Onc more time: Climate change is fueling monster tornadoes (via Red Green & Blue) Two weeks ago, climate deniers accused me of being an anti-science moron for asserting that climate change was going to give us bigger, more destructive tornadoes, like the one that smashed through Norman, Oklahoma. Well, I’m back, with back-up. In my corner: Bill Nye, the Science Guy. … [Read more...] about Onc more time: Climate change is fueling monster tornadoes (Guest Voice)
Big Banks Now A Branch Of Government: Selig Cartwright, Goldman Sachs Washroom Attendant, Learns The Truth
(When Mr. B. enters the Goldman Sachs washroom for his regular morning visit, he finds washroom attendant Selig Cartwright waiting expectantly...) What is it, Selig? You look pensive. Is there something you want to tell me? No, sir. Something I want to ask you. Do you vote, Mr. B? Of course, I vote, Selig. It's every American's duty. We need to elect the best possible … [Read more...] about Big Banks Now A Branch Of Government: Selig Cartwright, Goldman Sachs Washroom Attendant, Learns The Truth
Former VP Al Gore Calls NSA Secret Blanket Surveillance “Obscenely Outrageous”
Tweet of the Day: Former Vice President Al Gore is seething about the NSA spying on Verizon customers' with a secret court order for daily records, calling the practice "Obscenely outrageous." In digital era, privacy must be a priority. Is it just me, or is secret blanket surveillance obscenely outrageous? ow.ly/lKS13— Al Gore (@algore) June 6, 2013 This comes as … [Read more...] about Former VP Al Gore Calls NSA Secret Blanket Surveillance “Obscenely Outrageous”
Oops! Gallup Tells How They Blew Obama Win
Seven months after Election Day, the Gallup folks have figured out how they missed Obama’s big win—-sort of. They have charts to explain about cell phones, land lines, time zones, what callers told them about their race and other high-tech stuff we civilians wouldn’t understand. All this goes back to 1936 when a magazine Literary Digest, which had accurately forecast … [Read more...] about Oops! Gallup Tells How They Blew Obama Win
NSA collecting daily domestic telephone data from Verizon: The Guardian
Updated 9:45 AM Pacific: It's good to know that watchdog journalism exists, even if it's on the other side of the pond. On April 25, 2013, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court authorized a secret order requiring Verizon to provide an electronic copy of all US phone call detail records to the National Security Agency (NSA). Every day. Of domestic and international … [Read more...] about NSA collecting daily domestic telephone data from Verizon: The Guardian
Cheerios Ad Prompts Ugly Response
I really don't know what I can say beyond being disgusted at the response A typical Cheerios ad with the young child asking Mom if Cheerios really help keep Daddy's heart healthy. Child goes to dad who smiles and says yes and we have a family moment. Except the couple is mixed race (white wife/black husband). The response from some is predictably racist and idiotic (to … [Read more...] about Cheerios Ad Prompts Ugly Response
Bradley Manning court martial wrapped in secrecy; why he’s on trial and what we learned from his actions
After being jailed in 2010 for releasing classified documents, many that directed a bright light on questionable US actions, Army Pfc. Bradley Manning began his court martial in Fort Meade, MD on Monday. As the court martial kicked off this week, the Obama Administration's self-proclaimed "unprecedented level of openness" was conspicuously absent. More at Storify. … [Read more...] about Bradley Manning court martial wrapped in secrecy; why he’s on trial and what we learned from his actions
New VIDEO Shows Michele Obama Confronting a Heckler
The big mini-flap has been the story about First Lady Michelle Obama confronting a heckler -- threatening to leave a fundraiser unless she was allowed to deliver her remarks. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney says she handled it "brilliantly." Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh basically accused Mrs. Obama of being arrogant, without quite saying it, in a rant … [Read more...] about New VIDEO Shows Michele Obama Confronting a Heckler
Chris Christie: The most popular politician in America?
Is Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie -- the guy talk show hosts, and staunch Republican partisan conservatives increasingly hate -- the most popular politician in America? A new poll finds that he indeed is: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) may be the most popular politician in the land. A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows 41 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about Chris Christie: The most popular politician in America?
