rank. I will note thet the fact he took all the requisite Leadership Courses and was denied promotion to E7 says that his current Commanders did not feel confident in giving him the authority and responsibility that advancment to that rank brings. E7 is where you start being a really big deal in NCO ranks. Not getting there in 11 years is a negative indicator.
    Much has been made in the media about his “sniper training”, but the training he received here is more like advanced marksmanship training than it is the kind of training that true Army Snipers receive. I know that because it does not say that he attended Sniper School, nowhere in his Assignment History does it say he was sent to Sniper School, and graduation from that school results in a change of MOS to Army Sniper.
    His Awards and Decorations tell the same kind of story. The BIG thing to take away from this is the absence of the award of a Purple Heart. Much has been made of the two injuries he sustained, but the absence of the Purple Heart shows neither of them were in combat. His much ballyhooed head injury was due to a roll over automobile accident similar to the one he ran away from.

    Awards and Decorations:
    Army Good Conduct Medal (Three awarded)

    Unless you get officially disciplined through an entry in your Service Record or an action under UCMJ, you get one every three years. I have three myself.

    Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star (Two awarded)
    National Defense Service Medal
    Overseas Service Ribbon
    Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
    Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

    All of the above are what are known as “Thanks for showing up for the War” Medals. The National Defense Service Medal is awarded during Basic Training for 30 days service during war time (I have one), and the Global War on Terrorism Medal has similar requirements. The Iraq Campaign Service Medal is awarded for anyone who goes to Iraq regardless of their job there. My stepson has two, one for his first tour where he guarded convoys, and another for when he serviced generators at Baghdad Airport, and he was wearing both the NDSM and GWTSM during hs graduation from Air Force Basic.. The Overseas Service ribbon goes to anyone who serves anywhere overseas and the Global War Expeditionary medal goes to anyone who is sent to a unit that has been designated as having a GWT function, regardless of whether or not its in a cobat zone.

    Combat Infantry Badge
    Expert Infantry Badge

    The CIB is awarded to anyone who is assigned to combat duty. Many in the military view the Expert Infantry Badge as a greater achievement. It is awarded on completion of a grueling test that measures physical and mental ability to perform all duties and functions of an Infantryman. In any given Infantry Unit that has seen combat, you wll see more CIBs than you will EIBs. Again, the fact that he had an EIB but was denied promotion to E7 is another indicator that he had pretty much reached the end of the line in his Army carreer and was looking at spending another couple of years as an E6 with eventual release from service due to the Army’s “Up or Out” policy.

    Army Commendation Medal (Six awarded)
    Army Achievement Medal

    They sound impressive, but not really. I was put up for an ARCOM for figuring out a complicated paperwork problem. If you’ve been in the Arm for 11 years and don’t have an ARCOM or an AAM, it means you’ve really pizztoff the First Sergeant, CO, Plattoon Sergeant, or somebody over at Battalion.

    Meritorious Unit Commendation (Two awarded)
    Army Superior Unit Award

    Both of these are awarded to all members of a unit and represent the collective achievement of the unit and not personal actions or abilities.
    Stop making a Hero or Victim out of this guy. His life was a mess, he has nobody to blame but himself for that, and he used it as an excuse to kill 9 children and 7 adults while they slept.

  63. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #29 Squawk: There is this fact of the case which renders the board into a bunch of power-crazy maniacs:

    The association’s bylaws don’t expressly forbid planting flowers on your property, Bois explains, nor do they explicitly allow it.

    Board members have told Bois they just want all the units to look the same.

    Is it in the by-laws anywhere that all the units must be identical?
    If she wanted to place large, anatomically detailed and correct, nude statues on her property, the HOA may have a point, but she was planting flowers for crying out loud.

  64. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #29 Squawk: There is this fact of the case which renders the board into a bunch of power-crazy maniacs:

    The association’s bylaws don’t expressly forbid planting flowers on your property, Bois explains, nor do they explicitly allow it.
    Board members have told Bois they just want all the units to look the same.

    Is it in the by-laws anywhere that all the units must be identical?
    If she wanted to place large, anatomically detailed and correct, nude statues on her property, the HOA may have a point, but she was planting flowers for crying out loud.

  65. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    You can’t argue First Principles with leftists. They have none.

  66. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    You can’t argue First Principles with leftists. They have none.

  67. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    #32
    First of all. I really do not care about this story. As far as I am concerned what the homeowners association should do is turn a couple wild pigs loose in her yard and get rid of the flowers that way. That’ll teach the woman not to ever mess with that HOA again.

    My point is this, if you want to go all defense of the woman knock yourself out. You do not know if they specify how big a planting area can be. So I really am not interested in playing this SAG of feigned outrage any longer.

    CRY HAVOC AND LET SLIP THE PIGS OF YARD DESTRUCTION

  68. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    #32
    First of all. I really do not care about this story. As far as I am concerned what the homeowners association should do is turn a couple wild pigs loose in her yard and get rid of the flowers that way. That’ll teach the woman not to ever mess with that HOA again.
    My point is this, if you want to go all defense of the woman knock yourself out. You do not know if they specify how big a planting area can be. So I really am not interested in playing this SAG of feigned outrage any longer.
    CRY HAVOC AND LET SLIP THE PIGS OF YARD DESTRUCTION

  69. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    34 Squawk,

    Amen brother ( rreeeee rreeee).

    I heard that there is some maniac kidnapping dogs on the Southwest side of town. I would like to direct that maniac to my neighbor. I would be willing to pay in gasoline and lager beer for any travel expenses.

    Simple

  70. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    34 Squawk,
    Amen brother ( rreeeee rreeee).
    I heard that there is some maniac kidnapping dogs on the Southwest side of town. I would like to direct that maniac to my neighbor. I would be willing to pay in gasoline and lager beer for any travel expenses.
    Simple

  71. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    I say Roundup every yard in the country.

  72. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    I say Roundup every yard in the country.

  73. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    31 Sarge,

    I had been thinking on the same lines myself.

    Well written piece!

    Regards
    Simple

  74. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    31 Sarge,
    I had been thinking on the same lines myself.
    Well written piece!
    Regards
    Simple

  75. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    37 Simple Simon says:
    March 20, 2012 at 11:48 am
    31 Sarge,

    I had been thinking on the same lines myself.

    Well written piece!

    Regards
    Simple

    Thanks. In the old days, this guy would have spent the next 10 years as an SSG with a promotion to SFC a month before retirement. Since the Army instituted “Up or Out” featherbedders like him are moved out to provide opportunity for advancement of lower ranked soldiers of better quality. Two non-combat related injury accidents in line of duty, another with his civilian vehicle, and the assault incident, combined with the alcohol found in his living quarters after the massacre, suggests to me where his problems stem from—and it ain’t combat stress. My guess is that if his Plattoon Sergeant was looking for him during off duty hours, the first place he would send somebody to find him would be the NCO Club.

