Capitalism is not shining

I have heard that lots of groups of people have been organizing to raise money for the Haiti relief effort. Among these are many movie stars who have given millions, individually and collectively, including folks like Madonna, and the Brangelinos, and Clooney. I have heard of communities coming together to hold events that would raise money. Millions of Americans have contributed some amount.

What has happened to American capitalism? I haven't heard that any great corporations or wealthy Wall Street individuals have given anything. Here are people rolling in millions in salaries and bonuses, but not being counted among the generous. Did I just miss it? It reminds me of the Katrina effort. Everyone got into the act of trying to help others except American capitalists who were busy trying to find ways to profit from the calamity.

When it was all over, the critics went back to condemning the government, not because it helped, but because it was not efficient enough in its processes. Now we have this immense socialistic rescue mission in the process of saving lives and bringing help to the needy. Mark my words! Before it's over, the capitalists will be condemning the operation while they sit on their fat asses doing little or nothing.

without further comment

DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Officials at Duke Unvetsity said three members of the North Carolina school's football team are facing felony firearm charges. Duke officials confirmed freshmen players John Drew, Kyle Griswould and Brandon Putnam were charged with felony possession and discharge of a weapon over an incident on campus last weekend, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said Monday. Police allege the three football players were connected to several gunshots fired near a Duke residence hall early Sunday morning.

Irene fingers fiend

This is Irene's nominee for evil man of the month.

He's Lloyd Blankfein.

Irene says he's really "Bank Fiend!" --- the arrogant, and of course very rich, Chairman of Goldman Sachs.

What has particularly angered her was his testimony last week, in which he refused to accept any blame for Wall Street misdeeds, or welcome any government regulation.

The last line put Irene over the edge:
When asked to elaborate on his statement last year that, ''we
participated in things that were clearly wrong, and we have reasons
to regret'', Mr Blankfein was not inclined to revisit this subject,
except to acknowledge his firm ''contributed to elements of froth in
the market''.

Monday morning.

Most mornings while I'm here in The Villages, I try to get out to the local Starbucks where I can have an overpriced drink of some kind, and answer or send email, update BIRCHES, and read some news --- and other peoples' blogs.

I don't alway get here. But here I am today.

Then there is the people watching aspect of it. Some of these older folks are pretty far-out with their fashions and behaviors. Sitting here today is a lady with an obviously self-made outfit. I curse myself that I forgot my camera. She is wearing blue slacks made out of that heavy material, like drapes, you know. Her jacket matches it, She'[s wearing a hat made out of the same material --- a turban-like affair. AND, on the floor beside here is a bag/purse made out of the same stuff. It's this color:

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Last evening, we went over to the Church on the Square and heard a concert by a guy named Cahal Dunne. He says his name translates from the Irish as "Charlie Brown." He is an Irish tenor and plays a piano as well as anyone. We took Liam, of course, as he is so well-behaved in public, and we sat in the balcony where he wouldn't be such a problem if he got restless.

This is Cahal:

Liam danced in the space in front of his seat for awhile, then he climbed into Trase's arms and fell asleep. It was an excellent way to spend two hours.

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a few Liam pictures ...

... for those who know him.

Sunday morning thoughts

Generally, while I'm here in Florida, I get on the computer once a day, if at all. Today, I went out with the skies threatening rain, but in shorts and T-shirt, while the rest of the household is trying to get organized.

I have been happy with some of the things Obama has accomplished and some of his approaches and policies. Not that he calls me and asks what I think, but then, I am a voting American, so that's what I think. Some of the Obama moves have not been pleasing to me. The worst so far was that I suddenly saw George W. Bush on my TV screen, again. Where the hell did he come from to haunt my happy hours? Why, it turns out Obama has resurrected him to help rescue Haiti. This is so idiotic on some many levels that I am speechless, so I write about it instead. My motto here would be to let sleeping bastards lie.

