After going 5 days without the truck, I was able to get it repaired and running today (Friday 11 May 07). The White Knight would not start at the end of the work day last Monday and I had to leave it on the fourth and top floor of a parking tower near where I work in Cheyenne for four nights which was a little unsettling and worrisome while I waited to get paid.
The problem was in the wiring as I suspected as some ground wire had failed over time with the temperature extremes the vehicle has been exposed to over its near 30 year life and the solenoid and ICM/voltage regulator mounts were not as firmly mounted to the wall of the engine compartment as required. I had put in a new set of spark plugs on Wednesday morning (first time I have ever done that at 7:30 in the morning), gapping them at the recommended level of .44 ( I included this so I can refer to it again in the future), but that also failed to solve the problems like my earlier parts installations.
For around $200 I got the problem solved which only wiped out 43 % of my paycheck instead of the feared greater amounted that I believed loomed. At least the expense was offset by not having to use 80 % of a tank of fuel that would have been consumed during the work week commute which is about $40 with our gasoline at $2.90 per gallon here in Cheyenne with increases on the near term horizon. Thank goodness for Chad being able to take me into town and bring me back out as part of his daily trip back and forth to high school. I bought him and his brother some ice cream treats at Dairy Queen as a small token of my gratitude.
I sure hope that this will be the last unanticipated repair expense that occurs for several months; but I do need in the coming few months to get an alignment done, replace the temperature gauge sender unit, an oil and lube, and purchase a wheel as the one I got as my spare is flawed and causes the Ford to shake when at freeway level speeds. I also need to get some inside door handles, install my rear view mirror so I don't have to strain my constantly painful neck, and tighten up the passenger side view mirror so the wind does not keep knocking it loose. And it is about time for a truck wash which I usually get done about three times per year. Ah, the travails of vehicle ownership when the truck is going on 30 years old...
Friday, May 11, 2007
Friday 11 May News Articles and Observations
These are some recent news articles that caught my attention and my reactions to them.
A. The Promise of the Employee Free Choice Act
This legislation being considered in Congress is one of the most outstanding pieces of legislation to be taken under consideration in many years. I hope it survives and is improved on before it is sent to the new President in two years as the greedy Bush junta is totally out of touch with the vast majority of the citizenry and would veto it if the bill was submitted to the president. I enthusiastically support this bill and believe the bill would be of tremendous benefit to many American citizens.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/05/10/labor_law_reform_not_just_for_unions.php
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B. Near Term Effects of Global Warming on US Temperatures
This study by NASA strongly forecasts a rise in average daily high temperatures across the eastern US within 70 years. One can safely conclude the same would be true across the western US as well with a good likelihood that the numbers will even be higher due to elevation, terrain, vegetation, rapid changes in topography over relatively short distances, and the ever expanding heat island effect.
What this means is that places like Phoenix will have average highs in the mid 70s in January and the mid 110s in July and August; Albuquerque will average in the upper 50s in January and over 100 degrees for daily highs in July; Denver will average in the mid 50s in January and near 100 in July and early August; Las Vegas will be around 70 degrees in January and in the low 110s in July and early August as average daily highs; and Cheyenne will be near 50 degrees in January and in the mid 90s in July and early August.
Of course high temperatures can often be as much as 25 degrees above the normals and averages any day so one can see the profound ramifications of such phenomena -- low 80s in Albuquerque, upper 90s in Phoenix, around 80 in Denver, 95 in Las Vegas, and 75 in Cheyenne on Christmas Day some year; and low 120s in Albuquerque, over 135 in Phoenix, 120 in Denver, 130 in Las Vegas, and low 110s in Cheyenne on Independence Day some year !!!
One can safely assume we will see some years spike to these levels on an isolated basis within the next 10 to 15 years and increasing in occurrence beyond that until it becomes the norm about the time todays youngsters are geezers.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-hot-future,1,1797473.story?coll=chi-news-hed
C. The Genius and Wisdom of Mike Marshall and MLB's Ignorance of It
It is truly a shame baseball and pitchers everywhere are ignoring the sage advice and scientific research done by this former standout major leaguer.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Apk10uwj8nzz0lVh14FxK3w5nYcB?slug=jp-marshall051007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
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D. The Haplessness of the Pittsburgh Pirates Ownership
The Pirates and their fans (including me and my brother HBL) have endured 14 consecutive losing seasons and there is little if any optimism that this embarrassing streak will end anytime soon. If the streak reaches 17 years, the record will be broken which is held by the Philadelphia Phillies of the 30s and 40s. If only Mark Cuban or someone else of the level of his ownership expertise could become the Pirates' owner...
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1108&Itemid=42
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A. The Promise of the Employee Free Choice Act
This legislation being considered in Congress is one of the most outstanding pieces of legislation to be taken under consideration in many years. I hope it survives and is improved on before it is sent to the new President in two years as the greedy Bush junta is totally out of touch with the vast majority of the citizenry and would veto it if the bill was submitted to the president. I enthusiastically support this bill and believe the bill would be of tremendous benefit to many American citizens.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/05/10/labor_law_reform_not_just_for_unions.php
-----
B. Near Term Effects of Global Warming on US Temperatures
This study by NASA strongly forecasts a rise in average daily high temperatures across the eastern US within 70 years. One can safely conclude the same would be true across the western US as well with a good likelihood that the numbers will even be higher due to elevation, terrain, vegetation, rapid changes in topography over relatively short distances, and the ever expanding heat island effect.
What this means is that places like Phoenix will have average highs in the mid 70s in January and the mid 110s in July and August; Albuquerque will average in the upper 50s in January and over 100 degrees for daily highs in July; Denver will average in the mid 50s in January and near 100 in July and early August; Las Vegas will be around 70 degrees in January and in the low 110s in July and early August as average daily highs; and Cheyenne will be near 50 degrees in January and in the mid 90s in July and early August.
Of course high temperatures can often be as much as 25 degrees above the normals and averages any day so one can see the profound ramifications of such phenomena -- low 80s in Albuquerque, upper 90s in Phoenix, around 80 in Denver, 95 in Las Vegas, and 75 in Cheyenne on Christmas Day some year; and low 120s in Albuquerque, over 135 in Phoenix, 120 in Denver, 130 in Las Vegas, and low 110s in Cheyenne on Independence Day some year !!!
One can safely assume we will see some years spike to these levels on an isolated basis within the next 10 to 15 years and increasing in occurrence beyond that until it becomes the norm about the time todays youngsters are geezers.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-hot-future,1,1797473.story?coll=chi-news-hed
C. The Genius and Wisdom of Mike Marshall and MLB's Ignorance of It
It is truly a shame baseball and pitchers everywhere are ignoring the sage advice and scientific research done by this former standout major leaguer.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Apk10uwj8nzz0lVh14FxK3w5nYcB?slug=jp-marshall051007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
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D. The Haplessness of the Pittsburgh Pirates Ownership
The Pirates and their fans (including me and my brother HBL) have endured 14 consecutive losing seasons and there is little if any optimism that this embarrassing streak will end anytime soon. If the streak reaches 17 years, the record will be broken which is held by the Philadelphia Phillies of the 30s and 40s. If only Mark Cuban or someone else of the level of his ownership expertise could become the Pirates' owner...
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1108&Itemid=42
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Thursday, May 10, 2007
Baseball at the Completion of 20 % of the Season
Most clubs have played 32 games which marks completion of about one-fifth of the regular season. There are some nice surprises so far.
In the American League East, Boston has opened a 7 game lead over Baltimore and New York. The Yankees have been surprising and pleasantly mediocre to this point as their pitching has been woeful, including the acclaimed reliever Rivera, "The Monkey". Baltimore and Tampa Bay have played a bit better than expected thus far. Toronto has been awful and is already 10 1/2 games back.
In the Central, Cleveland and Detroit are in a dogfight for the division lead with Minnesota and Chicago within striking distance still. Kansas City is already buried at 11 games out.
In the West, Anaheim, Oakland, and Seattle are neck and neck and neck with Texas just 4 1/2 back.
Over in the National League, things are much the same. Like the Redsox, Milwaukee has opened a 7 game lead in the NL Central over Chicago and the defending champion St Louis Cardinals find themselves 9 games out. Houston, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati are with the pack well behind the pace setting Brewers who have the best record at 24-10.
In the NL East, Atlanta and New York are staying right with each other while preseason favorite Philadelphia continues to lag at 7 games out and in fourth place, one behind Florida. The hapless Nationals are 9-25 and have fallen 13 games out already.
And out in the West, Los Angeles has a slim lead on Arizona, San Diego, and surprising San Francisco with punchless Colorado bringing up the rear but just 5 games back.
Top surprises so far include: the Red Sox having such a big division lead; Baltimore hovering near .500; Tampa Bay being more competitive than expected; Seattle staying in the race; Atlanta setting the pace in NL East; Milwaukee being in such a commanding position in the Central; Pittsburgh being more competitive than expected; and Arizona and San Francisco staying in the NL West race.
Biggest Disappointments include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Cardinals. and Rockies.
I like what I am seeing from Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, and the Mets; I cautiously am projecting them to be postseason bound at this time with both Western Division races to stay close and competitive into September. I am concerned about Colorado, Minnesota, Toronto, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia and delighted with the Yankees, St Louis, and both Chicago clubs having their struggles thus far.
My next outlook will come after Memorial Day, the traditional first pole or quarter mark of the season.
In the American League East, Boston has opened a 7 game lead over Baltimore and New York. The Yankees have been surprising and pleasantly mediocre to this point as their pitching has been woeful, including the acclaimed reliever Rivera, "The Monkey". Baltimore and Tampa Bay have played a bit better than expected thus far. Toronto has been awful and is already 10 1/2 games back.
In the Central, Cleveland and Detroit are in a dogfight for the division lead with Minnesota and Chicago within striking distance still. Kansas City is already buried at 11 games out.
In the West, Anaheim, Oakland, and Seattle are neck and neck and neck with Texas just 4 1/2 back.
Over in the National League, things are much the same. Like the Redsox, Milwaukee has opened a 7 game lead in the NL Central over Chicago and the defending champion St Louis Cardinals find themselves 9 games out. Houston, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati are with the pack well behind the pace setting Brewers who have the best record at 24-10.
In the NL East, Atlanta and New York are staying right with each other while preseason favorite Philadelphia continues to lag at 7 games out and in fourth place, one behind Florida. The hapless Nationals are 9-25 and have fallen 13 games out already.
And out in the West, Los Angeles has a slim lead on Arizona, San Diego, and surprising San Francisco with punchless Colorado bringing up the rear but just 5 games back.
Top surprises so far include: the Red Sox having such a big division lead; Baltimore hovering near .500; Tampa Bay being more competitive than expected; Seattle staying in the race; Atlanta setting the pace in NL East; Milwaukee being in such a commanding position in the Central; Pittsburgh being more competitive than expected; and Arizona and San Francisco staying in the NL West race.
Biggest Disappointments include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Cardinals. and Rockies.
I like what I am seeing from Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, and the Mets; I cautiously am projecting them to be postseason bound at this time with both Western Division races to stay close and competitive into September. I am concerned about Colorado, Minnesota, Toronto, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia and delighted with the Yankees, St Louis, and both Chicago clubs having their struggles thus far.
My next outlook will come after Memorial Day, the traditional first pole or quarter mark of the season.
Thursday 10 May News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles that caught my attention and some brief observations by me about them.
A. US Army Pinon Canyon In SE Colorado Expansion Opposition
The US Army is planning on claiming much of SE Colorado for expansion of the existing Pinon Canyon Military Training Reservation in the coming years and local opposition is organizing and increasing to this increasing threat to their homes and communities. This website has been established to provide information to all those interested about this. However, I think the US Army will get what it wants and will take it no matter what opposition, formal, legal, or whatever, arises.
http://www.pinoncanyon.com/
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B. "Free Trade": Pertinent Information for Better Understanding
This opinion column explains very clearly the costs and ramifications of "free trade" and why this terrible development is going to doom us as a people and society and force our children to pay a horrible, unimaginable, steep price when they reach adulthood.
