Lovely in Lilac
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
ADD TO YOUR DAY - A Call from Ireland
A Thousand Points of Fight - July 16, 2008
The wonder of democracy is the ample opportunity to fight over stuff. Wouldn't have it any other way, would we? Here are a few of BIRCHES' ineffectual jabs ---
OBAMA - No, we're not impressed around here with his wiggling around in some issues we think he should have been standing still with. This includes his vote on the FISA and his new position on withdrawal from Iraq.
McCAIN - we have heard some talk from friends, and we have seen some things on other blogs about McCain's age, and hinting that, or stating outright that, he is too old to be President. This is an argument that BIRCHES absolutely rejects. Ageism is no more appropriate than racism. If Sen. McCain were disabled in some way due to his age, that would be an issue. This is not.
JESSE JACKSON - We don't care what he says about anyone. He is not relevant to this election. It's time for him to take a role as citizen, he is no longer a leader.
OBAMA - No, we're not impressed around here with his wiggling around in some issues we think he should have been standing still with. This includes his vote on the FISA and his new position on withdrawal from Iraq.
McCAIN - we have heard some talk from friends, and we have seen some things on other blogs about McCain's age, and hinting that, or stating outright that, he is too old to be President. This is an argument that BIRCHES absolutely rejects. Ageism is no more appropriate than racism. If Sen. McCain were disabled in some way due to his age, that would be an issue. This is not.
JESSE JACKSON - We don't care what he says about anyone. He is not relevant to this election. It's time for him to take a role as citizen, he is no longer a leader.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Don't Let the Doorknob Hit Ya
A FAREWELL TO BUSH
by Bud at BIRCHES
When your ass goes out the door, we truly will be gladder.
And if you never show again, it really doesn't matter.
Take your whole benighted crew,
Take your ditzy daughters, too,
Take everyone who came with you! Here, let me hold the ladder.
Pack Laura with her smarmy drawl who never gave us much relief,
And take your crooked cronies all from oil, gas and beef.
We'll wave a very fond farewell,
As you go off to Texas hell,
Glad to break the evil spell, that caused us such a grief.
Take your plutocratic pals, your bum Attorneys-Gen'ral.
The Lone Star state'll welcome them or else the Federal pen'll.
Pack up mama Barbara who
Married George and then bred you,
Take your brother Neil too, with blisters on his tendril.
Toss slippery Dick upon the load, and Condolezza Rice.
And don't forget ol' Karl Rove, who gave such bad advice.
Take your whole disgusting crew,
Take Scooter LIbby off with you,
Take your wimpy doggie too; we won't remind you twice.
Don't leave behind those hypocrites who came with you in cadres.
Save lots of room for Jesus freaks, pastors, priests and padres.
The ones who preached our eardrums sore,
Then prayed our country into war,
And left us mired in guts and gore of Baghdad kids and madres.
Haul away - we pray - those holy folks who got so full of malice.
The family values 'feet-of-clay' who worshipped every phallus.
Take your jail bait Enrons,
Your diaper wearers, bathroom johns,
The water boarding neo-Cons, all back home to Dallas.
Don't write, don't call, don't send email, we want to quite forget you.
And if you want to visit us, we'll never ever let you.
Take your neo-fascist crew
Take the Skull and Bones with you,
Take your secret meetings too; we wish we'd never met you.
by Bud at BIRCHES
When your ass goes out the door, we truly will be gladder.
And if you never show again, it really doesn't matter.
Take your whole benighted crew,
Take your ditzy daughters, too,
Take everyone who came with you! Here, let me hold the ladder.
Pack Laura with her smarmy drawl who never gave us much relief,
And take your crooked cronies all from oil, gas and beef.
We'll wave a very fond farewell,
As you go off to Texas hell,
Glad to break the evil spell, that caused us such a grief.
Take your plutocratic pals, your bum Attorneys-Gen'ral.
The Lone Star state'll welcome them or else the Federal pen'll.
Pack up mama Barbara who
Married George and then bred you,
Take your brother Neil too, with blisters on his tendril.
Toss slippery Dick upon the load, and Condolezza Rice.
And don't forget ol' Karl Rove, who gave such bad advice.
