The Sorting Hat does its work

Hufflepuff, what about you?






REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Denver is on empty

Denver is running low on gasoline. This story is from the Denver Post via The Oil Drum. Is this a sign of things to come this summer?

As long as there is gas, rising prices are little more than an inconvenience and a topic of conversation. When supplies are limited or absent, we'll see more uproar. I'll be curious to see how shortages play out around the country this summer.

Image from here.

George channels his inner monkey

Gawd, I love this. Yahoo snarks for me.

Condi, your uncle wants to talk to you.

This poster is WW I vintage, but I would say it's good advice for anyone who has received an invitation to a hearing.

Abby Normal, call for Abby Normal

Frankenstein is from a google image search. Inset is by Jim Young from Reuters.

Immunity for Monica G

The House Judiciary Committee voted moments ago to grant immunity to Monica Goodling
Think Progress has more.

Lots of folks have been speculating on this. I'm not really surprised.
The rethuglicans have their very own Monica. Let's hope she can't innoculate anyone. Reckon she has her own email backup?

Think this story will be covered in Regent University's Alumni Newsletter?

Would that it were the other way around...

From Raw Story

Waxman: We have hit a brick wall with Rice


(image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Joshurtree/Brick_wall

Kucinich remembers my birthday

I didn't even know Dennis knew my birthday. Aw shucks. It's a really really nice present.

Update: Kucinich delays announcement of Articles of Impeachment for Cheney. Cheney's clot is acting up. Of course, Cheney seems to be healthy enough to head to the hill to blast Reid. (figuratively speaking, of course, I hope). Story breaking now on Raw Story.

Compare and contrast

(REUTERS/Yuri Gripas) via Watertiger
(http://www.skullsunlimited.com)
Do I really need to add a comment?

Gonzales' secret strategy

(picture from here)
I have been pondering Gitmo's sorry performance since yesterday. After much cogitation (boy, am I tired) I've figured out his plan. The end times are nigh.

The Rapture will be this weekend. Yessiree, that must be what is happening. Gonzo expects to be teleported to heaven. Unfortunately for him, Saint Peter has contracted with Patrick Leahy to work security at the Pearly Gates. Let's just say Gonzo won't be in the express lane.

I'll be here next week for anyone who is "left behind".

This just in.

Vermont Senate calls for impeachment of Bush, Cheney

By Shay Totten | Vermont Guardian

Posted April 20, 2007

Editor's Note: This story was updated at noon with comments from Senate Pres. Pro Tem Peter Shumlin.

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Senate this morning approved by a 16-9 margin a resolution calling on the U.S. House to launch impeachment proceedings of Pres. George W. Bush and Vice Pres. Dick Cheney.

more

Arma virumque cano

Arma virumque cano
I haven't yet blogged about the tragedy at Virginia Tech, but my $.02 is still worth $.0221 Canadian.

I'm wearing maroon but no orange today (not on purpose to support the Hokies, whatever a Hokie is). I was in Atlanta at the end of December. I saw a lot of Hokies who were in town for the (insert giant corporate sponsor name here) Peach (we can't call it that anymore) Bowl. They were just like us, all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors. The most memorable one was the man who was so big that his wife had to tie his shoes after he went through airport security. She was a just a wee thing. It was a touching yet somehow unsettling scene.

Cho Seung-Hui was profoundly disturbed young man. Unfortunately, predicting his violence is only possible in hindsight. He could have as easily slipped into substance abuse and life on the streets, or gone on to a successful career as a writer, or most anything else, though his social skills could have used an upgrade.

I grew up with guns, but today there are too many guns and they are too easy to obtain and there are too many people too willing to use them. As far as gun control, I am in favor of it. That being said, I hunted with firearms from the time I was eight. At 11, I got a shotgun for Xmas. I hunted (birds and varmints) through high school and once or twice later. When I was growing up, we had a small arsenal in my house. (now passed own to my siblings, the arsenal, not the house.)

I used to carry a .357 magnum for personal protection. I had a nice leather shoulder holster. I wore it openly sometimes and concealed sometimes. Oh, did I mention I worked in Alaska in bear territory? I sold my pistol when I moved from Alaska to the big "scary" city.

I had an uncle (by marriage) who didn't hunt in my memory, but slept with a pistol under his pillow, traveled with it in his pocket, or on the seat beside him in the car. I don't know what he was afraid of, or thought would happen. His son (he's the oldest cousin and I'm the youngest) learned to hunt under the tutelage of my father and other uncles. After my dad died when I was four, my cousin was one of my father surrogates. He was a life member of the NRA, a certifiable gun enthusiast, but not a nut. I can remember reading American Rifleman (the "organ" of the NRA) from a young age. I remember being amazed that you could subscribe to a magazine forever.

Anyway, a few years ago, we were talking and somehow the NRA came up. I was gobsmacked to learn that he had renounced his membership. His comment was along the lines of "they never talk/write about shooting and hunting anymore, all they do is beg for money to do more politicking." He's a hunter plain and simple, and also anti-handgun, anti-assault weapon. He definitely has the smarts to see through the NRA's bovine excrement. I only wish more people had the mental wherewithal to do their own thinking and not let the NRA dictate their position.