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/how_free_is_free_trade_for_the_west/C37/L37/
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C. Alternative Fort Collins News and Information Source
I came across this site which should prove invaluable in the future as an alternative news and reference source for the Northern Front Range corridor.
http://www.rmchronicle.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
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A. US Army Pinon Canyon In SE Colorado Expansion Opposition
The US Army is planning on claiming much of SE Colorado for expansion of the existing Pinon Canyon Military Training Reservation in the coming years and local opposition is organizing and increasing to this increasing threat to their homes and communities. This website has been established to provide information to all those interested about this. However, I think the US Army will get what it wants and will take it no matter what opposition, formal, legal, or whatever, arises.
http://www.pinoncanyon.com/
-----
B. "Free Trade": Pertinent Information for Better Understanding
This opinion column explains very clearly the costs and ramifications of "free trade" and why this terrible development is going to doom us as a people and society and force our children to pay a horrible, unimaginable, steep price when they reach adulthood.
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/how_free_is_free_trade_for_the_west/C37/L37/
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C. Alternative Fort Collins News and Information Source
I came across this site which should prove invaluable in the future as an alternative news and reference source for the Northern Front Range corridor.
http://www.rmchronicle.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals Outlook
The Conference Finals are now up in the 2007 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and the two series look as if they will be great.
EAST: #1 Buffalo v # 4 Ottawa -- These two bitter Northeast Division rivals will take up where they left off in the regular season. This promises to be an intense, physical, emotional series and neither club has an obvious weakness. Buffalo may have an edge offensively and they are getting healthier and deeper as each week elapses. Ottawa probably has the edge defensively and in goal. The Sabres' home ice advantage will be the final difference...
.............SABRES 4-3
WEST: #1 Detroit v # 2 Anaheim -- The best squads arguably in the West have made it to the conference finals, but Anaheim appears to have an edge everywhere over the veteran Red Wings. The Ducks firepower and goaltending will carry them to their second franchise appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals...
.............DUCKS 4-2
I correctly forecast three of these four conference finalists, only missing out with San Jose as the Sharks played extraordinarily poor in their series against Detroit. We have less than a month until we see the champions skating around the rink with the Stanley Cup high in the air.
EAST: #1 Buffalo v # 4 Ottawa -- These two bitter Northeast Division rivals will take up where they left off in the regular season. This promises to be an intense, physical, emotional series and neither club has an obvious weakness. Buffalo may have an edge offensively and they are getting healthier and deeper as each week elapses. Ottawa probably has the edge defensively and in goal. The Sabres' home ice advantage will be the final difference...
.............SABRES 4-3
WEST: #1 Detroit v # 2 Anaheim -- The best squads arguably in the West have made it to the conference finals, but Anaheim appears to have an edge everywhere over the veteran Red Wings. The Ducks firepower and goaltending will carry them to their second franchise appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals...
.............DUCKS 4-2
I correctly forecast three of these four conference finalists, only missing out with San Jose as the Sharks played extraordinarily poor in their series against Detroit. We have less than a month until we see the champions skating around the rink with the Stanley Cup high in the air.
Not So Good News From Minnesota
Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has a dismal and woeful record of performance and results in Minnesota, will veto a progressive health measure and it would seem unlikely the legislature has the votes to overturn it. This is a very disappointing turn of events for working class Minnesotans and their children. Pawlenty has bungled plenty of times before so his ongoing ineptitude and insensitivity is not surprising when it comes to improving the quality of life and standard of living for the neediest and most fragile of the citizenry.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/05/07/hhs/?rsssource=1
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/05/07/hhs/?rsssource=1
Great News from Maryland
This is huge progress for working people in Maryland, but I cannot see much more than maybe 6-8 states across the nation doing this anytime soon and none in the Rocky Mountain West and High Plains.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09wage.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09wage.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Monday, May 7, 2007
Spiderman 3: A Great Movie I Highly Recommend
I was taken to see the new Spiderman 3 film last Friday night and I thoroughly enjoyed the film. There was continued development of the primary characters and introduction of additional well written characters, particularly the Sandman villain. The writers did a superb job of placing meaningful human drama into the film and the acting cast did a sensational job performing these dramatic roles, along with the light comedy also included. The action scenes were lightning fast and very original. With the film generating hundreds of millions of dollars globally at the box office, it is evident that the film is well liked by many others.
I hope that a fourth film in the series is eventually done as some storylines still can be further developed. The writing and casting is what has made these Spiderman films so successful and enjoyable. Jonah Jameson is a riot !
I hope that a fourth film in the series is eventually done as some storylines still can be further developed. The writing and casting is what has made these Spiderman films so successful and enjoyable. Jonah Jameson is a riot !
Monday May 7 News Articles and Observations
Today's news articles that caught my attention and a brief reaction to them.
A. How George Kennan Would Have Assessed the Bush Administration
George Kennan was one of the most important thinkers and designers of American foreign policy after World War II and he played a significant role in shaping all of our lives. What he would say about the bungling collection of power-drunk boobs and mental midgets functioning in the White House is what one might expect.
http://www.walter-c-uhler.com/Reviews/watercarriers.html
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B. Bush Administration Ineptitude and Incompetency also Spans the Economic Side of the Ledger
This report on the hapless futility of this administration to do anything positive for the working citizen class of this nation is hardly surprising, but to be as inept as the 1930s Hoover crowd is downright amazing ! And we still have over 600 days left of these boobs and rodents running the nation !
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/5/7/14503/28176
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C. John Edwards is the Lone Voice on the Growing Widespread Issue of American Poverty
The issue of poverty is completely ignored by all other candidates and the mainstream media.
Corporations have done nothing in recent years either to address and assist in solving this growing problem. The spirit of John and Robert Kennedy lives only, it seems, in John Edwards. I can understand Republicans being ignorant and oblivious to poverty: after all, they are only interested in people and institutions swollen with money; but the silence from the other Democrats, particularly Clinton, Obama, and Biden, is utterly disgusting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050601322.html?nav=rss_politics
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A. How George Kennan Would Have Assessed the Bush Administration
George Kennan was one of the most important thinkers and designers of American foreign policy after World War II and he played a significant role in shaping all of our lives. What he would say about the bungling collection of power-drunk boobs and mental midgets functioning in the White House is what one might expect.
http://www.walter-c-uhler.com/Reviews/watercarriers.html
-----
B. Bush Administration Ineptitude and Incompetency also Spans the Economic Side of the Ledger
This report on the hapless futility of this administration to do anything positive for the working citizen class of this nation is hardly surprising, but to be as inept as the 1930s Hoover crowd is downright amazing ! And we still have over 600 days left of these boobs and rodents running the nation !
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/5/7/14503/28176
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C. John Edwards is the Lone Voice on the Growing Widespread Issue of American Poverty
The issue of poverty is completely ignored by all other candidates and the mainstream media.
Corporations have done nothing in recent years either to address and assist in solving this growing problem. The spirit of John and Robert Kennedy lives only, it seems, in John Edwards. I can understand Republicans being ignorant and oblivious to poverty: after all, they are only interested in people and institutions swollen with money; but the silence from the other Democrats, particularly Clinton, Obama, and Biden, is utterly disgusting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050601322.html?nav=rss_politics
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Sunday, May 6, 2007
Corporate Capitalism and Its Costs to Nature Explained
This is an excellent article which explains the huge and vast cost on mankind and nature that the recent and current model American Corporate Market Capitalism has had and continues to.
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/267
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/267
A Good Plan to Help Reduce Poverty
Poverty is growing quickly across America and government at all levels is doing little to address this very serious social problem which has tremendous ramifications across the entire social spectrum. The article below proposes a number of policy recommendations to address this issue and I agree strongly with all of the proposals made.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_report.html
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_report.html
The Economy's Huge Ticking Time Bomb
When one reads articles like these, it is easier to understand why a recession is on the near horizon and the impact it will have on American Citizens in the middle class and the poor will be rather profound.
The Bush Administration's money and tax policy that has been and continues to be in a place will take a bloody toll on many, many ordinary people.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17627.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/06/1006/
The Bush Administration's money and tax policy that has been and continues to be in a place will take a bloody toll on many, many ordinary people.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17627.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/06/1006/
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thursday 3 May News Articles and Observations
Some recent news articles and some observations about them.
A. Oklahoma to Drop the Hammer on Invaders
If only the Feds would do this and the other 49 states follow in line as well to this grievous threat to working class Americans, taxpayers, and society at large.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/state/news532.txt
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B. Change Blowing in the Wind
American citizens are getting more and more fed up with the corporacy and their government sponsors and muscle. 2009 cannot come soon enough so that many issues vital to the working class are addressed and the corporacy is mandated and compelled to be under control and restrained in its greed, corruption, anti-competitiveness, and societal destructiveness.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/capitol_hill_faces_people_part.html
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C. HOA's: A Huge Threat to Freedom and Liberty, and Personal Responsibility
This defacto form of government has grown vastly in the last two to three decades and basically all this entity does is sacrifice freedom, responsibility, individuality, creativity, and carefree and relaxed lifestyles all in the name of profit: the idea is the property you buy does not belong exclusively to you but to your neighbors as well; it is not about making an individual home of your own but maximizing real estate investment returns for your neighbors.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/51001/
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A. Oklahoma to Drop the Hammer on Invaders
If only the Feds would do this and the other 49 states follow in line as well to this grievous threat to working class Americans, taxpayers, and society at large.
http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/state/news532.txt
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B. Change Blowing in the Wind
American citizens are getting more and more fed up with the corporacy and their government sponsors and muscle. 2009 cannot come soon enough so that many issues vital to the working class are addressed and the corporacy is mandated and compelled to be under control and restrained in its greed, corruption, anti-competitiveness, and societal destructiveness.
http://www.workingassetsblog.com/2007/05/capitol_hill_faces_people_part.html
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C. HOA's: A Huge Threat to Freedom and Liberty, and Personal Responsibility
This defacto form of government has grown vastly in the last two to three decades and basically all this entity does is sacrifice freedom, responsibility, individuality, creativity, and carefree and relaxed lifestyles all in the name of profit: the idea is the property you buy does not belong exclusively to you but to your neighbors as well; it is not about making an individual home of your own but maximizing real estate investment returns for your neighbors.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/51001/
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Recent News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles and my observations briefly about them.
A. Internet Spreads Code-Breaking Information
Nothing can stop people from doing things like this. The entertainment industry is fighting a losing battle in spite of laws and legal threats. Where there is a demand, a supply will be created no matter what limitations and controls are in place.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03code.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1178161215-lF+NFNYwWHj5LjTImoxZPA
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070502_is_linking_protected.htm
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B. Recent Photographs and Information about the Planet Jupiter and its Moons
It is fascinating to read and see this material on this celestial body and its satellites.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=452130&in_page_id=1965
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C. A Humerous Look at Wasteful Types of Employment
All these jobs are a big waste of time, money, and effort; and yet many people earn a comfortable living doing these types of work.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/bing/0704/gallery.bing_50jobs.fortune/
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D. More on the Rising Price of Gasoline
It sounds like the price increases of gasoline are nowhere near being done. Most projections show another 15 cents to 25 cents per gallon increase before the peak is hit in June or July.
I would assume that means prices in the Mountain Time Zone will range from right around $3.oo to $3.75 per gallon of regular gasoline at the peak with the highest prices in the metropolitan southwest and the lowest prices in Montana and Wyoming. Of course, unforeseen events and circumstances could push prices even higher, perhaps even significantly.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=2007-05-02T162356Z_01_N02342606_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-GASOLINE-AAA.xml&src=rss&rpc=22
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E. Destruction of a Native People by Meth
This sad tragic story is being seen in many Indian tribes across the West.
