Impious since 2006
Oct 31, 2011
Second Hunter Killer to Report for Border Patrol Duty
South Texas’ second unmanned aerial vehicle was expected to arrive at its base station in Corpus Christi Wednesday night and will begin operations in a couple of days.
Texas Congressional members Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, and Mike McCaul, R-Houston, announced the arrival of the second UAV earlier this week.
The Predator UAV is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor system that is suitable for flights in darkness and bad weather. Cuellar has pushed for more drones for the Texas-Mexico border and earlier said the bipartisan effort between Democrats and Republicans was the key factor for South Texas receiving second UAV.
A second one? Didn't know there was a first one. And, yeah, they say it's unarmed. How soon until that changes? Give it about 2 years, and you're going to see these over Detroit, South Central LA, South Side of Chicago, Pittsburg and Miami. Then the DEA will get some... and before you know it, there will be a constant presence over your airspace too. You know... for safety! Don't act surprised. It can smell fear.
Oct 30, 2011
Sunday Comics & Week in Review Oct 29, 2011
Hey, we made it to the finish line. A heck of a week, wasn't it? Here's a bunch of stuff I either glossed over or didn't get to over the week that was.
Of all the ball clubs in all the world, why did St. Louis need another ring?
Is the OWS at a tipping point? It's getting cold. Snow even! I wonder how many Occupy Wall Street folks in Zuccotti Park tents have -15 degree tents? Can they survive the winter? Police are cracking down, too — especially in Oakland — and dissension is splitting the Occupy ranks. In New York, volunteer cooks are reportedly miffed that the homeless are treating OWS like a soup kitchen. How much longer will it last?
Quadaffy's gone, but now Libya needs to find it's way. And which way will that be? The nation's interim leaders have announced the adoption of Islamic law — worrying many of the Westerners who supported them. And what happened to Gadhafi as he was dying doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the fledgling government's ability to transition to democracy. Should NATO stick around longer? Good money after bad? Wait, the Europeans love tossing money into holes...
Greece is a Money Pit. A black hole where German tax dollars go to die. Sure, stocks soared on Thursday after European leaders announced a deal to keep Greece from defaulting on its debt (again). Big banks agreed to write down 50 percent of Greece's loans, and European Union nations promised to increase the size of their bailout fund to $1.4 trillion. Has Europe finally taken action bold enough to prevent the crisis from exploding? Or is this just another stop gap before the bottom really falls out and the other weaker members fall down too?
Rick Perry stumps for a flat tax? Dude, that's not cool.... sure, Jesus's best friend is nosediving, he's even threatening to skip future debates, and taking his ball and going home. He flirted with Donald Trump's birther-ism and then, out of no where he comes out with a 20 percent flat tax. Hey, even though that's 3% more than Steve Forbes - it was enough to get Steve Forbes's endorsement -- to the surprise of whoever cares about Steve Forbes anymore. But of course the plan as a regressive attempt to reward the rich, while others argued that its real purpose is to fire up the GOP base. Maybe to piss off Herman Cain voters -- even the smokers.
But despite all that, Herman Cain is still on top. Yeah, he ought to be taking a dive with Bachman and Perry... he's got that smoking add... He's flip-flopped like a Waffle House fry cook, seems confused about some other issues... and even Karl Rove doesn't like him. Poor old Mitt Romney. Can't he catch a break?
Meanwhile, Mr. Obama, frustrated by Congress that has openly stated that their only goal is to knock him out of the White House.... and frustrated by approval ratings that would make George Bush blush, unveiled a number of economy-related executive orders this week. Home refinancing and student loan re-configs are probably all he can do without congressional approval. Where was this 2 years ago? Part of the original Stimulus?
Netflix continues to commit suicide ...
Charlie Sheen just got another sitcom. On FX. Anger Management - Next summer. (but not on DirecTV) While Ashton Kutcher, who replaced Sheen on Two and a Half Men, is being criticized for the show's less-than-stellar ratings. Who's winning?
Hope to see you next week.
Of all the ball clubs in all the world, why did St. Louis need another ring?
Is the OWS at a tipping point? It's getting cold. Snow even! I wonder how many Occupy Wall Street folks in Zuccotti Park tents have -15 degree tents? Can they survive the winter? Police are cracking down, too — especially in Oakland — and dissension is splitting the Occupy ranks. In New York, volunteer cooks are reportedly miffed that the homeless are treating OWS like a soup kitchen. How much longer will it last?