Here in Florida, a deputy sheriff has been shot to death in a face down with a guy with a gun. The man had shot four people earlier, killing two. Motive: "domestic dispute."

We have texted to 90999 to contribute to the Haiti relief effort. I know that hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent by or government in this effort, and since we're taxpayers, we will also give that way. It is our hope that our individual contribution will help make life easier for a couple of people in extreme distress.

I'm always disturbed, but never surprised any more, at the extreme stupid prejudices of many people in my generation , and even more particularly in the generation just before mine. That generation is dying out and let's hope, taking some of the worst unchristian attitudes with them.

There is a mentally retarded man sitting at the table next to me in Starbucks staring at me. I don't blame him. :)

a bit of sarcasm from Irish Mike

"I am glad Pat Robertson is out there keeping us straight about God's handiwork."

Pat Robertson Haiti Comments Spark Uproar - CBSNews

Controversial Preacher Says Haiti Suffered Earthquake because of `Pact with the Devil`

URL: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/14/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6096806.shtml

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This would be a perfect place for my scornful laugh, if only I had one! I think Robertson has slipped over the edge into total unreality. (Bud)

Headline of the Day: Seek and ye shall find

Girl Who Lost Leg Returns To Soccer Field

notebook stuff

Here I am sitting at Barnes and Nobel, minding my own business and clacking away on my MacBook, and this gentleman of prodigious girth says to me, "How long have you had that computer?" A few months, say I. "Well, it's gonna be totally obsolete on Jan 27th," he says, "because Apple is coming out with a new notebook, like a scratch pad, that'll blow that thing out of the water."

I'm disconsolate. So, should I go slash my wrists?

To get to Orlando airport by the direct route, I have to stop and pay 6 tolls in and 6 tolls back out. This is $11.00. At one point, there is a construction area with a big sign that says, "Your toll dollars at work." Guess what they're building! New toll booths. This is called toll booth incest: Booths breeding booths.

Some nights here have been so cold that they have canceled the free concerts in the square. BUt, it looks like the cold snap is over. Just in time for the kids to swim while they're here.

I believe that the unhappiest country in the world must be Indonesia. Hardly a week goes by that there is not an earthquake, a ferryboat sinking, a terrorist bombing, a mudslide, a volcano erupting, or some other catastrophe that causes death and misery. After that, it is Haiti. I'm thankful that my country is able to help, because those people are going to need years of it. Even I, cold-hearted and oxen as I am, sympathize with those people.

I miss some of my friends.

at this time

It's Thursday. I jumped on my golf cart, drove over to Barnes and Nobel, hooked up my computer, bought a frappachino, and I'm now in business. The kids are here from Chelsea, equipped with the residue of colds. Liam is as charming as ever, and has made his first airplane flight without a stumble or a fuss. He spent his trip flirting with the women in the seats behind him.

Thursday Smile-Maker

Beer!

warming

Here's a weather report for all you who care, and here I mean especially Dashmann who keeps taunting me about the cold spell down here. (When he finds a raw nerve, he keeps on rubbing)

The worst is over. We are slowly proceeding back to normal. It's 60 here now, and yes, I may decide to go swimming in one of these wonderful heated pools --- um, well, any day now.

my stump speech.

I read in this morning's newspaper (right now I'm in a place where the daily newspaper comes out daily) an article about the dangers of going to court these days. This is because in many many places, the security checks are shut down. No one is screening those who come into court because the localities cannot afford the officers to do it.

So, at the very time when the fear of terrorist attack is greatest, we are throwing down our guard.

I can remember some years ago going to the County Clerk's office and having for the first time to pass through the security checkpoint. I was offended. I said, "What does it show about our country when the government has to hide behind armed guards and metal detectors?" No answer! And this was before 9/11.

Well, I doubt whether the guards have ever existed because there is terrorism in the world. They exist because our own citizens, every crazy one, every one with a grievance, everyone who might someday want to shoot daddy, is already armed to the teeth. No court house is safe, no home is safe, no restaurant or theater or sports venue, no car on the highway, no person sitting on their front porch.

