Monday 10 December News Articles and Observations

These are some of the news articles that caught my attention on Monday 10 December and my observations on them.

A. Christmas Cannot Be All that Bad...

I think the writer of the first link below overstated things rather substantially. But there are many ways to look at and appreciate the real significance of what the day is supposed to be out. One other viewpoint is discussed in the second link below.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/69068/

http://www.coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3203

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B. Wyoming Coal to Liquids Plant Moves Closer to Reality

The new plan for this new progressive technologically advanced facility is for coal to be processed into a liquid which likely to be gasoline instead of diesel fuel. Hopefully the plan for the construction of the plant will allow for either option depending on what consumer demand is calling for. The carbon dioxide gases created in the process are targeted for complete capture and slated to be used for other energy projects.

http://www.trib.com/articles/2007/12/09/news/wyoming/651691d924c2f3c5872573ab007e1714.txt

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C. Significant US Supreme Court Ruling

I believe this is a good decision from every standpoint. The winners will be the American public who make mistakes and should be given a greater fair shake to get their lives back to being productive and positive in a faster time, and taxpayers who are asked to spend way too much money on criminal justice and inmate incarceration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/washington/10cnd-scotus.html?hp

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D. What a Mess and a Shame

The professionalism and competence of the American diplomatic corps has been utterly disrupted and largely destroyed by the ineptitude of the Bush Junta.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/12/10/all_power_no_influence/

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E. The Needed Correct Public Policy on Health Care Coverage is Being Dismissed

It is truly unfortunate the leaders in the race for the Presidential nomination, particularly in the Democratic Party, are offering a health care plan full of holes, corruption, and just plain foolishness. Let us hope these individuals are engaging in a campaign of subterfuge until one is elected and takes a look at the new political landscape awaiting them in the winter and spring of 2009.

http://blogs.thestate.com/bradwarthensblog/2007/12/can-anyone-any.html

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G. US Ignored Kyoto; Will Bali be a Repeat ?

For now and the next eighteen months, yes. Obviously, it will depend on what happens with the '08 election to determine what, if any, actions and policy changes will occur. Meanwhile another 2-3 years will go by and the greenhouse gas pollution being emitted here and elsewhere on the planet will only grow, resulting in a worsening and hastening of the impending changes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/dec/10/climatechange.usnews

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H. Another View on the Treachery and Corruption that Have and Will Cost Millions of American Citizens

Criminal prosecutions and enormous civil actions are required against these fiends. Entire companies need to be destroyed. Heads must roll.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071217/prins

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_richard__071208_mortgage_industry_in.htm

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I. The Latest on all the Crooks, Criminals, and Hoods Dominating Alaska's Government

The list just about includes everyone of any political importance in The Last Frontier. Heads need to roll here as well.

http://community.adn.com/adn/node/112569

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J. New Water Pact Agreement by Colorado River Basin States

I am not as optimistic concerning the future situations this agreement is supposed to address. I still believe there will be issues and exchanges of strong words and threats by various politicians and bureaucrats when circumstances get more grave than predicted or anticipated.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/us/10water.html

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K. Another View on the Stupidity and Idiocy of Rudy Giuliani

Rudy is a bonehead and incompetent and I am not the only one to firmly believe that. We are in great danger in every way if somehow he becomes President of the United States next year.

http://mimuspauly.blogspot.com/2007/12/question-of-day-but-first.html

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L. What Awaits US and its Citizens in the 2008 Elections ?

I change my opinions weekly on what the results of the elections will be. There are so many dynamics, some many varying vital issues to so many, and, most importantly, so much time yet to pass and many unknowns yet to occur and develop. It would appear making any firm predictions is largely an exercise in futility. In some ways, it is like trying to choose the numbers that will be the winners in any lottery being played around the nation.

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174872

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M. Wise Insights from Gary Hart

I would strongly agree with his observations and conclusions. But George Bush and Richard Cheney are the ones making the choices and decisions, and they have no use for Gary Hart, which is huge mistake on their parts.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/the-nie-iran-report-and-a_b_75894.html?view=screen

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N. Introducing the Hydrogen Powered Automoblile -- Naturally, Its a Honda...

Hopefully motor vehicles like this will become commonplace rather than oddities in the coming several years. Our very future is contingent upon just that ! It sounds and looks to be a great little car for a technology being applied initially and is largely new.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/automobiles/autoreviews/09HONDA.html

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O. Will the Minnesota Vikings Become the Los Angeles Conquistadors in 2012 ?

I greatly fear for fans of the Minnesota Vikings in the next several years. By the way, do not be surprised if the Vikings are in the Super Bowl in Phoenix in seven weeks... and that would help with their challenge of getting a new state-of-art new building in Minneapolis just like every other club in the NFL has over the last 10-15 years. Right now, only the San Francisco FortyNiners, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers are the only other clubs playing in non-upgraded buildings that are older than 20 years of age or without a new building under construction, being modernized or upgraded, or a plan firmly in the works.