Quadaffy's gone, but now Libya needs to find it's way. And which way will that be? The nation's interim leaders have announced the adoption of Islamic law — worrying many of the Westerners who supported them. And what happened to Gadhafi as he was dying doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the fledgling government's ability to transition to democracy. Should NATO stick around longer? Good money after bad? Wait, the Europeans love tossing money into holes...
Greece is a Money Pit. A black hole where German tax dollars go to die. Sure, stocks soared on Thursday after European leaders announced a deal to keep Greece from defaulting on its debt (again). Big banks agreed to write down 50 percent of Greece's loans, and European Union nations promised to increase the size of their bailout fund to $1.4 trillion. Has Europe finally taken action bold enough to prevent the crisis from exploding? Or is this just another stop gap before the bottom really falls out and the other weaker members fall down too?
Rick Perry stumps for a flat tax? Dude, that's not cool.... sure, Jesus's best friend is nosediving, he's even threatening to skip future debates, and taking his ball and going home. He flirted with Donald Trump's birther-ism and then, out of no where he comes out with a 20 percent flat tax. Hey, even though that's 3% more than Steve Forbes - it was enough to get Steve Forbes's endorsement -- to the surprise of whoever cares about Steve Forbes anymore. But of course the plan as a regressive attempt to reward the rich, while others argued that its real purpose is to fire up the GOP base. Maybe to piss off Herman Cain voters -- even the smokers.
But despite all that, Herman Cain is still on top. Yeah, he ought to be taking a dive with Bachman and Perry... he's got that smoking add... He's flip-flopped like a Waffle House fry cook, seems confused about some other issues... and even Karl Rove doesn't like him. Poor old Mitt Romney. Can't he catch a break?
Meanwhile, Mr. Obama, frustrated by Congress that has openly stated that their only goal is to knock him out of the White House.... and frustrated by approval ratings that would make George Bush blush, unveiled a number of economy-related executive orders this week. Home refinancing and student loan re-configs are probably all he can do without congressional approval. Where was this 2 years ago? Part of the original Stimulus?
Netflix continues to commit suicide ...
Charlie Sheen just got another sitcom. On FX. Anger Management - Next summer. (but not on DirecTV) While Ashton Kutcher, who replaced Sheen on Two and a Half Men, is being criticized for the show's less-than-stellar ratings. Who's winning?
Hope to see you next week.
Oct 28, 2011
Trolling the Occupiers
This note was apparently thrown down from a high glass tower to the Occupiers from a window at the Chicago Board of Trade (click to embiggen)
Personally, I don't think a stockbroker has what it takes to do their own laundry, let alone their own yard work - I'm certainly not worried about them taking my job as a boat janitor. But there are some "Who is John Galt?" and Gordon Gecko's "Greed is good" in that rant. At the very least, it trolls the unwashed fleabaggers who only took a basic economics course... in high school... and passed it by cheating off of the future stockbroker... who cheated by paying off the proctor.
Further study into the origin of the letter, it seems that it's a banal chain e-mail that's over a year old. Apparently, CBT big shots are so smart and work so hard that they had to resort to plagiarism.
My questions are, if they're that busy, who printed it out? And secondly, how'd they get those windows open? I thought they were welded shut to keep them from jumping?
Further study into the origin of the letter, it seems that it's a banal chain e-mail that's over a year old. Apparently, CBT big shots are so smart and work so hard that they had to resort to plagiarism.
My questions are, if they're that busy, who printed it out? And secondly, how'd they get those windows open? I thought they were welded shut to keep them from jumping?
Found on the internets:
"what other bold and cross wrapped statement can get sweeter than these…the cross heels, steady and ready allowing you to stand taller than ever. don’t just wear your cross around your neck and your fingers…but here is that extra, that something more, that extra sugar dip, if you know what i mean. and how lovely and endearing these can be, even slightly appearing just a little mean…because if you were walking behind someone with cross heels…wouldn’t you be just a little bit afraid? and i say that with adoration clearly, because how seductive are these steel cross heels. cross my heart…and hope to heal…as i strut these misleading and lying streets in my cross saving heels."
Oct 27, 2011
A Real American Hero
Killed in action: Kristoffer Domeij died in Afghanistan on his 14th deployment with the Elite Army Rangers- Sergeant Kristoffer B. Domeij was a 10-year veteran and is set to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- He is now the Elite Ranger with most deployments to be killed in action - the previous record was 12
- One of the team that rescued Jessica Lynch from captors in Iraq in 2003
- One of three soldiers who died in an IED explosion near Kandahar province
The United States Army is today mourning one of its most courageous and decorated heroes.