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/wyoming/7668db9bb0d1508e872572cc0020fd1a.txt
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F. Excellent News about Upcoming Highway Improvements in Southern Albany County, Wyoming
I have driven this long stretch of road hundreds of times in all kinds of weather and this planned improvement is long overdue particularly given the enormous amount of semi-truck trafffic seen on US 287. The planned improvements will enormously improve safety for travelers along this road. The frustrating thing is that the Colorado stretch of the highway ( approximately 35 to 40 miles from the WY border to the northern reachs of Fort Collins) will not see any improvements made in the next 30 years or more as the Centennial State is seriously way behind on upgrading and improving surface infrastructure all along the Front Range as well throughout Colorado including the Eastern Plains, the Mountains, Southwest Colorado, the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and Northwest Colorado. At some point in the future I will post a lengthy article about my observations about the shortcomings of surface infrastructure in Colorado and my recommendations on where and how improvements and upgrades should and must be made and as soon as possible in many if not most cases.
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=106572
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G. The Three Legs of the Republican Party are about to Collapse
It is beginning to look like the 'o8 elections are going to parallel the elections of 1964 and 1932
when the Democrats scored huge victories across the board. Worst case scenario for the GOP which is becoming increasingly likely: A Demo wins the Presidency, the Senate has at least 60 Democratic Senators ( a gain of at least nine seats), and the House sees a gain of 35-50 Democratic seats. If you are a GOP supporter, it is time to start growing afraid.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/907/
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H. The Laughable Hype over the Stock Market
Many in the media, government, and business are going ga-ga over the recent records being set by the Dow Jones Index. This index is as far as being irrelevant as can be imagined for almost every American. In no way do these kinds of indices reflect the American economy in an honest and realistic positive way. The US economy is shaky at best and a recession looms on the horizon, but Corporate America is completely out of touch and reality with the American workforce and the Dow Jones Index is perhaps the greatest indicator of that, so one can conclude that the better the Dow looks, the worse things are for the American worker !
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/909/
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I. Axis of Evil Grows by Only Three
It is a given the Bush Administration considers Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela as members of the "Axis of Evil" along with North Korea and Iran. Unfortunately, they are overlooking at least two nations that should be included as well: Saudi Arabia and Communist China. There will come a day, perhaps sooner than we imagine, when it will become apparent that we should have taken the threat of these two powerful nations more seriously.
http://www.atlargely.com/2007/05/us_names_terror.html
-----
J. Wikipedia: Good Knowledge and Information Source or Not ?
I use Wikipedia frequently and cite it as a primary reference or link when needing to expand on or further explain a topic. No source is always perfect, but I believe one can safely assume most of what is on Wikipedia is accurate, true, and unbiased. There will always be some extremely isolated exceptions like everything in life.
http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_5786064
-----
K. The Final Vote Comes in About 18 Months
As expected, George Bush vetoed the war spending limitation bill from Congress, and it is very doubtful enough votes will be found to override the veto. Thus, both side's positions on this issue of the Iraq War are now clearly staked out and the issue has gone as far it will legislatively for the near future. The American people now have the ball in their court and will decide the issue, among a number of others, probably quite clearly, in the Fall '08 General Election.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/02/IRAQ.TMP
-----
L. Cincinnati Reds headed for Cactus League and Arizona ?
With progress on a new multi-million spring training facility and stadium bogged down and dying, optimism is growing in Arizona that the Reds may join their cross-state rival Indians at a new facility being built in the far southwest Valley at Goodyear with an opening date of 2009. We will just have to wait and see if this becomes a reality, or if the Indians fly solo at Goodyear, or perhaps if they will be joined by some other team, such as Milwaukee, Houston, or even Baltimore besides the Reds.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS/705010333
-----
M. Gary Hart Addresses Mr. Shallow, Rudy Giuliani
The Guiliani Campaign is all style and no substance as any enlightened and thoughtful individual already easily knows, and Hart's open letter to Guiliani only further confirms the totally hollow foundations Guiliani and his campaign are all about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/an-open-letter-to-mayor-g_b_47140.html
-----
A. Internet Spreads Code-Breaking Information
Nothing can stop people from doing things like this. The entertainment industry is fighting a losing battle in spite of laws and legal threats. Where there is a demand, a supply will be created no matter what limitations and controls are in place.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/technology/03code.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1178161215-lF+NFNYwWHj5LjTImoxZPA
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070502_is_linking_protected.htm
-----
B. Recent Photographs and Information about the Planet Jupiter and its Moons
It is fascinating to read and see this material on this celestial body and its satellites.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=452130&in_page_id=1965
-----
C. A Humerous Look at Wasteful Types of Employment
All these jobs are a big waste of time, money, and effort; and yet many people earn a comfortable living doing these types of work.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/bing/0704/gallery.bing_50jobs.fortune/
-----
D. More on the Rising Price of Gasoline
It sounds like the price increases of gasoline are nowhere near being done. Most projections show another 15 cents to 25 cents per gallon increase before the peak is hit in June or July.
I would assume that means prices in the Mountain Time Zone will range from right around $3.oo to $3.75 per gallon of regular gasoline at the peak with the highest prices in the metropolitan southwest and the lowest prices in Montana and Wyoming. Of course, unforeseen events and circumstances could push prices even higher, perhaps even significantly.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyid=2007-05-02T162356Z_01_N02342606_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-GASOLINE-AAA.xml&src=rss&rpc=22
-----
E. Destruction of a Native People by Meth
This sad tragic story is being seen in many Indian tribes across the West.
http://www.casperstartribune.com/articles/2007/05/02/news/wyoming/7668db9bb0d1508e872572cc0020fd1a.txt
-----
F. Excellent News about Upcoming Highway Improvements in Southern Albany County, Wyoming
I have driven this long stretch of road hundreds of times in all kinds of weather and this planned improvement is long overdue particularly given the enormous amount of semi-truck trafffic seen on US 287. The planned improvements will enormously improve safety for travelers along this road. The frustrating thing is that the Colorado stretch of the highway ( approximately 35 to 40 miles from the WY border to the northern reachs of Fort Collins) will not see any improvements made in the next 30 years or more as the Centennial State is seriously way behind on upgrading and improving surface infrastructure all along the Front Range as well throughout Colorado including the Eastern Plains, the Mountains, Southwest Colorado, the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and Northwest Colorado. At some point in the future I will post a lengthy article about my observations about the shortcomings of surface infrastructure in Colorado and my recommendations on where and how improvements and upgrades should and must be made and as soon as possible in many if not most cases.
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=106572
-----
G. The Three Legs of the Republican Party are about to Collapse
It is beginning to look like the 'o8 elections are going to parallel the elections of 1964 and 1932
when the Democrats scored huge victories across the board. Worst case scenario for the GOP which is becoming increasingly likely: A Demo wins the Presidency, the Senate has at least 60 Democratic Senators ( a gain of at least nine seats), and the House sees a gain of 35-50 Democratic seats. If you are a GOP supporter, it is time to start growing afraid.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/907/
-----
H. The Laughable Hype over the Stock Market
Many in the media, government, and business are going ga-ga over the recent records being set by the Dow Jones Index. This index is as far as being irrelevant as can be imagined for almost every American. In no way do these kinds of indices reflect the American economy in an honest and realistic positive way. The US economy is shaky at best and a recession looms on the horizon, but Corporate America is completely out of touch and reality with the American workforce and the Dow Jones Index is perhaps the greatest indicator of that, so one can conclude that the better the Dow looks, the worse things are for the American worker !
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/02/909/
-----
I. Axis of Evil Grows by Only Three
It is a given the Bush Administration considers Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela as members of the "Axis of Evil" along with North Korea and Iran. Unfortunately, they are overlooking at least two nations that should be included as well: Saudi Arabia and Communist China. There will come a day, perhaps sooner than we imagine, when it will become apparent that we should have taken the threat of these two powerful nations more seriously.
http://www.atlargely.com/2007/05/us_names_terror.html
-----
J. Wikipedia: Good Knowledge and Information Source or Not ?
I use Wikipedia frequently and cite it as a primary reference or link when needing to expand on or further explain a topic. No source is always perfect, but I believe one can safely assume most of what is on Wikipedia is accurate, true, and unbiased. There will always be some extremely isolated exceptions like everything in life.
http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_5786064
-----
K. The Final Vote Comes in About 18 Months
As expected, George Bush vetoed the war spending limitation bill from Congress, and it is very doubtful enough votes will be found to override the veto. Thus, both side's positions on this issue of the Iraq War are now clearly staked out and the issue has gone as far it will legislatively for the near future. The American people now have the ball in their court and will decide the issue, among a number of others, probably quite clearly, in the Fall '08 General Election.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/02/IRAQ.TMP
-----
L. Cincinnati Reds headed for Cactus League and Arizona ?
With progress on a new multi-million spring training facility and stadium bogged down and dying, optimism is growing in Arizona that the Reds may join their cross-state rival Indians at a new facility being built in the far southwest Valley at Goodyear with an opening date of 2009. We will just have to wait and see if this becomes a reality, or if the Indians fly solo at Goodyear, or perhaps if they will be joined by some other team, such as Milwaukee, Houston, or even Baltimore besides the Reds.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS/705010333
-----
M. Gary Hart Addresses Mr. Shallow, Rudy Giuliani
The Guiliani Campaign is all style and no substance as any enlightened and thoughtful individual already easily knows, and Hart's open letter to Guiliani only further confirms the totally hollow foundations Guiliani and his campaign are all about.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/an-open-letter-to-mayor-g_b_47140.html
-----
Monday, April 30, 2007
A POW for Over Three Years Now
Few if any Americans are aware that there is a POW in the Iraq War and he has been in enemy hands unquestionably having endured incalculable torture for over three years now. Lets hope that very soon Keith Maupin of Ohio is found and can return to his family and have a good life after the unimaginable horrible ordeal he is undergoing.
http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=7290
http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=7290
Rising Seattle Skyline to Block Safeco Views
Although I have yet to attend a game at Safeco Field in Downtown Seattle, others who have tell me the views from the upper decks of the Puget Sound area, the Olympic Mountains, and the existing downtown Seattle skyline, particularly at night, are spectacular. Now news comes from the Emerald City that those magnificent sights may not be around too much longer as progress marches on.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003684691_safecoview28m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003684691_safecoview28m.html
A Lost Ballpark in San Diego & My Idea to Restore It
The great old historical ballparks that were part of the Pacific Coast League during its glory days from the 1930s until the Major Leagues had franchises relocated to California or expansion occurred are truly lost treasures and historical landmarks. This article about Lane Field in San Diego is about just one of those old ballparks of yore. I would like to see in a perfect world the ballpark restored for community activities and just play for kids. The field could be put on the roof of a five to ten story building and be a real landmark for San Diego. The views from a ballpark of the surrounding downtown and coastal areas would be breathtaking. The facility could be used for such things as concerts, parties, gatherings, meetings, and other activities for kids. I hope someone has the vision to make this an exciting reality.
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2007/04/30/opinion/01freeman043007.txt
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2007/04/30/opinion/01freeman043007.txt
Predatory Corporate Capitalism -- The Greatest Evil Facing Americans Citizens and Their Children
I can never say or be firm enough in my strong convictions about the absolute widespread destruction that Corporate America and their government hacks and muscle have done, are doing, and will do in the future to what America is supposed to be all about and what America is supposed to represent. The betrayal and treachery by the corporacy all in the name of greed, power, arrogance, and repressiveness is the epitome of evil and at the root of all problems facing the citizenry.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/30/865/
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/30/865/
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The Words None Dare Say: Nuclear War
This article on the Rockridge Institute website says it all.
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/research/lakoff/the-words-none-dare-say-nuclear-war
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/research/lakoff/the-words-none-dare-say-nuclear-war
Ghost Rider: An Awesome Fun Action-Filled Film
I went to the dollar movies Friday night the 27th with Brant and his son and we saw the film Ghost Rider, based on the comic series I read as a youth. It was excellent and I highly recommend it. I read that it will be out on DVD by mid-June and that also a sequel will be coming out in 2008 or 2009.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_%28film%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_%28comics%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%28Ghost%29_Riders_in_the_Sky:_A_Cowboy_Legend
http://ingeb.org/songs/anoldcow.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_%28film%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_%28comics%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%28Ghost%29_Riders_in_the_Sky:_A_Cowboy_Legend
http://ingeb.org/songs/anoldcow.html
Recommended Blog to Regularly Read
With the ruthless income disparity reports and statistics being quite evident and corporate greed and corruption at all-time highs, this is a good site to visit in order to stay current on reports and facts about the consequences of this economic direction which effects many citizens, often cruelly and unjustly.
http://ehrenreich.blogs.com/barbaras_blog/
http://ehrenreich.blogs.com/barbaras_blog/
This is a Rare Politician Who Would Do This
You have to take your hat off and give credit to Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski for having the courage to try this. Even I have never tried to make it on just $21 for a week for all the food one would purchase and consume. You are basically looking at bread, water, bouillion cube soup, macaroni and cheese, and ramen. You get no meat, no fruit except maybe a couple of bananas, no vegetables, and your nutrition is a joke and dangerous to your health with this kind of constraint in place.
