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
Christie calls for special election for deceased Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat
Christie outlines special election for Lautenberg's U.S. Senate seat (via NJ.com) By Christopher Baxter and Jarrett Renshaw/The Star-Ledger TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today called for a special election in October to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank Lautenberg, setting in motion an all-out sprint for the office but immediately drawing … [Read more...] about Christie calls for special election for deceased Lautenberg’s U.S. Senate seat
Another Fake Scandal via the AP
I am back from nearly a month on the road. I should have stayed gone longer, I fear. Fake scandal abounds. Gasp! Emails of top Obama appointees remain a mystery Jack Gillum / Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Some of President Barack Obama's political appointees, including the Cabinet secretary for the Health and Human Services Department, are using secret government … [Read more...] about Another Fake Scandal via the AP
(UPDATE) ‘Derpy,’ a Word that Suits the Occasion – and the Man
UPDATE: There has been additional reaction to Josh Barro’s use of the word “derpy.” Stefan Becket at the New York Magazine mentions Paul Krugman’s “Moral Derpitude,” in the New York Times where Krugman feels for Barro, really does: “[b]ut he has no home in today’s GOP, which simply has no room for the non-derpy, and to all appearances never will.” Becket then asks, … [Read more...] about (UPDATE) ‘Derpy,’ a Word that Suits the Occasion – and the Man
Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Chris Christie's twisty trek to 2016 (via NewsWorks) National Interest Dick [email protected] June 4, 2013 By Dick Polman Chris Christie is already on notice, from denizens of the right-wing echo chamber, that he's gotta toe the line and fill Frank Lautenberg's Senate seat with a conservative purist - because if he doesn't, he can… … [Read more...] about Chris Christie’s twisty trek to 2016
Father Greeley: loving pugilist
WASHINGTON -- You wanted Father Andrew Greeley as your friend and not your enemy. You got the sense he was born with his fists up and his loyalties fully formed. He was ready to do battle at the first signs of disrespect toward those he cared about. Understanding Greeley, the priest, sociologist and novelist who died last week at 85, is essential to understanding the … [Read more...] about Father Greeley: loving pugilist
Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
Walmart has a long history of evading the law, abusing its workers, and suppressing strikes through illegal means. This week, OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect) is beginning the first sustained strike against Walmart, and it’s about time. News of the strike arrives just as Walmart is facing public scrutiny for dumping toxic sludge into California’s sanitary sewers. … [Read more...] about Walmart has Ruthlessly Exploited its Workers for Years
MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Republican attack on women as breadwinners continues with Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) saying that America's educational troubles started when women began working outside the home in large numbers, the Washington Post reports. Gov. Bryant, responded to a question about how America became 'so mediocre' in regard to educational outcomes, saying, "I think both parents … [Read more...] about MS Gov. Phil Bryant Blames America’s Educational Troubles on Moms Working Outside Home
The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
There is an unspoken alliance between the Democratic Party and the Tea Party wing of the GOP that makes governing in Washington more difficult. There is a commonality of interests between these two groups that binds them together, namely the destruction of the fading moderate portion of the Republican Party, branded as RINOs (Republicans in name only) by Tea Party advocates and … [Read more...] about The Democratic-Tea Party Alliance Makes Governing More Difficult
Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Lautenberg's death changes Senate race for Booker (via NJ.com) Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-Ledger NEWARK — Newark Mayor Cory Booker may have relished the idea of running for Frank Lautenberg's seat in 2014, but now that the liberal lion is dead, the race has changed big time. It is unclear whether Gov. Chris Christie will appoint a Republican to serve out… … [Read more...] about Lautenberg’s death changes Senate race for Booker (Guest Voice)
Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
If he persists in channeling Joe McCarthy, Darrell Issa deserves a new Edward R. Murrow to bring him down. When 60 Minutes gets tired of polishing up summer reruns, his CBS successors should give us a full portrait. There is ample material. Issa keeps pushing himself into the national face with outrageous accusations, as McCarthy did, now branding Obama spokesman Jay Carney … [Read more...] about Issa’s Shady Past Deserves More Than a Tweet
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for 'legal' coca products. (via The Christian Science Monitor) Copyright ImageClick to View Paneton pastries made by Ebococa sit in the factory in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, April 12. Urged on by President Evo Morales, Bolivians had been trying to turn coca leaf, the base ingredient of cocaine, into popular treats ranging … [Read more...] about Coca toothpaste? Bolivia tries to drum up demand for ‘legal’ coca products.
David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers
The Daily Beast's David Frum has long been required-reading for centrists, moderates and independent voters. The former Bush speechwriter has angered some in his party's conservative wing because he has taken on some of the more polarizing actions and rhetoric of his party -- and dared to criticize that conservative icon, Rush Limbaugh. But now Frum has had some family … [Read more...] about David Frum’s Five Essential Tasks for Conservative Reformers