Sergeant 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij was one of three soldiers killed by a roadside bomb last Saturday near Kandahar Province.
Remarkably, the elite ranger, who died when the team triggered an improvised device, was serving his 14th deployment at the time.
Read more ....
Corporation & State
Oct 26, 2011
Angry Taxpayers
Just sayin'.
And in ten years this image will be as dated as Pac Man chasing Ronald Reagan around the White House.
Oct 23, 2011
Week in Review and Sunday Comics Oct 23, 2011
Well, I made it to the end of the week. Glad you're here with me. Let's review, shall we?
Quadaffy was shot in the face and thrown into a freezer. Obama took the credit. That's fine as long as he takes the credit for what happens next.
A bunch of exotic animals were released in Ohio when their keeper open their cages and then shot himself. The police went on some kind of mad shooting spree knocking down 56 animals. 18 Bengal tigers, 17 Lions, and six black bears. Six were taken alive. A monkey might have been eaten... Why'd they shoot them? Ohio police don't have dart guns with Tiger tranquilizers, do they? And if the lions, tigers and bears had attacked even one person - a child - everyone would be asking why the cops hadn't just shot these animals. Now, here's a question - why was a suicidal animal keeper allowed to have so many exotic animals? Apparently Ohio is not a stranger to Exotic Pets.
Israel made the most lopsided prisoner swap in the history of prisoner swaps this week. After 5 years Gliad Shailt was released - in exchange for 477 Palestinians (and another 500 to be named later), some of them were successful terrorists. Imagine the victim's families reaction. Some say that Israel won in the deal -- and Egypt helped broker the deal. Seems to me that Egypt is the real winner.
Dan Wheldon was brutally murdered on the highway - oh, I mean in a 15 car pile up on the highway. No, on a closed track. Going 250 miles an hour. Well, to quote George Carlin - "...it's the only reason I'm tuning in is to see a crash. I mean, when am I going to be able to see a 54 car pile up and not be in the thing?" Sorry. Cold and mean? Probably.
GOP debate, what 19? They really ought to quit yelling at each other if any of them wants to get out of the primaries alive. 9-9-9 or is it 9-0-9? An electrified Mexican fence - unless it's a joke? Come on Mr. Cain. Mitt and Romney ought to get swords. No, lightsabers. I'd tune in for that.
The Zombieland creators are prepping to make a Zombieland TV show. And the Walking Dead season 2 started up again on AMC. It got me thinking - Dracula and Frankenstein had origins and re-boots, but why are zombies so prevalent, especially in the US. Christians, dude. They believe in that sort of thing actually happening.
Occupy A Bunch of streets went global - but because there's no real organization and it's as corruptible as the early Tea Party - yeah, I said it - it gave a bunch of people in Rome an excuse to replay the London Riots. This is not going to end well. Meantime - Read Andy Borowitz's 'Correspondence from the offices of Goldman Sachs' to the Occupiers.
Steve Job's bio comes out soon. Someone must have left it on a bar stool in Silicon Valley, because I already have read the juicy parts.
Well those were the parts worth mentioning since I didn't care to bother getting around to it earlier in the week. Hope to see you 'round next time.
Quadaffy was shot in the face and thrown into a freezer. Obama took the credit. That's fine as long as he takes the credit for what happens next.A bunch of exotic animals were released in Ohio when their keeper open their cages and then shot himself. The police went on some kind of mad shooting spree knocking down 56 animals. 18 Bengal tigers, 17 Lions, and six black bears. Six were taken alive. A monkey might have been eaten... Why'd they shoot them? Ohio police don't have dart guns with Tiger tranquilizers, do they? And if the lions, tigers and bears had attacked even one person - a child - everyone would be asking why the cops hadn't just shot these animals. Now, here's a question - why was a suicidal animal keeper allowed to have so many exotic animals? Apparently Ohio is not a stranger to Exotic Pets.
