American Family Association reverses course on 'Gays'

An article posted Sunday night about Olympic track and field star Tyson Gay was no exception.

"Tyson Homosexual easily won his semifinal for the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials," the article read, "and seemed to save something for the final later Sunday." The headline read "Homosexual eases into 100 final at Olympic events."

"On Saturday," it went on, "Homosexual misjudged the finish in his opening heat and had to scramble to finish fourth, then in his quarterfinal a couple of hours later, ran 9.77 to break the American record that had stood since 1999."

"Asked how he felt, Homosexual said: 'A little fatigued.'"

This is hilarious and sad at the same time...

Kristol, who previously said "[w]hite women are a problem ... we all live with," is "appalled" by the "sexism and misogyny the Democratic primary vote

On Fox News Sunday, Bill Kristol, who previously declared that "[w]hite women are a problem ... we all live with that," stated of Sen. Hillary Clinton: "She's put behind her the horrible sexism and misogyny the Democratic primary voters demonstrated, which I'm appalled by, personally. Never would have happened in the Republican Party. You know, we're -- Republicans are much more open to strong women."

These huys can't tell the truth to save their own lives...

Lieberman: Al Qaeda, Iran would control Iraq under Obama plan

CBS’ Bob Schieffer talked with Sen. Joe Lieberman about the Iraq policies offered by Barack Obama and John McCain. Lieberman said that if Obama’s plan had been followed then Iran and Al Qaeda would now be in control of Iraq.

Lieberman said, “If we had done what Senator Obama asked us to do, for the last couple of years, today Iran and Al Qaeda would be in control of Iraq.”

LIEberman should just go to Hell.

Dying Is Hard. Comedy Is Harder.

THE honest truth is, for a comedian, even death is just a premise to make jokes about. I know this because I was on the phone with George Carlin nine days ago and we were making some death jokes. We were talking about Tim Russert and Bo Diddley and George said: “I feel safe for a while. There will probably be a break before they come after the next one. I always like to fly on an airline right after they’ve had a crash. It improves your odds.”

Well said commentary by Jerry Seinfeld.

RIP George Carlin...

McCain’s Boeing Battle Boomerangs

But last week, McCain's subsequent effort to redo the tanker deal was dealt a setback. Government auditors ruled that the Air Force made "significant errors" when it rebid the contract and awarded the $35 billion project to Boeing's chief rival, partners European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. (or EADS) and Northrop Grumman. It's likely the Air Force will have to redo the bid yet again, which analysts say will delay the replacement of the fleet's 1950s-era refueling tankers. The auditors' ruling has also cast light on an overlooked aspect of McCain's crusade: five of his campaign's top advisers and fund-raisers—including Tom Loeffler, who resigned last month as his finance co-chairman, and Susan Nelson, his finance director—were registered lobbyists for EADS.

Short, but to the point. McCain should be ashamed...

Bomb Iran? What's to Stop Us?

Unlike the attack on Iraq five years ago, to deal with Iran there need be no massing of troops. And, with the propaganda buildup already well under way, there need be little, if any, forewarning before shock and awe and pox – in the form of air and missile attacks – begin.

This time it will be largely the Air Force's show, punctuated by missile and air strikes by the Navy. Israeli-American agreement has now been reached at the highest level; the armed forces planners, plotters and pilots are working out the details.

Emerging from a 90-minute White House meeting with President George W. Bush on June 4, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the two leaders were of one mind:

"We reached agreement on the need to take care of the Iranian threat. I left with a lot less question marks [than] I had entered with regarding the means, the timetable restrictions, and American resoluteness to deal with the problem. George Bush understands the severity of the Iranian threat and the need to vanquish it, and intends to act on that matter before the end of his term in the White House."

Does that sound like a man concerned that Bush is just bluff and bluster?

A member of Olmert's delegation noted that same day that the two countries had agreed to cooperate in case of an attack by Iran, and that "the meetings focused on 'operational matters' pertaining to the Iranian threat." So bring 'em on!

A show of hands please. How many believe Iran is about to attack the U.S. or Israel?

Written by a former CIA officer...

McCain strategist: Terrorist attack ‘would be a big advantage’ in election

As part of a series on “The candidates and your money,” Fortune Magazine asked Senator John McCain what he perceived as the single greatest economic threat to the United States. McCain’s reply, after several seconds of staring “into the void,” was “radical Islamic extremism.”