  76. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    37 Simple Simon says:
    March 20, 2012 at 11:48 am
    31 Sarge,
    I had been thinking on the same lines myself.
    Well written piece!
    Regards
    Simple

    Thanks. In the old days, this guy would have spent the next 10 years as an SSG with a promotion to SFC a month before retirement. Since the Army instituted “Up or Out” featherbedders like him are moved out to provide opportunity for advancement of lower ranked soldiers of better quality. Two non-combat related injury accidents in line of duty, another with his civilian vehicle, and the assault incident, combined with the alcohol found in his living quarters after the massacre, suggests to me where his problems stem from—and it ain’t combat stress. My guess is that if his Plattoon Sergeant was looking for him during off duty hours, the first place he would send somebody to find him would be the NCO Club.

  77. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    #36 –

    I say Roundup every yard in the country.

    AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaMEN Brutha!

    more ROCKS!
    more CACTI!
    more ASTROTURF!!

  78. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    #36 –

    I say Roundup every yard in the country.

    AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaMEN Brutha!
    more ROCKS!
    more CACTI!
    more ASTROTURF!!

  79. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Dang, a point for Mittens…………..

    Romney tells heckler to “vote for the other guy” for “free stuff”

    so (for me) this begs the question:

    So was she a plant for BHO or Romney…? Who knows?

  80. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Dang, a point for Mittens…………..

    Romney tells heckler to “vote for the other guy” for “free stuff”
    so (for me) this begs the question:

    So was she a plant for BHO or Romney…? Who knows?

  81. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    The House Rs are proposing some cuts to the budget. As to be expected the Ds are screaming they are too deep. I suggest the following:
    1) Roll back all spending levels to FY 2007 levels. If I recall, that is the last budget passed by the Rs.
    2) Freeze spending at those levels until the inflation eats away the deficit and most of the debt. That means eliminating all automatic budget increases. If a budget item genuinely needs to be increased, like military pay or benefits for example, then that could be negotiated as a stand alone issue.
    3) Freeze tax rates at the levels extant when Bush left office OR eliminate all corp/personal income taxes in favor of a max 15% consumption tax.

    Really bad inflation is just around the corner and the price of fuel is a reflection of that inflation. Because we have printed way too much money, each unit of that money becomes worth less, inflation has to be the result. See, Weimar Republic Germany, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Chile for examples of this happening.

  82. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    The House Rs are proposing some cuts to the budget. As to be expected the Ds are screaming they are too deep. I suggest the following:
    1) Roll back all spending levels to FY 2007 levels. If I recall, that is the last budget passed by the Rs.
    2) Freeze spending at those levels until the inflation eats away the deficit and most of the debt. That means eliminating all automatic budget increases. If a budget item genuinely needs to be increased, like military pay or benefits for example, then that could be negotiated as a stand alone issue.
    3) Freeze tax rates at the levels extant when Bush left office OR eliminate all corp/personal income taxes in favor of a max 15% consumption tax.
    Really bad inflation is just around the corner and the price of fuel is a reflection of that inflation. Because we have printed way too much money, each unit of that money becomes worth less, inflation has to be the result. See, Weimar Republic Germany, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Chile for examples of this happening.

  83. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #31 Sarge
    I am content to wait for the outcome of the Sgt Bales case, but I appreciate your explanation of all the medals and whether they actually mean anything much.

  84. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    #31 Sarge
    I am content to wait for the outcome of the Sgt Bales case, but I appreciate your explanation of all the medals and whether they actually mean anything much.

  85. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    38 Sarge,

    I doubt there was an NCO club in a remote base. The Army is not that much different than the Marines in terms of alcohol prohibition in the field.

    Of course, as you and I both know….Some Soldiers and Marines can be very creative thinkers when it comes to skirting official regulations.

    In my day, I have dealt out some serious “outside channels” NCO justice when dealing with alcohol and drug related problems in the field. A little fear was the best deterrant to unacceptable behavior.

    The fact that this guy was still on the payroll is stunning. The lower ranks have absolutely got to trust the higher ranked NCOs. It is the NCOs that really train the junior officers. I hope he is an outlier and not a symptom of a larger problem.

    Simple

  86. Simple Simon Avatar
    Simple Simon

    38 Sarge,
    I doubt there was an NCO club in a remote base. The Army is not that much different than the Marines in terms of alcohol prohibition in the field.
    Of course, as you and I both know….Some Soldiers and Marines can be very creative thinkers when it comes to skirting official regulations.
    In my day, I have dealt out some serious “outside channels” NCO justice when dealing with alcohol and drug related problems in the field. A little fear was the best deterrant to unacceptable behavior.
    The fact that this guy was still on the payroll is stunning. The lower ranks have absolutely got to trust the higher ranked NCOs. It is the NCOs that really train the junior officers. I hope he is an outlier and not a symptom of a larger problem.
    Simple

  87. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    This is worrisome
    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57399610/sweden-moving-towards-cashless-economy/

  88. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    This is worrisome
    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57399610/sweden-moving-towards-cashless-economy/

  89. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    A cashless society. I’d fit right in.

  90. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    A cashless society. I’d fit right in.

  91. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Here bonecrusher you wanna get all outraged over something? At least let your outrage be over something with substance.

    Death row inmate wins shot at another sentence

    The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholds a lower court’s ruling that instructions given to jurors didn’t provide a way for them to consider his disadvantaged background.

  92. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Here bonecrusher you wanna get all outraged over something? At least let your outrage be over something with substance.
    Death row inmate wins shot at another sentence

    The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholds a lower court’s ruling that instructions given to jurors didn’t provide a way for them to consider his disadvantaged background.

  93. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    38 Sarge,

    I doubt there was an NCO club in a remote base. The Army is not that much different than the Marines in terms of alcohol prohibition in the field.

    Well, I was talking more figuratvely than specifically. The fact that alcohol was found in his living quarters at an FOB speaks volumes.

    Of course, as you and I both know….Some Soldiers and Marines can be very creative thinkers when it comes to skirting official regulations.

    In my day, I have dealt out some serious “outside channels” NCO justice when dealing with alcohol and drug related problems in the field. A little fear was the best deterrant to unacceptable behavior.

    The fact that this guy was still on the payroll is stunning. The lower ranks have absolutely got to trust the higher ranked NCOs. It is the NCOs that really train the junior officers. I hope he is an outlier and not a symptom of a larger problem.

    Simple

    My personal direct experience was in the Army of the early 1970’s, and thats not a pretty picture. The joke of the time was that at any given moment 1/3 of the Army was high on drugs, 1/3 was high on booze, and the rest were asleep. An overstatement, but an apt description of the problem. The situation was largely due to poor Leadership fostered by a career advancement system designed by the Congresses and War Departments of the Truman and Eisenhower Adminstrations that assumed mere occupation of a given assignment conferred qualification. Thus we saw Captains sent to Viet Nam for a year spending 6 months as a Company Commander, then 6 months in a Staff position, and then promoted to Major upon ETS.

    Officers like Schwartzcopf and Powell were responsible for changing all that. As Junior Officers they saw the damage that did to the Army and made it their mission to hange things. They were very successful in that effort , the culmination of which was seen in Desert Storm.

    The fact that Bales hasn’t gotten beyond E6 is a testament to that.

  94. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    38 Sarge,
    I doubt there was an NCO club in a remote base. The Army is not that much different than the Marines in terms of alcohol prohibition in the field.

    Well, I was talking more figuratvely than specifically. The fact that alcohol was found in his living quarters at an FOB speaks volumes.