This says alot about this program and how the most fragile and needy in our society are summarily dismissed. Most corporations and their executives and management could very easily double or triple this program's financial resources with no sacrifice or effort if they were good caring compassionate people.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070425/ap_on_re_us/a_week_on_food_stamps
This says alot about this program and how the most fragile and needy in our society are summarily dismissed. Most corporations and their executives and management could very easily double or triple this program's financial resources with no sacrifice or effort if they were good caring compassionate people.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070425/ap_on_re_us/a_week_on_food_stamps
White Knight Ills Cause Frustrations, Hassles
After going many months without having to make any expenditures, the White Knight has been needing some attention and repairs, but the primary problem remains unsolved as of yet. When I place the key in the ignition, more often than not all I get is silence. During the last week I have replaced the solenoid, ICM/voltage regulator, and alternator. The battery was found to be underperforming so since it was still under warranty (having been purchased in mid July '06), I was able to get a completely new one at no cost. I also replaced the ignition switch where the ignition key lock cylinder is located but that did not solve the problem either. Battery cables are clean and look fine (they were also put in last July) so I am puzzled by this and where the problem is originating.
I am able to start the Ford by crossing the solenoid: putting a long screwdriver blade across the connection from the battery post on the side of the solenoid to the starter post on the front of the device. This results in activating the starter which usually starts the truck. This is of some danger as some sparks fly which is never a good idea when vaporous gasoline is possibly present, but I have to get to work and there is no transportation alternative when you live about 20 miles out of town. Hopefully I can continue to use this procedure for the next two weeks and then when I am paid again I can have the electrical system analyzed and tested by a professional mechanic at a garage. I was hoping to use that money for other purposes such as getting all my belongings out of CO but I probably will have to wait until later in May to do this.
More often than not, many things do not go as planned which tries even my legendary patience.
I am able to start the Ford by crossing the solenoid: putting a long screwdriver blade across the connection from the battery post on the side of the solenoid to the starter post on the front of the device. This results in activating the starter which usually starts the truck. This is of some danger as some sparks fly which is never a good idea when vaporous gasoline is possibly present, but I have to get to work and there is no transportation alternative when you live about 20 miles out of town. Hopefully I can continue to use this procedure for the next two weeks and then when I am paid again I can have the electrical system analyzed and tested by a professional mechanic at a garage. I was hoping to use that money for other purposes such as getting all my belongings out of CO but I probably will have to wait until later in May to do this.
More often than not, many things do not go as planned which tries even my legendary patience.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
NHL Stanley Cup Conference Semifinals Outlook
I correctly picked seven of the eight quarterfinal series, only missing New Jersey's 4-2 series win over Tampa Bay which I thought would be an upset. The semifinals should be closely contested and hopefully we will get at least a couple of series go the full seven games.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
#1 Buffalo Sabres v #6 New York Rangers -- Buffalo worked a harder than expected to get by a determined and gritty New York Islanders squad in the quarters, so they know they will have their work cut out against the Rangers. New York played well down the stretch and has a lot of weapons, but the Sabre offense and powerplay should help carry the Presidents Cup Winners to a second consecutive conference finals appearance...
...BUFFALO 4-2
#2 New Jersey Devils v #5 Ottawa Senators -- This should be a close and low scoring series between two fine clubs. The Senators edge in offense should be enough to get them into the Eastern Conference Finals finally after several seasons of underperforming in the playoffs...
...OTTAWA 4-3
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
# 1 Detroit Red Wings v #5 San Jose Sharks -- Like Buffalo and Ottawa, this is will be the year that the Sharks get over the hump, but they face a monumental challenge in the Red Wings. Detroit seem to be the most complete team remaining but there seems to be a piece missing and that may be heart...
...SAN JOSE 4-3
#2 Anaheim Ducks v # 3 Vancouver Canucks -- The powerful Ducks have far too much firepower and an effective power play unit for the gritty Canucks to overcome in spite of better goaltending probably...
...ANAHEIM 4-2
If any of these series do end up as a sweep or near-sweep, I would guess it would be the Ducks and Canucks series or perhaps the Sabres and Rangers series.
Looking ahead at the calendar, it would look as if the Conference Championship series should begin on Friday 11 May or Saturday 12 May with the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting two weeks later in May.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
#1 Buffalo Sabres v #6 New York Rangers -- Buffalo worked a harder than expected to get by a determined and gritty New York Islanders squad in the quarters, so they know they will have their work cut out against the Rangers. New York played well down the stretch and has a lot of weapons, but the Sabre offense and powerplay should help carry the Presidents Cup Winners to a second consecutive conference finals appearance...
...BUFFALO 4-2
#2 New Jersey Devils v #5 Ottawa Senators -- This should be a close and low scoring series between two fine clubs. The Senators edge in offense should be enough to get them into the Eastern Conference Finals finally after several seasons of underperforming in the playoffs...
...OTTAWA 4-3
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
# 1 Detroit Red Wings v #5 San Jose Sharks -- Like Buffalo and Ottawa, this is will be the year that the Sharks get over the hump, but they face a monumental challenge in the Red Wings. Detroit seem to be the most complete team remaining but there seems to be a piece missing and that may be heart...
...SAN JOSE 4-3
#2 Anaheim Ducks v # 3 Vancouver Canucks -- The powerful Ducks have far too much firepower and an effective power play unit for the gritty Canucks to overcome in spite of better goaltending probably...
...ANAHEIM 4-2
If any of these series do end up as a sweep or near-sweep, I would guess it would be the Ducks and Canucks series or perhaps the Sabres and Rangers series.
Looking ahead at the calendar, it would look as if the Conference Championship series should begin on Friday 11 May or Saturday 12 May with the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting two weeks later in May.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A Few Recent News Articles and Observations
Now that I am working fulltime with an hour and a quarter roundtrip commute daily, I do not get to study all the news articles out there as deeply and take the time to contemplate as many of them as I would like. But such is the tyranny and oppressiveness of American corporacy, and where and how I am in my life at this time and for the near future. And to think I am still actively looking for a second fulltime job to better position myself economically sooner (all this might end up doing is probably endangering my health, perhaps even fatally).
But I do get some time to do some reading and reflecting, and here are a few articles recently and my observations briefly on them.
A. The Hypocracy and Contradiction of the Flim-Flam Man Limbaugh as to Don Imus
Imus, of course, was ousted from his high-profile media jobs due to some language that was too politically incorrect even for him. While the end result was overkill, his schtick was getting to be passe and he will land on his feet and probably in better shape financially longterm. The fact that the fatman and mouthpiece for the junta, Limbaugh, regularly plays on his radio program a song based on the lyrics and music of the Peter, Paul, and Mary folk music classic, "Puff the Magic Dragon" titled "Barack, the Magic Negro" and not be subjected to the same outcry and punishment is utterly appalling and disgraceful. Limbaugh is even more passe and boring than Imus and his day has passed and his daily blather and wind is of no consequence and relevancy anymore. Limbaugh is nothing but a has-been huckster who should be put out to pasture to play golf in Costa Rica and spend his late afternoons drowning his ego in numerous glasses of various booze and nodding off to sleep after emptying into his voluminous rotund belly his daily pailful of various pharmaceutical substances, both legal and illegal. The EIB does not stand for "Excellence in Broadcasting" but instead "Evidently Its Bu____it"!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/24/10141/1844
-----
B. A Call for Impeachment for Vice-President Richard Cheney
I expect the number of voices making this call to grow tremendously in the coming months and there very will may be a formidable legislative effort initiated in the US House, although it will not go anywhere unless there is something far more serious that develops during this year and more Republicans defect from supporting Bush to save their own hides and keep their seats when the election in '08 occurs.
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0148.html
-----
C. Boris Yeltsin, 1931-2007
Undoubtedly, Yeltsin played an important role for a brief period in helping make sure the USSR would not make a comeback. Although he was a crude man and overall an ineffective leader, his place in history is one of significance and he helped ensure a period of relative peace after over a half-century of war and a wartime economy for the Russian people which really most knew only as well as the prior two to three generations of those people.
-----
D. Further Revelations Concerning the Friendly-Fire Death of Pat Tillman
Every week, more and more information comes out about this coverup by military officials. I would not be surprised if the trail of deceit and deception leads directly into the White House and Joint Chiefs. I would not put it past such "men" as Rove, Rumsfeld, or Cheney to have given the direct order to officers in the battlefield and in command to take this terribly wrong and immoral action. What a shame that such honorable and heroic man like Pat Tillman who took on a sacrifice and responsiblity NONE of his athletic peers in any professional sport have the courage and heart to do has had his name in the middle of all of this chicanary. Lets hope there are criminal consequences for those that initially ultimately gave the order for the coverup and lies.
-----
E. Nacchio gets what he deserved
Like so many other citizens here in the Rocky Mountain region, the Northwest, and the Northern High Plains, I was greatly pleased to learn of the conviction of former Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio on numerous counts of various crimes. Hopefully he will spend most if not all of the rest of his life in a federal penitentary. His criminal behavior and ruthless cold greed has destroyed or damaged the lives of countless citizens. No punishment will ever be enough to atone for what he did to these folks, many of whom were elderly and suffered greatly beyond any reason. It is sad to think, however, that for every Nacchio and his ilk convicted and punished, there remains dozens, probably hundreds, of corporate officials, managers, and lackeys that have gotten away with and continue to get away with sins on a similar scale.
One day we will wake up and make the necessary adjustments and corrections that are so desparately needed to make our economy and society work for the best interests for many more of our citizens in respect to the runaway amok Market Capitalism and the corporacy which is setting the agenda for the nation and in so many wrong ways. The current model of American Capitalism is seriously broken and, if not corrected soon, will result in the destruction of the United States and the end of liberty and freedom for many citizens.
-----
But I do get some time to do some reading and reflecting, and here are a few articles recently and my observations briefly on them.
A. The Hypocracy and Contradiction of the Flim-Flam Man Limbaugh as to Don Imus
Imus, of course, was ousted from his high-profile media jobs due to some language that was too politically incorrect even for him. While the end result was overkill, his schtick was getting to be passe and he will land on his feet and probably in better shape financially longterm. The fact that the fatman and mouthpiece for the junta, Limbaugh, regularly plays on his radio program a song based on the lyrics and music of the Peter, Paul, and Mary folk music classic, "Puff the Magic Dragon" titled "Barack, the Magic Negro" and not be subjected to the same outcry and punishment is utterly appalling and disgraceful. Limbaugh is even more passe and boring than Imus and his day has passed and his daily blather and wind is of no consequence and relevancy anymore. Limbaugh is nothing but a has-been huckster who should be put out to pasture to play golf in Costa Rica and spend his late afternoons drowning his ego in numerous glasses of various booze and nodding off to sleep after emptying into his voluminous rotund belly his daily pailful of various pharmaceutical substances, both legal and illegal. The EIB does not stand for "Excellence in Broadcasting" but instead "Evidently Its Bu____it"!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/24/10141/1844
-----
B. A Call for Impeachment for Vice-President Richard Cheney
I expect the number of voices making this call to grow tremendously in the coming months and there very will may be a formidable legislative effort initiated in the US House, although it will not go anywhere unless there is something far more serious that develops during this year and more Republicans defect from supporting Bush to save their own hides and keep their seats when the election in '08 occurs.