Israel made the most lopsided prisoner swap in the history of prisoner swaps this week. After 5 years Gliad Shailt was released - in exchange for 477 Palestinians (and another 500 to be named later), some of them were successful terrorists. Imagine the victim's families reaction. Some say that Israel won in the deal -- and Egypt helped broker the deal. Seems to me that Egypt is the real winner.Dan Wheldon was brutally murdered on the highway - oh, I mean in a 15 car pile up on the highway. No, on a closed track. Going 250 miles an hour. Well, to quote George Carlin - "...it's the only reason I'm tuning in is to see a crash. I mean, when am I going to be able to see a 54 car pile up and not be in the thing?" Sorry. Cold and mean? Probably.
GOP debate, what 19? They really ought to quit yelling at each other if any of them wants to get out of the primaries alive. 9-9-9 or is it 9-0-9? An electrified Mexican fence - unless it's a joke? Come on Mr. Cain. Mitt and Romney ought to get swords. No, lightsabers. I'd tune in for that.The Zombieland creators are prepping to make a Zombieland TV show. And the Walking Dead season 2 started up again on AMC. It got me thinking - Dracula and Frankenstein had origins and re-boots, but why are zombies so prevalent, especially in the US. Christians, dude. They believe in that sort of thing actually happening.
Occupy A Bunch of streets went global - but because there's no real organization and it's as corruptible as the early Tea Party - yeah, I said it - it gave a bunch of people in Rome an excuse to replay the London Riots. This is not going to end well. Meantime - Read Andy Borowitz's 'Correspondence from the offices of Goldman Sachs' to the Occupiers.
Steve Job's bio comes out soon. Someone must have left it on a bar stool in Silicon Valley, because I already have read the juicy parts.
Well those were the parts worth mentioning since I didn't care to bother getting around to it earlier in the week. Hope to see you 'round next time.
Oct 22, 2011
US Out of Iraq
Yea! The US is leaving Iraq after 9 years....Bill Maher said, "I think it's good we're finally leaving Iraq to the people we fought the Iraq war for... Haliburton "
...But the other side of this story is that Iraq rejected the US's request to maintain bases after troop withdrawal.
But you'd have to read that version outside of the US to get that sort of perspective.
And Tehran has more influence in Iraqi politics than the "liberators" do.
Hmm. That's probably not a "win" then is it?
Well, it's something that rhymes with win... spin!
"My Campaign Promise fulfilled!" Just don't look under the rug for the truth.
The Trouble with The Troubles
Back in the way back machine, the Irish and English didn't get along so well. Seems that fire isn't completely extinguished.
Real IRA's Plot To Blow Up London: Wave Of Atrocities Foiled By MI5 Operation That Snared Terrorists' Weapons Buyer
Dissidents belonging to the Real IRA wanted to attack targets, including police and soldiers, in London and elsewhere with rucksack bombs, grenades and a long-distance sniper rifle.
But the plan was foiled when the terrorist sent to buy the weapons was trapped in an elaborate MI5 sting involving a British cigarette smuggler turned undercover agent.
Read more ....
Real IRA's Plot To Blow Up London: Wave Of Atrocities Foiled By MI5 Operation That Snared Terrorists' Weapons Buyer - Michael Campbell, 39, caught on tape plotting 'terror day-trip to London'* Police praise the bravery of undercover MI5 agents after four-year operation
- 'You can imagine us getting over to England... you imagine, with a six-hour timer, we could be over to London and back. Just tick, tick, tick, tick... gone'
- Republican sentenced to 12 years in jail by a Lithuanian judge
- Paid just £5,200 for arsenal of high-grade explosives, grenade launchers, detonators, AK-47s and a special assassin's rifle
Dissidents belonging to the Real IRA wanted to attack targets, including police and soldiers, in London and elsewhere with rucksack bombs, grenades and a long-distance sniper rifle.
But the plan was foiled when the terrorist sent to buy the weapons was trapped in an elaborate MI5 sting involving a British cigarette smuggler turned undercover agent.
Read more ....
Oct 21, 2011
Saber Rattling
Obama Hails Death Of Muammar Gaddafi As Foreign Policy Success
The President warned other Middle Eastern dictators, particularly Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, that they could be next. Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Mr. Obama, hailed the lifting of the "dark tyranny" over Libya after the new government confirmed Muammar Gaddafi had been killed, issuing a warning to other dictators in the Middle East – and particularly Syria – that they could be next.
Although Obama did not name Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, it was he Obama had in mind when he said the rule of the iron fist in the Middle East is inevitably coming to an end. Those leaders that try to deny the push for democracy will not succeed, he predicted. Read more ....