According to top McCain strategist Charlie Black, this response was no error. National security is McCain’s winning answer, no matter what the question.

For example, Black told Fortune that even though the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto last December was an “unfortunate event,” it was useful to McCain in the New Hampshire primary, because “his knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who’s ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us.”

The Fortune interviewer goes on to say that “Black concedes with startling candor after we raise the issue” that McCain would also be helped by “another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. ‘Certainly it would be a big advantage to him,’ says Black.”

We cannot let them get away with this again!

Mars Phoenix Tweets: "We Have ICE!"

"Are you ready to celebrate? Well, get ready: We have ICE!!!!! Yes, ICE, *WATER ICE* on Mars! w00t!!! Best day ever!!" the Mars Phoenix Lander tweeted at about 5:15 pm.

Cool!

McCain ignored request to cancel Iowa visit

As a courtesy — and as we did for Senator Obama — we privately made an effort to make sure that Senator McCain knew that state and local resources were still being deployed to support the flood fight and that now may not be the best time for a campaign trip," Dillon said in a statement.

Dillon's comments came as President Bush toured the state, and hundreds of law enforcement officers were diverted from flood recovery to provide security for him.

What a jerk!

Report May Give Boeing Another Chance At Contract

In harsh language that puts the Air Force on the defensive, congressional investigators said Wednesday that Boeing Co. should get a second chance to win a fiercely contested $40 billion aerial tanker program.

The contract was awarded last February to a partnership of Northrop Grumman and EADS, a European aerospace company and parent of Airbus, Boeing's archrival.

Political allies of Boeing and East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney, which would provide engines for Boeing's plane, immediately hailed the Government Accountability Office's nonbinding recommendations and made clear they will pressure the Air Force to follow them.

"It's a do-over for the Air Force," U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District, said in a statement issued jointly by the state's four Democratic House members.

This is great news!

1) We shouldn't be outsourcing our military technology.

2) This means the creation of 1000's of jobs, even just here in CT through the Pratt&Whitney plant.

Why I'm Voting Republican

Well done!

A Remarkable Photo From Tornado Country

What a picture.

When the weather turned violent and stormy on Tuesday evening, Lori Mehmen, who lives in the small farming town of Orchard in northeastern Iowa, looked out her front door and saw a funnel cloud bearing down — and evidently had the presence of mind to grab her digital camera and capture this shot before taking cover. The local paper, The Mitchell County Press-News, posted the photo on Wednesday and The Associated Press picked it up today.

WOW!

I'd be shaking so hard, the picture would have been one giant blur.

Replacing Tim Russert tough task for NBC News

Still reeling from Tim Russert's death, NBC News must now contemplate replacing the man who not only dominated the Sunday morning talk shows, but served as chief political commentator and ran the Washington bureau.

The "Meet the Press" host had what was arguably the most important and far-reaching job in television news, particularly in an election year. He died of a heart attack Friday while preparing for another week's edition of "Meet the Press."

NBC wasn't talking about potential successors while planning Russert's wake on Tuesday and memorial service Wednesday that will be televised on MSNBC from the Kennedy Center. Top anchor Brian Williams cancelled an appearance Monday at the Peabody Awards to be with his stricken staff.

NBC has potential successors to Russert on "Meet the Press" already within the company. The decision has big financial implications, since the show reportedly earns more than $60 million a year in profits with relatively few expenses and often has a waiting list of potential advertisers.

There's some mighty big shoes to fill!

My suggestion would be to have Tom Brokaw fill in through the November elections. Then replace him with someone like David Gregory, who would then have some breathing room to get fully comfortable.

Obama to visit Iraq, says he's firm on troop withdrawal plans

While Sen. Barack Obama says he'll visit Iraq and Afghanistan before the election, he's staying consistent with his plans to start withdrawing U.S. troops almost immediately should he become president.
Sen. Barack Obama says he'll go to Iraq and Afghanistan before November.

Sen. Barack Obama says he'll go to Iraq and Afghanistan before November.

Obama says the need to withdraw troops is twofold:

"One is to spur more action out of the Iraqis. ... But the second reason for withdrawal is the fact that we're spending $10 [billion] to $12 billion a month in Iraq," Obama said Monday while on a two-day swing through Michigan.