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0148.html
-----
C. Boris Yeltsin, 1931-2007
Undoubtedly, Yeltsin played an important role for a brief period in helping make sure the USSR would not make a comeback. Although he was a crude man and overall an ineffective leader, his place in history is one of significance and he helped ensure a period of relative peace after over a half-century of war and a wartime economy for the Russian people which really most knew only as well as the prior two to three generations of those people.
-----
D. Further Revelations Concerning the Friendly-Fire Death of Pat Tillman
Every week, more and more information comes out about this coverup by military officials. I would not be surprised if the trail of deceit and deception leads directly into the White House and Joint Chiefs. I would not put it past such "men" as Rove, Rumsfeld, or Cheney to have given the direct order to officers in the battlefield and in command to take this terribly wrong and immoral action. What a shame that such honorable and heroic man like Pat Tillman who took on a sacrifice and responsiblity NONE of his athletic peers in any professional sport have the courage and heart to do has had his name in the middle of all of this chicanary. Lets hope there are criminal consequences for those that initially ultimately gave the order for the coverup and lies.
-----
E. Nacchio gets what he deserved
Like so many other citizens here in the Rocky Mountain region, the Northwest, and the Northern High Plains, I was greatly pleased to learn of the conviction of former Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio on numerous counts of various crimes. Hopefully he will spend most if not all of the rest of his life in a federal penitentary. His criminal behavior and ruthless cold greed has destroyed or damaged the lives of countless citizens. No punishment will ever be enough to atone for what he did to these folks, many of whom were elderly and suffered greatly beyond any reason. It is sad to think, however, that for every Nacchio and his ilk convicted and punished, there remains dozens, probably hundreds, of corporate officials, managers, and lackeys that have gotten away with and continue to get away with sins on a similar scale.
One day we will wake up and make the necessary adjustments and corrections that are so desparately needed to make our economy and society work for the best interests for many more of our citizens in respect to the runaway amok Market Capitalism and the corporacy which is setting the agenda for the nation and in so many wrong ways. The current model of American Capitalism is seriously broken and, if not corrected soon, will result in the destruction of the United States and the end of liberty and freedom for many citizens.
-----
Poignant, Powerful, Ominous Words
This letter from the late David Halberstam was written to his daughter Julia in 1982 and he reflects back on his early days in Vietnam and what in hindsight he then began to understand and realize about that war and war in general. So much of what he says rings so true about what our nation, we citizens, and particularly the men and women serving and sacrificing in a strange land so far away physically and in our conscience are going through now are much the same things as before almost 40 years ago.
Read the letter carefully and more than once. The impact of the words will stir your heart, probably emotionally move you, and give pause to think and reflect about the magnitude of what it means to be serving your country in a wartime theater. The consequences of reading these words may further reinforce the realization of the emptyness, the waste, the foolishness, and the futility of what this nation's failing and floundering leadership of Bush, Cheney, Rove, and many others have done to our nation, America, and another people and nation, Iraq. The end results for this war are likely to be far worse than what resulted from Vietnam, which for many was only yesterday: yet, for so many others, is already lost and forgotten in history apparently.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/24/707/
Read the letter carefully and more than once. The impact of the words will stir your heart, probably emotionally move you, and give pause to think and reflect about the magnitude of what it means to be serving your country in a wartime theater. The consequences of reading these words may further reinforce the realization of the emptyness, the waste, the foolishness, and the futility of what this nation's failing and floundering leadership of Bush, Cheney, Rove, and many others have done to our nation, America, and another people and nation, Iraq. The end results for this war are likely to be far worse than what resulted from Vietnam, which for many was only yesterday: yet, for so many others, is already lost and forgotten in history apparently.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/24/707/
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Stench of Broadcast News on Cable Stations
The writer of this article captures my views about the news channels we have on cable and satellite. Fox News is utterly nauseating and full of Bush apologists with far too much focus on fluff and celebrity "news". MSNBC is in the same ballpark, and CNN has their moments also except when Lou Dobbs is airing. CNBC offers no critical analysis about the societal, community, and individual costs and sacrifices of the rampant runaway corporacy and market capitalism being forced upon us.
Overall, its better to get most news from the internet, with the newspaper providing state and local news. Use the three major networks for major breaking news (ABC is my preferrence) and avoid most "news" programs like what is broadcast on Fox News and the others.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070422_cable_news__war_agai.htm
Overall, its better to get most news from the internet, with the newspaper providing state and local news. Use the three major networks for major breaking news (ABC is my preferrence) and avoid most "news" programs like what is broadcast on Fox News and the others.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_070422_cable_news__war_agai.htm
David Halberstam, 1934-2007
Very sad news came from the Bay Area this afternoon of the sudden death of the great historical author and Pulitzer Prize Winner David Halberstam due to an automobile accident in Menlo Park, south of San Francisco. David Halberstam authored numerous books on history as well as baseball, and I was fortunate to have read many of his works. Among his books I enjoyed and learned from include The Best and the Brightest; The Fifties; October 1964; Summer of '49; The Reckoning; and The Next Century. His contributions in his field are monumental and he will be sorely missed.
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBIT_HALBERSTAM?SITE=CODER&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-04-23-19-54-21
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-NY-Obit-Halberstam.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/david_halberstam/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-3780588-6920609?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=David+Halberstam&Go.x=8&Go.y=14
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBIT_HALBERSTAM?SITE=CODER&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-04-23-19-54-21
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-NY-Obit-Halberstam.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/david_halberstam/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-3780588-6920609?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=David+Halberstam&Go.x=8&Go.y=14
Sunday, April 22, 2007
High Speed Passenger Rail on the Horizon
It appears more likely as each day passes that a regional high speed rail corridor is going to be established along the Rocky Mountains corridor from Belen, New Mexico, through Colorado and up to Casper, Wyoming. Progress is being made on several fronts to get this exciting transportation alternative to become a reality, perhaps as early as 2015. The big challenges that remain beside securing matching funding from Congress is to relocate the industrial coal-carrying trains on to newer tracks farther east on the plains, particularly in Colorado.
New Mexico is quite far along with a passenger line already in operation in the Albuquerque corridor with an extension to Santa Fe to be operating in 2008 and the line extended on to Las Vegas and Raton by 2011. The promise of this high speed rail line would mean a trip from Cheyenne to Denver would take about an hour versus about an hour and a half via automobile. A trip from Denver to Albuquerque could be as short as three and a quarter hours. Cheyenne to Casper could be done via this high-speed train in a little over two hours instead of three and one-half by automobile.
Lets hope that this becomes a reality in the next decade and the rail lines are extended to Phoenix and Tucson to the south and Billings and Rapid City to the north by 2025.
http://www.rangerxpress.com/
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/04/22/opinion_2007/staff_editorials/ourview833.txt
New Mexico is quite far along with a passenger line already in operation in the Albuquerque corridor with an extension to Santa Fe to be operating in 2008 and the line extended on to Las Vegas and Raton by 2011. The promise of this high speed rail line would mean a trip from Cheyenne to Denver would take about an hour versus about an hour and a half via automobile. A trip from Denver to Albuquerque could be as short as three and a quarter hours. Cheyenne to Casper could be done via this high-speed train in a little over two hours instead of three and one-half by automobile.
Lets hope that this becomes a reality in the next decade and the rail lines are extended to Phoenix and Tucson to the south and Billings and Rapid City to the north by 2025.
http://www.rangerxpress.com/
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/04/22/opinion_2007/staff_editorials/ourview833.txt
A Wild Lonesome Guest on the Property
Normally the Pronghorn Antelope are in herds of at least 7-8 and sometimes up to 30 in number, but this fellow decided to go it alone for awhile it seems and took up residence on the property for a few hours. He basically snacked on the newly green prairie grass and then laid down and stared at the surrounding countryside. Darkness fell so I do not know if he is still out there or if he decided to get back to his "people". He was about 6o feet from the front door for the most part and he ignored the barking St Bernards and the twice-per-hour automobile that came by. There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands, of these critters on the prairie surrounding Cheyenne and they blend in quite well with the vegetation on the gently rolling plains. Maybe this fellow had spring fever and had to get out and away from the herd and see what was out there without being overseen by the boss.
Plans for New Taj Mahal for Minnesota Vikings Unveiled
The Minnesota Vikings became the latest pro team to announce plans for a spectacular magnificent building with all the bells and whistles. The stadium is to be built on the eastside of Downtown Minneapolis as part of a larger multi-use development with costs expected to be well in excess of $1 billion dollars. As one might expect, taxpayers in the Twin Cities and the Land of 10,000 Lakes will pickup the vast majority of the expense, probably around 80 % or more of it by the time everything is accounted for by the date of the building's projected opening in 2012.
While the design of the facility is quite beautiful and architecturally impressive, it probably is overkill. But it would mean the awarding of future Super Bowls, Final Fours, and other noteworthy conventions and events to the Twin Cities which would have a significant positive economic impact as there is no competition with a building and development of this size in that region and the cities of Detroit and St. Louis are the nearest areas with comparable facilities.
http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1131935.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2843492
While the design of the facility is quite beautiful and architecturally impressive, it probably is overkill. But it would mean the awarding of future Super Bowls, Final Fours, and other noteworthy conventions and events to the Twin Cities which would have a significant positive economic impact as there is no competition with a building and development of this size in that region and the cities of Detroit and St. Louis are the nearest areas with comparable facilities.
http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1131935.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2843492
Saturday, April 14, 2007
MLB: Observations after the Completion of the First Two Weeks of the Season
With the completion of tonight's (Saturday 14 April) games the season is one-thirteenth complete. While it is still too early to draw any strong conclusions, some observations and outlooks about what are the trends can be offered.
-- Weather: this April has been been very cold so offenses have noticeably suffered. This will be reversed to a large extent as we get into May. By season's end, what has happened this month will be forgotten and largely unrecognizable in the statistics. There have been a large number of postponements due to weather (just ask the Indians and Mariners). Scheduling is a challenge for the sport always this early in the season as teams everywhere prefer to be at home at a minimum in exchange for better drawing games in the summer and in September if in any kind of meaningful race. But MLB needs to focus more on intradivisonal games in April as they would be easier to schedule for makeups in event of weather-related postponements. Scheduling once a season trips to places like Cleveland, Chicago, and Boston for teams like Seattle, Texas, and Tampa Bay for example is just plain foolish. This is another strong reason for the American League to expand to sixteen teams as soon as possible so that scheduling can be done better for the benefit of all clubs and particularly the players and the fans. Lets see those new AL clubs by 2010 or 2011 in Portland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, or San Antonio.
-- Results: predictably, Tampa Bay and Kansas City have already started to fall behind in the AL, and Washington and San Francisco are doing the same in the NL. Surprises are not that many so far with Atlanta, Arizona, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Baltimore having their heads above water still at this point. The one standout disappointment is Philadelphia.
-- Outlook: As what usually happens, the next two to three weeks will establish the first cut between the contenders and pretenders. Clubs like Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Washington, and San Francisco could be around ten games out by then. Teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Texas could be 5-7 games out. The Yankees, Mets, Tigers, and Angels should be around .650 or better. Lets hope I am totally incorrect about this outlook and some of these perennial losers give their fans some reason for a little hope and the big money Yankees are underachieving and scuffling.
-- Colorado Rockies: my favorite team has their difficiencies and strengths as does everybody.
On the positive side, the starting pitching has been very solid as has been the defense. On the minus side, the hitting has been largely sorry, the bullpen has been poor and shaky, and there has been no power to speak of so far. Lets hope the bats warm up quickly and the bullpen starts to develop a greater rhythm and consistency in the coming weeks, if not days.
The upcoming schedule for Colorado includes a seven game home stand starting Monday 16 April with a pair of games each against the Giants and Dodgers and a weekend three game set against the Padres; then its on the road for a quick three game trip to play the Mets at Shea followed by a three game weekend set back home against the Braves then back out on the road for three at San Francisco, three at Cincinnati, and three at St Louis before starting another homestand Thursday, 10 May. Lets hope these next 23 games starting Sunday the 15th of April has the Rockies win around 13 to 16 of them to position themselves as a contender for the coming months.