Two things are immediately troubling about this statement: 1) the US actively tried to pretend to have nothing to do with the Libyan Kinetic Action, but now is taking all the credit, and 2) this particular President campaigned against "Stupid Wars". Stupid Wars - we have 5 of them. Had six yesterday. All wars are pretty stupid - ask a veteran. Now Mr. Obama is saber rattling and trying to scare Assad? Maybe Iran? If anything, Assad and Mock-mood will cling harder to power and try even harder to stop dissent with violence and guns rather than reform because they've seen exactly what will happen to them if they don't.
And to really sit and analyze a US Foreign Policy "Win" - the death of a world leader, in front of an open microphone, isn't exactly a bright idea. But I think to a President who'll do anything to get another 4 years, pretending that he personally shot Quadaffy means he thinks that he's a better shot than Ronald Reagan.
One last thought - what, exactly, is Democracy in the Middle East? Are you absolutely sure that's a Foreign Policy "win" for the US? I don't, but I can run a couple scenarios in my head, and 98 out of 100 aren't exactly "wins" for the US or Israel. I certainly wouldn't be trumpetting success until I knew for sure that the new guys aren't as bad or worse than the old guys.
The President warned other Middle Eastern dictators, particularly Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, that they could be next. Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Mr. Obama, hailed the lifting of the "dark tyranny" over Libya after the new government confirmed Muammar Gaddafi had been killed, issuing a warning to other dictators in the Middle East – and particularly Syria – that they could be next.Although Obama did not name Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, it was he Obama had in mind when he said the rule of the iron fist in the Middle East is inevitably coming to an end. Those leaders that try to deny the push for democracy will not succeed, he predicted. Read more ....
Two things are immediately troubling about this statement: 1) the US actively tried to pretend to have nothing to do with the Libyan Kinetic Action, but now is taking all the credit, and 2) this particular President campaigned against "Stupid Wars". Stupid Wars - we have 5 of them. Had six yesterday. All wars are pretty stupid - ask a veteran. Now Mr. Obama is saber rattling and trying to scare Assad? Maybe Iran? If anything, Assad and Mock-mood will cling harder to power and try even harder to stop dissent with violence and guns rather than reform because they've seen exactly what will happen to them if they don't.
And to really sit and analyze a US Foreign Policy "Win" - the death of a world leader, in front of an open microphone, isn't exactly a bright idea. But I think to a President who'll do anything to get another 4 years, pretending that he personally shot Quadaffy means he thinks that he's a better shot than Ronald Reagan.
One last thought - what, exactly, is Democracy in the Middle East? Are you absolutely sure that's a Foreign Policy "win" for the US? I don't, but I can run a couple scenarios in my head, and 98 out of 100 aren't exactly "wins" for the US or Israel. I certainly wouldn't be trumpetting success until I knew for sure that the new guys aren't as bad or worse than the old guys.
Oct 20, 2011
Quadaffy Cooked
Commanders for Libya's transitional authorities say they have captured ousted leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.Some unconfirmed (which means no one has shown the body to the AP cameras yet) reports say Col Gaddafi has been wounded, others that he has been killed.
♪ Yub nub! Eee chop yub nub! ♪
But -- if true, now the real problems begin. He will have a long trial to convict him of the crimes against Libya. And now the rebel alliance has to govern. Good luck Libyans. I hope you have a better time of it than your neighbors in Egypt - who are discovering that they're still under the boot of the Army.
Oct 18, 2011
Oct 16, 2011
Another War
Small U.S. force to deploy to Uganda, aid fight against Lord's Resistance Army. It's jus another 'small' war. For those of you keeping track - Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Libya (yeah, we're still there) and now Uganda.
But the fighting force of 100 will only shoot if they're attacked. Self Defense, you know?
And they'll be home for Christmas.
Yes, the Lord's Resistance Army are bad evil pricks that need to be taken off the planet... but why is the USA getting involved in yet another police action? Where's the UN? Where's the Brand New Nato coalition?
But the fighting force of 100 will only shoot if they're attacked. Self Defense, you know?
And they'll be home for Christmas.
Yes, the Lord's Resistance Army are bad evil pricks that need to be taken off the planet... but why is the USA getting involved in yet another police action? Where's the UN? Where's the Brand New Nato coalition?
Oct 14, 2011
War News Update
U.S. Had 'Direct Contact' With Iran Over Plot, State Department Ssays --
Washington (CNN) -- The United States has had "direct contact with Iran" about the alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador in the United States as the Obama administration ratchets up its rhetoric against the Islamic republic.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland disclosed the contact at a news briefing Thursday. A senior administration official told CNN it occurred Wednesday and was initiated by the United States.