A female judge was pictured wearing her black gown and showing her Smith and Wesson which she hides under the bench just in case she has to shoot it out with someone in her courtroom.

This is where our adoration for the Second Amendment has brought us. Nice isn't it?

a laugh from Alice!

I always keep a cough all winter once I get it. It's one way to irritate everyone around me with out getting arrested. HA. My kind of luck they'll figure out a way to outlaw my kind of cough.

weather report

What a great honor it has been to wake up here in Florida, which is costing us money!, only to discover that sleet has fallen. It can be seen on the roof next door. Now they tell us this is the most prolonged cold spell since the 1980's. What a thrill to be here or this historic event.

Those of you with a pernicious streak are probably chortling over our meteorological misfortune, but this is a simple slight we can afford to ignore, being people of great fortitude and magnanimity. The truth is, you're all worried about the orange and strawberry crops which are at a critical stage of development. So far, there has been little damage because the low temps have been very low for too long. Only around 29-30 degrees. The next two nights are the major worry, so pray for your orange juice and tequila, and hope that Plant City is ahead of the curve!

A poll ---

POLL:

How many men out there are really upset with Tiger Woods? It's my theory that most men envy him his good fortune. Given the chance ---- ahem!

Answer by the comment method or the email method.

I'm feeling really lonely at Birches these days. I need a more interactive readership.

NBA Star discriminated against

I don't understand the controversy over Gilbert Arenas.

He's the man who carried his guns into the NBA locker room. The guns evidently got shown around, maybe pointed, maybe used as threats. It's a little hard to figure out what happened when the news has to be strained through sportscasters and other hired mouthpieces whose job it is to deceive and obfuscate.

What's wrong with guns? Yes, I'm serious. Everyone knows that entrepreneurs in America need armed protection. We are talking about people who are among the top 1% in income in this country. They're logical targets of the poor and downtrodden who have to pay $75 or more for a ticket to look at their muscles and observe their massive talent to toss a big ball. These gentlemen go into dangerous places like basketball locker rooms which are peopled by thugs who will, under the best of circumstances, often maim and attack each other even right there on the basketball floor. Imagine what could happen in the confines of showers and lockers where the public eye does not watch. And how many of those people in the stands are armed? I believe statistically we expect about 1/4 of them to be carrying.

How can a basketball player protect himself if he hasn't the ability to shoot it out with some malcontent who doesn't approve of the call, or the foul, or the errant "shot".

But, really, in this case, no one actually got shot. Carrying guns in this country is perfectly legal. Showing them around is perfectly legal. In most cases, firing them is perfectly legal. Al's well that ends well, eh?

And as for the morality of the situation? Hey, Arenas doesn't kill people. He's not a criminal. He's a star. The police should concentrate on capturing the real criminals and leave the ordinary law-abiding thugs alone.

friends report on January 4, 2010

AS ALWAYS: Click on Pictures to enlarge them.

Every lady knows that the baby will always be the center of attention - and your baby will be next.

I have seen some peculiar Christmas displays, but this one trumps them all. What the hell is it? Well, it's right here in our neighborhood in Florida and I can't say we sleep better at nights knowing these folks are loose. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Press, and Freedom of Goofiness.

Two wild and crazy Northerners go to FIVE GUYS to get a great burger and lots of cholesterol. Who would think old folks could have so much fun! :)

Below is the reason that Hanleys won't go to Florida. Too many ugly old people. These were seen at FIVE GUYS, but may not be guys at all.

Good Bye Detective ED HANCOCK

The end of a friendship.

Anyone know why New Year's Eve is such a big deal?

2 updates.

1. I see that the odious Limbaugh has been released from the hospital. The first thing he did, of course, is rush (pun intended) to a microphone to explain what the hell his problem was. You may have heard this; he doesn't know what his problem is. This does not deter him in any way from explaining anyhow.