"The people here in Flint, Michigan, who I'm going to be talking to, would like to see some of that investment made here at home."

Firefox 3 Released

Today is download day. Get your copy!

Gore endorses Obama

Now that the Democratic primaries have ended, the party’s biggest name is officially coming out in support of the it’s presumptive nominee.

Al Gore says he is backing Barack Obama and will do whatever he can to help him get to the White House.

Finally!

New Gang of 14 won’t back McCain

At least 14 Republican members of Congress have refused to endorse or publicly support Sen. John McCain for president, and more than a dozen others declined to answer whether they back the Arizona senator.

Many of the recalcitrant GOP members declined to detail their reasons for withholding support, but Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) expressed major concerns about McCain’s energy policies and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) cited the Iraq war.

A handful of other Republicans on Capitol Hill made the distinction between “endorsing” and “supporting,” adding that while they have not endorsed, they do support McCain.

In recent weeks, much of the discussion and debate about party unity has been on the Democrats’ side, amid their protracted presidential primary. Yet achieving harmony is a concern on both sides of the aisle this year.

Woo-Hoo!

DNC Hammering McCain on "Not Too Important" Comments

DNC Chair Howard Dean is now getting into the act of jumping on McCain's "not too important" comment from this morning, though he's avoiding the "confused" language and sticking with the more safe "stubborn."

"Senator McCain is wrong," Dean said in a statement. "One of the most important questions in this campaign is when and how Senator McCain would bring our troops home from Iraq. Senator McCain stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that the American people do not want our brave troops in Iraq for 100 years under any circumstances. They want a president who will end the war responsibly."

Good!

Obama Creates SIte To Fight Smears

Michelle Obama Says “Whitey” On a Tape

LIE: Rush Limbaugh says a tape exists of Michelle Obama using the word “whitey” from the pulpit of Trinity United

LIE: Blogger Larry Johnson writes “New and dramatic developments. This is a heads up. I'll post the news Monday morning by 0900 hours.”

LIE: Proven GOP sleazemeister Roger Stone says he has “credible evidence that some indelible record exists” of a tape of Michelle Obama using the term “whitey.”

LIE: Blogger: “Tape was filmed between June 26th - July 1st 2004 in Chicago, IL at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Conference at Trinity United Church: specifically the Women's Event.”

He won't be swift-boated!

The video that should sink John McCain's presidential dreams

Well done!

Please check out the link as well...

BEER-MARKS?

Much more hilariously, a misreading of the teleprompter led McCain to sound a little bit more like a teetotaler fraternity president than a presidential candidate. Speaking about his use of the veto pen to eliminate wasteful spending, he declared, "I will veto every single beer, um, bill with earmarks."

Awww, isn't grampy McSame just adorable when he gets confused?

MSNBC's Olbermann, Abrams take on E.D. Hill's fist bump comments

What the Hell is a terrorist fist-jab???

Hunger Challenge: Day 4

Really quickly, because it is late.

I survived another day, but I'm getting really tired of this. I'm glad I have to stop this on Sunday (a client is flying in from California and I have to take him out to dinner).

Anyways, today I had a can of clam chowder from my pantry for lunch, along with a leftover piece of kielbasa from last night's dinner. I also nibbled a bit on my snack from the pantry (the chocolate bar). For dinner, I had a piece of grilled chicken (~$2.00) on an english muffin (21.5 cents) and I split a pasta side dish from the pantry with my wife (mac&cheese). I'm probably cheating, since I grilled the chicken. I'm assuming many people in need wouldn't have access to an outdoor grill, or even the mesquite smoker (wood) chips we use for extra flavor.

I'm full, but tired. I wonder if the lethargy I am feeling today is due to my poor eating this week?

I'll try to give a fuller update in tomorrow's update.

Until then...

-P

Judge: Bomb Suspect Mentioned Obama

NAUGATUCK, Conn. -- The FBI is investigating statements referring to Sen. Barack Obama made by a Naugatuck man accused of posessing bomb-making materials.

James Gagnon, a 44-year-old former Army Reservist, was arrested at the Oak Terrace Housing Complex on Thursday night.

Police said they received a tip that 44-year-old James Gagnon may have been doing something dangerous inside his apartment at the Oak Terrace Housing Complex on Conrad Street.

The complex is home to mostly senior citizens and disabled residents.