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071209/SPORTS/112090010/1002

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P. Latest on Front Range High Speed Rail

Not much is new, but it remains on the minds of many. My opinion is in the comments section of the article under the name Wyoming Cowboy.

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/12/07/local_news_updates/19local_12-07-07.txt

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Q. Led Zeppelin is Back !!!

The most significant rock group of the 1970s and the masters of the power guitar in a blues-rock format have reunited for a concert in England and the reviews were positive. Whether they choose to tour or create some new music is still to be determined. Needless to say, "The Song Remains the Same" and we fans are looking forward to being on that "Stairway to Heaven".

http://origin.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7684282

http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews/General%20Entertainment/20071210/Led_Zeppelin_20071210.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=&pageid=1
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Proof of the Vast Number of Braindead Whackos Across America

If you watch this video, it will provide some insight (as if it is really needed) on what Americans are like and what they consider to be important. Is it any wonder the nation is going to hell in a handbasket so quickly and thoroughly. Is it really possible the meaning of many people's existence is a fastfood burger !?! Sadly and evidently, yes...

http://www.whopperfreakout.com/

Gentry Liberals and the Democratic Party

The columnists make strong arguments in trying to understand the Democratic Party of today, who they really represent, and why the decline in the middle class standard of living and quality of life would not be reversed by a Democratic President in conjunction with a sizeable Democratic majority in both houses of Congress.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-kotkin2dec02,0,3533253.story

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My Week in Review: 2-8 December

The weekly look back into the past seven days of my life, one filled with adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, risque liaisons, and thrills.

Sunday 2 December: I awoke around 9:45am and saw the skies had cleared but the winds were howling, ushering in some warmer air ahead for the week. I had a couple of bowls of cereal for breakfast and caught up on my email and started to watch the NFL games. I headed over to King Soopers after twelve for the weekly grocery run which looks to be light. After I got home, I diligently read my newspapers, did the sudoku puzzles, clipped coupons, and enjoyed the quiet afternoon watching football. I had a couple of turkey lunch meat sandwiches for lunch. It was a largely sunny day with some clouds and windy as temperatures reached into the mid 30s. Later after the Broncos lost to the Raiders, I caught the news, 60 Minutes, the BCS Selection Show, and SNF. Around 9pm I took a long hot soothing shower and then had a salad for supper. I surfed, checking my websites and email; worked on my blog; and watched some various TV before heading off to bed around midnight as a long hard five straight days of work ahead of me.

Monday 3 December: A full day plus of work as I did not return home until nearly 6:30pm. It was cloudy morning that turned partly cloudy through the remainder of the day as the high temperature got to around 53 degrees with strong winds out of the west. Being a working Monday, I just rested when I got home, watching a very good MNF game between the Patriots and Ravens. I stayed on top of the Avalanche/Sharks, surfed, checked the email, and had Spaghettios and butter bread for supper. I went to bed just before 10pm.

Tuesday 4 December: Another day back at work. It was a warm day as it never got much below 50 degrees during the night and warmed to around 60 degrees under partly cloudy skies with very strong westerly warming chinook winds that completely melted away what miniscule amounts of snow and ice remained from last Saturday and before. The grass outside my apartment is a bright green color as is alot of the grass throughout the town that I see although the wind has probably removed every dead leaf in every tree for miles around. Once again I got home after 6:30pm, had cheddar broccoli rice for supper, enjoyed a frozen lemon ice drink, watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer ( I cannot believe its been 45 years since I first watched this show back in 1964 !), and a couple of old M*A*S*H* episodes before catching the nightcap news, then doing the dishes, and going to bed around 10:15pm.

Wednesday 5 December: The work week continues as I have another 9+ hour day to fufill. It was a sunny day for the most part as temperatures climbed to around 50 degrees with a lot less wind than the previous few days. After ending my shift, I stuck around to help one of my coworkers write a term paper, helping her with content, grammar, and the overall product. I got home around 8:15pm: I ate a salad and chicken patty sandwich for dinner; caught on my email, websites, and blog; watched the news; and fell asleep in my chair before 10pm. I awoke in time to watch Nightline and then I slogged my way into bed about a half-hour later.

Thursday 6 December: Back to work again as the last half of the week gets underway. It was a sunny morning that warmed into the mid 40s by afternoon as clouds increased and the wind increasingly blew as snow and cold are in the forecast for the next 3-4 days starting very early Friday morning. I once again stayed later at work to assist my colleague with her term paper and we wrapped up the project. I got home around 7:30 and I unfortunately missed Earl. I did get to watch 30 Rock, The Office, and Scrubs. I also kept up with the Redskins/Bears game. I had Spanish Rice with a can of diced tomatoes thrown in to make it richer and tastier. I caught the 9pm news, worked on my blog, checked my email, and surfed. I watched Nightline before going to bed shortly after 11pm. For the most part, Thursday was a repeat of Wednesday.