    Of course, as you and I both know….Some Soldiers and Marines can be very creative thinkers when it comes to skirting official regulations.
    In my day, I have dealt out some serious “outside channels” NCO justice when dealing with alcohol and drug related problems in the field. A little fear was the best deterrant to unacceptable behavior.
    The fact that this guy was still on the payroll is stunning. The lower ranks have absolutely got to trust the higher ranked NCOs. It is the NCOs that really train the junior officers. I hope he is an outlier and not a symptom of a larger problem.
    Simple

    My personal direct experience was in the Army of the early 1970’s, and thats not a pretty picture. The joke of the time was that at any given moment 1/3 of the Army was high on drugs, 1/3 was high on booze, and the rest were asleep. An overstatement, but an apt description of the problem. The situation was largely due to poor Leadership fostered by a career advancement system designed by the Congresses and War Departments of the Truman and Eisenhower Adminstrations that assumed mere occupation of a given assignment conferred qualification. Thus we saw Captains sent to Viet Nam for a year spending 6 months as a Company Commander, then 6 months in a Staff position, and then promoted to Major upon ETS.
    Officers like Schwartzcopf and Powell were responsible for changing all that. As Junior Officers they saw the damage that did to the Army and made it their mission to hange things. They were very successful in that effort , the culmination of which was seen in Desert Storm.
    The fact that Bales hasn’t gotten beyond E6 is a testament to that.

  95. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Roger McGowen was convicted in the March 1986 murder of 68-year-old Marion Pantzer during the attempted robbery of a bar in Houston. During the trial, a former friend of McGowen testified that the two of them had committed about 1,500 robberies over a two-and-a-half year period beginning of 1980.

  96. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Roger McGowen was convicted in the March 1986 murder of 68-year-old Marion Pantzer during the attempted robbery of a bar in Houston. During the trial, a former friend of McGowen testified that the two of them had committed about 1,500 robberies over a two-and-a-half year period beginning of 1980.

  97. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    According to the TOE of an Infantry Company in a Stryker Brigade, Bales would have been a Squad Leader.

  98. Sarge Avatar
    Sarge

    According to the TOE of an Infantry Company in a Stryker Brigade, Bales would have been a Squad Leader.

  99. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    7.9 rated earthquake in Mexico City.

  100. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    7.9 rated earthquake in Mexico City.

  101. timdenchanter Avatar
    timdenchanter

    It is still raining lightly at Castle Arrrrgh south of Katy. As of 0900 this morning, we have received a total of 21.92 inches of rain so far in 2011. The Willow Fork of Buffalo Bayou, which passes by our back door, has been flowing briskly for a few days now.

    It appears the burn ban in Fort Bend County has been lifted.

  102. timdenchanter Avatar
    timdenchanter

    It is still raining lightly at Castle Arrrrgh south of Katy. As of 0900 this morning, we have received a total of 21.92 inches of rain so far in 2011. The Willow Fork of Buffalo Bayou, which passes by our back door, has been flowing briskly for a few days now.
    It appears the burn ban in Fort Bend County has been lifted.

  103. Hamous Avatar
    Hamous

    #50:

    The United States Geological Survey reports that the quake’s epicenter was 11 miles underground and 115 miles from Acapulco, in the Oaxaca region, where President Obama’s 13-year-old daughter Malia is reportedly staying for spring break.

    The quakes “rip zone” was 57,000 feet underground. There is a lot of dissipation of energy from that depth to the surface, if it were only a couple miles deep instead of 11, the damage would be extensive.

  104. Bonecrusher Avatar
    Bonecrusher

    #50:

    The United States Geological Survey reports that the quake’s epicenter was 11 miles underground and 115 miles from Acapulco, in the Oaxaca region, where President Obama’s 13-year-old daughter Malia is reportedly staying for spring break.

    The quakes “rip zone” was 57,000 feet underground. There is a lot of dissipation of energy from that depth to the surface, if it were only a couple miles deep instead of 11, the damage would be extensive.

  105. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    #23 Tedtam. What a beautiful tribute to your brother-in-law, Rocky. May he rest in peace at last, and may Cathy gain comfort that her loving care and devotion made his end time more bearable. Blessings upon her and you for all you have done. He is safe in the Lord’s loving arms.

  106. Adee Avatar
    Adee

    #23 Tedtam. What a beautiful tribute to your brother-in-law, Rocky. May he rest in peace at last, and may Cathy gain comfort that her loving care and devotion made his end time more bearable. Blessings upon her and you for all you have done. He is safe in the Lord’s loving arms.

  107. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    crazy aunt

    May your brother in law rest in the peace of our Father’s arms.

  108. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    crazy aunt
    May your brother in law rest in the peace of our Father’s arms.

  109. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Thank you.

  110. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Thank you.

  111. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Space pr0n.

  112. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Space pr0n.

  113. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #56 WB

    Totally cool.

  114. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    #56 WB
    Totally cool.

  115. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Andy Andrews (How Do You Kill 11 Million People) on KSEV right now. You should listen.

  116. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Andy Andrews (How Do You Kill 11 Million People) on KSEV right now. You should listen.

  117. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    Two articles from the UH Daily Cougar writer David Haydon. I think the first is interesting, the second downright depressing. I thought most kids leaving H.S. could use Excel. Then again, this may help explain where all the junk that passes as statistics comes from.

    http://thedailycougar.com/2012/03/05/uh-student-walk-out-ignored/

    http://thedailycougar.com/2012/03/08/time-to-crunch-some-numbers/

  118. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    Two articles from the UH Daily Cougar writer David Haydon. I think the first is interesting, the second downright depressing. I thought most kids leaving H.S. could use Excel. Then again, this may help explain where all the junk that passes as statistics comes from.
    http://thedailycougar.com/2012/03/05/uh-student-walk-out-ignored/
    http://thedailycougar.com/2012/03/08/time-to-crunch-some-numbers/

  119. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    You won’t hear about it on NBC or Bill Maher, but there is a Nationwide Religious Freedom Rally this Friday at noon.

  120. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    You won’t hear about it on NBC or Bill Maher, but there is a Nationwide Religious Freedom Rally this Friday at noon.

  121. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    56 wb
    Nice.
    I forgot to breathe starting about a third of the way through.

  122. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    56 wb
    Nice.
    I forgot to breathe starting about a third of the way through.

  123. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    I upgraded my Linux distro. Looks like Open Office is morphing into Libre Office or Office Libre. Anyone tried this version? Looks slick on Mandriva. They have a Windows version but Open Office still offers a current package for that o.s..

  124. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    I upgraded my Linux distro. Looks like Open Office is morphing into Libre Office or Office Libre. Anyone tried this version? Looks slick on Mandriva. They have a Windows version but Open Office still offers a current package for that o.s..

  125. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    #56, ‘An Error Occurred’. Looks like Shannon crashed it, hope there were survivors. That, or like subscripts, only the hoity toity 1% of this blog are allowed to view the good stuff. Bourgeoisie pig.

  126. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    #56, ‘An Error Occurred’. Looks like Shannon crashed it, hope there were survivors. That, or like subscripts, only the hoity toity 1% of this blog are allowed to view the good stuff. Bourgeoisie pig.