Nuland said she could not say who spoke to whom or where the meeting was held. She said it was not in Iran.
Read more ....
Iranians see Ahmadinejad as disconnected from alleged plot. Alleged Iran plot may have violated U.N. treaty. War drum beating out of almost no where?
Bahrain opposition unites to decry 'police state'.
Twenty killed in Syrian clashes, EU sanctions bank.
Syria-US 'spy' Mohamad Soueid faces court.
No decision yet on US troop levels in Iraq. My guess is that it depends on how this Iranian situation plays out.
If you think Iraq's secure, read this about Wednesday's violence.
Fourteen killed in Syrian violence: activist group.
Mideast prisoner swap could come next week. Hamas officials criticize prisoner list in Schalit deal. Hamas military commander in Cairo to finalize Shalit deal.
US missile kills Haqqani 'coordinator' in Pakistan.
U.S. not sincere about Afghan peace: Haqqanis.
Obama, S.Korea's Lee to talk trade, N.Korea strategy.
Burma political prisoner releases 'not enough'.
Tibet shocked by increase in monks setting themselves on fire.
Radiation spikes in Tokyo neighborhood, officials say.
Libya's rival military commanders fight war of words.
Libya: confusion surrounds 'capture' of Gaddafi's son.
With Gadhafi on the run, focus turns to Sahara's Tuareg.
Gunmen kidnap two Spanish aid workers from Kenya camp.
Smuggled Libyan weapons flood into Egypt.
EUROPE
Norway killer says 80 militant cells in Europe: police.
Iceland's Katla volcano is getting restless.
Ukraine’s president suggests legal reform could allow release of Tymoshenko. Ukrainian security service launches new case against Tymoshenko.
Barroso outlines plan to resolve eurozone debt crisis.
Bomb detonates in Northern Ireland as Londonderry 'City of Culture' office is targeted for second time.
Berlusconi seeks confidence vote, expects to win. Berlusconi calls confidence vote to prove he has majority.
US Congress signs new free trade agreements for first time in four years.
Chavez opponent launches Presidential campaign.
Mexico military says senior Zetas crime boss arrested.
U.S> House passes Colombia free trade agreement.
Sharp rise in U.S. foreclosures as banks move in.
Haiti's President meets with 'Baby Doc,' Aristide.
TERRORISM
U.S. challenged to explain accusations of Iran plot in the face of skepticism.
Intel chair: "Chain" of Iran plots possible.
Iran's Qods Force commander involved in plot to kill Saudi ambassador.
US issues worldwide travel warning.
Guantánamo Inc.? Oops.
Hedge fund billionaire gets 11-year sentence in fraud case.
Google earnings blow past expectations; Shares surge.
BlackBerry, this week's Netflix, outage blamed on 'extremely critical' network failure.
AOL CEO pitches investors on Yahoo deal: sources.
John Malone now biggest landowner in the U.S.
THANK YOU TO WAR NEWS UPDATE
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland disclosed the contact at a news briefing Thursday. A senior administration official told CNN it occurred Wednesday and was initiated by the United States.
Nuland said she could not say who spoke to whom or where the meeting was held. She said it was not in Iran.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Iranians see Ahmadinejad as disconnected from alleged plot. Alleged Iran plot may have violated U.N. treaty. War drum beating out of almost no where?
Bahrain opposition unites to decry 'police state'.
Twenty killed in Syrian clashes, EU sanctions bank.
Syria-US 'spy' Mohamad Soueid faces court.
No decision yet on US troop levels in Iraq. My guess is that it depends on how this Iranian situation plays out.
If you think Iraq's secure, read this about Wednesday's violence.
Fourteen killed in Syrian violence: activist group.
Mideast prisoner swap could come next week. Hamas officials criticize prisoner list in Schalit deal. Hamas military commander in Cairo to finalize Shalit deal.
ASIA
US missile kills Haqqani 'coordinator' in Pakistan.
U.S. not sincere about Afghan peace: Haqqanis.
Obama, S.Korea's Lee to talk trade, N.Korea strategy.
Burma political prisoner releases 'not enough'.
Tibet shocked by increase in monks setting themselves on fire.
Radiation spikes in Tokyo neighborhood, officials say.