2. I am happy that Ohio State won the Rose Bowl. We Michiganders respect Ohio State. Incidentally, we rented a golf cart and what do you think? There is an Ohio State sticker on the front of it. There are some indignities I should be spared at my age!

Now we are cheering for S. Carolina to win tonight over whoever.

3. We went to a an art show today and to do some shopping. The sun is shining brightly and the temps have reached 58, as the weather-guesser guessed.

Bang! Bang!

Two kids, I have heard, were shot on New Year's Eve by falling bullets. One died. Just wished to send my good luck wishes to the Italian child still in the hospital after undergoing life-saving surgery here in Florida. Soon you can go home where visitors are a bit safer.

New Year, new ramblings.

We have reached out destination in Florida, safely.

Without John and JoAnn here, who will we go to the movies with?

I suppose I will watch the Rose Bowl today, and will hope that Ohio State wins, but you know, as a Michigan fan, I have a tough time adjusting to the rotten fact that we aren't in any bowl games, and haven't been for several years.

We hear that vicious January-like subzero temperatures have struck the north. We aren't chuckling though at the north's bad luck. It's supposed to get cold here, in Florida, also. Right now, heavy rain.

Let me talk about Georgia. It rained all the way through, and for some bizarre reason, Atlanta was practically a parking lot with bumper-t0-bumper vehicles (at 7:30 p.m.) most of them being driven by non-Christians. I knew this because those people were hostile! Maybe they're still fighting the War- Between- the- States- Which- They- Lost, BTW. Let me just editorialize here: The Federal Government should either send back General Sherman, or they should build a new way to get through Georgia North-South, which would totally avoid Atlanta.

I was disappointed to hear that Rush Limbaugh is in the hospital for heart trouble. No wait! I was disappointed that they're talking about releasing him.

There is a small town near here where the python escaped from its cage during the night and strangled the baby in its crib. They arrested the mother and would have arrested her live-in boyfriend as well, but they couldn't find him. Oh, that's right, he's already in jail --- for drug charges. There's just no explaining the dimensions of stupidity. Sterilization anyone?

idly thunk

1. Is there nothing going on in the world today besides exploding underwear?

2. We're leaving town tomorrow. You know where we'll be!

3. More and more people we know are using C-PAP machines. When you get by the annoyance of them, they're pretty good things.

4. Our friend Jim Thill says:

A lot of people who tolerate and even enjoy winter have not learned to accept it. Many northern-climate people look at winter as an inconvenience, and spend that part of the year engaged in futile combat against the forces of nature.

I suppose this is true, and it certainly would apply to me.

about pickles

I see that some politicians are criticizing the President because he didn't come out and make some flamboyant statement about the terror attack on a jetliner on Christmas. (I assume this would be what W would have done.) To those people, including especially Congressman King, I say this: Go suck a pickle!

is he?

I saw Dave Somebodyorother on TV this morning commenting on the AP's selection of Tiger Woods as "Athlete of the Decade" and he was saying this perpetuates two myths: That Tiger is an athlete and that golf is a sport.

BIRCHES welcomes comment on these charges.

some things on my desktop

Swinging birches.

This is the town of St. Just in Cornwall, England, with a dusting of snow on the rooftops. Love it!

It's Caturday!

A scene from the life of our

friend FELIX where

EVERY CAT is safe and

valued!

Congratulations

Congratulations are in order for all Americans now that the health care reform bill has taken a big leap forward.

It will no doubt be many years before the system is made to work well. For one thing, it will be fought against and confounded by some big interests in the country: Republicans, insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and so on.

But we're on the road! Be strong until we all have medicare.

BRAVO !

Aussie court fines, bans e-mail spammer

BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- A New Zealand man accused of being an e-mail spam mastermind has been fined and banned from e-mailing for seven years, Australian officials say.