Friday 7 December: The 66th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a tragic day and one of the most significant turning points in American History that had major ramifications on many and directly led to my and fellow siblings' creation. About 5" of Pacific snow fell overnight. This is snow that is wet but less than snow originating from Gulf moisture. Winds are also largely calm with this source of snow. After scraping and sweeping windows, I crept along the snowcovered roads and made it into work after stopping to get my newspapers. The cold cloudy snowy day had temperatures never reach 30 degrees. The end of the workday started one hour earlier and it was over ten hours long. After my shift ended, I had to scrape windows again as they were covered in a deep glaze as the snow had ended and we were now experiencing freezing fog which coats everything with ice. I crept home, thankful to be done for the week. I watched the Avalanche/Flyers game, surfed the 'net, checked my email, and worked on my blog. For dinner, the choice I made was for kielbasa and ranch beans; I will pay the price for this with a night of constantly blowing smoke ahead for me. I switched over to watch the 1953 Academy Award winning film "From Here to Eternity", appropriate to commemorate the Pearl Harbor Attack Anniversary Day. I was hoping to do some outside projects this weekend but the weather will be in the dumper through the next several days so I guess I will just stay home and work on projects inside the next two days as I am off work. I caught the last part of the 10pm news and Nightline and went to bed around 12midnight.

Saturday 8 December: It was nice to be able to sleep in without having to go to work and I did just that, not awakening until after 11am. The winter storm continued as it appeared another couple of inches of snow fell overnight. The serene cold scene served to keep me indoors all day. I had some cereal for breakfast and just hung out and relaxed. I watched the classic Academy Award winning film "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" starting about 2pm as this Saturday was free of college football for the first time since August. Later I watched four consecutive episodes of Seinfeld for some good laughs just as always. It maybe got to 20 degrees today and snow began to fall again in midafternoon as our total accumulation over the last 48 hours is now somewhere around 8". Roads and highways in and out of Cheyenne are closed in all directions. I microwaved a burger patty and had that for a late afternoon snack. Mostly I relaxed at home, surfing the 'net, checking my email, working on my blogm and half-heartedly watching tv. I had some Lipton noodles alfedo and a can of peas & carrots for dinner. I caught the late news and headed off to bed shortly before midnight.

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Giuliani: "The Essence of Americans is to be Salesmen ! "

This is true heart of the matter kind of man we have to look forward to if Rudy Giuliani is elected President. SALESMEN !?! A more repugnant immoral disgusting image can hardly be imagined ! (except for torturers along the lines of the Bush and Reagan henchmen) It is interesting to see Iowa is moving towards a moral Christian candidate, Mike Huckabee, as the primary nears in less than a month despite some concerns over his philosophies. Might Rudy be a shooting star doomed to crash before what he achieves and believes to be his destiny ? Lets hope so. But the only GOP candidates worthy of any consideration would be John McCain or Ron Paul. They are truly the only men in the GOP capable of leading this nation if the citizenry chooses to elect a Republican as President.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/687674,CST-NWS-rudy08.article

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/articles/editorblog/018

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The Truth About the Widespread Poverty Across America

The standard of living topped out for working class Americans in 1980. Since then, Republicans starting under Ronald Reagan though George Bush Junior along with Democrats like Bill Clinton have deeply cut social services and programs designed to assist the economically deprived and assist them in moving firmly into the Middle Class. A return to these assistance programs that would greatly narrow the vast income disparity that is greatly harming many Americans are among the great pressing public policy needs that have to be restored when the Bush Junta is done with and out. Hopefully the new administration has some heart and compassion and will also be joined by numerous members of Congress on a plan of action to do just that.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/dec/08/vb-price-poor-choices/

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Corporate Capitalism: The Allure of Status and the Greed It Demands Will be the Death of Human Civilization

The economic model of Corporate Capitalism and its fervant partner Consumerism which drills into basic human psychology the need for status and creating the greed to get it is the basic problem mankind is facing as the global climate changes and heats resulting in a new world with great suffering, hardship, deaths, and disruption. Starting within 10-15 years, all we have known will start to undergo a discernable and alarming change. Much, if not all, of this change will have been caused by the economic model pushed on the citizenry by governments corrupted by the almighty dollar or other currency pushed on them by heathen and sinful corporations, their executives, officers, managements, and stockholders. It would appear inevitable that this economic model of choice necessitated for much of mankind will result in the destruction of society and a probable longterm steep decline in the population of humans over the next few centuries.

http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=2171

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40379

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article3231234.ece

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/08/5710/

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CompUSA Bites the Dust

The medium-sized computer retail store chain CompUSA will be no more within a few weeks as larger and more powerful competition was too much for CompUSA to overcome. You can look for additional casualties in the electronics retail arena. Best Buy, Circuit City, and Walmart are monstrous behemoths that can and will eliminate any possible noteworthy competition within a surprisingly short period of time. Look for Microcenter and Radio Shack to join the long list of deceased electronics retailers before the end of this decade. Colorado is fortunate to have a couple of other options in Ultimate Electronics and The Big Picture as alternatives that may have enough to survive, at least for the short term.

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9831235-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

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NFL Picks for Week Fourteen, 6-9-10 December

Here are the picks for this week's NFL games being played from Thursday 6 December through Monday 10 December.

