There was a streaker during the men's curling bronze medal match today at the Winter Olympics.
A man wearing what appeared to be a strategically placed rubber chicken ran onto one of the covered sheets of ice not being used in the arena. He danced around for a bit but never tried to approach any of the players.
A couple of security officials from the venue hovered near the streaker for several seconds before finally covering him and leading him away.
I guess it's a variation on "dog bites man." Sorta.
Bridal Registry is at Petsmart, PetCo, and the PuppyShop
NEW DELHI -- A 7-year-old girl wed a stray dog He was a Stray? So it was a Forced Marriage I take it.
as part of a ritual to ward off the "evil eye" on her and her family in eastern India, a news agency reported Wednesday. How romantic, I bet they both love Frisbee and long walks in the park.
Shivam Munda's upper teeth appeared before her lower teeth - considered a bad omen by members of the Santhal ethnic group to which she belongs, the Press Trust of India said in a report from Dhanbad, a coal mining town in the eastern state of Bihar. Ironically in US coal mining towns its believed to be a good omen because corn on the cob is considered a delicacy.
Kundan Munda, a coal mine worker, said his daughter Shes a coal miners daughter I tells ya
married the dog only to "remove the evil eye," a superstitious belief that some misfortune could befall her and the family, and that she would be free to marry a man later. Of course finding a man thats OK with a previous inter-species marriage might be tricky.
Friends and family participated in three days of traditional ceremonies and festivities that are part of a Santhal tribal marriage, Munda said, according to the report. The proud groom couldnt be reached for comment but it was reported that he was eating breath mints and had his nails clipped in anticipation of the honeymoon.
#2
I thought someone had posted a similar story here sometime last year. So I Googled "India Girl dog wed" and found stories on other such weddings. Apparently these interspecies marriages will break spells and ward off tigers, etc as well as evil eyes. I haven't tried Googling "boy wed sheep goat" yet ....
#5
Shivam Munda-Phydeaux says that her new husband Sparky will have to be a courteous husband, and learn to hold doors for her, and let her walk first. Also, no more peeing on fire hydrants. This reflects poorly on her, she said.
...and, nope, it wasn't a finger MCKEESPORT: Authorities are now investigating a strange incident in McKeesport. Someone brought a severed male body part to a Get-Go to heat up in the microwave, and now police are trying to find the culprit. Calling all cars...calling all cars. Be on the lookout for a steaming johnson...
McKeesport Police say a man walked into the store, located on Fifth Avenue, and asked the clerk to use the microwave oven. After the clerk noticed a strange smell coming from the microwave, she told police she opened the door and discovered human male genitalia wrapped in a paper towel cooking inside. Hey, buddy, you gonna want mustard on this?
McKeesport police told KDKA the man fled with the severed body part after she made the discovery. She then called the police. Gimmee that! That's mine!!!
Some people were shocked at the news. Ya think?
I mean what can you say. Hopefully, theyre looking for the person who it belongs to, said Sandy Furman of McKeesport. I mean, like, he might be wanting it back...
One man told KDKA he wasnt surprised by what happened. Why? Does this happens a lot around McKeesport?
"I think that's the one they ought to look for - the one who may be hurt," said Denny Adler, of McKeesport. "It's shocking that I'm not (surprised). It's just the nature of the beast." Denny Adler: The Sage of McKeesport.
Authorities are now trying to find the man who fled the store. I see some overtime for CSI:McKeesport.
When drinking in full regalia,
Sometimes your memory will fail ya,
But this man woke up thinking,
"I must really have been drinking,
I've gone and misplaced my genitalia!"
#1
Then as I walked down Second Avenue toward St. Mark's Place
Where all those people sell used books and other junk on the street
I saw my penis lying on a blanket next to a broken toaster oven
Some guy was selling it
I had to buy it off him
He wanted 22 bucks but I talked him down to 17
I took it home
Washed it off
And put it back on
I was happy again
Was there a King Missile concert in Pittsburgh recently?
#2
Move it along. Nothing to see here but stupid people...
This just in...
McKeesport Police Uncover Twist In Bizarre Case
(KDKA) McKeesport Theres a new twist in an extremely bizzare story out of McKeesport.
Police had been investigating a report that a customer handed a clerk a severed penis to heat up in the stores microwave. Investigators have since learned that it was not a real body part; but instead, it was part of a couples alleged plan to pass a drug test.
Oh, wow, man... According to McKeesports police chief, a man and a woman had inserted urine into a fake penis that the woman was planning to use to pass a drug test.
One of them then went into the store and asked the clerk to microwave the object, which they had wrapped in a paper towel, so the urine could reach body temperature.
Like could you warm up my Whizzinator, man? When the clerk noticed an unusual odor, she unwrapped the item to discover what she thought was a severed body part. Upon hearing media reports about the incident, the couple contacted police to explain the situation.