-- Weather: this April has been been very cold so offenses have noticeably suffered. This will be reversed to a large extent as we get into May. By season's end, what has happened this month will be forgotten and largely unrecognizable in the statistics. There have been a large number of postponements due to weather (just ask the Indians and Mariners). Scheduling is a challenge for the sport always this early in the season as teams everywhere prefer to be at home at a minimum in exchange for better drawing games in the summer and in September if in any kind of meaningful race. But MLB needs to focus more on intradivisonal games in April as they would be easier to schedule for makeups in event of weather-related postponements. Scheduling once a season trips to places like Cleveland, Chicago, and Boston for teams like Seattle, Texas, and Tampa Bay for example is just plain foolish. This is another strong reason for the American League to expand to sixteen teams as soon as possible so that scheduling can be done better for the benefit of all clubs and particularly the players and the fans. Lets see those new AL clubs by 2010 or 2011 in Portland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, or San Antonio.
-- Results: predictably, Tampa Bay and Kansas City have already started to fall behind in the AL, and Washington and San Francisco are doing the same in the NL. Surprises are not that many so far with Atlanta, Arizona, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Baltimore having their heads above water still at this point. The one standout disappointment is Philadelphia.
-- Outlook: As what usually happens, the next two to three weeks will establish the first cut between the contenders and pretenders. Clubs like Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Washington, and San Francisco could be around ten games out by then. Teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Texas could be 5-7 games out. The Yankees, Mets, Tigers, and Angels should be around .650 or better. Lets hope I am totally incorrect about this outlook and some of these perennial losers give their fans some reason for a little hope and the big money Yankees are underachieving and scuffling.
-- Colorado Rockies: my favorite team has their difficiencies and strengths as does everybody.
On the positive side, the starting pitching has been very solid as has been the defense. On the minus side, the hitting has been largely sorry, the bullpen has been poor and shaky, and there has been no power to speak of so far. Lets hope the bats warm up quickly and the bullpen starts to develop a greater rhythm and consistency in the coming weeks, if not days.
The upcoming schedule for Colorado includes a seven game home stand starting Monday 16 April with a pair of games each against the Giants and Dodgers and a weekend three game set against the Padres; then its on the road for a quick three game trip to play the Mets at Shea followed by a three game weekend set back home against the Braves then back out on the road for three at San Francisco, three at Cincinnati, and three at St Louis before starting another homestand Thursday, 10 May. Lets hope these next 23 games starting Sunday the 15th of April has the Rockies win around 13 to 16 of them to position themselves as a contender for the coming months.
Recent News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles and opinions and my observations briefly on them.
A. Brutal Honesty from the Man Who Really Should be the Next President
I strongly maintain that Senator John McCain remains the most ably qualified candidate for the Presidency in 2008 and stands head and shoulders above all the other candidates, announced or unannounced. He has a strong grasp on foreign and domestic policy and clearly knows and demonstrates what a leader is and can be, unlike virtually all the other presidential candidates.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15mccain.html?ei=5065&en=8db1136256412d6d&ex=1177214400&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print
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B. Thompson Poised to Join Race for Presidency
Longtime dramatic actor and retired two-term Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson will join the race for the GOP nomination for the Presidency later this summer, and his entry into the field will result in the inevitable and eventual failure of the candidacies of Rudy Guilianni and Mitt Romney, among others.
http://townhall.com/Columnists/RobertDNovak/2007/04/14/rove_left_out
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C. Amok Capitalism in the 21st Century
This article points out the serious flaws and shortcomings that exist in our Capitalist economic system that have largely emerged in the last generation and the peril and risk that such activities and pursuits to every citizen. What ever happened to ethics in the business world? Oh, I forget -- thats something that is bad for business, the profits they lustily crave, and the fat wallets and perks that business management demands and expects.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.capitalism15apr15,0,3938278.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines
-----
D. Globalization's Bitter Price for American Citizens
Anyone with any kind of intelligence and compassion could see this coming 20-25 years ago. Ross Perot was not blowing smoke when he was talking about the consequences of globalism on the American citizenry 11-18 years ago. American citizens are paying a harsh price, especially older Americans, rural Americans, and people who are quiet, soft-spoken, and reserved. Many people are not cut out psychologically to be salesmen, hucksters, and hustlers for corporations.
Creating and making something that people need is a far more desirable occupation.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070430/greider
-----
E. Another Strong Reason for Breaking Up the Telecommunications Oligopoly
I firmly believe that Telecommunications corporations, like utility corporations, be restricted to be strongly regulated and broken up. These entities must not be allowed to do business in more than about 6-7 states. They operate as a public service and must remain small enough to be attentive to the needs of the citizenry and to allow maximum freedoms and choices for citizens at the most minimal cost. Beasts like AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Time-Warner Cable, Qwest, and Verizon are at the top of my targeted hit list for corporations to be broken up and shrunken to more manageable and responsible business for the citizens to choose from among many others that could be created to provided choice and competition with more reasonable and sensible pricing.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/15/532/
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F. Another View about What is Happening in Iraq
I do not believe things are getting much better in Iraq, but I will remain patient for next several months and give the ongoing mission time to succeed and make progress. There simply is no other logical alternative at this time and in the near future.
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?pid=186275
-----
G. Looking Ahead to Unemployment Trends for the Upcoming Recession
When the recession this year kicks in this summer, one demographic that will suffer enormously will be the older worker, those over age 45. Along with Blacks, rural citizens, and women, this upcoming recession and economic downturn will be quite cruel to the older worker, which includes me and many others I have known and continue to know.
http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/bp162
-----
H. The Psychology of Conservatives?
Can these kinds of people possess a serious personality flaw that can be identified. My thought would be no...
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Society/Conservatives_Deconstruct.html
-----
I. Frightening Terror from the Deep Attacking Mankind & Pets !
A. Brutal Honesty from the Man Who Really Should be the Next President
I strongly maintain that Senator John McCain remains the most ably qualified candidate for the Presidency in 2008 and stands head and shoulders above all the other candidates, announced or unannounced. He has a strong grasp on foreign and domestic policy and clearly knows and demonstrates what a leader is and can be, unlike virtually all the other presidential candidates.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15mccain.html?ei=5065&en=8db1136256412d6d&ex=1177214400&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print
-----
B. Thompson Poised to Join Race for Presidency
Longtime dramatic actor and retired two-term Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson will join the race for the GOP nomination for the Presidency later this summer, and his entry into the field will result in the inevitable and eventual failure of the candidacies of Rudy Guilianni and Mitt Romney, among others.
http://townhall.com/Columnists/RobertDNovak/2007/04/14/rove_left_out
-----
C. Amok Capitalism in the 21st Century
This article points out the serious flaws and shortcomings that exist in our Capitalist economic system that have largely emerged in the last generation and the peril and risk that such activities and pursuits to every citizen. What ever happened to ethics in the business world? Oh, I forget -- thats something that is bad for business, the profits they lustily crave, and the fat wallets and perks that business management demands and expects.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.capitalism15apr15,0,3938278.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines
-----
D. Globalization's Bitter Price for American Citizens
Anyone with any kind of intelligence and compassion could see this coming 20-25 years ago. Ross Perot was not blowing smoke when he was talking about the consequences of globalism on the American citizenry 11-18 years ago. American citizens are paying a harsh price, especially older Americans, rural Americans, and people who are quiet, soft-spoken, and reserved. Many people are not cut out psychologically to be salesmen, hucksters, and hustlers for corporations.
Creating and making something that people need is a far more desirable occupation.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070430/greider
-----
E. Another Strong Reason for Breaking Up the Telecommunications Oligopoly
I firmly believe that Telecommunications corporations, like utility corporations, be restricted to be strongly regulated and broken up. These entities must not be allowed to do business in more than about 6-7 states. They operate as a public service and must remain small enough to be attentive to the needs of the citizenry and to allow maximum freedoms and choices for citizens at the most minimal cost. Beasts like AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Time-Warner Cable, Qwest, and Verizon are at the top of my targeted hit list for corporations to be broken up and shrunken to more manageable and responsible business for the citizens to choose from among many others that could be created to provided choice and competition with more reasonable and sensible pricing.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/15/532/
-----
F. Another View about What is Happening in Iraq
I do not believe things are getting much better in Iraq, but I will remain patient for next several months and give the ongoing mission time to succeed and make progress. There simply is no other logical alternative at this time and in the near future.
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?pid=186275
-----
G. Looking Ahead to Unemployment Trends for the Upcoming Recession
When the recession this year kicks in this summer, one demographic that will suffer enormously will be the older worker, those over age 45. Along with Blacks, rural citizens, and women, this upcoming recession and economic downturn will be quite cruel to the older worker, which includes me and many others I have known and continue to know.
http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/bp162
-----
H. The Psychology of Conservatives?
Can these kinds of people possess a serious personality flaw that can be identified. My thought would be no...
http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Society/Conservatives_Deconstruct.html
-----
I. Frightening Terror from the Deep Attacking Mankind & Pets !
Horror of Horrors, a killer beast terrorizing the local population and their pets ! Get every cop from a one-hundred fifty mile radius on this case ! Mobilize the National Guard (oops, I forget, they are all in Iraq and Afghanistan dealing with a different kind of terror) ! I know, Get the Govern-nator, Arnold, since it is happening in his state and have him pulverize the threat !
http://www.mercurynews.com/weirdnews/ci_5670526?nclick_check=1
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Outlook
The 2007 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs began today with the eventual Stanley Cup Champion being crowned somewhere around Memorial Day.Here are some predictions on the conference quarterfinals matchups.
West:
#1 Detroit v #8 Calgary: As much as I would like to see the Red Wings go down, I do not think it will happen in the first round against a #8 seed for the second consecutive year...
..............Detroit 4-2
#2 Anaheim v #7 Minnesota: The Ducks have too much firepower and talent for the Wild to pull the upset, but all the games will be close...
.............Anaheim 4-2
#3 Vancouver v #6 Dallas: This should be a very entertaining series between two largely evenly matched squads, but the Canucks edge in the goal will be the difference...
.............Vancouver 4-3
#4 Nashville v #5 San Jose: This should be the best series in the first round in either conference with two excellent complete teams fighting it out in what will be a very close series with probably more than a few sudden death overtime games to occur...
.............San Jose 4-3
East:
#1 Buffalo v #8 New York Islanders: The Sabres should dominate the outmatched Islanders rather easily; a sweep is not out of the question.......
.............Buffalo 4-1
#2 New Jersey v #7 Tampa Bay: This should a close hardhitting low scoring series and I am calling for a Lightning upset because in this round there is always one that happens....
.............Tampa Bay 4-2
#3 Atlanta v #6 New York Rangers: With Colorado and Toronto out of the playoffs, I am holding the torch for my beloved Rangers, my childhood favorite team almost 40 years ago. So I am going to pick the Blueshirts to outlast the playoff debuting Thrashers who are led by Coach Bob Hartley, the former Stanley Cup winning coach for Colorado, whom I met at a Dairy Queen in May 2001....
.............New York Rangers 4-3
#4 Ottawa v #5 Pittsburgh: The playoffs most dangerous darkhorse team, the Senators, will have their hands full with the young and upcoming Penguins, but Pittsburgh is still a year away and the Sens pose the greatest challenge to the seemingly destined Sabres...
.............Ottawa 4-1
My picks for the finals continue to be Buffalo and San Jose, but Ottawa and Anaheim are my second choices and loom as conference finals opponents for the Sabres and Sharks. I am still calling for Buffalo to skate away with the Cup for a first time and somewhat avenge their stolen opportunity back in 1999 when Dallas beat them due to at least one powerfully missed call by the officials in the Finals that Spring.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Colorado Avalanche Run Ends
In the end it was just too much ground to make up and not enough time. A 14-1-2 streak that started on 27 February ended Saturday night, 7 April, for the Colorado Avalanche as they fell to the Nashville Predators, 4-2, ending their chances to be a part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for an eleventh straight season. This will be the first time the organization will miss the playoffs since coming to Colorado in 1995.This 17 game streak was nevertheless exciting and the team came from 14 points back to just three entering play Saturday night, but Calgary was up for the challenge and never let the Avalanche completely close the gap. The Flames clinched the eighth position in the Western Conference and will face Detroit in a best of seven first round series starting either Wednesday, 10 April, or Thursday 11 April.