Lance Thomas Atkinson, 26, was sentenced Tuesday by the Federal Court in Brisbane to pay a $185,000 fine and $13,000 in court costs for filling the inboxes of Australian Internet users with e-mails prompting them to click through to Web sites using allegedly false claims to sell prescription drugs, "male enhancement" products and weight-loss pills, The Brisbane Times reported.

The newspaper said Atkinson has already been fined $14 million by U.S. authorities for sending millions of spam e-mails in what they called the world's biggest such operation. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission found Atkinson and his U.S. accomplice allegedly controlled a "botnet" of 35,000 computers, capable of sending 10 billion e-mail messages a day.

Prosecutors told the Brisbane court that Atkinson and 45 commissioned workers sent spam to Australian internet users on 61 days during a 14-month period between October 2006 and December 2007, the Times reported.

A person would have a hard time convincing me that not a single one of the Republicans who has been elected to the U.S. Senate is capable of finding in their souls a "yes" vote on the health plan. Then why didn't one or two vote for it?

Because they are Republicans and that party does not represent any intelligent interest in the United States apart from the greedy. This is a political party that is without any sense of propriety and that is lacking in any sense of the purpose of democracy. The Democrats are better, but not by much. These days, a moral person would not be either.

A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar.

H.L. Mencken

Add to your day -- A Song of Joy

It was a world-wide popular hit in 1970.

CLICK

Or Julio Iglesias: CLICK

Come sing a song of joy for peace shall come, my brother
Sing, sing a song of joy for Man shall love each other.

That day will dawn just as sure as hearts that are pure,
Are hearts set free. No man must stand alone
With outstretched hand before him.

Reach out and take them in yours with love
That endures forevermore. Then sing a song of joy
For love and understanding.

Come sing a song of joy of freedom tell the story.
Sing, sing a song of joy for Mankind in his glory.
One mighty voice that will bring a sound
That will ring forevermore.
Then sing a song of joy for love and understanding.

Come sing a song of joy of freedom tell the story.
Sing, sing a song of joy for Mankind in his glory.
One mighty voice that will bring a sound
That will ring forevermore.

anyone?

ONE of the most interesting thoughts I've heard lately is the idea that scientists from the future have been shutting down the Large Collider in Switzerland to prevent it from doing something irreversibly dangerous. AND that this idea has been floated by perfectly reputable scientists now alive. Isn't that a head clanger of an idea?

Anyone know anything about this?

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A train idea for the greater good

Pardon me for repeating myself. I know I have some themes I keep returning to, and here is one of them.

This is Japan's bullet train readying for it's next run. At 180-190 miles-per-hour, it will make the run in short order. Here are some other countries who have invested heavily in bullet trains, and who are finding them very efficacious: France, Germany, Japan, China, Spain.

What if America decided to build such a system, even just coast-to-coast. What if we required that the trains be American-made? What if we required that the electronics to operate the system safely, be American made. What if we required that the materials to rebuild the crossings of rivers and roadways be American manufactured? What if we made the Federal government and the state governments partners with private corporations in the ownership/running of the system?

What a recession buster the whole thing would be. And what a tremendous answer to the collapsing airline industry.

It's Caturday!

...and one more friend!

This is Mickey, who has adopted our friend Jerry.

Friends Report on December 18

Obama in wonderland.

I do not believe that the global warming problem will be dealt with constructively. I think it will go forward, the oceans will expand, more deserts will appear, millions will starve. We should admire people like Al Gore who have tried to make it otherwise, but this is not slowing the downward trend. Obama has gone to Denmark, the home of famous fairy tale writers, to explain the problem to the world. But why? They already know but will not resort to any serious action.

If you doubt this, remember some facts. There are several million people living in the area of Mt. Vesuvius. When it one day blows up again, they will want the world's help, even though they know it's going to happen. There are millions living along the San Andreas fault. When the earth splits, they will roll their eyes in wonder and ask for help.

Thursday Morning Smile Maker

Yup. Backwards

Add to Your Day - go play with the animals

From 1964, some really great rock 'n' roll.

CLICK

the freedom of speech

Ah-h, Democracy. The freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, the freedom to petition.