Take your whole disgusting crew,
Take Scooter LIbby off with you,
Take your wimpy doggie too; we won't remind you twice.
Don't leave behind those hypocrites who came with you in cadres.
Save lots of room for Jesus freaks, pastors, priests and padres.
The ones who preached our eardrums sore,
Then prayed our country into war,
And left us mired in guts and gore of Baghdad kids and madres.
Haul away - we pray - those holy folks who got so full of malice.
The family values 'feet-of-clay' who worshipped every phallus.
Take your jail bait Enrons,
Your diaper wearers, bathroom johns,
The water boarding neo-Cons, all back home to Dallas.
Don't write, don't call, don't send email, we want to quite forget you.
And if you want to visit us, we'll never ever let you.
Take your neo-fascist crew
Take the Skull and Bones with you,
Take your secret meetings too; we wish we'd never met you.
Monday, July 14, 2008
a bit of satire
Seriously folks, this is NOT serious. It's just a joke.
McCain Issues Top Ten Funniest Ways to Kill Iranians
Andy Borowitz
Posted July 9, 2008 | 10:46 AM (EST)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/mccain-issues-top-ten-fun_b_111631.html
Citing what he called the "overwhelmingly positive response to my jokes about killing Iranians," presumptive G.O.P. presidential nominee John McCain issued today a list of his favorite humorous remarks on the subject.
Titled "John McCain's Top Ten Funniest Ways to Kill Iranians," the list was published on his official campaign website at www.JohnMcCain.com/funnywaystokilliranians.
Speaking in a video on the site, a smiling Sen. McCain says, "My friends, in these trying times in which we live, there's one thing all Americans can agree on: killing Iranians is hilarious."
Sen. McCain, who first joked about killing Iranians months ago by singing "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys' hit "Barbara Ann" and who yesterday commented that the U.S. could kill Iranians with cigarettes, was apparently "just warming up," one aide said today.
"Anyone who has enjoyed Sen. McCain's side-splitting jokes about killing Iranians will be blown away by this list," the aide said. "He's in fine form."
Sen. McCain's list of funny ways to kill Iranians ranges from the caustic -- "Send Iran lead-based hookah pipes from China" -- to the whimsical -- "Tell Christie Brinkley that Iran has been cheating on her."
The list ends with what Sen. McCain dubs the number one funniest way to kill Iranians: "Vote for me."
McCain Issues Top Ten Funniest Ways to Kill Iranians
Andy Borowitz
Posted July 9, 2008 | 10:46 AM (EST)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/mccain-issues-top-ten-fun_b_111631.html
Citing what he called the "overwhelmingly positive response to my jokes about killing Iranians," presumptive G.O.P. presidential nominee John McCain issued today a list of his favorite humorous remarks on the subject.
Titled "John McCain's Top Ten Funniest Ways to Kill Iranians," the list was published on his official campaign website at www.JohnMcCain.com/funnywaystokilliranians.
Speaking in a video on the site, a smiling Sen. McCain says, "My friends, in these trying times in which we live, there's one thing all Americans can agree on: killing Iranians is hilarious."
Sen. McCain, who first joked about killing Iranians months ago by singing "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys' hit "Barbara Ann" and who yesterday commented that the U.S. could kill Iranians with cigarettes, was apparently "just warming up," one aide said today.
"Anyone who has enjoyed Sen. McCain's side-splitting jokes about killing Iranians will be blown away by this list," the aide said. "He's in fine form."
Sen. McCain's list of funny ways to kill Iranians ranges from the caustic -- "Send Iran lead-based hookah pipes from China" -- to the whimsical -- "Tell Christie Brinkley that Iran has been cheating on her."
The list ends with what Sen. McCain dubs the number one funniest way to kill Iranians: "Vote for me."
Monday Morning Friends Report, July 14, 2008
Lots of people are off on vacations here and there, but some stay in touch even then with their friends back at BIRCHES. ====
What some people are doing:
SCOT - planning fishing trips on the Great Lakes.
DASHMANN and SKUZZA - going up North for a few days.
ALICE - Back to Alabama? Maybe
IRISH MIKE and AMY - Son off to Europe for school and travel.