AFRICA
Libya: confusion surrounds 'capture' of Gaddafi's son.
With Gadhafi on the run, focus turns to Sahara's Tuareg.
Gunmen kidnap two Spanish aid workers from Kenya camp.
Smuggled Libyan weapons flood into Egypt.
EUROPE
Norway killer says 80 militant cells in Europe: police.
Iceland's Katla volcano is getting restless.
Ukraine’s president suggests legal reform could allow release of Tymoshenko. Ukrainian security service launches new case against Tymoshenko.
Barroso outlines plan to resolve eurozone debt crisis.
Bomb detonates in Northern Ireland as Londonderry 'City of Culture' office is targeted for second time.
Berlusconi seeks confidence vote, expects to win. Berlusconi calls confidence vote to prove he has majority.
AMERICAS
US Congress signs new free trade agreements for first time in four years.
Chavez opponent launches Presidential campaign.
Mexico military says senior Zetas crime boss arrested.
U.S> House passes Colombia free trade agreement.
Sharp rise in U.S. foreclosures as banks move in.
Haiti's President meets with 'Baby Doc,' Aristide.
TERRORISM
U.S. challenged to explain accusations of Iran plot in the face of skepticism.
Intel chair: "Chain" of Iran plots possible.
Iran's Qods Force commander involved in plot to kill Saudi ambassador.
US issues worldwide travel warning.
Guantánamo Inc.? Oops.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Hedge fund billionaire gets 11-year sentence in fraud case.
Google earnings blow past expectations; Shares surge.
BlackBerry, this week's Netflix, outage blamed on 'extremely critical' network failure.
AOL CEO pitches investors on Yahoo deal: sources.
John Malone now biggest landowner in the U.S.
THANK YOU TO WAR NEWS UPDATE
Oct 12, 2011
Iran Bomb Plot Foiled
FBI and DEA agents have disrupted a plot to commit a “significant terrorist act in the United States” tied to Iran, federal officials told ABC News today. The officials said the plot included the assassination of the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States. [...]
“The U.S. is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions,” Holder said.Funny, Holder isn't holding anyone accountable for Fast and Furious. I hear he's done next week, but I'm not holding my breath.
Even Bush knew not to go into Iran.
Oct 11, 2011
Changes to the Constitution
When Asked What I'd do to change the Constitution?
I'd make it more 'Merican!
Bill of More 'Merican Rights! by Cap'n
1) You have the right to your opinion, no matter how stupid it is! Especially when talkin' 'bout your goofy ufo religion! Ye-haw.
2) Everyone has to have a gun. No exception, including babies. You're born - here's your gun and holster. We'll set up mandatory shoot'n ranges at the State level - most likely at your DMV.
3) You have to have a Ford F10 or Chevy Pickup. No more Honda's or Toyota's on God's Chosen Country! Oh, and you don't have to let troops bunk in your apartment. That'll be Halliburton's job.
4) Privacy, man! I'm in here! The government can't search for your stash without gettin' a piece of paper - or if you want to fly the friendly skies.
5) When you get busted, they can't nab you twice for the same thing.
6) When you do get busted, you can have a lawyer. Don't expect Matlock, but you'll get one. And they can't let you rot in jail, neither. They gotta' see your case before football season starts or ends, depending on when you get nabbed.
7) A jury of 12 other folks, who don't know how to get out of jury duty, will have to sit there and listen to why you got nabbed in the first place, and see if you're guilty or not.
8) They can't beat you up or make your bail to be a billion trillion dollars. Unless you're Donald Trump.
9) You can bitch and moan all you want. And if it's a legit bitch, you get to sue the government.
10) If you live in a state that doesn't like it? They can give the finger to the government, dude. F-that health care sh!t!
You don't like it? Leave it!
Bill of More 'Merican Rights! by Cap'n
1) You have the right to your opinion, no matter how stupid it is! Especially when talkin' 'bout your goofy ufo religion! Ye-haw.
2) Everyone has to have a gun. No exception, including babies. You're born - here's your gun and holster. We'll set up mandatory shoot'n ranges at the State level - most likely at your DMV.
3) You have to have a Ford F10 or Chevy Pickup. No more Honda's or Toyota's on God's Chosen Country! Oh, and you don't have to let troops bunk in your apartment. That'll be Halliburton's job.
4) Privacy, man! I'm in here! The government can't search for your stash without gettin' a piece of paper - or if you want to fly the friendly skies.