Tapped Rice: Obama Promotes Susan Rice to Top Security Post
President Barack Obama is finally getting to put Susan Rice, America's Ambassador to the UN whose nomination for Secretary of State died after Republicans and Arizona Sen. John McCain in particular went after her on Benghazi. It's no secret Obama greatly respects her and was angry over how she was treated. Now he'll be naming her as his national security adviser -- a post that … [Read more...] about Tapped Rice: Obama Promotes Susan Rice to Top Security Post
Sexual Abuse in the Military: (Some in) the GOP on the Wrong Side – Again
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, delivers his opening statement during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on military sexual assaults, June 4. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp) We have all expressed outrage, in articles and in comments, at the rampant sexual abuse scandals in the military -- almost an “epidemic.” Last year … [Read more...] about Sexual Abuse in the Military: (Some in) the GOP on the Wrong Side – Again
How Darrell Issa Undermines the GOP’s IRS Issue
Quick: someone call a chiropractor for California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa. He's overreached so far his arm may separate from his shoulder. Even some key figures in his party are suggesting he needs an adjustment. F-a-s-t. Issa, a self-made millionaire who became famous -- or infamous, depending on one's perspective -- when his $1.6 million donation helped propel the … [Read more...] about How Darrell Issa Undermines the GOP’s IRS Issue
Lizard King: Giant reptile named after Jim Morrison
Lizard King: Giant reptile named after Jim Morrison (via AFP) A giant lizard that lived 40 million years ago at a time when Earth was a hothouse has been named in honour of rock singer Jim Morrison, palaeontologists said on Wednesday. Around 1.80m (six feet) from snout to tail and tipping the scales at up to 27 kilos (60 pounds), the plant-eating reptile is one… … [Read more...] about Lizard King: Giant reptile named after Jim Morrison
Will Saudi Arabia Allow the U.S. Oil Boom? (Guest Voice)
Will Saudi Arabia Allow the U.S. Oil Boom? Interview with Chris Faulkner by James Stafford Technology, technology, and more technology—this is what has driven the American oil and gas boom starting in the Bakken and now being played out in the Gulf of Mexico revival, and new advances are coming online constantly. It's enough to rival the Saudis, if the Kingdom allows it … [Read more...] about Will Saudi Arabia Allow the U.S. Oil Boom? (Guest Voice)
Give Manning a Plea Deal
WASHINGTON -- The treatment of Army Pfc. Bradley Manning has been excessively harsh, as far as I can tell. If he is found guilty of leaking more than 700,000 classified documents, he deserves some punishment -- probably -- but should not be at risk of spending the rest of his life behind bars. Apparently. I have to throw in all those qualifiers because Manning's … [Read more...] about Give Manning a Plea Deal
4 ways to end the drug war
4 ways to end the drug war (via GlobalPost) There are ways out of the world's costly 'war on drugs' that are gaining traction south of the US border, but which Washington will not sign off on any time soon. Simeon Tegel LIMA, Peru â?? US Secretary of State John Kerry this week has come under pressure to end Washingtonâ??s â??war on… … [Read more...] about 4 ways to end the drug war
Michelle Obama Threatens to Leave DNC Fundraiser After Being Heckled by GetEQUAL Activist Ellen Sturtz
First Lady Michelle Obama confronted a heckler during a fundraiser in California and the right wing freak out has begun. Let me backtrack a little.... Mrs. Obama was interrupted by a heckler at a campaign fundraiser in Washington D. C. Tuesday held at the home of Dr. Nan Schaffer and Karen Dixon. The woman was yelling that President Obama should sign an executive order on … [Read more...] about Michelle Obama Threatens to Leave DNC Fundraiser After Being Heckled by GetEQUAL Activist Ellen Sturtz
Afghanistan, still a poisoned chalice
The carnage in Syria has put the Afghan war on the backburner for a while. But, as the debate intensifies on what the Obama administration might do about Syria, it is well to recall the obstacles in Afghanistan. On June 4, 2013, the Defense Department’s causality page recorded 2,226 Americans killed and 18,610 wounded in action inside Afghanistan or operations involving … [Read more...] about Afghanistan, still a poisoned chalice
Springboro, Ohio, Schools and Evolution (Guest Cartoonist)
Springboro, Ohio, schools and Evolution by Mike Peters OF RELATED INTEREST: --No vote tonight on creationism --Creationism controversy in Springboro --Springboro, Ohio, District Considers Teaching Creationism In Schools --Creationism creates stir in Springboro School board defends revisiting issue Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation's most … [Read more...] about Springboro, Ohio, Schools and Evolution (Guest Cartoonist)
Rumsfeld “Can’t Tell” If Obama Changed Sides in War on Terrorism
I'm convinced that this kind of over-the-top, irresponsible rhetoric is going to cost the Republican Party national elections and even with gerrymandered districts may cost them some votes in districts. Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld -- no this is not The Onion or an Andy Borowitz news parody -- truly, actually, no-joke, not-kiddin-ya says he "can't tell" whether … [Read more...] about Rumsfeld “Can’t Tell” If Obama Changed Sides in War on Terrorism