I will post a final regular season article about the NHL as well as a playoff outlook post in the next few days. I am still picking Buffalo to win the Stanley Cup, but I am now undecided about who will come out of the West and make the Finals. There are eight worthy clubs with a chance and all of them have things to like about them which makes these playoffs the best in professional sports.
The Colorado Avalanche showed the fans a lot in these last six weeks so optimism will be rightfully high for next season for a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and competitive contention for the Northwest Division title and the number one seed in the Western Conference.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Third Warmest March in Cheyenne since 1915
After 2 1/2 months of challenging rigorous winter weather, it was nice to catch a break for most of the month of March except the first and final three days of the month. The average low temperature for the month was the highest recorded for a March at 29.3 degrees which is about
7.5 degrees above normal. Lets hope April gets turned around in that direction, as the first week so far has been quite cold and cloudy with periodic snow.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=cys&storyid=7001&source=0
7.5 degrees above normal. Lets hope April gets turned around in that direction, as the first week so far has been quite cold and cloudy with periodic snow.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=cys&storyid=7001&source=0
Great Health Care Plan Information
Health Care Reform and Cost Containment is one of the most important domestic policy issues facing American Citizens for the 2008 national elections, along with trade policy, job exporting, corporate pay, funding for infrastructure, and energy policy. The link below gives details about the best health care plan out there, HR676. This single-payer plan, which would be phased in over a decade or so, removes the greatest reason and cause for the inefficiency, waste, inequality, and injustice currently experienced by citizens: the insurance corporations, which are responsible for the current haphazard dastardly systems we have in place today.
Lets hope citizens vote for candidates across the board that will make this federal legislation proposal a reality within the next 28 months, for all our health and financial sakes and futures.
http://www.citizensforhr676.org/
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Lets hope citizens vote for candidates across the board that will make this federal legislation proposal a reality within the next 28 months, for all our health and financial sakes and futures.
http://www.citizensforhr676.org/
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CATV Keeps MLB Package for Extra Innings
Major League Baseball and the giant cable TV corporate oligopoly cartel agreed to keep the Extra Innings broadcast package of MLB games ongoing after doubt was raised about it continuing because of an earlier agreement with DirecTV by MLB.
This broadcast package is spectacular and wonderful for baseball fans. This week I am watching the week-long free preview of the DirecTV MLB broadcast package. Most days all but one or two games are included. On Thursday, 5 April , the only game not shown was the SD-SF game and today, 6 April, the only two games not included were Sea-Cle and Tor-TB.
One thing for sure is that this broadcast package will keep you home and not spending money. But you will become more of a couch potato. But to be able to watch this much baseball is totally heavenly !
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2826280
This broadcast package is spectacular and wonderful for baseball fans. This week I am watching the week-long free preview of the DirecTV MLB broadcast package. Most days all but one or two games are included. On Thursday, 5 April , the only game not shown was the SD-SF game and today, 6 April, the only two games not included were Sea-Cle and Tor-TB.
One thing for sure is that this broadcast package will keep you home and not spending money. But you will become more of a couch potato. But to be able to watch this much baseball is totally heavenly !
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2826280
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Recent News Articles and Observations
Here are some recent news articles and some observations by me on them.
A. The Quickly Disappearing Arctic Sea Icecap
One of the most amazing ramifications of global warming and climate change is well underway at the top of the world. While the melting of the icecap means less frequent and intense incursions of frigid Arctic airmasses into the northern US and Wyoming which pleases most people, the ecological consequences of this phenomena will be fatal to many species in the polar regions and the native peoples who rely on these animals for food. The Arctic Sea probably will mostly free of sea ice during most summers starting in 10-15 years and completely so before mid-century. Who would have thought that the Northwest Passage sought by so many explorers as we learned in history class would become a reality within our lifetime or shortly afterwards!
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/05/319/
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B. The New Fastest Growing city in the West
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5598056
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C. The powerful impact of climate change on the West
This winter that just ended was a poor one for snowfall across most of the interior West as it has been for well over a decade. With water increasingly becoming a dwindling resource throughout this region, one can see some of the extreme measures various municipalities and governments will go to in order to secure a sure supply of the lifeblood of the West. The next version of the Water Wars is underway.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0405/p01s02-wogi.html
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A. The Quickly Disappearing Arctic Sea Icecap
One of the most amazing ramifications of global warming and climate change is well underway at the top of the world. While the melting of the icecap means less frequent and intense incursions of frigid Arctic airmasses into the northern US and Wyoming which pleases most people, the ecological consequences of this phenomena will be fatal to many species in the polar regions and the native peoples who rely on these animals for food. The Arctic Sea probably will mostly free of sea ice during most summers starting in 10-15 years and completely so before mid-century. Who would have thought that the Northwest Passage sought by so many explorers as we learned in history class would become a reality within our lifetime or shortly afterwards!
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/05/319/
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B. The New Fastest Growing city in the West
St. George, Utah, is experiencing rapid population growth with sizeable growth to continue well into the future. I wonder where they will find the water to support the population projected to be there in the not so distant future. And the ecological consequences of so many people being in an area where the surrounding landscape and territory is so unique, special, and particularly fragile is something that saddens many, including me.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5598056
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C. The powerful impact of climate change on the West
This winter that just ended was a poor one for snowfall across most of the interior West as it has been for well over a decade. With water increasingly becoming a dwindling resource throughout this region, one can see some of the extreme measures various municipalities and governments will go to in order to secure a sure supply of the lifeblood of the West. The next version of the Water Wars is underway.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0405/p01s02-wogi.html
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Sunday, April 1, 2007
My Final PreSeason MLB Picks
Ah, Opening Day is but hours away, and the first pitch of the season is just minutes away in St Louis where the World Champion Cardinals open defense of their title against their biggest threats and last season LCS victim New York Mets. Here is a final look at my preseason predictions as Spring arrives for me.NL West: 1) San Diego (2) Los Angeles (3) Colorado (4) Arizona (5) San Francisco
NL Cent: 1) Milwaukee (2) St Louis (3) Cincinnati (4) Chicago (5) Houston (6) Pittsburgh
NL East: 1) Philadelphia (2) New York (3) Atlanta (4) Florida (5) Washington
AL West: 1) Anaheim (2) Oakland (3) Seattle (4) Texas
AL Cent: 1) Detroit (2) Minnesota (3) Cleveland (4) Chicago (5) Kansas City
AL East: 1) New York (2) Boston (3) Toronto (4) Baltimore (5) Tampa Bay
Wildcards: NL: New York AL: Oakland
Pennants: NL: San Diego over New York 4 games to 3
AL: Detroit over Anaheim 4 games to 2
World Series: Detroit over San Diego 4 games to 3
Surprises: NL: Atlanta, Florida, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Arizona
AL: Toronto, Baltimore, Cleveland, Seattle, Texas
Disappointments: NL: New York, St Louis, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco
AL: New York, Boston, Chicago
If any team that I picked to finish last or next to last (except ChiWS) makes the playoffs, I owe my brother a steak.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Re-Emergence of Populism in America: Hope, Justice, Fairness, Compassion
In the late 19th and early 20th Century Populism was a widespread political and cultural movement that swept across the US, strongly influencing policy and life. A re-emergence of that movement is underway which bodes well for Americans. The movement will be greatly facilitated by modern technology and communication which did not exist a century ago. Lets hope Populism explodes across the nation and gains control of the Democratic Party as it did a century ago and destroys the Republican Party, which is the government sponsor of the Neo-Gillded Age we have been in the last 25 years and the stifling immoral corporacy which is destroying so many lives.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/30/182/
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/30/182/
Thursday, March 29, 2007
San Francisco Proposes Massive Development Centered Around New Forty-Niners Stadium
I like the look of this proposal and greatly prefer it over the other two alternatives of going to Santa Clara or redeveloping Candlestick Point where the current Forty-Niners stadium is. This development proposal would have the same powerful effect on the San Francisco economy and tourism as the Pacific Bell Baseball Stadium for the San Francisco Giants has. Lets hope city, regional, and state officials work hard to see this plan and development realized and completed within the next five years.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/26/BAG3UOS7BF11.DTL
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/26/BAG3UOS7BF11.DTL
The Cruel Destiny of Middle Age in America Now: Depression, Unemployment, Unstability, and Hopelessness
Talton's demise at the Republic is strongly representative to what is happening to middle aged workers across the US. While he will land on his feet, others like me are left to a "life" that leaves everything to be desired. I have been looking for work for a month now with virtually 100 % non-feedback and complete rejection. It is very difficult in this nation to be a near 50-year old in this nation and economy now where you are discarded and unwanted. I know if it is this bad for me now that I will not be able to stay alive for much more than a couple of years and will have to end it as I will have no alternatives to consider as my health, energy, and strength continues their decline and demise.
http://www.azcentral.com/business/columns/articles/0329biz-talton0329.html
http://www.azcentral.com/business/columns/articles/0329biz-talton0329.html
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
War with Iran Imminent; Fourth Naval Carrier Battle Group Enroute to Persian Gulf
Russian military intelligence services are reporting a flurry of activity by U.S. Armed Forces near Iran's borders. The latest military intelligence data point to heightened U.S. military preparations for both an air and ground operation against Iran. The Pentagon is looking for a way to deliver a strike against Iran that would enable the Americans to stagger the country at minimal cost.
The U.S. Naval presence now in the Persian Gulf has for the first time in the past four years has exceeded the level that existed before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
The Russian Academy of Geopolitical Sciences said last week that the Pentagon is planning to deliver a massive air strike on Iran's military infrastructure in the near immediate future.
A fourth U.S. carrier battle group has been dispatched to the Gulf. The USS John C. Stennis, with a crew of 3,200 and around 80 fixed-wing aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet and Superhornet fighter-bombers, eight support ships and four nuclear submarines are heading for the Gulf. The Pentagon has also sent numerous Patriot anti-missile systems to the region.
The U.S. Naval presence now in the Persian Gulf has for the first time in the past four years has exceeded the level that existed before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
The Russian Academy of Geopolitical Sciences said last week that the Pentagon is planning to deliver a massive air strike on Iran's military infrastructure in the near immediate future.
A fourth U.S. carrier battle group has been dispatched to the Gulf. The USS John C. Stennis, with a crew of 3,200 and around 80 fixed-wing aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet and Superhornet fighter-bombers, eight support ships and four nuclear submarines are heading for the Gulf. The Pentagon has also sent numerous Patriot anti-missile systems to the region.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Today's News Articles and Observations
Some recent news articles that caught my attention.