5) When you get busted, they can't nab you twice for the same thing.
6) When you do get busted, you can have a lawyer. Don't expect Matlock, but you'll get one. And they can't let you rot in jail, neither. They gotta' see your case before football season starts or ends, depending on when you get nabbed.
7) A jury of 12 other folks, who don't know how to get out of jury duty, will have to sit there and listen to why you got nabbed in the first place, and see if you're guilty or not.
8) They can't beat you up or make your bail to be a billion trillion dollars. Unless you're Donald Trump.
9) You can bitch and moan all you want. And if it's a legit bitch, you get to sue the government.
10) If you live in a state that doesn't like it? They can give the finger to the government, dude. F-that health care sh!t!
You don't like it? Leave it!
Oct 9, 2011
Oct 7, 2011
Oct 6, 2011
At the Apple Store
The other fun thing I like pointing out is that the same people whom have been bitching and moaning about the top 1% all day spent their entire evening crying about one that died. Hypocrite of the Week - top contender.
Oct 5, 2011
Holder Knew: Time For Him To Be Fired
In the growing ATF Fast and Furious scandal; CBS has turned up new documents that show Attorney General Eric Holder was briefed in July 2010.
Why is that important? Because he lied to Congress about it.
Ooops.
Read the new documents
Read the July 5, 2010 memo
Read the "It's a tricky case" email
Read the memo to AG Holder from Asst. AG Lanny A. Breuer
The documents came from the head of the National Drug Intelligence Center and Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer.
In Fast and Furious, ATF agents allegedly allowed thousands of weapons to cross the border and fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
Gunwalking scandal uncovered at ATF
It's called letting guns "walk," and it remained secret to the public until Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered last December. Two guns from Fast and Furious were found at the scene, and ATF agent John Dodson blew the whistle on the operation.
Agent: I was ordered to let guns "walk" into Mexico
Tax payer dollars, zero oversight, and US border agents and scores of Mexican citizens have been killed.
Eric Holder - It's time for you to go - and then for you and anyone connected to this to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Why is that important? Because he lied to Congress about it.
Ooops.Read the new documents
Read the July 5, 2010 memo
Read the "It's a tricky case" email
Read the memo to AG Holder from Asst. AG Lanny A. Breuer
The documents came from the head of the National Drug Intelligence Center and Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer.
In Fast and Furious, ATF agents allegedly allowed thousands of weapons to cross the border and fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
Gunwalking scandal uncovered at ATF
It's called letting guns "walk," and it remained secret to the public until Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered last December. Two guns from Fast and Furious were found at the scene, and ATF agent John Dodson blew the whistle on the operation.
Agent: I was ordered to let guns "walk" into Mexico
Tax payer dollars, zero oversight, and US border agents and scores of Mexican citizens have been killed.
Eric Holder - It's time for you to go - and then for you and anyone connected to this to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Similar Goals
Unfortunately, both groups are also caught in the Left-Right Paradigm. One thinks that the Tea Baggers are all racist birthers, and the Teabaggers think the Occupy Wall Street are just a bunch of unwashed hippies looking for handouts. Sure, they're both not wrong, but they need to look past those issues and think about joining forces.
Even less probable, imagine these two groups coming together and compromising -- something that isn't possible on the State or National level. What an amazing spectacle that would be! And then rainbows will sprinkle gold coins on all those below... okay, yeah, I'm getting a little out of bounds from reality here.
But, it's good to imagine... every once in a while.
Disappointment with iPhone 4S
Oct 4, 2011
Christie: Not a Runner
Chris Christie Will Not Seek Presidency
Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey has decided not to seek the presidency, according to two sources who were told of his decision. Nor will he be planning on exercising any time soon.Mr. Christie is scheduled to announce his decision at a news conference in the state capital at 1 p.m. But two sources said Tuesday morning that the governor will not pursue the Republican nomination.
The decision ends a late flurry of indecision on the part of Mr. Christie, who had been encouraged by a growing number of Republican donors and activists who had hoped he would add his name to the field of candidates vying to challenge President Obama... because they're already grown bored with their choices of Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.
It's sad, really, because he would have reflected the country so well at the G8 and the UN. Comedians everywhere I'm sure share in the disappointment.
Oct 2, 2011
Development with Arrested Development
Mitch Hurwitz just announced that he's producing a 9- or 10-episode Arrested Development miniseries that will set up the movie, but guess who's going to take the credit?