Ummmmmm...like, it ain't real, man. Can I, like, go now? The police chief told KDKA the couple will likely face charges.
Were Beavis and Butthead from McKeesport?
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan deported 47 Chinese women after picking them up from guesthouses in the capital for their alleged involvement in prostitution and selling alcohol, an official said Thursday.
Awww, hell! They threw the hookers out?
The women were put on a plane from Kabul on Wednesday following their arrest about three weeks ago from 22 cathouses guesthouses, said Abdul Jabar Sabet, a legal adviser at the Interior Ministry. The cathouses guesthouses were shut down. Many of them did not have restaurants or kitchens and were obviously cathouses brothels, Sabet said. Kabul authorities have occasionally cracked down on the growing vice industry.
And more often taken the bribe.
Dozens of bars, restaurants and cathouses guesthouses have opened around Kabul since the fall of the Taleban in 2001, catering to the burgeoning UN-paid European expatriate community and wealthy Afghans. Some establishments appear to have doubled as cathouses brothels, prompting concern among ordinary Afghans and outbursts from religious conservatives that the post-Taleban influx of foreigners is undermining the countrys strict Islamic mores. Under the Afghan constitution, selling alcohol is banned, but it is available in shops and some restaurants, where it is supposed to be only served to foreigners.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/24/2006 00:00 ||
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I predict an exodus of NGOs to Bangkok and Amsterdam.
Posted by: ed ||
02/24/2006 1:32 Comments ||
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Didn't say the age of those deported. If they're under 16, what's the UN staff going to do?
A Sudanese man has been forced to take a goat as his "wife", after he was caught having sex with the animal.
The goat's owner, Mr Alifi, said he surprised the man with his goat and took him to a council of elders.
They ordered the man, Mr Tombe, to pay a dowry of 15,000 Sudanese dinars ($50) to Mr Alifi.
"We have given him the goat, and as far as we know they are still together," Mr Alifi said.
Mr Alifi, Hai Malakal in Upper Nile State, told the Juba Post newspaper that he heard a loud noise around midnight on 13 February and immediately rushed outside to find Mr Tombe with his goat.
"When I asked him: 'What are you doing there?', he fell off the back of the goat, so I captured and tied him up".
Mr Alifi then called elders to decide how to deal with the case.
"They said I should not take him to the police, but rather let him pay a dowry for my goat because he used it as his wife," Mr Alifi told the newspaper.
Another heart-warming tale from South-Africa.
A man who stabbed his wife in the neck because she would not have sex with him and then proceeded to have sex with the bloodied woman has been convicted of murder.
The 41-year-old father will be sentenced in the Pretoria High Court on Friday for killing his common-law wife in June last year. He also faced a charge of rape, but he was convicted of attempted rape as the court could not determine whether his wife was alive or dead by the time he had sex with her.
Ick, ick, ick.
The woman died of her wounds at the scene in Nellmapius, Silverton.
The killer was also convicted of assault for kicking and slapping his 17-year-old daughter, who had tried to come to her mother's aid. The murder and attempted rape occurred in full view of the 17-year-old, her two-year-old daughter and Masebe's nine-year-old and three-year-old children.
His defence was that his 17-year-old daughter had stabbed her mother by mistake. He said the daughter wanted to stab him in order to protect her mother, but she stabbed the victim instead.
"I dune the rape, yer honor, but that kid, she went crazy! That can't be my fault!"
The court heard that the couple had quarrelled that evening because the accused wanted to have sex and his wife did not. The two eventually went to bed and the argument continued. The husband then went to the kitchen, fetched a knife and stabbed his wife.
From Geostrategy Direct, subscription
ABU DHABI The United Arab Emirates' Dubai has begun a $15-billion plan to build an aerospace industry for both civilian and dual-use aircraft.
The plan calls for the establishment of production and maintenance infrastructure that would first focus on passenger aircraft.
In a future stage, the aerospace industry would produce air transports that could be used for military cargo or airborne early-warning and alert platforms, officials said. They said there were no plans to build fighter-jets.
The plan, termed Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, or DAE, was designed for rapid implementation. Officials said that by 2015 Dubai would become a regional aircraft maintenance and production hub.
"Within 10 years, DAE will become an integral part of the global aerospace industry," said Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai's Civil Aviation Department and chairman of DAE. "We are putting down a marker for the future. DAE signals our clear intention to become one of the driving forces of the global economy and reflects confidence in our ability to achieve this."
DAE planned to acquire Western aviation technology for the Gulf region. The new industry, expected to generate 30,000 jobs, would produce components and fuselages for new aircraft models, including the Airbus A350. Better think about that before I get on an A350.