Thursday 6 December

CHI (5-7) @ WASH (5-7): Redskins (-3) 27, Bears 20
+ +

Sunday 9 December

CAR (5-7) @ JAX (8-4): Jaguars (-10 1/2) 24, Panthers 13
+ +
DAL (11-1) @ DET (6-6): Lions (+13) 34, Cocaineboys 31 UPSET
X +
MIA (0-12) @ BUF (6-6): Bills (-7) 27, Dolphins 13
+ +
NYG (8-4) @ PHIL (5-7): Giants (+3) 16, Eagles 13 UPSET
+ +
OAK (4-8) @ GB (10-2): Packers (-10) 31, Raiders 14
+ +
SD (7-5) @ TENN (7-5): Titans (-1 1/2) 27, Chargers 26
X +
STL (3-9) @ CINC (4-8): Bengals (-8) 37, Rams 28
+ +
TB (8-4) @ HTN (5-7): Buccaneers (-3) 20, Texans 17
X +
ARIZ (6-6) @ SEA (8-4): Seahawks (-7 1/2) 32, Cardinals 20
+ +
MINN (6-6) @ SF (3-9): Vikings (-10) 45, FortyNiners 17
+ +
PGH (8-4) @ NENG (12-0): Steelers (+10) 23, Patriots 20 UPSET
X X
CLE (7-5) @ NYJ (3-9): Browns (-3 1/2) 33, Jets 23
+ +
KC (4-8) @ DEN (5-7): Broncos (-6 1/2) 26, Chiefs 14
+ +
IND (10-2) @ BALT (4-8): Colts (-10) 38, Ravens 17
+ +

Monday 10 December

NORL (5-7) @ ATL (3-9): Saints (-4 1/2) 42, Falcons 20
+ +

12-4/15-1/1-2

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Record Precipitation and Snow for Cheyenne

It was a real winter day here, but thankfully the source of the moisture was from the Pacific Ocean which made it a lot more bearable.

SXUS75 KCYS 080432
RERCYS

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHEYENNE WY
0928 PM MST FRI DEC 07 2007

...RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION SET AT CHEYENNE...

A RECORD RAINFALL OF 0.52 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT CHEYENNE TODAY.THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 0.28 SET IN 1919

....RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM SNOWFALL SET AT CHEYENNE...

A RECORD SNOWFALL OF 4.9 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT CHEYENNE TODAY.THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 3.1 SET IN 1932.

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Saturday 1 December News Articles and Observations

These are some of the news articles from around Saturday 1 December and my observations on them.

A. Look for Another Risque Go Daddy Ad During the Upcoming Super Bowl

The company's ads in the past gained them a huge increase in clientele. Obviously people did more than just watch the eye opening ads.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1128biz-godaddy1128.html

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B. Legal Troubles for Trent Lott's Brother-in Law

Maybe this was another reason why ol' Trent decided to hang it up from the Senate later this month. I smell something fishy here...

http://mvdg.wordpress.com/2007/11/29/trent-lotts-brother-in-law-indicted/

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C. Sad Indictment About American Society and Investors

One has to wonder if a switch from Republicans running the show to Democrats will result in things like this being different. I, for one, am not optimistic.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2219566,00.html

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D. Walruses Take Over Russian Arctic Coast

Just another strong indication of climate change occuring, especially in the Arctic region where the effects and ramifications are far greater than many other places.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126143646.htm

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E. Is This the Kind of Man We Want as Our President ?

Many oddsmakers believe Rudy is the odds-on favorite to win the Presidency in about eleven months. Heaven help us.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/opinion/01collins.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3214

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F. ...But Many Republicans Are Saying "NAY" to Rudy

Many hard-right and morally conservative members of the GOP are bound and determined to find a way to stop Giuliani from taking the Republican Presidential nomination. But they know they are quickly running out of time and alternatives.

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20071201/NATION/112010053/1001

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G. An Increase in Automobile Fuel Mileage Standards Agreed to in Congress

Unfortunately, a Bush veto that will be unable to be overridden is forthcoming on this potential legislation. I believe that success in increasing the fuel mileage standard will have to come primarily on the state or metropolitan level unless there is a huge across the board Democratic win in November '08.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/washington/01energy.html?th&emc=th

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H. More on the Powerful Executive Order 13,438

I wrote about this dangerous executive branch edict some months back. The more that one learns about the wide ranging implications this order, the more dire the concern.

http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/2007/11/executive_order_on_asset_seizu.html

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I. Hard Cold Facts on the Economic Plight of Most Americans

The numbers are not pretty whatsoever. And the over two million Americans that have or will lose their primary asset, their home, being added to these statistics make them even more alarming and grim. The corporations and wealthy are clearly winning the class war and it will take much to overcome and defeat them and put them back in their place.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/11/28/strong-economy-maybe-for-some-but-not-the-middle-class/

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J. Mandating Corporate Citizenship

This is a start, but a mass wave of anti-trust lawsuits and legal action by legislatures to control, limit, and weaken corporate power, size, and market share is absolutely essential.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/30/5521/