Copenhagen

(BBC)

I'm sick of these Republicans who get elected as Democrats. It's long been true that if you want to win election in some places, you have to act like a conservative and pretend to be a Democrat.

Books -- update

I have been impressed by what people have recommended this year, and there are now at least three of your recommendations which I'm adding to my book list for the coming weeks. One of them is Russo's That Old Cape Magic. Another is Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which sounds really good. And now, one recommended by Marsha.

(Bud)

MARSHA - My civil war and post-war anthology. I welcome suggestions for additions. What these have in common besides (and far more important than...) the setting, is the human, tender, lyrical telling of extremely compelling stories that happen to involve this particular conflict.

My favorite, of course, is Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.

Besides the fabulous story—made into a wonderful movie--I have a personal connection to this one. Frazier got his PhD here at the University of South Carolina and his thesis professor is a wonderful teacher whom I’ve come to know well and admire.

Second, and not by much, is White Doves at Morning by James Lee Burke. I’ve been a long time fan of Burke’s crime novels featuring his detective Dave Robicheaux. These are often rather mystical, but this novel of survival, love and hate amidst the war and reconstruction is very different and absolutely wonderful. The villains are delightfully colorful, and the battle scenes are unforgettable.

The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks is a terrible and satisfying novel based on a real woman and the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, in which 9200 men were killed in a matter of hours. Carrie McGavock’s home was taken over as a Union hospital, and the effect upon her led to a wonderful gift she gave to those who died there. It is a remarkable love story, but also tells about how this nation’s largest private cemetery came to be. I must visit this place.

And now I am reading Howard Bahr’s The Year of Jubilo. I cannot put down this story of post-war Mississippi whose characters are so vivid and idiosyncratic. Like in Cold Mountain this is the story of a man returning from the war hoping to reunite with a former love, but it is really quite different in tone and pacing. Reads like a thriller with interruptions for character and setting development.

Today's favorite headline

At first I thought: all of them? Wow!

Women to Row The Atlantic Naked

CLICK FOR STORY

It seems to me ...

The comments being made about the 5 Americans now arrested in Pakistan for whatever terrorism charge it is, seem to me to conjure a whole new dimension to the world of hate and violence.

Everyone says that they were not the type of boys to do this. They were wonderful people. They loved America. They were religiously devout. They had no deep-seated dislike for the United States. They had not been under eye of law enforcement as desperadoes. This is not the story we've heard about other "terrorist" prospects. Those other guys had developed a lot of hatred, and they had been talking evil.

One of the very worst aspects of this development with the innocent American image is that it will lend credence to the position of those who maintain that all Muslims are to be suspected and feared, and that the religion itself is the problem.

It's Caturday!

new book recommendations

IRENE - I intended to comment - here's my pick:

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. Just a lovely story - a great way to spend a day.

WNNCO - If you have interest in science fiction, I would recommend reading the Arthur C. Clark/Stephen Baxter trilogy "A Time Odessy" consisting of "Times Eye, Sunstorm, and Firstborn". Masterful work! Also, if you have any interest in interwoven astophysics with a riviting series, read Stephen Baxter's Xeelee Sequence culminating with "Ring". Just keep your physics texts close.

"the junk science of global warming"

Yep, those are words attributed to Her Royal Fishery.

You have to admire Sarah Palin's advisers. They have no fear whatsoever about sending her into battle without any armour. (She couldn't have even dreamed of some of those words spoken - or written - in her name.) And I bet you also admire the way she takes up the cause no matter how hopeless she looks without that armour.

Taking on Al Gore, without any science or logic at all?

This is the nature of runofthemill fascism. It's not what you know to be true that matters, it's what you will to be true.