  127. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    Being the benevolent sort, a real giver, and all-around nice guy that I am, here’s a link to the video in #56 for all you unwashed proles.

  128. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    Being the benevolent sort, a real giver, and all-around nice guy that I am, here’s a link to the video in #56 for all you unwashed proles.

  129. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Happened in FL, of course…

    No word on whether any charges will be filed.

    Yer kidding me, right? Charges must be filed.

  130. mharper42 Avatar
    mharper42

    Happened in FL, of course…

    No word on whether any charges will be filed.

    Yer kidding me, right? Charges must be filed.

  131. Katfish Avatar
    Katfish

    hater

  132. wagonburner Avatar
    wagonburner

    hater

  133. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    63
    “hoity toity 1%”

    I’ll have you know, sir, that I get a “cannot download video” message on at least 50% of the vids posted on this site. There is no rhyme or reason to the problem.

    I figure it is some youtube, iphone or “lying arse AT&T” problem
    and simply move on.

  134. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    63
    “hoity toity 1%”
    I’ll have you know, sir, that I get a “cannot download video” message on at least 50% of the vids posted on this site. There is no rhyme or reason to the problem.
    I figure it is some youtube, iphone or “lying arse AT&T” problem
    and simply move on.

  135. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    Hi Gang, just dropped in a scrolled pretty fast through the comments and missed a lot, but Tedtam our prayers are with your sister and your family, from your reports, I’d guess that everyone is relieved that his long ordeal is over. May he be welcomed into his father’s arms, it’s been a long tough hall for him,….and his family. God Bless.

  136. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    Hi Gang, just dropped in a scrolled pretty fast through the comments and missed a lot, but Tedtam our prayers are with your sister and your family, from your reports, I’d guess that everyone is relieved that his long ordeal is over. May he be welcomed into his father’s arms, it’s been a long tough hall for him,….and his family. God Bless.

  137. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    #40 KatFish, Dang Dammit, I’m not a MITTEN’s fan BUTT he knocked it outta’ the park, the best “sound-bite” for an ad that I’ve ever seen! Michael Barry played this about 5 times today! 😀

  138. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    #40 KatFish, Dang Dammit, I’m not a MITTEN’s fan BUTT he knocked it outta’ the park, the best “sound-bite” for an ad that I’ve ever seen! Michael Barry played this about 5 times today! 😀

  139. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    #67, Typical of the nouveau bourgeois, deny you are one of them. We know you are dining with them and holding your pinky aloft when sampling vintage Dom Pigeon.

    If I had watched that video years ago, under various influences, I’d be laying on the floor with my eyes spinning for some time. Now, pretty cool stuff.

  140. gtotracker Avatar
    gtotracker

    #67, Typical of the nouveau bourgeois, deny you are one of them. We know you are dining with them and holding your pinky aloft when sampling vintage Dom Pigeon.
    If I had watched that video years ago, under various influences, I’d be laying on the floor with my eyes spinning for some time. Now, pretty cool stuff.

  141. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    I have been blessed to see many wonders of nature. This is the first time I have ever seen an eagle do this.

  142. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    I have been blessed to see many wonders of nature. This is the first time I have ever seen an eagle do this.

  143. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #56 Shame that program and all the Americans behind it got cancelled.

  144. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #56 Shame that program and all the Americans behind it got cancelled.

  145. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    OK it’s the first day of spring and my Bride is off to a “Hen-Party” and I’m stuck here with small back-up-dawg and Lil” Bit, (the totally psychotic Russian Greyhound) and we’ve had a good time playing ball. I wish that I had a video camera to film these two gals, they are soo
    jealous of each other, they constantly fight for my attention.
    Yup life is good! 😀

  146. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    OK it’s the first day of spring and my Bride is off to a “Hen-Party” and I’m stuck here with small back-up-dawg and Lil” Bit, (the totally psychotic Russian Greyhound) and we’ve had a good time playing ball. I wish that I had a video camera to film these two gals, they are soo
    jealous of each other, they constantly fight for my attention.
    Yup life is good! 😀

  147. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    If one performs science based upon Pagan beliefs does that make that specific practice of science malignant?

  148. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    If one performs science based upon Pagan beliefs does that make that specific practice of science malignant?

  149. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    The band members at Southern Miss who shouted a racist chant have had their scholarships revoked.

    Five members of the University of Southern Mississippi pep band have had their scholarships revoked and have been removed from the band after they yelled a derogatory chant at a Puerto Rican player during an NCAA basketball tournament game last week.

    They are college kids, give them 50 hours of charity work or something. Revoking their scholarships, to me, seems a bit draconian.
    The only band that will hire them now is Ted Nugent.

  150. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    The band members at Southern Miss who shouted a racist chant have had their scholarships revoked.

    Five members of the University of Southern Mississippi pep band have had their scholarships revoked and have been removed from the band after they yelled a derogatory chant at a Puerto Rican player during an NCAA basketball tournament game last week.

    They are college kids, give them 50 hours of charity work or something. Revoking their scholarships, to me, seems a bit draconian.
    The only band that will hire them now is Ted Nugent.

  151. texanadian Avatar
    texanadian

    #17 Squawkster, DAYAAM I’m guessin’ that whatever he was picking up was too heavy so grabbed it and swam to the bank. Neato

  152. Super Dave Avatar
    Super Dave

    #17 Squawkster, DAYAAM I’m guessin’ that whatever he was picking up was too heavy so grabbed it and swam to the bank. Neato

  153. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #73 Super Dave

    My Aunt had a couple Russian Wolfhounds (Borzoi) she obtained from the rescue society in Las Vegas. They are trained as show dogs and those that don’t pass muster end up at the rescue society. Extremely clever dogs, bred with long snouts to reach through thick wolf coats. On Boris the snout was so long he could not drink out of a shallow pan of water but would have to plunge his snout into deep pans of water or the pool to reach the water with his tongue.
    Also total cowards without much territorial instinct.

  154. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #73 Super Dave
    My Aunt had a couple Russian Wolfhounds (Borzoi) she obtained from the rescue society in Las Vegas. They are trained as show dogs and those that don’t pass muster end up at the rescue society. Extremely clever dogs, bred with long snouts to reach through thick wolf coats. On Boris the snout was so long he could not drink out of a shallow pan of water but would have to plunge his snout into deep pans of water or the pool to reach the water with his tongue.
    Also total cowards without much territorial instinct.

  155. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Father’s Day is coming

    Hammacher Schlemmer’s $100,000 Killer Whale Submarine can breach from the water, just like a real whale.

  156. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Father’s Day is coming

    Hammacher Schlemmer’s $100,000 Killer Whale Submarine can breach from the water, just like a real whale.

  157. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Marmageddon!

    New Zealand has run out of Marmite four months after the only factory making the country’s version of the product was forced to shut.

    The joke is that Marmot poop has a better taste.

  158. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Marmageddon!

    New Zealand has run out of Marmite four months after the only factory making the country’s version of the product was forced to shut.

    The joke is that Marmot poop has a better taste.

  159. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    I love to see writers inject humor into dry scientific papers.