MARSHA - heading home for South Carolina after two weeks in Michigan.
SPARTY and GIGI - Heading for Wisconsin after a camping trip with the family
BILL FROM WNNCO - is back racing again. Good luck!
MARGARET - home from Missouri.
====
What folks are smiling at: [Most images are enlarged if you click on them]
'True Patriotism' from DASHMANN:
FROM DIG S:
from MIKE C. almost from CARROLLTON: quotations from the church bulletin
1.The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
2. The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
3. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
4. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
5. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
6. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
7. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
from JERRY:
FROM JERRY: California Telephone Survey
The latest telephone poll taken by the California Governor's office,
asked whether people who live in California think illegal immigration
is a serious problem:
29% of respondents answered: 'Yes, it is a serious problem.'
71% of respondents answered: 'No es una problema seriosa.'
from BILL FROM WNNCO:
From JOE who does not read this blog:
Summer Classes for Men@ theADULT LEARNING CENTERREGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETEDby Thursday, July 30th 2008NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVELOF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUMClass 1How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning 7:00 PM.Class 2The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?Round Table Discussion.Meets 2 weeks, S Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.Class 3Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?--Group Practice.Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.
====
What some folks have been reading or talking about :
DIG S - sent this reference to an article which is fascinating: "John McCain Does Know the Price of Gas .." Recommended : CLICK
JERRY -
Excerpt from "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" by Lee Iacocca with Catherine Whitney
CLICK ?
ALICE - How employers are using a huge hole in Federal Law to deny benefits to workers who have earned thm. (Yes, it's happened to her!) CLICK
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sunday silly Sites
Saturday, July 12, 2008
defying democracy: Rove
Karl Rove is contemptuous. He doesn't think Congress should be asking him questions and he doesn't intend to appear in order to answer any.
Congress has the power to compel attendance. But Rove won't come. He defies subpoenas.
If Congress brings charges against Rove, Bush will pardon him just as he did Scooter Libby.
Here is what we must do. Wait until January 21, when Bush himself will be gone. Then go after Rove.
Wacko of the Week, July 12, 2008
Oh this is so-o-o easy. This week's WACKO, without any serious competition is
JESSE JACKSON, for these two statements --
1. Jesse Jackson tells what he thinks of the Obama Candidacy.
This comes from a man who goes around having his audiences chant lines such as these:
"Down with dope, up with hope."
"If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it."
"Keep hope alive!"
======
2. Jackson explains what is meant by 'CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN."
"I want to cut his nuts out."
======
RUNNER-UP
By sheer coincidence, our runner-up for Wacko of the Week, is someone with proclivities very similar to Mr. Jackson's.
He is SKYLAR DELEON of California, who, when imprisoned for a double murder hacked his own penis off with a razor. Why? Don't know. Result? Prison guards appeared and saved him from himself. The item was reattached and Skylar now awaits a trial in which he may receive the death penalty. When he swings, he will still be swinging. All's well that ends well.
JESSE JACKSON, for these two statements --
1. Jesse Jackson tells what he thinks of the Obama Candidacy.
"He's talking down to the black folk."
This comes from a man who goes around having his audiences chant lines such as these:
"Down with dope, up with hope."
"If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it."
"Keep hope alive!"
======
2. Jackson explains what is meant by 'CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN."
"I want to cut his nuts out."
======
RUNNER-UP
By sheer coincidence, our runner-up for Wacko of the Week, is someone with proclivities very similar to Mr. Jackson's.
He is SKYLAR DELEON of California, who, when imprisoned for a double murder hacked his own penis off with a razor. Why? Don't know. Result? Prison guards appeared and saved him from himself. The item was reattached and Skylar now awaits a trial in which he may receive the death penalty. When he swings, he will still be swinging. All's well that ends well.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Environment: Oceans
Two stories today about the conditions of the oceans indicate the importance of more research and more thought in how to protect what we have. Most ecological news is dismal, and this is no exception, but the capacity of humankind to formulate solutions to tough problems is not diminished by global warming or the pressure of difficulties.
======from National Geographic:
A Third of Reef-Building Corals at Risk of Extinction
Brian Handwerk
for National Geographic News
July 10, 2008
A third of the world's major reef-building coral species are in danger of extinction, an international team of scientists warns in a study published today.
