From Martin Frost writing for Fox News:
There are at least three reasons why Cheney might step down before the end of his term in January of 2009:
1) He is 65 years-old and has well-documented health problems
2) While the administration currently is embarrassed over the way he has handled his most recent problem stemming from the shooting incident, the real embarrassment could come if he is called as a witness in the trial of his former chief of staff, I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby Jr.
3) Republican leaders may become so worried about holding on to the presidency in 2008 that they will prevail on Cheney to resign in order to position a strong candidate for the nomination by making that person the incumbent vice president.
Read the rest here.
BTW Cheney would never go along with it.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Tax Breaks for Hybrid Cars and Hummers
Buy a gas-electric hybrid car and you could be eligible for up to a $3150 tax credit. But if you are a business owner and buy an SUV that weighs over 3 tons you get a deduction of up to $25,000. And, you can depreciate the entire remaining amount over 6 years. Does this surprise anyone at all?
An article published at Alternet asks "why sport utility vehicle drivers seem like such assholes?"
An article published at Alternet asks "why sport utility vehicle drivers seem like such assholes?"
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Scientist's are Regular People
Please visit this awesome website. Comments by 7th graders before and after a visit to Fermilab.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
What Really Happened in the Gunning Down of Whittington? A Conspiracy Theory.
Was alcohol involved? Cheney admits having had a beer at lunchtime. Cheney of course had to leave Yale because he was too busy getting drunk to keep his grades up. Cheney also has two drunk driving convictions. Unlike GW, Cheney never gave up the booze. The sheriff didn't get to interview Cheney right away - why?
Who was the third hunter? Why haven't we heard from them? Weren't they the nearest witness? It was Pamela Willeford, US Ambassador to Liechtenstein and close friend of Dick Cheney (also rumored to be having a 'relationship' with Cheney).
The guy that was gunned down has a pellet near his liver and one near his heart. It was cold out so at a minimum Whittington had on a heavy shirt and a jacket. It's kind of hard to believe that pellets from a 28g shell could penetrate the jacket, the shirt and skin to travel into his abdominal and thoracic cavities from 90 ft away. The doctors said they knew he had a pellet near his heart from 'the beginning'. Whittington was likely gunned down much closer than 90 ft. They also initially 'misstated' time the shooting occurred.
The sheriff needed to be stalled so they can get Ms. Willeford out of sight and get Cheney sobered up.
There are several witnesses so time is also needed to get the story straight and to make sure Mr. Whittington knows what story to tell.
Now people at the hospital are using the 'McClellan technique' on reporters asking questions. They refuse to say how many pellets hit Mr. Whittington or even whether the pellets are lead or steel although they answered many other questions.
We aren't getting even close to the real story.
Who was the third hunter? Why haven't we heard from them? Weren't they the nearest witness? It was Pamela Willeford, US Ambassador to Liechtenstein and close friend of Dick Cheney (also rumored to be having a 'relationship' with Cheney).
The guy that was gunned down has a pellet near his liver and one near his heart. It was cold out so at a minimum Whittington had on a heavy shirt and a jacket. It's kind of hard to believe that pellets from a 28g shell could penetrate the jacket, the shirt and skin to travel into his abdominal and thoracic cavities from 90 ft away. The doctors said they knew he had a pellet near his heart from 'the beginning'. Whittington was likely gunned down much closer than 90 ft. They also initially 'misstated' time the shooting occurred.
The sheriff needed to be stalled so they can get Ms. Willeford out of sight and get Cheney sobered up.
There are several witnesses so time is also needed to get the story straight and to make sure Mr. Whittington knows what story to tell.
Now people at the hospital are using the 'McClellan technique' on reporters asking questions. They refuse to say how many pellets hit Mr. Whittington or even whether the pellets are lead or steel although they answered many other questions.
We aren't getting even close to the real story.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Dick 'Elmer Fudd' Cheney
VP Cheney didn't shoot anyone, he 'sprayed' them.
Accidents like this happen ALL the time. In fact most bird hunters have been 'peppered' at least a couple of times.
It obviously wasn't the VP's fault, the guy snuck up behind him. Everyone knows if you sneak up behind someone that has a gun, you should expect to get 'peppered'.
Besides, the guy wasn't really hurt, they just put him in intensive care because the other hospital beds were all filled.
Oh yeah, and the wounds were only superficial. That's why many of the 'peppers' will be left in the victim.
A VP can hunt, and then fulfil the proper licensing requirements after the fact.
And, being VP has its advantages. If you 'pepper' someone with a shotgun, you don't need to be interviewed by the sheriff immediately, the interview can be done later by phone or something.
Can you imagine what the Republicans would be saying if Al Gore or John Kerry were involved in this type of hunting accident? I'm pretty sure it would be characterized as attempted murder.