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K. The Evil of Being Part of a Corporate Consumerist Capitalist Society

We are all a part of it to one extent or another. And we are all seemingly largely powerless to stop it and reverse it back to the kind of personal economy with economic security that existed a half-century ago. And we are all paying a heavy price, not only financially, but also psychologically for this evil economic quagmire we are buried in. And it will only be worse for the young of today. Imagine devices mandated for workers to have implanted so corporate employers can monitor and direct their employees' and consumers' thoughts. This will be a reality within two decades.

http://www.alternet.org/story/68927/?page=entire

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/68043/?page=entire

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L. Restaurant Recommendation if in Denver

There are several locations of this restaurant, but the one I enjoyed eating at was on Leetsdale Avenue near Holly Street in SE Denver. It is not fancy, but the food is absolutely splendid.

http://www.westword.com/2007-11-29/news/santiago-s/

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M. Gates Rubber Plant Site in Denver Begins the Big Overhaul

This abandoned tract of eyesore deserted manufacturing buildings dating back to the first half of the 20th century located where I-25 crosses South Broadway is now starting to see change after years of planning. It is particularly gratifying to see that 95 % of the materials from the site will be recycled. Its just too bad buildings of a higher height (15-25 stories) are not part of the plan and housing for those with limited or smaller income (rents under $400 per months) are not being included since its so close to a mass transit hub.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/01/long-awaited-gates-project-gathers-steam/#comments

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N. Don't Be Taxing that Toilet Paper

A silly corporation, K-Mart, in Pennsylvania tried to defend the practice of collecting taxes on toilet paper and thankfully the court made them take it in the butt for their foolishness.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/1130biz-toiletpaperlawsuit30-ON.html

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My Week in Review: 25 November - 1 December

This week's look into the exciting and full life I lead... (LOL)

Sunday 25 November: I awoke around 9:45 am after a sound night and morning of sleep. It was a day off so I languished in bed until after 11:30. It was a sunny day with very light winds and temperatures that climbed into the low 40s after a less cold morning start around 20. I then headed over to King Soopers for the weekly grocery run which did not amount to much other than some milk and vegetables. I also got the Sunday morning papers and enjoyed reading them after I got home while watching the NFL games with Vikings/Giants and Chiefs/Raiders. As the afternoon continued the Broncos were in Chicago while the Grey Cup was also on. Denver blew a big lead late and the Roughriders edged the Blue Bombers for the Cup. I then caught 60 Minutes which had three good reports and then turned over to SNF. I had some perogies for dinner and a can of peas. It turned into a quiet routine day and night overall as I did not do any unusual except surf, blog, zap, and observe. Bedtime came around midnight.

Monday 26 November: A day off from work before I start four straight. I awoke around 10am and languished about the place for a few hours until heading outdoors around 2pm. I walked a lap around the park as it still had snow in places on a day where it got to around 40 degrees under mostly sunny skies with light winds. I then went over McDs and read the daily papers while enjoying a cheeseurger and pop. I then returned home around dusk and started working on some projects around the place like hanging pictures and plaques. Todd came by around 6:15 and we watched a surprisingly competitive MNF game between the Steelers and Dolphins played in a rainstorm and on a field that was so saturated it was like a bog. One punt came down on the nose of the ball and stuck into the "turf". Pittsburgh won 3-0 on a FG in the last half minute as it was the long scoreless game in the NFL since November 1943. He took off after the game around 9:30 and I then did the dishes, shook some rugs, mopped part of the kitchen floor, and watched the 10pm news. I caught on my email, websites, and blog before going to bed around midnight.

Tuesday 27 November: Back to work for the full day and all this week and probably next week as well I will be working an extra hour until 6pm. It was a warmer day with partly cloudy skies and some moderate winds as the high temperature reached 50 degrees. I got fuel for the White Knight after getting off, paying $2.93 per gallon. I got home and had a salad for dinner and some cream of tomato soup. Did not do much but relax and after a long day, I went to bed around 10:15pm.

Wednesday 28 November: Another full day at work. A colder day and mostly cloudy as it only got to 31 degrees. I was real beat all day and faded fast after I got home. After having some chicken noodle soup and butter bread, I fell asleep in my chair watching the Avalanche/Oilers game shortly after 8pm. I retired to my bed for the night before 9;45pm.

Thursday 29 November: Another long full day at work that was even longer as a client kept me there until past 6:30. It was a cold blustery day with a cloudy gloomy start that saw some sunshine by mid afternoon with temperatures barely making 40 degrees after a morning low in the teens. By the time I got home I had missed almost the entire first quarter of the Packers/Cocaineboys game. I tuned in and also watched Earl, 30 Rock, the Office, and Scrubs. I had Cajun Rice with red beans for dinner and finished off my jug of apple cider thats been in the refridgerator for over a month. I caught the 9pm news after the game ended, surfed the web, worked on my blog, and went to bed around 10:30pm.