    Horny VIKING MICE raped and pillaged Euro pipsqueaks
    Tiny raiders revelled in 10th century rampages

    Virile Norse mice rampaged through Scotland, Ireland and Iceland impregnating locals and mixing their Viking mouse genes in the native rodent populations, according to research published by the BMC Evolutionary Biology journal.

    Check out the “Artist’s impression of a Viking mouse in an ill-fitting helmet”

  160. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    I love to see writers inject humor into dry scientific papers.

    Horny VIKING MICE raped and pillaged Euro pipsqueaks
    Tiny raiders revelled in 10th century rampages
    Virile Norse mice rampaged through Scotland, Ireland and Iceland impregnating locals and mixing their Viking mouse genes in the native rodent populations, according to research published by the BMC Evolutionary Biology journal.

    Check out the “Artist’s impression of a Viking mouse in an ill-fitting helmet”

  161. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Why do I suspect a government grant somewhere at the bottom of this?

    US researchers have concluded that there’s little evidence to support the existence of the legendary Gräfenberg Spot

  162. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Why do I suspect a government grant somewhere at the bottom of this?

    US researchers have concluded that there’s little evidence to support the existence of the legendary Gräfenberg Spot

  163. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Why do I suspect a government grant theft from taxpayers somewhere at the bottom of this?

    effeyeeffwhy 😉

  164. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Why do I suspect a government grant theft from taxpayers somewhere at the bottom of this?

    effeyeeffwhy 😉

  165. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    effeyeeffwhy

    effeyeeffewe worked for me. 😉

  166. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    effeyeeffwhy

    effeyeeffewe worked for me. 😉

  167. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    I thought suspects were actual persons, not unknowns.

    Suspect firebombs FW office of state lawmaker
    Police are trying to identify the man who entered the West 7th office of State Sen. Wendy Davis Tuesday afternoon and threw two firebombs just outside the door.

  168. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    I thought suspects were actual persons, not unknowns.

    Suspect firebombs FW office of state lawmaker
    Police are trying to identify the man who entered the West 7th office of State Sen. Wendy Davis Tuesday afternoon and threw two firebombs just outside the door.

  169. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Rush is having a sweepstakes! And you don’t even have to listen!

    Rush Limbaugh’s Daily Giveaway Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) begins at 12:00:01am Eastern Time (“ET”) on March 20, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59pm ET on March 24, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). All entries must be received during the Promotion Period. The Sponsor’s computer is the official time keeping device for this Sweepstakes. During the Promotion Period, there will be six (6) daily selection periods as set forth in Section #4 below (each, a “Daily Selection Period”).

    I have never seen so many rules, this must be one of his satires.
    And guess where any issues will be decided?

    JURISDICTION: By entering, participants agree that all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, participant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of State of Texas without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules. By entering, participants consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal, state, and local courts located in Bexar County, Texas.

  170. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Rush is having a sweepstakes! And you don’t even have to listen!

    Rush Limbaugh’s Daily Giveaway Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) begins at 12:00:01am Eastern Time (“ET”) on March 20, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59pm ET on March 24, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). All entries must be received during the Promotion Period. The Sponsor’s computer is the official time keeping device for this Sweepstakes. During the Promotion Period, there will be six (6) daily selection periods as set forth in Section #4 below (each, a “Daily Selection Period”).

    I have never seen so many rules, this must be one of his satires.
    And guess where any issues will be decided?

    JURISDICTION: By entering, participants agree that all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, participant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of State of Texas without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules. By entering, participants consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the federal, state, and local courts located in Bexar County, Texas.

  171. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Provo, Utah (CBSDC) – Jon McNaughton, a controversial artist who often mixes religion and politics in his work, has released a new painting.

    In “One Nation Under Socialism,” President Obama holds the U.S. Constitution as it burns.

    I’m not at awe with the depth and details of this painting as I was with the “The Forgotten Man”, it still sends a message which I think needs to be sent.

    Controversial Painter Depicts Obama With Burning Constitution

  172. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Provo, Utah (CBSDC) – Jon McNaughton, a controversial artist who often mixes religion and politics in his work, has released a new painting.
    In “One Nation Under Socialism,” President Obama holds the U.S. Constitution as it burns.

    I’m not at awe with the depth and details of this painting as I was with the “The Forgotten Man”, it still sends a message which I think needs to be sent.
    Controversial Painter Depicts Obama With Burning Constitution

  173. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    A couple of weeks ago when I called to rally behind Romney (he’s definitely gonna be the nominee now), this is not what I had in mind:

    In the Loop: How can Romney make Ron Paul fans his buds? Back pot legalization.

  174. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    A couple of weeks ago when I called to rally behind Romney (he’s definitely gonna be the nominee now), this is not what I had in mind:
    In the Loop: How can Romney make Ron Paul fans his buds? Back pot legalization.

  175. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Controversial Painter Depicts Obama With Burning Constitution

    I can understand the controversy, particularly among those who believe that Jesus Christ wrote and delivered the Constitution.
    But he does have divine penmanship.

  176. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Controversial Painter Depicts Obama With Burning Constitution

    I can understand the controversy, particularly among those who believe that Jesus Christ wrote and delivered the Constitution.
    But he does have divine penmanship.

  177. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #87 Darwood

    I understand that Pat Robertson is also endoring legalization.

    He’s changing the name of the 700 Club to the 420 Club.

  178. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #87 Darwood
    I understand that Pat Robertson is also endoring legalization.
    He’s changing the name of the 700 Club to the 420 Club.

  179. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    Leftwing prima donna runs screaming and crying through Union Station bookstore in DC:

    David Corn Has Showdown in Barnes & Noble
    By Betsy Rothstein on March 20, 2012 10:45 AM

    MSNBC Contributor and Mother Jones’ Washington Bureau Chief David Corn apparently got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

    He was spotted in the Barnes & Noble at Union Station throwing a fit because his new book — his fifth — fitting called Showdown: The Inside Story of How Obama Fought Back Against Boehner, Cantor, and the Tea Party out today didn’t have its own display. He was overheard yelling at the manager that “every paper in America” was going to be talking about his book today and yet nobody could find it there.

    The manager explained that corporate tells him what books get displays and that the order did not call for that. Corn maintained that the bookstore wasn’t well run and stormed out in a huff.

    “It was a scene,” our spy tells us.

    chortle…

  180. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    Leftwing prima donna runs screaming and crying through Union Station bookstore in DC:

    David Corn Has Showdown in Barnes & Noble
    By Betsy Rothstein on March 20, 2012 10:45 AM
    MSNBC Contributor and Mother Jones’ Washington Bureau Chief David Corn apparently got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
    He was spotted in the Barnes & Noble at Union Station throwing a fit because his new book — his fifth — fitting called Showdown: The Inside Story of How Obama Fought Back Against Boehner, Cantor, and the Tea Party out today didn’t have its own display. He was overheard yelling at the manager that “every paper in America” was going to be talking about his book today and yet nobody could find it there.
    The manager explained that corporate tells him what books get displays and that the order did not call for that. Corn maintained that the bookstore wasn’t well run and stormed out in a huff.
    “It was a scene,” our spy tells us.

    chortle…

  181. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Mark Levin’s Landmark Legal Foundation has issued a legal complaint to investigate the 29 Wisconsin judges that signed a recall petition regarding Scott Walker and says they shouldn’t have been able to do that because there is a conflict of interest.