Thursday Smile-Maker

another lover

This is GILDA GARDENHUMP who is another of the young beauties who are crawling out from behind the woodpile claiming to have been a Tiger mistress. Hey! Where there's money to be made, there's maids eager to be made! And to tell about it. And to cash in on it.

comments overheard

Comment heard from an elderly woman standing with an even more elderly man at the prescription counter at the drugstore (not any of the big chains): "I don't know how we will ever afford it. I can pay for mine, but not his."

Comment from one of the eight local gents sitting at the long table at the local eatery (not one of the chains): "Obama ain't done shit about getting this country going again. Where are the jobs? Just a couple-a firemen and teachers."

Comment seen on Facebook: "[I'm] gutted that the Tigers are going to trade Granderson. Looks like a done deal."

smile

Two of the cartoons sent to me recently that made me smile.

update on Sparty's question

I see that according to polls discussed on the news today, about 60% of the American people are now supporting Obama's "surge" in Afghanistan, and that Republicans and Democrats are supporting it by about the same percentage.

Book Recommendations from Birchies

Here are book recommendations I have received so far. Thank you to everyone who participated. If you meant to but didn't get around to it, there's still time. I will post an update if there are more recommendations. If I missed someone's email, forgive me, for it was not intentional.
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HOMEFORPAX - Recommends Amy Goodman's new book: Breaking the Sound Barrier. "In place of the usual suspects, the “experts” who, in Goodman’s words, “know so little about so much, explain the world to us, and get it so wrong," this accessible, lively collection allows the voices the corporate media exclude and ignore to be heard loud and clear."

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ALICE - These are some of the books I've read lately and appreciated for a variety of reasons. Most of the books I read fall in these categories. Historical, political, social awareness, historical novels.
1. The Shame of a Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America, by Jonathan Kozol He has written a numbber of books about eduation over the past 30 years.

2. The Working Poor: Invisible in America, by David K. Shipler He won a Pulitzer Prize for this one.

3. Cane River, by Latita Tademy, The author has produced a novel about four generations of African-American women based on her own genealogy. It's a wonderful and inspiring read about perserverance, pride, family and love. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this rich story.

4. The Hemingses of Monicello: An American Family, by Annette Gordon-Reed. A Pulitzer Prize winning, heavily researched and thoughtfully written history involving Thomas Jefferson and his slaves. Powerful.

5. The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family and the Birth of Christianity, by James D. Tabor. Very interesting and highly notated from a wide variety of reputable sources.

6. Cracking the Code: How to Win Hearts, Change Minds and Restore America's Original Vision, by Thom Hartmann

7. Theives in High Places: They've Stolen Our Country and It's Time to Take It Back, by
Jim Hightower
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PAM - I have been reading "The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists" ... not really the stuff of gifts unless you are giving presents to therapists.

Recently, I read Pat Conroy's last book and while it was fun in ways, I would not recommend it.

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PAT C. - I read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld and found it very captivating. Some think it is based on George & Laura. Nonetheless, it presents unexpected happenings that influence their lives and those around them. I had a hard time putting it down. Not really political, but it shows how events & wealth influence how nominees are chosen. It could appeal to those interested in politics, but the wife's story is interesting in that she experiences tragedy early in her life, begins a career for herself, and ends up disagreeing with her the husband on some important issues, but making a go of it.

Also, The Last Lion about Teddy Kennedy. I loved the book (believe a person can actually reget, suffer and try to make up for causing a tragedy of his own making), but I would not recommend it for Kennedy haters.
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BUD - I am ashamed to admit that I had never read this book before. But I highly recommend UNCLE TOM'S CABIN to all people interested in American history. It is definitely a barn-burner and a book of great historical importance.

I have also read several books lately by Philip Roth, who is just an excellent writer.
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BOB T. - read Highest Duty by Capt. Sullenberger. He found it inspiring to read Sullenberg's beliefs in our country and in doing the best job you know how to do. He is well educated guy with much humility, something you don't see tons of today.
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SPARTY - Last week I finished What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe, a detailed (800+ pages) history of the social, economic, religious, cultural, technological, and political developments in the U.S. between the end of the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico. Quite critical of the Jacksonian Democrat's defense and sponsorship of the slave-based economic system during the 1820s-1840s. Even if you don't want to commit to reading the entire book the chapters on the annexation of Texas and particularly the war with Mexico will be eye openers to those who think Bush 2nd is the first U.S. president to scheme and lie this country into an unjust war.