Accidents like this happen ALL the time. In fact most bird hunters have been 'peppered' at least a couple of times.
It obviously wasn't the VP's fault, the guy snuck up behind him. Everyone knows if you sneak up behind someone that has a gun, you should expect to get 'peppered'.
Besides, the guy wasn't really hurt, they just put him in intensive care because the other hospital beds were all filled.
Oh yeah, and the wounds were only superficial. That's why many of the 'peppers' will be left in the victim.
A VP can hunt, and then fulfil the proper licensing requirements after the fact.
And, being VP has its advantages. If you 'pepper' someone with a shotgun, you don't need to be interviewed by the sheriff immediately, the interview can be done later by phone or something.
Can you imagine what the Republicans would be saying if Al Gore or John Kerry were involved in this type of hunting accident? I'm pretty sure it would be characterized as attempted murder.
Defining a Liberal Today
One of my favorite new blogs is by Glenn Greenwald, an attorney that specializes in first amendment cases. On Sunday he wrote: It used to be the case that in order to be considered a "liberal" or someone "of the Left," one had to actually ascribe to liberal views on the important policy issues of the day – social spending, abortion, the death penalty, affirmative action, immigration, "judicial activism," hate speech laws, gay rights, utopian foreign policies, etc. etc. These days, to be a "liberal," such views are no longer necessary.
Now, in order to be considered a "liberal," only one thing is required – a failure to pledge blind loyalty to George W. Bush. The minute one criticizes him is the minute that one becomes a "liberal," regardless of the ground on which the criticism is based. And the more one criticizes him, by definition, the more "liberal" one is. Whether one is a "liberal" -- or, for that matter, a "conservative" -- is now no longer a function of one’s actual political views, but is a function purely of one’s personal loyalty to George Bush.
This couldn't be more true. What is even funnier is what passes for a 'conservative' today. Back in the days of St. Ronald Reagan a conservative was someone who believed in small government, staying out of foreign affairs, belief in a strong military and a balanced Federal budget. That sure is no longer the case. A conservative is now someone that follows the Bush Admin. hook, line and sinker, even if they disagree with Bush.
Today Glenn goes on to write:conservatives over the last three decades have been abandoned almost entirely and have been replaced by their precise antitheses -- all in order to justify George Bush’s conduct. The principal example used was the angry opposition to warrant-based FISA eavesdropping voiced by conservatives under the Clinton Administration, as compared to the stirring defense of warrantless, oversight-less eavesdropping now engaged in proudly by the Bush Administration.
But beyond that specific, quite revealing instance is the general disappearance of an anti-federal-government ethos. Principles of a restrained federal government and distrust of that government -- previously centerpieces of the conservative movement -- have been discarded like yesterday's trash in order to maintain praise of George Bush's actions and to maximize the powers and reach of the Federal Government now that Bush controls it.
Glenn is a bright guy that hits the nail directly on the head. How do I know that? Well, because of all the outragious emails he received from the 'right wing' in response to his post.
Now, in order to be considered a "liberal," only one thing is required – a failure to pledge blind loyalty to George W. Bush. The minute one criticizes him is the minute that one becomes a "liberal," regardless of the ground on which the criticism is based. And the more one criticizes him, by definition, the more "liberal" one is. Whether one is a "liberal" -- or, for that matter, a "conservative" -- is now no longer a function of one’s actual political views, but is a function purely of one’s personal loyalty to George Bush.
This couldn't be more true. What is even funnier is what passes for a 'conservative' today. Back in the days of St. Ronald Reagan a conservative was someone who believed in small government, staying out of foreign affairs, belief in a strong military and a balanced Federal budget. That sure is no longer the case. A conservative is now someone that follows the Bush Admin. hook, line and sinker, even if they disagree with Bush.
Today Glenn goes on to write:conservatives over the last three decades have been abandoned almost entirely and have been replaced by their precise antitheses -- all in order to justify George Bush’s conduct. The principal example used was the angry opposition to warrant-based FISA eavesdropping voiced by conservatives under the Clinton Administration, as compared to the stirring defense of warrantless, oversight-less eavesdropping now engaged in proudly by the Bush Administration.
But beyond that specific, quite revealing instance is the general disappearance of an anti-federal-government ethos. Principles of a restrained federal government and distrust of that government -- previously centerpieces of the conservative movement -- have been discarded like yesterday's trash in order to maintain praise of George Bush's actions and to maximize the powers and reach of the Federal Government now that Bush controls it.
Glenn is a bright guy that hits the nail directly on the head. How do I know that? Well, because of all the outragious emails he received from the 'right wing' in response to his post.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Happy Birthday Charles Darwin
Charlie's 200th birthday anniversary will be in 2009. What else can be said about Charles Darwin that hasn't already been said? I found that his son Leonard Darwin (1850-1943) was the mentor of Ronald Fisher (1890-1962) who almost single-handedly created the foundations for modern statistical science.