  182. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Mark Levin’s Landmark Legal Foundation has issued a legal complaint to investigate the 29 Wisconsin judges that signed a recall petition regarding Scott Walker and says they shouldn’t have been able to do that because there is a conflict of interest.

  183. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Some guy named Thomas Sowell just eviscerates Romney.

    It is truer in this election than in most that “it takes a candidate to beat a candidate.”
    And that candidate has to offer both himself and his vision. Massive ad campaigns against rivals is not a vision.

    And just in case you miss one of Mr. Sowell’s more poignant observations:

    How does anyone ever defeat a sitting president then? They do it because they have a message that rings and resonates. The last Republican to defeat a sitting president was Ronald Reagan. He was the only Republican to do so in the 20th century.

    He didn’t do it with polls. At one point during the 1980 campaign, President Jimmy Carter led Ronald Reagan 58 percent to 40 percent in the polls. So much for the polls that so many are relying on so heavily today.

    The question is not which Republican looks better against Barack Obama in the polls today, before the general-election campaign begins. The question is which Republican can take the fight to Barack Obama, as Reagan took the fight to Carter, and win the poll that ultimately matters, the vote on Election Day.

  184. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Some guy named Thomas Sowell just eviscerates Romney.

    It is truer in this election than in most that “it takes a candidate to beat a candidate.”
    And that candidate has to offer both himself and his vision. Massive ad campaigns against rivals is not a vision.

    And just in case you miss one of Mr. Sowell’s more poignant observations:

    How does anyone ever defeat a sitting president then? They do it because they have a message that rings and resonates. The last Republican to defeat a sitting president was Ronald Reagan. He was the only Republican to do so in the 20th century.
    He didn’t do it with polls. At one point during the 1980 campaign, President Jimmy Carter led Ronald Reagan 58 percent to 40 percent in the polls. So much for the polls that so many are relying on so heavily today.
    The question is not which Republican looks better against Barack Obama in the polls today, before the general-election campaign begins. The question is which Republican can take the fight to Barack Obama, as Reagan took the fight to Carter, and win the poll that ultimately matters, the vote on Election Day.

  185. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Jim Alexander, executlve director of the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which governs judicial conduct, said the code makes no specific reference to recall petitions. He said a “handful” of judges around the state contacted him for advice over the propriety of signing the recall.
    Alexander declined to say what advce he gave judges, but Monroe County Judge J. David Rice said he was told signing the recall was OK.

    So an out of state lawyer says it’s not OK , and the Wisconsin Judicial Commission says it’s OK. Who could possibly prevail in a Wisconsin Court?

  186. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Jim Alexander, executlve director of the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which governs judicial conduct, said the code makes no specific reference to recall petitions. He said a “handful” of judges around the state contacted him for advice over the propriety of signing the recall.
    Alexander declined to say what advce he gave judges, but Monroe County Judge J. David Rice said he was told signing the recall was OK.

    So an out of state lawyer says it’s not OK , and the Wisconsin Judicial Commission says it’s OK. Who could possibly prevail in a Wisconsin Court?

  187. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Three cheers for Corn! His book is now displayed at the front of the store, as it is supposed to be, he noted. He still discounts the version our spy told us, saying, “I did not yell at the manager. As the author of several books, I know better than to shout at the people who sell my books. He even asked me to return to sign books–which I will gladly do.”

    I will admit, the temper tantrum reported by an unnamed source does make for a better story though.

  188. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    Three cheers for Corn! His book is now displayed at the front of the store, as it is supposed to be, he noted. He still discounts the version our spy told us, saying, “I did not yell at the manager. As the author of several books, I know better than to shout at the people who sell my books. He even asked me to return to sign books–which I will gladly do.”

    I will admit, the temper tantrum reported by an unnamed source does make for a better story though.

  189. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    The code makes no specific reference to beating their wives either I noticed.

  190. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    The code makes no specific reference to beating their wives either I noticed.

  191. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    It’s not actually a code as such, more like a guideline

  192. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    It’s not actually a code as such, more like a guideline

  193. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    That’s funny a black, Marxist, high school drop out giving advice to Mitt Romney.

    James Carrville was unavailable? 😉

  194. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    That’s funny a black, Marxist, high school drop out giving advice to Mitt Romney.
    James Carrville was unavailable? 😉

  195. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    #93

    Oh I forgot the obligatory, you got a link? 😛

  196. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    #93
    Oh I forgot the obligatory, you got a link? 😛

  197. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #98
    LOL 😉

  198. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #98
    LOL 😉

  199. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    more like a guideline

    The Preamble to the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 60.

    Take it up with them, it’s what they call it.

    hunnerd

  200. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    more like a guideline

    The Preamble to the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct, Supreme Court Rule (SCR) Chapter 60.

    Take it up with them, it’s what they call it.
    hunnerd

  201. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Google is your friend 😉

  202. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Google is your friend 😉

  203. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    The Commission that interprets the rule said it was OK. Levin has no case and he knows it.

    The state’s Code of Judicial Conduct says judges cannot “participate in the affairs, caucuses, partisan office.” The code, which is part of state statute, also bars judges from being a member of a political party, endorsing candidates or soliciting funds for political parties. It contains general admonitions to avoid “the appearance of impropriety in all of the judge’s activities.”

  204. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    The Commission that interprets the rule said it was OK. Levin has no case and he knows it.

    The state’s Code of Judicial Conduct says judges cannot “participate in the affairs, caucuses, partisan office.” The code, which is part of state statute, also bars judges from being a member of a political party, endorsing candidates or soliciting funds for political parties. It contains general admonitions to avoid “the appearance of impropriety in all of the judge’s activities.”

  205. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Levin has no case and he knows it.

    Well it’s not actually a case, it’s an allegation – a request for investigation.

    /Hey this is fun, no wonder you do it.

  206. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Levin has no case and he knows it.

    Well it’s not actually a case, it’s an allegation – a request for investigation.
    /Hey this is fun, no wonder you do it.

  207. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    😉 It’s not my fault that fish insist on swimming to the top of the barrel 😉

    Say good night Gracie.

  208. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    😉 It’s not my fault that fish insist on swimming to the top of the barrel 😉
    Say good night Gracie.

  209. Dooood Avatar
    Dooood

    #103 GJT

    So if there is no little specifically lettered rule prohibiting judges from participating in public partisan political disputes, it’s just jolly good fun.

    Judicial ethics and moral probity be damned…but then that’s the way it always is with Democrats.

    Has Stanley Fish provided cultural cover for this Leftist corruption in the NY Times yet ? Surely forthcoming this week.

  210. Texpat Avatar
    Texpat

    #103 GJT
    So if there is no little specifically lettered rule prohibiting judges from participating in public partisan political disputes, it’s just jolly good fun.
    Judicial ethics and moral probity be damned…but then that’s the way it always is with Democrats.
    Has Stanley Fish provided cultural cover for this Leftist corruption in the NY Times yet ? Surely forthcoming this week.

  211. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Sarge – here’s another one for you.

  212. Tedtam Avatar
    Tedtam

    Sarge – here’s another one for you.