Prior to the Howe history I read Karen Armstrong's The Bible - details the creation of the Jewish and Christian canons through their various edits - I highly recommend any of Karen Armstrong's books on religion (A History of God, The Great Transformation, The Case for God) - might be challenging to those who believe there's only one true religion and/or church but they are mind-expanding, maybe even faith expanding

Best novel I've read in the past few months was Richard Russo's That Old Cape Magic. In order to thoroughly enjoy Russo's books you probably don't have to be a middle-aged male who's gone through some sort of crisis/awakening, but it helps. My favorite line in the book, "In late middle age everything is inevitable, but you never see it coming."

Of the books I've read these past few months the one I would recommend most enthusiastically is William Greider's Come Home, America, a thought-provoking analysis of the impact of globilization on the U.S. and a prescription for how this country can right itself. Should be required reading for every U.S. voter - maybe completing the book entitles you to a permit-to-vote issued by the public library.
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PAT W - I will always recommend, expecially to women, the books by Barbara Kingsolver, the very best of which is Prodigal Summer, but I also recommend her books, Bean Trees, and Pigs in Heaven and you should read those two in that order.
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Very nice
concert at SVSU
last night!

Look for comments people have made by clicking on "comments" -- a word found below a posting right after the time of the posting and by the little envelope with an arrow on it.

It's Caturday!

Sparty's question --- moved forward

SPARTY sent a question by email which I have answered with my opinion, but now I refer it to any of you who wish to answer.

what do you think? Is our involvement in Afghanistan a war of necessity or a war of choice?

SOWP

I am thinking of starting a new pressure group to try to influence the media. It will be called SOWP, which means SCANDAL ONLY WITH PICTURES. The idea is that the media will be forced to reveal sexual scandals about celebrities only if they have at least still pictures and preferably video. Otherwise, shut up about it!

smile

Two cartoons sent to me lately that made me smile.

If you do not know how to post a comment, or if you are having trouble doing so (which often happens) just send it to me by email, and I will post it.

Thursday Morning Smile Maker

Asleep at the wheel

interdickted email

Dear Fox News -

I am a dirty slutty whore and would like to tell you my story. I was involved with a very famous person, and by involved, I want to tell you, I mean INvolved. He was like you know, a big sports MAN, and I really mean BIG. It's not many times that a slutty barmaid gets to screw around with a BIG sports star like this one, and I mean like he could really hit a golf ball, if you catch the meaning.

I will be willing to tell you all the details of this love story - if you will pay me fifty thousand bucks. I really love him with all my parts, I mean heart, and wouldn't do anything to hurt him, ya know, but a bitch gotta make ends meet in more ways than just one, if ya get me. Besides he's just like all the rest of them big time famous guys, he don't know how to treat a lady. Always just looking out for himself.

I bet you know all about trying to make ends meet any way you can, huh?

signed Dolly Parton look alike,

if you catch my meaning

first answers to the question: Where's George?

MARSHA - This is like ‘Where is bin Ladn?’, right? I think I heard a rumor that we had him cornered somewhere. --

DASHMANN - Maybe he is off somewhere working up his comedy act !!

P.S. My comment on Bush working on his comedy act is punchless unless you see this video
CLICK YOUTUBE

TRASE - Five years ago, I was teaching a lesson on the three branches of government to my 4th and 5th graders. I asked them the open question of "What does the President do...?" A fourth grader from the back of class crouched down in his chair and in a surprisingly dead-on imitation of George W., cackled and said, "Why... I go out at the ranch, and I ah... heh heh... shoot armadilla...."

I think George is still doing just that... For his own sake, I hope Cheney isn't with him...