Are We a Sheep-Like Nation?
Bruce Mulkey asks What is it going to take for the American people to wake up to the presidential coup d’état that is now under way, a takeover that is occurring in broad daylight by a president who has declared that as commander in chief he has unfettered power to fight an undeclared and never-ending war on terrorism, even if that means ignoring the courts, disregarding laws passed by Congress and circumventing the Bill of Rights in the process?
This is exactly the right question. Are we so afraid of terrorist attacks that we will allow Bush to decide which laws he will follow and which ones he will not? It seems like a very small majority feel exactly that way. You really have to wonder why so many people are afraid of terrorists? As countries go, we are one of the those with the least to fear of actual terrorists attacks. If we are so afraid of terrorist attacks, why are we not demanding better protection of our ports, nuclear power plants, railways, and chemical plants? Congress has got to wake up soon and it looks like it is beginning to happen with a few key Republicans questioning the legality of Bush ignoring our laws.
This is exactly the right question. Are we so afraid of terrorist attacks that we will allow Bush to decide which laws he will follow and which ones he will not? It seems like a very small majority feel exactly that way. You really have to wonder why so many people are afraid of terrorists? As countries go, we are one of the those with the least to fear of actual terrorists attacks. If we are so afraid of terrorist attacks, why are we not demanding better protection of our ports, nuclear power plants, railways, and chemical plants? Congress has got to wake up soon and it looks like it is beginning to happen with a few key Republicans questioning the legality of Bush ignoring our laws.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Last Year and This Years Ice Palace
Last years larger Ice Palace but they have built palaces much larger than this one.
Ta Da! This years Ice Palace ready for the King and Queen. The 'wing' structure at the left side is likely a maze.
The 'Thrones'.
Ta Da! This years Ice Palace ready for the King and Queen. The 'wing' structure at the left side is likely a maze.
The 'Thrones'.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Ice Palace Today
So here is where we stand today with the Ice Palace. I suspect it will be finished late this afternoon or by noon tomorrow at the latest. 'Thrones' for the King and Queen still need to be built in the center of the structure. When I drove by at noon the electricians were at work getting ready to string the lights. It's one of the smallest Ice Palaces ever but that's ok, the tourist will settle for it hopefully.
Wal-Mart in Saranac Lake - Evil Rears Its Ugly Head
So the 'rumors' turned out to be true. Wal-Mart just announced it wants to build a 121,000 square foot supercenter in Saranac Lake, NY. Happy days are here again - NOT. This is a done deal. A majority of Saranac Lake village residents are in favor of a giant Wal-Mart, so it will happen. The village will sell its 10 acre sandpit lot to Wal-Mart. What used to be Stanley Chevrolet will definitely sell; it's an odd coincidence that they gave up their Chevy dealership just a few months ago. Burger King 'closed' for the season in November; any bets that it will re-open as a MacDonald's since MacDonald's will be looking for a new location? Carcuzzi - well what can I say about Carcuzzi. A couple months ago I asked one of the partners if they would sell out to Wal-Mart. To paraphrase - nope, we are a brand new business and they would have to pay way too much to buy us out. Well, I guess the largest retailer in the universe can afford to buy out a little car repair business afterall. What really bothers me are the Village officials. They have claimed for months that they knew nothing about Wal-Mart wanting to purchase the village sandlot. Well, the Carcuzzi owner said he knew last summer that Wal-Mart was interested in buying his property, so I find it hard to believe that the Village officials didn't know. One can understand why a private business might not want to be upfront about their future plans, but there is no excuse for misdirection by public officials.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Finally An Ice Palace
After the warmest January in the USA ever, 8.8 degrees above average, work on the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace began yesterday. It will be much smaller than usual, probably only about 600-800 blocks of ice vs the normal 2000 blocks. The ice blocks are only about 10 inches thick which will result in a small castle. Normally the ice blocks would be about 15-18 inches thick.
The blocks of ice are cut from Pontiac Bay on Lake Flower using a special saw that was designed decades ago. The ice blocks are guided to shore and scooped up by a tractor and delivered to the building site. The space where the ice has been cut can be seen in the lower left corner of the photo.
The ice palace as of early this morning, about 7 courses high. This was done in a single day with the help of inmates from Camp Gabriels and some very experienced local 'architects' and 'engineers'.
Once the walls get high, the ice blocks are hoisted into place using a crane. This one belongs to the Paul Smiths College forestry department.
NOTE: They added another half dozen courses of ice blocks today. Of course I'll post a picture of the finished Ice Palace. One taken at night as well.