Friday 30 November: I awoke before the alarm clock went off to see we would have a cold day ahead as it was about 10 degrees when I left home at 7:30am for a long full day work that turned out to be pretty busy. I got home before 6:30 pm and was quite exhausted. I had a salad and lunch meat sandwich for dinner and generally just rested. I got a call around 8pm from brother HBL as he got me caught up on how things were for him and his familyand I wished him a happy 44th birthday. I watched a little of the Fresno St/NM St football game before switching over to the Avalanche/Sharks game. The long day and week pretty much wiped me out so I was asleep before 9:30pm.

Saturday 1 December: A day off so I did not waken until after 10am. I toasted some frozen waffles for breakfast. It was a cloudy cold day with some snow showers with no accumulation and temperatures staying in the mid 20s at best. I watched parts of many football games: Central Michigan/Miami; Tulsa/Central Florida; Army/Navy; Eastern Washington/Appalachian St; and Boston College/Virginia Tech. I got out my foot massager and filled it with some nice warm soapy water and soaked my sore aching feet for a good hour or so and they felt noticeably better. I then watched Tennessee/Georgia; UCLA/Southern Cal; Oregon/Oregon St; and a little later BYU/San Diego St. I had the rest of my pumpkin pie for lunch. Around 4pm, the clouds finally start letting loose of snow and about an inch fell into the midevening. The evening games featured West Virginia/Pittsburgh; Arizona/Arizona St; and Missouri/Oklahoma. I had a piece of cod and mashed potatoes for supper. I got a call from Brant and we made plans to get together at the Sports bar on Sunday to watch the Broncos game. The night game was Washington/Hawaii. Its kind of sad this is the last Saturday of college football for this year. I also kept tabs on the Avalanche/Kings. All in all, a nice quiet day spent at home. Bedtime came around after 1am following the exciting but late starting Hawaii/Washington game.

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Housing Prices Down Across Much of US

This report indicates declines, some steep, in many parts of the US for home values and prices in the last quarter and throughout last year. Indications are that the decline is just starting and over the next two years most homeowners can see final numbers between 10 and 35 % as a total decline from what the prices and values peaked at in 2006 and the first half of 2007. The closer to the coast and more one is in the suburbs, the greater the decline. And the declines could be greater depending on other world and national events.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/HomePriceReport.aspx

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Henry Hyde, 1924-2007

Henry Hyde was a sixteen term Illinois US Congressman from 1975 to 2007 and served in the US Navy during World War II. Hyde was legislator with a mixed history. He showed independence and thoughtfulness on some issues and yet was a paradox with views on other issues and legislation that defied sensibility. He was part of the huge savings and loan scandal in the 1980s and was also exposed for his longterm adultery in the late 1990s when he was trying to push through the impeachment of President William J. Clinton. Overall, Hyde was the epitome of a sleazy self-serving politician bent only on serving and enriching the interest and wallets of his cronies and lackeys. His behavior and actions on the Reagan Iran-Contra scandal and coverup is one of the best examples of his treachery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hyde

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/113007.html

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Colorado Rockies 2008 Spring Training Games Schedule

Here is the first release of the upcoming games schedule for the Colorado Rockies for the 2008 Cactus League Spring Training. It would be awesome if I could figure out a way to get down to the desert for a few games ...

WED 27 FEB: @ Chi WS (TEP) 1pm
THR 28 FEB: CHI WS 1pm split squad
THR 28 FEB: @ Ariz (TEP) 1pm split squad
FRI 29 FEB: MEXICO CITY REDS 1pm
SAT 1 MAR: MLW 1pm
SUN 2 MAR: @ Oak (Papago Park) 1pm

MON 3 MAR: @ Ariz (TEP) 1pm
TUE 4 MAR: KC 1pm
WED 5 MAR: CHI WS 1pm
THR 6 MAR: @ SD (Peoria) 1pm
FRI 7 MAR: @ KC (Surprise) 1pm
SAT 8 MAR: ANAH 1pm
SUN 9 MAR: @ SF (Scottsdale) 2pm

MON 10 MAR: ARIZ 2pm
TUE 11 MAR: SEA 2pm
WED 12 MAR: @ Chi WS (TEP) 2pm
THR 13 MAR: TEX 2pm
FRI 14 MAR: @ Sea (Peoria) 2pm
SAT 15 MAR: @ Tex (Surprise)
SUN 16 MAR: SD 2pm

MON 17 MAR: SF 2pm
TUE 18 MAR: **idle**
WED 19 MAR: @ Chi WS (TEP 2pm
THR 20 MAR: @ Chi C (Mesa) 2pm
FRI 21 MAR: CHI C 2pm
SAT 22 MAR: @ Ariz (TEP) 2pm
SUN 23 MAR: LA 2pm

MON 24 MAR: @ Mlw (Maryvale) 2pm
TUE 25 MAR: CHI WS 2pm
WED 26 MAR: ARIZ 2pm
THR 27 MAR: @ Anah (Tempe) 1pm
FRI 28 MAR: @ Ariz @ Bank One Ballpark 7pm

TEP = Tucson Electric Park

Times listed are for MST thru Sat 3/8 & MDT from Sun 3/9 and afterwards
Times listed are for listening/viewing audience OUTSIDE of Arizona. Subtract one hour if in Arizona starting SUN 9 March.