DAE also plans to develop other aerospace sectors. Officials said this would include space services and launch and aviation IT systems. Pretty ambitious program, I'd say.
"DAE expects to take this to the next level and establish an aircraft final completion facility in Dubai," DAE said in a statement.
Mohammad Al Zarouni, managing director of DAE, said the project would focus on servicing the huge number of aircraft expected to arrive in the Middle East. Al Zarouni said more than 60 percent of global civilian aircraft orders would come from Middle East airlines.
DAE would be located in the 140-square kilometer Jebel Ali Airport City in Dubai. Officials said DAE would enable Dubai to participate in major aircraft manufacturing programs.
Posted by: Al-Aska Paul ||
02/24/2006 15:37 ||
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"Better think about that before I get on an A350."
You might consider not flying on any Airbus Aircraft.
Officials said this would include space services and launch and aviation IT systems.
UAE is what 25 degrees north? Not great, but still better than Florida's 35-36 N. for launches. Wonder what Pakistan and India will say about it, they're down range.
Lawmakers kept on using defamatory, indecent and unparliamentary words to attack each other in parliament yesterday, ignoring the rules of procedure of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS). Offensive expressions by a number of lawmakers of both ruling BNP and main opposition Awami League (AL), forced the speaker to remind the House repeatedly that all unparliamentary words will be expunged from the House proceedings.
More, tediously explained, at the link, if you're interested.
Bangla is one of the poorest, most corrupt nations on earth, crawling with Islamists and robbers and Purbo-Banglar commies, and their parliamentary activity consists of verbal methane venting as all parties grab for the dwindling boodle. Further proof that "democracy" isn't the answer, liberty is.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/24/2006 00:00 ||
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At least 10 female workers were burned alive and over 100 injured in a fire at a composite textile factory that also had a garment section in the city last night. Sources said the fire broke out at a factory of KTS, a composite textile mill of Arina Group, at BSCIC Industrial Area in Kalurghat at around 7:20pm. The fire originated from an unknown source soon engulfed the entire four-storey building. Sources and witnesses said bamboos and woods used in an under construction part of the building fuelled the blazes. Twenty fire tenders rushed to the scene and rescued around 100 victims, some of whom severely burned, with the help of locals and pedestrians.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/24/2006 00:00 ||
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Edited for brevity.
Venezuela plans to prohibit Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines from flying into this South American nation and is restricting flights by a third major U.S. carrier, American Airlines, the head of the nation's federal aviation agency said. Francisco Plaz, president of the National Aviation Institute, said Thursday the action was taken because the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had established a similar ban on some Venezuelan carriers serving routes to the United States 10 years ago due to safety violations and has failed to recognize improvements since then. The orders would take effect on March 1, Plaz told the local Globovision television channel.
In 1996, the FAA ruled that Venezuela must tighten its airline safety procedures and downgraded its civil aviation authority, restricting flights because Venezuela allegedly didn't meet international safety standards. Venezuelan officials say they have improved safety standards since then. "We have exhausted all avenues with the U.S. aeronautical authority," the National Aviation Institute said in a statement. "We have been forced to reduce the frequency of flights of U.S. airline companies from the U.S." U.S. aviation authorities have "failed to give Venezuelan airlines the rights they deserve under bilateral agreements," the statement said.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/24/2006 15:01 ||
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AN army of senior golfers have shot down a former US president in the Battle of Medway.
Maidstone's Medway Golf Club refused former president Bill Clinton a round of golf on Thursday because the crowded course was hosting its midweek championships.
The rejected Mr Clinton instead played at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club at Point Cook, where he happily signed autographs and posed for photos.
The incident has left Medway red-faced, but yesterday members were standing firm on their presidential snub.
"We can't deprive the paying members of their golf, even for an ex-president," said 62-year-old member Wendy Alley. "But it would have been a buzz for the ladies. There's no Monica Lewinsky here -- we're better."
Ms Alley's regular golf partner, Lorraine Bramley, agreed: "We would have played with him -- golf, that is."
Police have arrested 12 Nigerians in Amsterdam and Zaandam suspected of internet fraud in an operation that also involved the US Postal Service. Many of the fraudsters victims came from the US. The US had sought the extradition of four suspects. The other Nigerians were wanted in the Netherlands, said Dutch police, who did not rule out more arrests. The police operation began in September last year and culminated in raids on Tuesday on a Zaandam apartment and seven houses in Amsterdam. Police seized EUR 25,000, computer gear and false travel documents.
We could handle two things at once if we made it known that the 419 scam artists were including pics of the Profit (PTUI) in their e-mails ...
#1
The Dutch don't have a death penalty, do they? (Not the one for grannies in nursing homes and other people inconvenient to the state-monopoly health care system, I'm talking about real criminals here.)