This is pretty creepy. This happened in my home town. As a kid, I rode my bike past this complex daily delivering papers.

My sister played little league softball on the field across the street.

Freaky!

-P

NASA Developing Quake 'Warning System'

Nasa scientists have said they could be on the verge of a breakthrough in their efforts to forecast earthquakes.

Researchers say they have found a close link between electrical disturbances on the edge of our atmosphere and impending quakes on the ground below.

Just such a signal was spotted in the days leading up to the recent devastating event in China.

They have teamed up with experts in the UK to investigate a possible space-based early warning system.

This is just way too cool!

Hunger Challenge: Day 3

Yesterday was really rough. By the late afternoon, I had a pretty serious low, had trouble concentrating, and was getting shaky. It was so bad that, even after eating dinner, it took quite a while for it to pass. I was no longer hungry, but still felt the effects of the sugar low.

I think part of the problem was that I wasn't really using the food from my initial pantry. Somehow, a hoarding concept kicked in and I was afraid to use it. This makes me realize how important these food pantries are to people in need. I don't know how they survive without them.

Today was/is much better. I'm actually barely spending any money on food because I'm tapping into my initial supply.

For breakfast I had scrambled eggs on a buttered english muffin (21.5 cents). It was good, but I would have loved a piece of cheese with it (God, I miss cheese! My normal motto is, "Praise Cheezus!") For lunch, I had a burrito (45 cents) and a bit from my pantry snack (a few pieces from a chocolate bar).

Tonight, I plan on hitting the pantry again, since turkey kielbasa was my meat choice. I plan on having that for dinner with more buttered noodles and (probably) an ear of buttered corn, or some other fresh vegetable. I should be well under budget, and fed, though I realize I'm not eating all that healthy.

I should have enough in my budget left over to splurge on a late-night snack, if the mood strikes.

Glad this'll be over soon!

Best,

-P

Clinton to end run, endorse Obama on Saturday

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton will drop out of the presidential race and cede the Democratic nomination to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama at the end of this week, per an official statement from her campaign.

"Senator Clinton will be hosting an event in Washington, DC to thank her supporters and express her support for Senator Obama and party unity," said the statement. "This event will be held on Saturday to accommodate more of Senator Clinton's supporters who want to attend."

Various media outlets buzzed about the potential exit throughout the afternoon before official word came in the evening. ABC News first reported Wednesday that Clinton would step down on Friday, without citing any sources. CNN also reported the same news based on multiple sources. The New York Times based its story on word from a Clinton senior adviser.

Finally. Thank God! I am exhausted.

I'd be happy with her on the ticket, but even more so if she drops out first and doesn't give the appearance of forcing his hand for the VP slot.

Still, I personally think she'd be better at Senate Majority leader (I have concerns about giving up too many senate seats, even though hers is safe, and I am less than happy with Reid). She'd do a great job at it, as her bull-fighting campaign has definitely proved her tenacity and never give up attitude.

Alternatively, she could serve in an Obama administration as a high level cabinet post. I think having her formally in charge of revising health care would be awesome! I think she failed in the 90's because of her husband and the congress. Give her some official clout, a democratic congress, and I think she'll get it through this time.

This would also keep Bill back in New York (or, at least out of the White House!)...and his baggage is the one thing that scares me as a vehicle for attack from the other side- whether I think it is justified or not.

Again, I am so glad this is over!!!

Time for us to unite...And celebrate!

Hunger Challenge: Day 2

This is just a quick update as I'm pressed for time.

Last night, I forwent the potato salad idea. Instead, for dinner I heated up a package of BBQ shredded chicken and made a sandwich out of about half of it. I got the chicken on sale this week for $3.99, but I only used half of the package (the other half will be dinner for tonight). So with the cheap roll I used, I spent $2.33 yesterday...well within budget, but I was very hungry this morning.

For today, I had an english muffin (21.5 cents) and butter and peanut butter (from my pantry) for breakfast. I had a burrito for lunch (45 cents) and will be having the same dinner as last night. Grand total = $2.995...just barely making it, and I am currently quite hungry. In fact, my head is a bit swimmy, because I am so hungry, and I'm actually having trouble writing this.

I'm going to have to dip into my pantry supply and make some buttered egg noodles, otherwise I won't make it through the night.