  213. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    It’s not the main story which captivated me, it’s the secondary story on video at the bottom of the link which I paid most attention to. It’s about New York City banning UFC fights because of its violence but they do allow boxing. The video correctly points out that boxing is far more prejudicial to the participant’s well-being than are UFC events. That’s because rules in boxing are far more restrictive than they are in UFC fights.

    Boxing, for example, directs the fighters to deliver blow after blow after blow to their opponent’s head. Long-term damage is almost inevitable. In UFC fights, the participants are much more free to use various defensive and offensive techniques which involve minimal hitting (see video below). Furthermore, after UFC got regulated (it was almost anarchy when it debuted), much better safeguards were put into place to stop fights as soon as the referee sees indication of trauma whereas in boxing, if the refferee doesn’t make the count to ten, the loosing person gets more and more punches to the head until he gets knocked out or lays down until the referee counts to ten (the referee can call the match but this is far more rare than in UFC).

    A small lesson in this is that it is better to allow people to freely excersice their decisions with safeguards to prevent harmful, even fatal, results from becoming reality than in restricting people’s freedoms in the first place (for their own good, of course). The reasl message, however, is the power of unions. Financial interests in Las Vegas have resuilted in New York politicians banning UFC in their state. The video is presented by Steven Crowder who’s always entertaining.

    Reason TV: Challenging CA open-carry ban

    See HERE the advantages of grappling over mere punching and kicking. Who’s using more engergy to win the fight and thus exhausting himself far quicker?

    WARNING: The fight linked above can be graphic for some though overall it’s pretty passive.

  214. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    It’s not the main story which captivated me, it’s the secondary story on video at the bottom of the link which I paid most attention to. It’s about New York City banning UFC fights because of its violence but they do allow boxing. The video correctly points out that boxing is far more prejudicial to the participant’s well-being than are UFC events. That’s because rules in boxing are far more restrictive than they are in UFC fights.
    Boxing, for example, directs the fighters to deliver blow after blow after blow to their opponent’s head. Long-term damage is almost inevitable. In UFC fights, the participants are much more free to use various defensive and offensive techniques which involve minimal hitting (see video below). Furthermore, after UFC got regulated (it was almost anarchy when it debuted), much better safeguards were put into place to stop fights as soon as the referee sees indication of trauma whereas in boxing, if the refferee doesn’t make the count to ten, the loosing person gets more and more punches to the head until he gets knocked out or lays down until the referee counts to ten (the referee can call the match but this is far more rare than in UFC).
    A small lesson in this is that it is better to allow people to freely excersice their decisions with safeguards to prevent harmful, even fatal, results from becoming reality than in restricting people’s freedoms in the first place (for their own good, of course). The reasl message, however, is the power of unions. Financial interests in Las Vegas have resuilted in New York politicians banning UFC in their state. The video is presented by Steven Crowder who’s always entertaining.
    Reason TV: Challenging CA open-carry ban
    See HERE the advantages of grappling over mere punching and kicking. Who’s using more engergy to win the fight and thus exhausting himself far quicker?
    WARNING: The fight linked above can be graphic for some though overall it’s pretty passive.

  215. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Re my 101
    of course I was kiddin with you guys. one time on Facebook I got into a urinating contest with a couple of people because when this character asked for a link on what was clearly my opinion I replied with Google is your friend. You’d uh thunk I did a nasty in his Birtday cake.

    That opened up all out war between me and more than few people. Heh I do not back down. When all was said and done I got defriended by six people and totally blocked from some others I lurked on.

    That is one of the oldest troll tricks in the world, asking for links. It is always fun to send people on snipe hunts and then never read their links.

  216. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Re my 101
    of course I was kiddin with you guys. one time on Facebook I got into a urinating contest with a couple of people because when this character asked for a link on what was clearly my opinion I replied with Google is your friend. You’d uh thunk I did a nasty in his Birtday cake.
    That opened up all out war between me and more than few people. Heh I do not back down. When all was said and done I got defriended by six people and totally blocked from some others I lurked on.
    That is one of the oldest troll tricks in the world, asking for links. It is always fun to send people on snipe hunts and then never read their links.

  217. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    So if there is no little specifically lettered rule prohibiting judges from participating in public partisan political disputes, it’s just jolly good fun.

    Well it is Wisconsin. But if there was any question the Democrats could ask the Wisconsin Judicial Commission:

    Jim Alexander, executive director of the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which governs judicial conduct, said the code makes no specific reference to recall petitions. He said a “handful” of judges around the state contacted him for advice over the propriety of signing the recall.
    Alexander declined to say what advce he gave judges, but Monroe County Judge J. David Rice said he was told signing the recall was OK.

    Republicans, of course, would call a Virginia lawyer.

  218. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    So if there is no little specifically lettered rule prohibiting judges from participating in public partisan political disputes, it’s just jolly good fun.

    Well it is Wisconsin. But if there was any question the Democrats could ask the Wisconsin Judicial Commission:

    Jim Alexander, executive director of the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which governs judicial conduct, said the code makes no specific reference to recall petitions. He said a “handful” of judges around the state contacted him for advice over the propriety of signing the recall.
    Alexander declined to say what advce he gave judges, but Monroe County Judge J. David Rice said he was told signing the recall was OK.

    Republicans, of course, would call a Virginia lawyer.

  219. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Shamaal #89;

    LOL!

    #88;

    Eh, leave him alone. He’s a Mormon, what do they know? (Read the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th hits)

  220. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Shamaal #89;
    LOL!
    #88;
    Eh, leave him alone. He’s a Mormon, what do they know? (Read the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th hits)

  221. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Squawk #92;

    What does Thomas Sowell know? Has he ever worked in the private sector? 😉

  222. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Squawk #92;
    What does Thomas Sowell know? Has he ever worked in the private sector? 😉

  223. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    nevermind, self deleted

  224. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    nevermind, self deleted

  225. bweldon Avatar
    bweldon

    Either hammie’s couch hates my iPad or my iPad hates the couch so I will bid y’all a fond fare the well and goodnight.

    but first
    What does Romney and Obama have in common?
    .
    .
    .
    Neither one can run on their record.

  226. squawkbox Avatar
    squawkbox

    Either hammie’s couch hates my iPad or my iPad hates the couch so I will bid y’all a fond fare the well and goodnight.
    but first
    What does Romney and Obama have in common?
    .
    .
    .
    Neither one can run on their record.

  227. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    Rmoney can run on his record, he’s been on the right side of every issue, no matter who he’s talking to.

  228. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    Rmoney can run on his record, he’s been on the right side of every issue, no matter who he’s talking to.

  229. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    TT #106;

    The first two pics make me think of sleeping in a cocoon.

    /Not that I’ve…ever slept in a cocoon before.

  230. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    TT #106;
    The first two pics make me think of sleeping in a cocoon.
    /Not that I’ve…ever slept in a cocoon before.

  231. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #112 GJT

    Ha! Judge David Rice signed the recall petition too!

    Of course he signed it! Why else would he ask for an opinion before he signed it?

  232. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #112 GJT

    Ha! Judge David Rice signed the recall petition too!

    Of course he signed it! Why else would he ask for an opinion before he signed it?

  233. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    What does Romney and Obama have in common?
    .
    .
    .
    Neither one can run on their record.