Because coral reefs are home to more than a quarter of all marine species, their loss could be devastating for biodiversity in the world's oceans.
"If corals themselves are at risk of extinction and do in fact go extinct, that will most probably lead to a cascade effect where we will lose thousands and thousands of other species that depend on coral reefs," said the study's lead author Kent Carpenter, a zoologist at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
from ScienceNOW
Warming Spells Trouble for Fish
By Christopher Pala
ScienceNOW Daily News
10 July 2008
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA--Global warming of the oceans will likely cause the extinction by 2050 of dozens of fish species that cannot migrate to colder waters, according to a study presented here yesterday at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. "The loss of biodiversity will be considerable, and replacing them with new species would take millions of years," says co-author Daniel Pauly of the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada,
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Missiles: Newsflash
Iran test-fires missiles in Persian Gulf
Comment:
Just one more way the Bushies have made us safer: Our Iraq troops will soon be within missile range of a country which is furtively building nuclear weapons. Oh, dear.
Trains: Newsflash
Train derails into Mississippi River in NE Iowa
By Associated Press
9:32 AM EDT,
July 9, 2008
GUTTENBERG, Iowa - Four locomotives pulling a freight train have derailed and fallen into the Mississippi River near Guttenberg in northeast Iowa. The Clayton County sheriff's office says the engines operated by the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad went off the tracks about 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Dispatcher Larry Crubaugh (CREW'-bah) says the derailment happened about 2 miles south of Guttenberg. He says the tracks run along a bluff beside the river and the train "apparently didn't stay on the bluff." Crubaugh says two engineers were taken to a hospital, but he had no other details.
CLICK
=====
COMMENT: Such unhappy events can and should, with proper attention and investment, be reduced practically to zero on any modern train system.
By Associated Press
9:32 AM EDT,
July 9, 2008
GUTTENBERG, Iowa - Four locomotives pulling a freight train have derailed and fallen into the Mississippi River near Guttenberg in northeast Iowa. The Clayton County sheriff's office says the engines operated by the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad went off the tracks about 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Dispatcher Larry Crubaugh (CREW'-bah) says the derailment happened about 2 miles south of Guttenberg. He says the tracks run along a bluff beside the river and the train "apparently didn't stay on the bluff." Crubaugh says two engineers were taken to a hospital, but he had no other details.
CLICK
=====
COMMENT: Such unhappy events can and should, with proper attention and investment, be reduced practically to zero on any modern train system.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Fast trains, revisited
BIRCHES has run a series of notes and articles about the need to develop fast trains in the U.S. Now Amtrak is reporting that its trains are becoming more-and-more popular, even though we haven't invested as a country in our train system for years. We have not tried to develop any fast train transportation yet. Meanwhile, we spend billions on supporting air travel and maintaining roads.
In this commentary, Derrick Jackson of the Boston Globe talks about what the two candidates have or haven't done for train travel in the United States.
CLICK HERE FOR STORY
In this commentary, Derrick Jackson of the Boston Globe talks about what the two candidates have or haven't done for train travel in the United States.
CLICK HERE FOR STORY
They're Coming to Take Me Away (File #21)
oops! A mistake in the militia
Now that the Supreme Court has decided that we're all members of the militia and entitled to guns in our homes, I suppose we have to expect that some of our militia folks will sometimes goof up.
This is Nathan Lee Johnsonbaugh, 20, of Suffolk, Virginia, who was arrested for a silly mistake. He put cans in a tire, propped that against his brother's house and took shootin' practice. One shot went through the house and hit his brother in the back. Oh! Damn! And he don't look like no bad guy, does he?
Now that the Supreme Court has decided that we're all members of the militia and entitled to guns in our homes, I suppose we have to expect that some of our militia folks will sometimes goof up.
This is Nathan Lee Johnsonbaugh, 20, of Suffolk, Virginia, who was arrested for a silly mistake. He put cans in a tire, propped that against his brother's house and took shootin' practice. One shot went through the house and hit his brother in the back. Oh! Damn! And he don't look like no bad guy, does he?
All in the defense of home and nation.
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