Opponents and game times subject to change
Additional games may be announced, including for Saturday 29 March. As of this post, the Oakland Athletics are not scheduled to appear at Hi Corbett Field.

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College Football Picks for Week Fourteen, 29-30 November & 1 December

The final week of the regular season of this college football year has finally arrived. The picks for the games being played on Thursday 29 November through Saturday 1 December will include all eighteen games. (home teams in bold)

Thursday 29 November

Rutgers (+2 1/2) 38, Louisville 28 UPSET X +

Friday 30 November

Fresno St (-14) 39, New Mexico St 27 + +

Saturday 1 December

Central Michigan (-3 1/2) 27, Miami OH 20 (MAC Championship @ DET) + +
Navy (-14 1/2) 44, Army 17 (@ BALT) + +
Central Florida (-7 1/2) 39, Tulsa 28 (C-USA Championship) + +
# 6 Virginia Tech (-4 1/2) 23, # 11 Boston College 16 (ACC Championship @ JAX) + +
Troy St (-15) 27, Florida Atlantic 17 X +
Nevada (-7 1/2) 33, Louisiana Tech 20 + +
# 7 Louisiana St (-7) 38, # 14 Tennessee 30 (SEC Championship @ ATL) + X
# 8 Southern Cal (-20) 56, UCLA 20 + X
Oregon St (+even) 26, #17 Oregon 22 + +
# 19 Brigham Young (-17) 36, San Diego St 17 + +
California (-13 1/2) 21, Stanford 13 X +
North Texas (-2 1/2) 34, Florida Int'l 16 X X
# 2 West Virginia (-28 1/2) 55, Pittsburgh 14 X X
Arizona (+7) 23, # 13 Arizona St 20 UPSET X +
# 1 Missouri (+3) 30, # 9 Oklahoma 26 UPSET (BIG 12 Championship @ KC) X X
# 12 Hawaii (-14) 38, Washington 27 + +

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NFL Picks for Week Thirteen, 29 November/2-3 December

Here are the picks for the games being played during Week Thirteen from Thursday 29 November to Monday 3 December.

Thursday 29 November

GB (10-1) @ DAL (10-1): Packers (+7) 38, Cocaineboys 33 UPSET X X

Sunday 2 December

ATL (3-8) @ STL (2-9): Rams(-3) 30, Falcons 22 + +
BUF (5-6) @ WASH (5-6): Redskins (-6) 19, Bills 16 X +
DET (6-5) @ MINN (5-6): Vikings (-4) 31, Lions 17 + +
HTN (5-6) @ TENN (6-5): Titans (-4) 31, Texans 23 + +
JAX (8-3) @ IND (9-2): Jaguars (+6 1/2) 30, Colts 27 UPSET X +
NYJ (2-9) @ MIA (0-11): Dolphins (-1) 23, Jets 17 X X
SD (6-5) @ KC (4-7): Chargers (-7) 23, Chiefs 14 + +
SEA (7-4) @ PHIL (5-6): Seahawks (+3) 32, Eagles 30 UPSET + +
SF (3-8) @ CAR (4-7): Panthers (-3) 17, FortyNiners 13 + +
CLE (7-4) @ ARIZ (5-6): Cardinals (+1 1/2) 24, Browns 23 UPSET + +
DEN (5-6) @ OAK (3-8): Broncos (-4 1/2) 29, Raiders 27 X +
TB (7-4) @ NORL (5-6): Saints (-3 1/2) 23, Buccaneers 20 X +
NYG (7-4) @ CHI (5-6): Giants (-1 1/2) 27, Bears 20 + +
CINC (4-7) @ PGH (8-3): Steelers (-7 1/2) 33, Bengals 17 + +

Monday 3 December

NENG (12-0) @ BALT (4-7): Patriots (-20 1/2) 39, Ravens 10 + X

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107-69/108-68/15-24
10-6/13-3/2-2
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2008 MLB Hall of Fame Ballot Released

Today saw the issuance of the names of the men to be considered for election into the Baseball of Hall of Fame. This year's list includes but 25 nominees. Among the names most likely to be considered are Rich Gossage, Jim Rice, and Andre Dawson. Others that should be elected at some point in the future on this year's ballot are Tommy John, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, Lee Smith, and Alan Trammell. Among those that will be one and out are Travis Fryman, Jose Rijo, Brady Anderson, Shawon Dunston, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch, Todd Stottlemyre, and Chuck Finley. And then there are the others that are of greater significance on the ballot like Rob Nen, Tim Raines, Rod Beck, Don Mattingley, Dave Concepcion, Dave Parker, Dale Murphy, Harold Baines, and Mark McGwire - names that have at least some controversy or question about them from both writers and fans.

Hopefully the writers will show some wisdom and elect Gossage, Rice and Dawson for induction this upcoming summer. And the other five men at some point while they are still living.

http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story/?ID=223706&hubname=

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3128273

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Tuesday 27 November News Articles and Observations

Here are the news articles from Tuesday 27 November I paid attention to and my observations on them.