A. Tremendous Change for Climate Zones Globally Looming by Mid-Century
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070326220628.uo998sdi&show_article=1
http://www.pnas.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/28/153/
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B. Spaceport in New Mexico desert north of Las Cruces Inches Toward Reality
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070326185745.wbe0l851&show_article=1
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C. Another High Profile Third Party Candidate for President in 2008?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/25/AR2007032501334.html?nav=rss_politics
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D. Why Opposition Still Exists Against Global Warming
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-chait25mar25,0,3748551.column?coll=la-news-comment-opinions
-----
E. Vision of Future City in San Joaquin Valley
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-quay26mar26,0,5393459.story?coll=la-home-headlines
-----
F. Coming by Year's End: Internet via Television Over the Air Signals
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070327/fcc_internet_device.html?.v=1
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G. The Future of Newspapers has Arrived
http://www.ajr.org/Article.asp?id=4307
-----
H. The Best Reason for Reading The Arizona Republic is No More: Jon Talton is Dumped
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2007/03/19/daily52.html
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I. Another Consequence of Gas Drilling Development in Upper Green River Basin
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/city/article/as_deer_decline_energy_development_comes_under_fire/C396/L396/
-----
J. The Benefit of Government as seen by Democrats of the West
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/the_western_version_of_less_government/C37/L37/
http://www.democratsforthewest.com/
-----
K. Strong Argument for Exxon as the Planet's Worst and Most Evil Corporation
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/28/132/
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L. Disgusting Massive Corporation and Rich People Welfare
http://alternet.org/workplace/49768/
-----
A. Tremendous Change for Climate Zones Globally Looming by Mid-Century
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070326220628.uo998sdi&show_article=1
http://www.pnas.org/
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/28/153/
-----
B. Spaceport in New Mexico desert north of Las Cruces Inches Toward Reality
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070326185745.wbe0l851&show_article=1
-----
C. Another High Profile Third Party Candidate for President in 2008?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/25/AR2007032501334.html?nav=rss_politics
-----
D. Why Opposition Still Exists Against Global Warming
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-chait25mar25,0,3748551.column?coll=la-news-comment-opinions
-----
E. Vision of Future City in San Joaquin Valley
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-quay26mar26,0,5393459.story?coll=la-home-headlines
-----
F. Coming by Year's End: Internet via Television Over the Air Signals
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070327/fcc_internet_device.html?.v=1
-----
G. The Future of Newspapers has Arrived
http://www.ajr.org/Article.asp?id=4307
-----
H. The Best Reason for Reading The Arizona Republic is No More: Jon Talton is Dumped
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2007/03/19/daily52.html
-----
I. Another Consequence of Gas Drilling Development in Upper Green River Basin
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/city/article/as_deer_decline_energy_development_comes_under_fire/C396/L396/
-----
J. The Benefit of Government as seen by Democrats of the West
http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/the_western_version_of_less_government/C37/L37/
http://www.democratsforthewest.com/
-----
K. Strong Argument for Exxon as the Planet's Worst and Most Evil Corporation
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/28/132/
-----
L. Disgusting Massive Corporation and Rich People Welfare
http://alternet.org/workplace/49768/
-----
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Some Additional News Articles & Observations
Here are a couple of other news articles and what I think about them.
A. The Debt Crisis Time Bomb
This is the largest and most important problem facing the United States and American citizens, even more so than global terrorism and global warming.
http://www.alternet.org/stories/49418/
http://www.time-bomb.org/
-----
B. The Iraq Knowledge Dearth and its Implications
This article points out the widespread lack of knowledge about Iraq and its history. Time after time, it has been shown that to know the past allows one to better prepare for and understand the future and what are the best courses of action to take.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/24/49/
-----
C. US Attorneys Axing Controversy by AG Gonzales
The explanation, argument, and position staked out so brilliantly by the blogger at Colorado Curmudgeon Blogspot in his 3/23/7 post says it all and so much more than I could ever on this issue which is growing more interesting and serious day by day.
http://comudgeon.blogspot.com/2007/03/thoughts-on-us-attorney-scandal.html
-----
A. The Debt Crisis Time Bomb
This is the largest and most important problem facing the United States and American citizens, even more so than global terrorism and global warming.
http://www.alternet.org/stories/49418/
http://www.time-bomb.org/
-----
B. The Iraq Knowledge Dearth and its Implications
This article points out the widespread lack of knowledge about Iraq and its history. Time after time, it has been shown that to know the past allows one to better prepare for and understand the future and what are the best courses of action to take.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/24/49/
-----
C. US Attorneys Axing Controversy by AG Gonzales
The explanation, argument, and position staked out so brilliantly by the blogger at Colorado Curmudgeon Blogspot in his 3/23/7 post says it all and so much more than I could ever on this issue which is growing more interesting and serious day by day.
http://comudgeon.blogspot.com/2007/03/thoughts-on-us-attorney-scandal.html
-----
Sunday's News Articles and Observations
These are some of the recent news articles that caught my eye and an opinion on some of them.
A. The Honest, Disgraceful, Ugly Truth about Americans and the Iraq War
This article explains fully why criticism of the Iraq War by many people rings very hollow. The Bush Administration has little pressure or impetus to end the war because so very few Americans are being asked to pay a price for it at this time other than military personnel and their families.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0326/p01s01-ussc.html
-----
B. Republicans in Ohio Facing Widespread Backlash over 2004 Vote
It is clearly understood now that widespread improprieties and misdeeds, many criminal, occurred in a number of states in both the 2000 and 2004 Elections, among them Ohio. Now the belling is tolling for those politicians and officials who participated in this chicanery. Indictments, trials, convictions, and imprisonments loom for those who have been identified, and it is virtually certain Ohio will continue to become a larger Democrat stronghold for 2008.
http://commondreams.org/views07/0320-23.htm
-----
C. Chuck Hegel on Bush Impeachment
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hagel-sharply-criticizes-bush-administration-2007-03-25.html
-----
D. The Obscene Buying of Congressmen by Corporate America
-----
E. Credit Card Issuing Banks Disgraceful Abuse of American Citizens
-----
F. Democrats on Health Care
Thankfully discussion and debate is occurring among the Democratic candidates about this vital issue that effects all American citizens and looms as the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back for many citizens in the very near future with a widespread aging of the main American demographic, the Baby Boomers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032401079.html
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/03/23/the_health_care_answers_we_need.php
-----
G. Information on Results of Welfare Reform
-----
H. Decline in US Economy
-----
I. The Slowly but Steadily Melting Icecap in Antarctica
-----
J. Civil War in India?
This may become an important news story very soon.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/24/77/
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0322-26.htm+
-----
K. Far Left Website to Bookmark
Another alternative source for information but it appears to be quite strong in its wordings.
http://www.thiscantbehappening.net/
-----
L. Like every city in the West, Albuquerque must face its future realistically
There is only so much water and space for cities like Albuquerque to grow and it will be painful for its citizens once they face the truth. There will be a harsh economic price paid when that time comes in the not so distant future particularly with regards to employment and housing values, particularly Albuquerque, since it is isolated and will require high energy cost importing of food which is unable to be grown in that region with no water available for the extremely limited agriculture that does exist there now.
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/mar/24/vb-price-get-real/
A. The Honest, Disgraceful, Ugly Truth about Americans and the Iraq War
This article explains fully why criticism of the Iraq War by many people rings very hollow. The Bush Administration has little pressure or impetus to end the war because so very few Americans are being asked to pay a price for it at this time other than military personnel and their families.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0326/p01s01-ussc.html
-----
B. Republicans in Ohio Facing Widespread Backlash over 2004 Vote
It is clearly understood now that widespread improprieties and misdeeds, many criminal, occurred in a number of states in both the 2000 and 2004 Elections, among them Ohio. Now the belling is tolling for those politicians and officials who participated in this chicanery. Indictments, trials, convictions, and imprisonments loom for those who have been identified, and it is virtually certain Ohio will continue to become a larger Democrat stronghold for 2008.
http://commondreams.org/views07/0320-23.htm
-----
C. Chuck Hegel on Bush Impeachment
While the Nebraska Senator did not come out and directly say it, his words were pointed enough and one can clearly understand his feelings and opinions about the downward spiraling Bush Administration and some possible future ramifications if the course is not corrected soon.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2980019
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hagel-sharply-criticizes-bush-administration-2007-03-25.html
-----
D. The Obscene Buying of Congressmen by Corporate America
Is there anything that can be done to end this disgusting disgraceful practice? It is shameful and immoral that elected government officials are bought and paid for by corporations ! And they possess far more power and money than common citizens, making many Americans citizens irrelevant in the political process.
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2007/03/the_paper_chase.html
-----
E. Credit Card Issuing Banks Disgraceful Abuse of American Citizens
Much like what I just said above, can anything be done to stop this reckless and dangerous activity that is clearly harmful and detrimental to American citizens? Maybe at some point in the future hopefully...
http://thehill.com/cover-stories/maxed-out-when-debt-hits-hard-2007-03-22.html
-----
F. Democrats on Health Care
Thankfully discussion and debate is occurring among the Democratic candidates about this vital issue that effects all American citizens and looms as the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back for many citizens in the very near future with a widespread aging of the main American demographic, the Baby Boomers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032401079.html
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/03/23/the_health_care_answers_we_need.php
-----
G. Information on Results of Welfare Reform
As one can see in reading this article, the truth about this legislation and its effects passed by Congress and signed by Clinton over ten years ago is not what the mainstream media, government officials and politicians, and Corporate America keeps telling us. An effort to revisit this is now due by Congress and the President, hopefully in 2009 after the next election.
http://www.mediatransparency.com/story.php?storyID=184
-----
H. Decline in US Economy
Another article that talks about the growing problems in the US economy and the looming consequences for American citizens.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/24/53/
-----
I. The Slowly but Steadily Melting Icecap in Antarctica
The Antarctic Icecap is declining and it will impact us all -- in some ways and places, the price will be harsh and almost unimaginable.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/23/25/
-----
J. Civil War in India?
This may become an important news story very soon.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/03/24/77/
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0322-26.htm+
-----
K. Far Left Website to Bookmark
Another alternative source for information but it appears to be quite strong in its wordings.
http://www.thiscantbehappening.net/
-----
L. Like every city in the West, Albuquerque must face its future realistically
There is only so much water and space for cities like Albuquerque to grow and it will be painful for its citizens once they face the truth. There will be a harsh economic price paid when that time comes in the not so distant future particularly with regards to employment and housing values, particularly Albuquerque, since it is isolated and will require high energy cost importing of food which is unable to be grown in that region with no water available for the extremely limited agriculture that does exist there now.
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/mar/24/vb-price-get-real/
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
NHL Skates Towards Regular Season End
The NHL season is now into its last two and one-half weeks as 90 % of the regular season has elapsed. There are still some good playoff races and positioning to wrapup and finalize.
In the West, Nashville and Detroit are jockeying for the top spot in the conference, but Anaheim and Vancouver are lurking very closely behind. Anaheim has a four point lead on San Jose and five points on Dallas. Vancouver leads Minnesota by three points. All seven of these teams are in the playoffs. For the eighth slot, Calgary is trying to hold off hard charging Colorado and the Flames lead by four points with both teams having nine games left. The West looks to have some great battles in the last 18 days. And I believe Colorado will win the eighth playoff slot.
The Eastern Conference has but five teams that have wrapped playoff spots--Buffalo, New Jersey, Atlanta, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh. Buffalo is up by seven points on Ottawa, New Jersey leads Pittsburgh by just two points, and Atlanta leads Tampa Bay by four points. No division title or playoff position has been secured yet. For the final three playoff spots, six teams are vying in these remaining two plus weeks. Tampa Bay and the NY Rangers have the upper hand for now with four teams -- the defending Stanley Cup Champions Carolina, Toronto, Montreal, and New York Islanders -- all within one point of each other. Florida and Boston are fading longshots but still alive. Who will survive and stand the tallest when all is said and done is almost impossible to forecast but I will pick Carolina and Montreal to join Tampa Bay for the last three spots.
I will stay tuned very closely to what happens across the league nightly during these remaining days. Most teams have but eight or nine games left each so every game is at the point where it is critical for the competing teams.
In the West, Nashville and Detroit are jockeying for the top spot in the conference, but Anaheim and Vancouver are lurking very closely behind. Anaheim has a four point lead on San Jose and five points on Dallas. Vancouver leads Minnesota by three points. All seven of these teams are in the playoffs. For the eighth slot, Calgary is trying to hold off hard charging Colorado and the Flames lead by four points with both teams having nine games left. The West looks to have some great battles in the last 18 days. And I believe Colorado will win the eighth playoff slot.
The Eastern Conference has but five teams that have wrapped playoff spots--Buffalo, New Jersey, Atlanta, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh. Buffalo is up by seven points on Ottawa, New Jersey leads Pittsburgh by just two points, and Atlanta leads Tampa Bay by four points. No division title or playoff position has been secured yet. For the final three playoff spots, six teams are vying in these remaining two plus weeks. Tampa Bay and the NY Rangers have the upper hand for now with four teams -- the defending Stanley Cup Champions Carolina, Toronto, Montreal, and New York Islanders -- all within one point of each other. Florida and Boston are fading longshots but still alive. Who will survive and stand the tallest when all is said and done is almost impossible to forecast but I will pick Carolina and Montreal to join Tampa Bay for the last three spots.
I will stay tuned very closely to what happens across the league nightly during these remaining days. Most teams have but eight or nine games left each so every game is at the point where it is critical for the competing teams.
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