Posted by: Mike ||
02/24/2006 15:13 Comments ||
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They call themselves the Band of Brothers, about 50 men - and a few women - all Democrats, all opposed to the Bush administration's handling of Iraq, and all military veterans. One more thing: They're all running for Congress this year.
Not since 1946 have so many vets from one party come together in a political campaign, they claim. Their wildest dream is to give the Democratic Party the extra edge it needs - by boosting its weak image on defense and patriotism - to end Republican control of the House.
They also know it's a long shot: Many are running against incumbents in safe Republican districts. Many also face competitive primaries against Democratic opponents with more political experience and access to money.
Among the Democratic vet candidates, 10 have served in either Afghanistan or the current Iraq war, or both. Only one - Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who is competing for the seat of retiring Republican Henry Hyde - was recruited by the national Democratic Party. Political handicappers give her the best shot at making it to Washington of all the Democratic vets running. Handicappers also mention Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania - an Iraq vet trying to unseat a first-term Republican, Mike Fitzpatrick, in a Democratic-leaning district - as having potential, though fundraising has been slow.
The only other Democratic Iraq war vet with a national political profile, Paul Hackett of Ohio, dropped out of his US Senate race Feb. 14 under pressure from party leaders. They wanted to avoid a costly primary and instead steered Mr. Hackett back to a second try at the House seat he almost won last year. His surprise near-victory in a special election for a presumed safe Republican seat earned him national notice - and may have inspired other Democratic war vets to jump into politics.
Mike Lyon, who launched the Band of Brothers political action committee in December, has found the going tough. He's raised only $40,000 so far. "If resources continue to flow the same way, not many [will win] - I'm being frank," says Mr. Lyon, who is based in Richmond, Va. "But if we can go out and build awareness about their campaigns and provide resources to level the playing field for the November general [election], then I think a lot of these guys will be competitive. We're still getting the lay of the land."
Analysts agree that the novice candidates have their work cut out for them. They have to develop a full congressional agenda, campaigning ability, and networking skills that show they're ready for prime time. Being a Johnny-one-note against the war isn't enough, say political observers. "They're running for Congress, not commander in chief," says Amy Walter, a specialist in House races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. "Obviously, Iraq's an important issue, but at the same time, they need be able to talk about healthcare, the economy, gas prices."
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which recruits and helps candidates the party believes can win, has not made a special effort to recruit Iraq war vets, says spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg. "What we have done is to recruit the best possible candidate in every district," she says.
But as the election year unfolds - including Republican-dominated scandals and low presidential popularity - analysts don't rule out the potential for a national wave that could make some usually safe seats competitive. GOP control of the House remains slim, with 230 Republicans, 202 Democrats, 1 independent, and two vacancies.
"The Democrats' best chance of winning a majority is to expand the playing field beyond the three dozen or so [seats] that have been in play in recent years," says Rhodes Cook, an independent political analyst. Candidates with the Iraq credential could end up being "a twofer for the Democrats. Not only do they have the goodwill of the recent Iraq war vet, but [they] also help offset a party weakness, which is being kind of light on defense."
The Republicans have one Iraq war vet running for Congress, Van Taylor of Texas, who is trying to knock off Rep. Chet Edwards (D). Carl Forti, spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee, says 38 Republicans with military experience are running for Congress. When asked if any of the Democratic vets pose a threat to any Republicans, his answer is simple: "Zero."
Still, "being a vet is a good résumé item to have," says Mr. Forti. "It brings a certain level of approval."
Posted by: Bobby ||
02/24/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
"It brings a certain level of approval."
There would more approval if their 2004 standard bearer would release all his military recrods.
#2
The problem with putting a vet in power, regardless of party, is they will only get burned by the Dems once. Then they will do whats "right" instead of the blind followership the Dems are expecting. This is FID 101, take them down from the inside, I just might vote Democrat!
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
02/24/2006 1:25 Comments ||
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#3
It's unfortunate that I no longer live in Virigina. I'd be happy to vote for James Webb.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/24/2006 1:46 Comments ||
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#4
This is interesting, I've talked to a lot of my peers about the prospect of running for local offices after we get out. The thing is most of us lean conservative tend to vote republican but actually don't care for either major party. We've discussed setting up a third party that's more libertarian in nature and just flooding a region with candidates accross the spectrum of seats and then expanding via grassroots means. Being a vet does bring some credibility but you'll always have someone questioning your service which is hard to take.
#5
The only other Democratic Iraq war vet with a national political profile, Paul Hackett of Ohio, dropped out of his US Senate race Feb. 14 under pressure from party leaders.