    Dang, I was going to say, “they both won the Illinois primaries”.

  234. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    What does Romney and Obama have in common?
    .
    .
    .
    Neither one can run on their record.

    Dang, I was going to say, “they both won the Illinois primaries”.

  235. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    GJT #112;

    With all due seriousness, Romney does need to put forth a message which resonates.

  236. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    GJT #112;
    With all due seriousness, Romney does need to put forth a message which resonates.

  237. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #110 Darren

    You got me there.
    I truly had no idea what his religion was, now of course, it’s obvious.

  238. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    #110 Darren
    You got me there.
    I truly had no idea what his religion was, now of course, it’s obvious.

  239. Southern Tragedy Avatar
    Southern Tragedy

    #116

    I got the names out of order, too quick on the draw. Not been a problem since my teenage years.

  240. GJT Avatar
    GJT

    #116
    I got the names out of order, too quick on the draw. Not been a problem since my teenage years.

  241. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    🙂

    I too, must take my leave of Hamistan.

    Ciao!

  242. shamaal Avatar
    shamaal

    🙂
    I too, must take my leave of Hamistan.
    Ciao!

  243. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Shamaal;

    I truly had no idea what his religion was, now of course, it’s obvious.

    Of course.

    This may also not surprise you, it didn’t for me given McNaughton’s libertarian rhetoric:

    Renee’ asked me the following question:

    “I know this is personal, but curious if you would answer. Do you have a candidate in mind to vote for? I am very confused about my decision of who to vote for. Just like last time, I find myself looking at the people running for office, and I am tormented to make the right choice. Would respect your input!!”

    My response:

    Renee’,

    Ron Paul is the most constitutional, (which I really like) but the least political. Some may say that is an asset, but I’m afraid he would have a difficult time getting things done with all the obstacles he would face in Washington.

    Each of the other candidates have something of value and something that makes me doubt. I keep having debates with my son about voting for Ron Paul. We talk about the issues of Iran, abortion, illegal immigration. If I lined up each candidate based on how they meet my personal ideals, Paul is first. But then there is the argument: is the goal to vote based on ideals or to vote to “remove” Obama and begin the process of reviving our country? I think Paul may only get the strongly conservative voters.

    When all is said and done, I will vote based on my conscious.

    http://blog.mcnaughtonart.com/2012/01/who-do-you-vote-for.html

    I still think “The Forgotten Man”‘s an absolute classic.

  244. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    Shamaal;

    I truly had no idea what his religion was, now of course, it’s obvious.

    Of course.
    This may also not surprise you, it didn’t for me given McNaughton’s libertarian rhetoric:

    Renee’ asked me the following question:
    “I know this is personal, but curious if you would answer. Do you have a candidate in mind to vote for? I am very confused about my decision of who to vote for. Just like last time, I find myself looking at the people running for office, and I am tormented to make the right choice. Would respect your input!!”
    My response:
    Renee’,
    Ron Paul is the most constitutional, (which I really like) but the least political. Some may say that is an asset, but I’m afraid he would have a difficult time getting things done with all the obstacles he would face in Washington.
    Each of the other candidates have something of value and something that makes me doubt. I keep having debates with my son about voting for Ron Paul. We talk about the issues of Iran, abortion, illegal immigration. If I lined up each candidate based on how they meet my personal ideals, Paul is first. But then there is the argument: is the goal to vote based on ideals or to vote to “remove” Obama and begin the process of reviving our country? I think Paul may only get the strongly conservative voters.
    When all is said and done, I will vote based on my conscious.

    http://blog.mcnaughtonart.com/2012/01/who-do-you-vote-for.html
    I still think “The Forgotten Man”‘s an absolute classic.

  245. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    (bold mine):

    The State Department announced on Tuesday that it would exempt 10 European countries and Japan from penalties for doing business with Iran’s central bank, because those countries are making significant progress toward weaning themselves off of Iranian oil.

    Probably because they allow themselves to drill a whole lot more than we do.

    State Department exempts 11 countries from Iran sanctions

  246. Darren Avatar
    Darren

    (bold mine):

    The State Department announced on Tuesday that it would exempt 10 European countries and Japan from penalties for doing business with Iran’s central bank, because those countries are making significant progress toward weaning themselves off of Iranian oil.

    Probably because they allow themselves to drill a whole lot more than we do.
    State Department exempts 11 countries from Iran sanctions

  247. LurkerGoneWild Avatar
    LurkerGoneWild

    (sticks head out of LurkCave, sees sprouting grass, wildflowers, and LEAVES on trees! Hooray!)

    Howdy Hamsterousians! A beautiful sight, all this green stuff. Keeping an eye on the river gauge which will peg at a very high level Saturday/Sunday. Meaning, all the critters will be fleeing to higher ground and end up in the CaveYard.

    Saw a post regarding water filter questions. First, test your water to see what’s in it. You can get the $25 version at the Home D or spring for a more detailed one for about $100+ from several local testing companies. Then you will have a better idea which system to choose. Some filters WILL NOT remove certain contaminants from your water, even though they make it taste better. Well water has different contaminants than city water, so be very careful not to think that country water is “pure” … remember what cows do?! 😀

    I have gotten good technical answers from Aquasana.com , they are very willing to provide detailed system info to you. Will consider purchasing from them when the $ is more available.

    For now, I use a countertop distiller for drinking/cooking water. Ya can’t get any purer than distilled. It is condensed steam — some contaminents vaporize and all the other junk stays in the heating container.

    I remineralize it to add back trace minerals required for optimal health. Use “real” sea salt dissolved in a small bottle of said distilled water until the salt crystals no longer dissolve, meaning the water is saturated. Then use about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon per gallon and drink up!

    It even makes those adult beverages taste better!

    (retreats back into LurkCave, contemplating the adult beverage of the evening…)

  248. LurkerGoneWild Avatar
    LurkerGoneWild

    (sticks head out of LurkCave, sees sprouting grass, wildflowers, and LEAVES on trees! Hooray!)
    Howdy Hamsterousians! A beautiful sight, all this green stuff. Keeping an eye on the river gauge which will peg at a very high level Saturday/Sunday. Meaning, all the critters will be fleeing to higher ground and end up in the CaveYard.
    Saw a post regarding water filter questions. First, test your water to see what’s in it. You can get the $25 version at the Home D or spring for a more detailed one for about $100+ from several local testing companies. Then you will have a better idea which system to choose. Some filters WILL NOT remove certain contaminants from your water, even though they make it taste better. Well water has different contaminants than city water, so be very careful not to think that country water is “pure” … remember what cows do?! 😀
    I have gotten good technical answers from Aquasana.com , they are very willing to provide detailed system info to you. Will consider purchasing from them when the $ is more available.
    For now, I use a countertop distiller for drinking/cooking water. Ya can’t get any purer than distilled. It is condensed steam — some contaminents vaporize and all the other junk stays in the heating container.
    I remineralize it to add back trace minerals required for optimal health. Use “real” sea salt dissolved in a small bottle of said distilled water until the salt crystals no longer dissolve, meaning the water is saturated. Then use about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon per gallon and drink up!
    It even makes those adult beverages taste better!
    (retreats back into LurkCave, contemplating the adult beverage of the evening…)

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