A. Recommended Book for Reading

-- The Seventeen Traditions, by Ralph Nadar

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/27/5461/

http://www.seventeentraditions.com/

http://www.seventeentraditions.com/toc.html

http://www.amazon.com/Seventeen-Traditions-Ralph-Nader/dp/0061238279/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196226833&sr=1-1

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B. Widespread Corporate Price Gouging of the American Citizenry

This is a significant problem in our nation as there has been a critical and widespread loss of morals, ethics, and consciousness by corporate executives, boards, and management. While I cannot recommend price controls, public and governmental rebukes and penalties should be issued regularly to control, humiliate, and embarrass these hoods and shysters that are more the rule than the exception throughout corporations and big business.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/stephencrockett/CvJy

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C. For More, Being an Enviromentalist Continues Beyond Death

I would very much to see this become the norm, and, if the resources exist when I die in next several years, I would like to be part of this growing movement.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-green_burials_26nov26,0,4277541.story

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D. Ominous Report On Climate Change

This UN Report gives us ten years. I, like many others, are far more pessimistic. We are past the tipping point and we will all be amazed and alarmed to see the pace and extent of climate change in the next several years. People in the Mountain Time Zone will be telling stories of what it was like to see cold and snow on a regular basis back in the 2000s decades and before instead of seeing this as a rare and unusual phenonema as it will be in 2020.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-11-27T145632Z_01_N19489506_RTRUKOC_0_US-UN-DEVELOPMENT-CLIMATE.xml

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E. Winter Outlook from Dr Klaus Wolter

This climatologist has a superb record of being able to forecast the climate in upcoming months.
His forecast for this winter is much warmer and drier than normal from Northern Wyoming south through the Mountain Time Zone and across the Central and Southern High Plains. Maybe this last week or so will be among the harshest periods of this winter...

http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/people/klaus.wolter/SWcasts/index.html

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F. The Evil of Saudi Arabia That is Killing and Maiming Our Soldiers

Saudi Arabia, its rulers, and citizens are plainly bad for the planet earth. We are only giving the rope and gun to our executioners by following the foreign and energy policies we have and will continue to seemingly forever. And worst, these scumbuckets are killing and maiming the men that are sacrificing so much in a hostile land so far away from their homes and families.

http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/gallagher342.html

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G. Another Work of Classical Literature Butchered by Hollywood

Beowolf was one of most boring, painstaking pieces of literature I ever attempted to read as a youthful student. The Hollywood movie version is nothing short of travesty in their quest for profits and greed in exploiting naive and unsupervised youth everywhere.

http://www.alternet.org/movies/68959/?page=entire

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H. Timeless Wisdom to Heed

This plead and argument by Jim Hightower is advice worthy for all to follow.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/#69046

http://www.hightowerlowdown.org/node/1462

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I. Lott Bows Out

The Mississippi Senator plans to walk away from the US Senate before years end, mainly so he can rake in the big bucks sooner as a lobbyist. Its too bad he lasted this long as his record is spotty at best and he will be not remembered favorably in history.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/26/lott.resign/

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J. The Truth: The Issue That Will Cost the Democrats Dearly, Including the Presidency Likely

Politicians just do not get it. Most Americans want a strong crackdown on illegal immigration and strong rigidly enforced laws enacted. This is the one issue that is a growing smoldering fire that will cost the Democrats the White House in 2008.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/puente/667269,CST-EDT-puente26.article

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K. Its a Lot Lonelier at the Top

With the ringing defeat of Australia Prime Minister John Howard, the Bush Junta is largely without an ally or friend on the globe.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/gallery/allies/

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L. Economic Downturn Likelihood Grows

More and more economists and analysts independent of the White House and large corporations firmly believe 2008 will be a tough year across the board economically for most Americans. How bad will it get ? Stay tuned... but for now, save money, control and limit your spending, and carefully review your investments.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071126/bs_nm/summers_recession_dc;_ylt=AnTUh9Jb9aXQB2iDKay_Sca573QA

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M. Heaven Help Us

This would be akin to having had Nixon give sanctuary to Idi Amin back in 1974. But at least Pakistan would be better off and Texas would see some improvement in their leadership.

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=1243

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Goodbye to Coach Sonny Lubick

Sonny Lubick ended 15 seasons of coaching football at Colorado State University, and with his departure all football fans lose a classy man and an example for other coaches and players everywhere. Like his brother Fisher DeBerry down the road at Air Force, his departure did not come on his terms. We are all poorer with his final ride into the sunset and he will be missed deeply by college football fans not only on the Front Range and throughout the Mountain Time Zone, but by even fans like me whom are alumni of one of CSU's biggest rival. Thanks, Coach, for sharing your wisdom and enthusiasm with so many, particularly the all the young men you led all these years. Be sure to get in some golf time with that monumental peer of yours, Fisher DeBerry...

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/27/lubick-steps-down-with-dignity-class-/

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7566144

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3130502

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