No mention that this "pressure" included rumors about Hackett abusing Iraqi corpses.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/24/2006 8:52 Comments ||
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#6
BH6: Is there a way you guys can tag up with the Free State/Libertarian movements? I see this as a serious (if still, small) movement in this country. I, for one, have begun to get fed up with both parties too, although the Republicans down in my neck of the woods tend to be a LOT more conservative (Constitutional) than others.
Posted by: BA ||
02/24/2006 9:03 Comments ||
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#7
I keep reminding myself that *every* unit has one guy in it who is a luser. He is always whining and bitching, he says his last unit was really great but this new unit sucks. He doesn't do his job and has mastered malingering. He spends half his week in the dispensary, and the other half bumming smokes and drinks. He also brags a lot and "one-ups" the other guys about what a hot shit he is. He knows the CO and the first shirt have a down on him, 'cause they're always f'in with him.
If he is a "luser plus", he is also a racist who probably also hates women, a barracks thief and a drug dealer. In this case, invariably the luser has one amazing talent: avoiding the CID.
#8
These poor fools are donks ? In order to be a donk in the House of Reps, you MUST vote straight donk on all issues. It doesn't matter what you think or what you stand for, the party comes first, and that's it.
Repeat after me: Hillary is the queen, the light, and the source. Bless Queen Hillary, bless Queen Hillary.
#9
BA: Thanks for the info, I'd imagine that is a definite possibility though I must admit I am not too familiar w/the Free State/Libertarian movements. I will google them and find out more. The platforms I've discussed w/my peers are based on some libertarian principles like being pro-gun, minimizing governmental intrusions, pork barrel reform, de-regulating "junk laws", term limits (though I'm not sure if the libertarian party takes a stance on that either way) & maintaining the original intent of the the U.S. Constitution. I think where we differ w/a lot of tradtional libertarians on the national level is that we want a wall on the U.S./Mexico border a long w/serious law enforcement of such. I could go all day as I have strong opinions as to which direction I think the country needs to go to improve but in the interest of not coming off like an ass or boring anyone I'll digress. I think you get the drift anyhow. The bottom line is that though most of us tend to lean right we're not satisfied w/some of the things we've seen w/the replublican party. Everything ranging from the aforementioned border fiasco to members of the party getting caught up in illegal schemes is criminal (no pun intended). We take integrity, U.S. sovereignty and not fleecing the hard working American tax payer extremely serious.
#10
Well, guys and gals, just make sure you're not going up against one of the boys. This from their former Golden Boy...
Paul Hackett has been a popular guy this fall. The tough-talking Iraq combat veteran turned a special-election fight in Ohios Second District into this summers political sleeper hit, energizing Democrats and converting Republicans in the deep-red counties outside Cincinnati and pulling 48 percent of the vote in a district where John Kerry got a mere 36 percent. Soon the national party came courting: Hackett met several times with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Chuck Schumer, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), both of whom encouraged him to run for the seat of Ohios senior senator, Republican Mike DeWine, in 06. Hackett said he wouldafter been told by Ohio Congressman Sherrod Brown that he wasnt planning to runand on October 3 he publicly threw his hat in the ring.
Then, last week, his phone rang again. It was Sherrod Brown calling to tell Hackett hed changed his mind: he was running after all. Then Schumer called, and this time he wasnt delivering a pep talk. Hackett got the distinct sense that he was being asked to make way for the party insider. Schumer didnt tell me anything definitive, he says. But Im not a dumb ass, and I know what he wanted me to do.
DSCC spokesman Phil Singer insists that We didnt play any role in bringing Brown in. We were as surprised as anyone else when he decided to reconsider. Putting a positive spin on the contest, Singer notes that six months ago, reporters were writing off the state for Democrats. Now weve got two excellent candidates who would be good senators and can beat Mike DeWine in 2006. Hackett, who says hes still considering his options, is less sanguineand less diplomatic. The Democratic Party is like an addict, he says. Theyre addicted to failure. I want to help the party. The question is, how do you help someone that doesnt want help?
#11
The Democratic Party is like an addict, he says. Theyre addicted to failure. I want to help the party. The question is, how do you help someone that doesnt want help?
It's simple, really. You hold an intervention, and when the addict protests, tell 'em it's 'for your own good'.
#12
Broadhead6, if I might suggest... Please consider running -- the first time, at least -- on the Republican ticket. While the Libertarians sound like a better fit, philosophically, you cannot effect change if you don't get elected. Unfortunately, Libertarians don't get elected; the party isn't big enough to provide enough votes. And the Republic needs what you and your comrades have to offer.