The blocks of ice are cut from Pontiac Bay on Lake Flower using a special saw that was designed decades ago. The ice blocks are guided to shore and scooped up by a tractor and delivered to the building site. The space where the ice has been cut can be seen in the lower left corner of the photo.
The ice palace as of early this morning, about 7 courses high. This was done in a single day with the help of inmates from Camp Gabriels and some very experienced local 'architects' and 'engineers'.
Once the walls get high, the ice blocks are hoisted into place using a crane. This one belongs to the Paul Smiths College forestry department.
NOTE: They added another half dozen courses of ice blocks today. Of course I'll post a picture of the finished Ice Palace. One taken at night as well.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
Julia's New Car
Got a great deal on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe AWD 'repo'. I normally wouldn't buy a Pontiac but the Vibe is the same as a Toyota Matrix. Her car is 'Neptune Blue' and looks brand new.
Plattsburgh Vote for Impeachment Fails 3-2
Read all about it here
There was a city council vote on impeaching G.W. Bush last night. I am very proud of the people in Plattsburgh, NY. Plattsburgh is considered a pretty republican area as is most of Northern NY. That being said, Clinton County did favor John Kerry for President. I guess that means that there are Republicans in Clinton County and Plattsburgh that have some sort of sense of right and wrong. Although the motion to impeach G.W. Bush failed 3-2, it was probably more due to the fact that some didn't think it was the proper forum for an impeachment vote. To me it seems like exactly the right forum. Democracy in action at the grassroots level. Of course, there were conservatives present calling people traitors, "Hang the traitors, death to the left," shouted one person as several in the crowd wearing veterans hats cheered. Yep, let's kill Americans that actually want to go after the terrorists responsible for 9/11. Everyone else is a patriot.
There was a city council vote on impeaching G.W. Bush last night. I am very proud of the people in Plattsburgh, NY. Plattsburgh is considered a pretty republican area as is most of Northern NY. That being said, Clinton County did favor John Kerry for President. I guess that means that there are Republicans in Clinton County and Plattsburgh that have some sort of sense of right and wrong. Although the motion to impeach G.W. Bush failed 3-2, it was probably more due to the fact that some didn't think it was the proper forum for an impeachment vote. To me it seems like exactly the right forum. Democracy in action at the grassroots level. Of course, there were conservatives present calling people traitors, "Hang the traitors, death to the left," shouted one person as several in the crowd wearing veterans hats cheered. Yep, let's kill Americans that actually want to go after the terrorists responsible for 9/11. Everyone else is a patriot.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
To All My Scientist Friends - ATTENTION!!!
By order of President George W. Bush you must immediately cease all research on human animal hybrids!!! Especially any ongoing Pigman research! STOP NOW!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
2005 Bush Timeline
SOTU Address 2005-->SSI privitization-->Fitzgerald Invest-->
Katrina debacle--->Libby,Delay, Cunningham, Abramhoff indictments--->
Illegal wiretaps---> Democratic elections in Iraq and Palestine--->
Iran nucs --->deficits through roof -->weakened army --> more indictments to come
After tonight, two more SOTU addresses to go. Can we survive?
Katrina debacle--->Libby,Delay, Cunningham, Abramhoff indictments--->
Illegal wiretaps---> Democratic elections in Iraq and Palestine--->
Iran nucs --->deficits through roof -->weakened army --> more indictments to come
After tonight, two more SOTU addresses to go. Can we survive?
Heckuva Job Georgie
"The beginnings of reform and democracy in the Palestinian territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure."
-- George W. Bush
State of the Union, 2005
Basically the message will be "I'm right and you are wrong, so trust me".
Also, "if the President does it, it can't be breaking the law"
-- George W. Bush
State of the Union, 2005
Basically the message will be "I'm right and you are wrong, so trust me".
Also, "if the President does it, it can't be breaking the law"
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
State of the Union - What Will Bush Say?
1) The economy is doing great or our economy is struggling?
2) We have too much health insurance or many Americans have no health insurance?
3) Will mention Osama bin Laden or will not mention Osama bin Laden?
4) The President is not above the law or the President can ignore any law he wants?
5) Democratic elections in the Middle East are great or damn not who we really wanted elected?
6) I know Jack Abramhoff or I never met the guy?
7) Says "if the President does it, it's not illegal or says "I am not a crook"?
2) We have too much health insurance or many Americans have no health insurance?
3) Will mention Osama bin Laden or will not mention Osama bin Laden?
4) The President is not above the law or the President can ignore any law he wants?
5) Democratic elections in the Middle East are great or damn not who we really wanted elected?
6) I know Jack Abramhoff or I never met the guy?
7) Says "if the President does it, it's not illegal or says "I am not a crook"?
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