What is really killing me is that I'd love to go for some blue cheese or brie on crackers right now (that is one of my normal evening snacks that I have with my wife in the evenings). Unfortunately, even a small bloc of those cheeses on sale would be the budget for two days.

Good thing I didn't buy any this week, or it would probably be too much temptation.

Best,

-P

Hunger Challenge: Day 1

Day 1

First the preparation.

Seeing as my wife is out of town this week, I decided to set aside my starter pantry to avoid cheating. In the picture you can see my choices: Red Sauce, Pasta, Bottle of Juice (would have preferred Orange, but as that is perishable, I didn't think it should count), Sauerkraut and Canned Tomatoes for my Veggies, Baked Beans, Tuna, Cereal, Peanut Butter, Two Pasta Sides, Chocolate Bar for my snack, Kielbasa for Meat, Salt and Mayonnaise for my Condiments (I'd really have trouble giving those up, but I wish I could include pepper too), Eggs, and Butter.



When I agreed to do this challenge, I initially thought it would be a cakewalk. After all, I did go to college, where frugal living is a necessity! I even remembered back to when my wife and I first moved in together and I was absolutely shocked when she wanted to spend more than $20/week on groceries. So, this should be easy for me. Right???

Wrong. From just the first day, my smugness has already worn thin. It's amazing how little we forget, how routines set into our lives, and how much we condition ourselves to take for granted.

Sure, I can eat on three bucks a day. That's not too hard. But I will be either hungry, malnutritioned, miserable, or some awkward combination of all three. As of this writing, I am seriously jonesing for a glass of Diet Sunkist (I drink it like it is God’s own sweet nectar). I considered trying a cheaper brand, but I don’t even think that would fit in the budget…and I’m spoiled when it comes to brands.

That brings up another point. Take a close look at what I started with for my emergency pantry, and you’ll see that all the brands are premium…and they were all chosen by me. This is a luxury that people do not get when visiting a food pantry and, as unfair as it may be, I now recognize this as a significant means for me to complete this challenge.

I know I’m rambling now, but the concept of brand choices brought another thought into my minds eye: what about the rest of the stuff? You know, life’s necessities. Things like toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, bath soap, toothpaste, etc. This stuff isn’t cheap, and I know I have my own particular brands. I do consider myself to be on a semi-limited budget, but if I were really struggling the cost of these personal brand choices would severely limit me.

Okay, I’ve blathered enough, so I might as well get down to it. How did my first day go?

The First Day

Short answer: it has been quite easy, despite my desire for orange soda, and a desire for a small caffeine kick from my favorite chai tea.

Slightly longer answer: I was up all of last night working on a project for a client and didn’t go to bed until 8 AM, so I slept most of the day away. As it stands, the only thing I’ve consumed today is water (filtered, which probably shouldn’t count either), even though it is almost 6 PM my time.

Don’t get me wrong, because my stomach is growling like a bunch of angry bears…and I’ll need to address it soon.

I haven’t fully decided on what to have for dinner, but I want it to be good since it is likely to be my only meal today. I’ll definitely give specifics on my next entry, but I am currently thinking about the pre-made potato salad I bought over the weekend (it cost $2.69 for 16 ounces). It is within budget, but is it healthy to only eat potato salad for a day?

I’m sure my wife has an answer but, as I said, she’s out of town. So her vote doesn’t count.

Until next time…

-P

Food Stamp Hunger Awareness Challenge

We are asking members of our community to eat for one day or one week on $3.30 per person per day, which is the average amount that an eligible person receives from food stamps. We then ask that the entrants record their experiences to share with all.

I'll be taking part of this, starting tomorrow. I'll post entries here, and on their blog.

Feel free to join me...

McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare

Great film from Robert Greenwald...

Clinton Supporter Thrown Out of Rules Committee Meeting

What a psycho!!!

Yeah, vote for McCain, Kyle!!!

Final Conn. Democratic Superdelegate Backs Obama

Connecticut's last uncommitted superdelegate in the battle for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination said Monday she is backing Barack Obama.

Nancy DiNardo, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, has held back her endorsement for months, saying she wanted to wait until the primaries were over.

"It's pretty close to the end now," she told The Associated Press.

Hillary Rodham Clinton won the Puerto Rico primary on Sunday and Montana and South Dakota end the primary season with races on Tuesday.

It's about time. The rest needs to follow suit now.