#13
I'm with TW on that one, BH6. While I fall more along the lines of your belief (split somewhat between the Libertarian Party and the Constitution Party), the only REALISTIC way to get elected is by having an "R" after your name. Then, affect change from within. It's time to get that party back to the basics, and call me an optimist, I believe it can be done. In this fight, I'm 100%+ behind our Prez, but domestic issues (like you) I have a lot of beef with him. Starting with Illegal Immigration, but also including, Spending total (not just pork barrel), taxation (I'd like to see the Fair Tax or some flat tax implemented), bring back the line-item veto, doing away with Fed. Depts/agencies that aren't Constitutional (like Reagan tried to do w/ Dept. of Education), etc.
Posted by: BA ||
02/24/2006 13:06 Comments ||
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TW/BA - Duly noted points, thanks. For the record, I was a member of the College Republicans many moons ago. I'm independent as far as voting is concerned now, but like I said I tend to vote Repub because so many of the Dems just seem to be such wimps.
Anyways, I wanted to postulate a theory to you all I've been stewing on the past six months here in Iraq wrt the major parties vs. running independent. I'd love to get your input.
-If, a group of veterans or like minded citizens were to start a third party, say near a military base or in that county/district. As a by product, not only do you have the military credibility but you also could be exposing every 18-23 year old service person that does a hitch through that area a different political philosophy. Maybe the information of this third party started by no non-sense service oriented folks works its way back to the home towns of the above mentioned demographic in maybe a grass roots fashion. Or say, more to the point, in your home town, you good Rantburg citizens noticed such an endeavor by an independent party w/noted military and some combat background. This group targets getting seats at the local level (which I believe is possible in comparison to state level politics where the "R" or "D" are more imperative). Do you think it is plausible that at that local level what I call a "beach head" or a foot hold for future follow on through put could be created? Would you consider voting for something like this at the local level? Obviously proper marketing and the foundation of the platform are extremely important. I could go on all day about it but let's just stream line it to what I mentioned in the prior posts along w/even some stereotypical democratic platforms like sound environmental stewardship so that future Americans can enjoy our natural resources, etc. (I'm an advid outdoorsman and hunter so I've secretly hugged more than a few oak trees in my day.) I didn't articulate my theory as well as I would have liked but for the sake of brevity I think you get the drift and I don't want to run the bandwidth to death.
BA - My wife actually mailed me the Fair Tax Book Boortz promoted. I've yet to digest his book though. I concur w/you on the WoT vs. domestic issues angle wrt the Prez. The man's got an unbelievabley tough job but the immigration reforms are too long in coming. One of the military's mandates is to protect the borders and sovereingty of the nation. I'd love to see us start going down there in deployment rotations to augment are border patrol brothers. Okay, enough of my literary diarhea and delusions of grandeur, thanks for giving it a look.
#17
Good luck to ya, BH6! Actually, I think you're right in that it would be easier to run independent in local elections. However, local elections tend to not really (unfortunately, the should) affect national-type issues. Mostly getting into zoning, local (police) law enforcement issues, and for larger cities/counties, things like traffic, water/sewer, development, etc. It IS a good way to cut your teeth though, as a stepping stool to the next level (State). The one area where locals COULD have a say in national issues is potentially illegal immigration.
Good on your wife for the book. I haven't read it yet either, but my Congressman (John Linder, R-GA) is the guy who wrote it and the main thrust behind it. I love Boortz philosophically, but I also believe that he's done his research and he can find nothing wrong with it. The way Rep. Linder explains it (I've been to 2 Town Hall meetings when he's back in town where he explains the Fair Tax), it sounds like a win-win for all! Here's my explanation of it in a nutshell:
(1) Disbands the IRS, all of their regulations, etc. and sets up the Federal Govt's income (taxes) basically as a nationwide sales tax. This actually cuts withholdings from your paycheck for ALL Fed. Gov't income (not just withholdings for Income Tax, but also, Social Security, Medicare, etc.)
(2) Gives a "Pre-bate" every month up to the poverty level for real necessities to EVERYONE (e.g. you get a check to cover housing, food, clothing for the month based on the poverty level, which is something around $20,000/year income for a 4-person family). THIS is important in that it shuts up the arguments about cutting back welfare/food stamps/etc.
(3) Sets the Federal sales tax at around 28%. Most people gasp at this number, but if you tell them to go and look at their paystub, and total up how much they DON'T receive that's withheld for Federal Income Tax, Social Security, Medicare, etc., they'll realize it's a win-win for most people (middle class). You would receive your ENTIRE paycheck (no Federal Withholdings).
(4) It captures taxes from illegal immigrants. Currently, we all know, a lot of illegals get paid "off the books", in cash, etc. Because the employer does this, they DON'T pay Federal Income Taxes (basically). By switching this to a sales tax system, the Feds start collecting money from every Jose, Pepe and Jesus out there that buys a cup of coffee at the gas station every morning.
(5) The tax would ONLY apply on NEW items. That is, if you buy something used (home, car, something off Ebay, etc.), you wouldn't pay ANY Federal sales tax on that item!
(6) It's a way for the power of the purse strings to fall back to the people, where it belongs. You don't want to give the Feds ANY money? Buy used products all year long...or don't buy anything at all. I know, that's realistically impossible, but in theory, it should give us more power in how much money Washington gets every year.
I had heartburn mostly over the RATE of sales tax that would be needed (28% or so) to cover the current Federal budget. However, as Rep. Linder explains it, it makes sense. Economists have studied it, and say that the AVERAGE item on sale has a built-in 28% tax in it for all the firms involved in making that item to comply with current IRS regulations/paperwork/filings. For example (one from Rep. Linder)...take a loaf of bread...the farmer builds in to the cost of selling his wheat the costs for complying with IRS regulations (including, paying for any employees Social Sec., Medicare withholdings). That wheat goes to a manufacturer to process, who themselves have built-in costs (probably more than the farmer, as they have more employees), to the trucker who ships it to the grocery store and on and on. You see how those built-in costs (are passed on to the consumer ultimately) could add up to 28%. If you do away with all those IRS regulations and payments, theoretically, the price of that loaf of bread should drop by ~28%, which means that (again, in theory), the price (after the 28% sales tax proposed by the Fair Tax) should be what it is today. Obviously, there'd be some companies who keep the price as is and reap the benefits, and there'd probably be "growing pains" the first year or two in switching systems, but go look at your paystub and see how much is withheld for Federal Income tax, Social Security and Medicare combined (including your employer's portions). You'd be amazed!
Posted by: BA ||
02/24/2006 14:51 Comments ||
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#18
Si if you buy a house from someone else, is it used or would you pay sales tax on that? If the sales tax were only on new construction, that market would either die or the price of "used" homes would go up 28% to compensate.
#19
At the local level, it isn't party so much as affiliations -- that is, how many groups of acquaintances can you get to vote for you? eg. fellow church members, scouts, soccer parents, PTA, Lions/Elks/VA, etc. You and your wife will want to get involved in lots of local organizations, and get yourselves known to the members, who will suggest to their spouses and friends that they all vote for you because you're a good guy. I imagine you're right that in a community near a base being a vet would be a big draw, as long as you have those other connections to the outside community as well. And if you are successful as a group of independent candidates campaigning together (that part is important, too; people like to choose packages, not a one-off individual), then with time the Dems/Repubs will court you for their line-up -- easier to sell a proven quantity to a county or state electorate than a newcomer. I suspect that's a good piece of why Hackett failed the first time, in addition to it being noticed that he was talking out of both sides of his mouth, and why he was asked to give way to an old pol this time.
Good luck to you and your comrades, Broadhead 6. What you propose will do our country good.
#20
Interesting! While I would like a much simpler tax, you can't just shut down the IRS.
No, really.
Whaddabout all the unemployment? The accountants and tax attorneys - they'd all get laid off. Somehow it'd hafta be phased in , with early retirements, reassignments and absolutely horrendous whining and crying. It'd make Ahrnold's proposed changes last year look like a cakewalk.
Remember all the folks who you're going to lay off have votes, too.
Sigh. It IS a swell idea!
Posted by: Bobby ||
02/24/2006 16:56 Comments ||
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#21
....and a very large percentage of those IRS "workers" vote democratic for some unknown reason.
(2006-02-23) New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin today reacted to shocking remarks by several city council members who suggested that able-bodied poor people who want to return to this flood-ravaged city should work for a living.
However, in his characteristic progressive style, Mayor Nagin took the opportunity to lay out what he called a bold, positive vision to make living in the Big Easy easier than ever for those who have opted out of the workforce.
The mayor called for rebuilding the core of each poor neighborhood around a magnificent public assistance office, where standing in line is replaced by lounging in luxurious recliners while government waiters, dubbed Blight Attendants, serve beverages and light snacks to the unemployed. In Nagins Nouveau New Orleans, welfare recipients will have the option of receiving payments by check, electronic funds transfer or in a combination of lottery tickets and the colorful casino poker chips that have become legal tender at so many locations nationwide.
The mayors plan was greeted with enthusiasm on the streets of New Orleans, where forlorn young men still line up daily in front of piles of rubble that used be public assistance offices. I came back to the city hoping to start a new life, said an unnamed 24-year-old homeless man. But theres no work to do here. Theres nothing but mountains of debris, busted down buildings and crowds of contractors and church people cleaning up the mess and rebuilding stuff. I dont know whether to blame FEMA or George Bush, but someone needs to stand up and take responsiblity.
#5
Nagin, in my opinion would be more effective at the governorship level in the future, however he should be kicked out of the next mayorship (ie slapped on the hand) simply for being selective in the evacuation proceedures at the convention center, the superdome and the bus pickup site! He discriminated!
MULTAN: A woman health worker of the Rural Health Centre in Matrain was allegedly gang raped by Union Council Nazim Malik Riaz Ahmed Arain, his brother Allah Nawaz and two accomplices Luddoo Dogar and Bashir Gujjar. According to reports, the woman health worker had refused to perform an abortion on a woman who one of them had gotten pregnant.
Now she do her own...
Allah Nawaz, along with his two accomplices Luddoo Dogar and Bashir Gujjar, entered the health visitors residence on Wednesday, tied up the guard and her brother Saqlain (10), and sexually assaulted her.
... thereby restoring everybody's honor all around, except for hers, of course...
DPO Arif Zaman said, We have registered a case and arrested all four rapists. The health visitor told reporters that Allah Nawaz brought a pregnant woman to the Health Centre six months ago for an abortion and said that she was his lover, and he wanted to get rid of the baby. I refused to perform the procedure, upon which he left after threatening me with dire consequences, she said.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/24/2006 00:00 ||
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Link ||
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#1
expect public outrage from women's groups, EU, UN, Amnesty, and all of the others who are so offended by such acts in ...oh, never mind.
#3
Somewhere in the Planned Parenthood national headquarters, someone's trying to find a phone number for Allah Nawaz, Luddoo Dogar, and Bashir Gujjar. "We'd like to offer you guys a job in our organization . . . ."
Posted by: Mike ||
02/24/2006 19:28 Comments ||
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Posted for its weirdness and potential interest for computer geeks.
Even for the crazy world of quantum mechanics, this one is twisted. A quantum computer program has produced an answer without actually running.
The idea behind the feat, first proposed in 1998, is to put a quantum computer into a superposition, a state in which it is both running and not running. It is as if you asked Schrödinger's cat to hit "Run".
With the right set-up, the theory suggested, the computer would sometimes get an answer out of the computer even though the program did not run. And now researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have improved on the original design and built a non-running quantum computer that really works.
They send a photon into a system of mirrors and other optical devices, which included a set of components that run a simple database search by changing the properties of the photon.
The new design includes a quantum trick called the Zeno effect. Repeated measurements stop the photon from entering the actual program, but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components - so it can become gradually altered even though it never actually passes through.
"It is very bizarre that you know your computer has not run but you also know what the answer is," says team member Onur Hosten.
This scheme could have an advantage over straightforward quantum computing. "A non-running computer produces fewer errors," says Hosten. That sentiment should have technophobes nodding enthusiastically.
#5
The new design includes a quantum trick called the Zeno effect. Repeated measurements stop the photon from entering the actual program, but allow its quantum nature to flirt with the program's components - so it can become gradually altered even though it never actually passes through.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
MCKEESPORT: Authorities are now investigating a strange incident in McKeesport. Someone brought a severed male body part to a Get-Go to heat up in the microwave, and now police are trying to find the culprit.
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan deported 47 Chinese women after picking them up from guesthouses in the capital for their alleged involvement in prostitution and selling alcohol, an official said Thursday.
Lawmakers kept on using defamatory, indecent and unparliamentary words to attack each other in parliament yesterday, ignoring the rules of procedure of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS). Offensive expressions by a number of lawmakers of both ruling BNP and main opposition Awami League (AL), forced the speaker to remind the House repeatedly that all unparliamentary words will be expunged from the House proceedings.
At least 10 female workers were burned alive and over 100 injured in a fire at a composite textile factory that also had a garment section in the city last night. Sources said the fire broke out at a factory of KTS, a composite textile mill of Arina Group, at BSCIC Industrial Area in Kalurghat at around 7:20pm. The fire originated from an unknown source soon engulfed the entire four-storey building. Sources and witnesses said bamboos and woods used in an under construction part of the building fuelled the blazes. Twenty fire tenders rushed to the scene and rescued around 100 victims, some of whom severely burned, with the help of locals and pedestrians.
Police have arrested 12 Nigerians in Amsterdam and Zaandam suspected of internet fraud in an operation that also involved the US Postal Service. Many of the fraudsters victims came from the US. The US had sought the extradition of four suspects. The other Nigerians were wanted in the Netherlands, said Dutch police, who did not rule out more arrests. The police operation began in September last year and culminated in raids on Tuesday on a Zaandam apartment and seven houses in Amsterdam. Police seized EUR 25,000, computer gear and false travel documents.
MULTAN: A woman health worker of the Rural Health Centre in Matrain was allegedly gang raped by Union Council Nazim Malik Riaz Ahmed Arain, his brother Allah Nawaz and two accomplices Luddoo Dogar and Bashir Gujjar. According to reports, the woman health worker had refused to perform an abortion on a woman who one of them had gotten pregnant. 