Bush muses

"Remember in Planet of the Monkeys when he found his friend and he had a scar right here? Ah'd like a free bottle in front of me, too. Hehehehe. Won't get fooled again."
(AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

Version Up

The RNC has acknowledged problems with their email and communication systems. In order to circumvent problems in the future, the RNC has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Halliburton Dubai for a new system. (pictured at left)

Image from here

Is there a waterboard on this playground?

Image from here
Recess! I've been half listening to the Gonzales hearings this morning. They are at recess now. I hope no one beats up Alberto on the playground.

His morning has been rough as a cob from what I've seen. Even his rethuglican litter mates haven't been nice to him.

I think Alberto may be ready for the memory unit at the local nursing home. One commentator counted 55 "I-don't-recalls" during this morning's questioning. Maybe we should send him a big bottles of ginko biloba. That might help with the memory problems.

Mmmmm. That would be so peachy

I like Kucinich. More so since I saw this story in the WaPo. Kucinich is planning on filing articles of impeachment against our favorite kitten kabob customer.

Gonzales to be grilled

Grilling means different things to different people.
Good article on the upcoming Gonzales grilling at Crooks and Liars.

Power has been restored

The northeast has been battered by a mighty storm. My power is back on at work and home. I am ever so slightly behind in my duties. I will try to post some today for your consideration.

shhhh, I'm hunting wabbits

Who thought a silencer for a tank would be a good idea? Maybe so they don't disturb the neighbors. Perhaps Blackwater security can put in an order for a bushel basketful for their new digs in California.

Maybe Rove ate the homework

Check out this headline on Rawstory.

Rove's no. 2 faces likely subpoena threat next week


What do you know? The headline has been changed to

Rove's 2nd-in-command faces likely subpoena threat soon

Leahy sends email to the White House

all ur email are belong to us.

Help Wanted -- War Czar

What the holy heck is a war czar? It's been a while since I actually looked at a civics textbook, but wouldn't Commander in Chief be a likely synonym for czar, and the Secretary of Defense could be the czarina? There are plenty of Rasputins to go around. And let's not forget what happened to the czars. The only thing the Romanoffs have left are the noodles.

Will Rove dance for the Judicial committee?

Rove's missing emails. The plot thickens.

It is time for Karl to move on. Really, why hasn't this "man" parlayed his rapalicious talents into a musical career? I do not know. Let's face it, anyone who can do a post modern dance interpretation coupling the funky chicken, the lindy, the black bottom, and a grand mal seizure is a genius.

Maybe Arnold won't fit in a Prius.

(We know his ego is an oversize load.)

Arnold is telling us to stop hugging trees...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged environmentalists to shed their past image as "serious tree huggers" and begin a new movement that doesn't make people feel guilty for driving their SUVs, but instead focuses on building more fuel-efficient SUVs.

I saw this article on Huff Post, but here is the original. I think side effects may be catching up with the Governator.

Boing 747

I have no problem with this, since I don't have to worry about randy upstairs neighbors.

For anyone keeping score

WMD -- found, but not really.

Email -- lost, but not really.

Let's see, 22 RNC computers in the White House and everyone has deleted everything? And the hard drives removed and drilled? Might I suggest the following the next time you upgrade.

The World According to Gonzo

Senator Leahy is Gonzo's worst nightmare. I am eagerly anticipating the hearings next week. Leahy is my senator. He's been taking names for six years, now it's time to start kicking some butt.

Mechanical Problems

I am having mechanical problems this morning; I can't get my butt in gear.

Actually, I am in a class/meeting for the day, but I have some great ideas.

That sinking feeling

This is a new sink somewhere in China.This is so weird and disturbing on so many levels. I suppose we should be glad it's not a urinal. More pictures here.

Prep School or Perp School

The Princeton Review has launched a new service. Long renowned for its SAT prep courses, the Prince Review announced a new course designed for Justice Department officials preparing to testify before the Senate. "We get results!" said an enthusiastic sales representative. "And we guarantee results. Better plea bargains or your money back."

Satisfied client, Alberto Gonzales, waves to staff as he leaves a review session.

Imus gets his nappies in a twist

All-round miscreant and bon vivant Don Imus said he is a good guy who said a bad thing.

Shown here in his high school yearbook photo, Don is looking especially nappy.

The guy is an idiot who occasionally who rarely says anything intelligent. He usually hides behind his minions who say outrageous things. Imus then feigns offense at their comments.

I'd like to see the Rutger's team challenge him to a five on one game and run his wrinkled white butt up and down the court till he dropped.

College Republicans disbanded in Vermont

I don't quite know if a black armband is appropriate for this news, but I like the picture.

From UVM's student newspaper, the Vermont Cynic...

The College Republicans club was derecognized by the Student Government Association (SGA) on Tuesday, after failing to repay year old debts.

The group owed $6,548 from a $7,000 loan they took out in Oct. 2005. The loan was initially taken out in order to pay Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to speak at UVM.

Gulf Coast Fashion Week

Michael Chertoff models an illuminated umbrella hat, the latest in hurricane wear. "It's like everyone gets their own SuperDome," he forgot to add.

P.S. -- New Orleans -- FEMA called. Your beads are here.

Compare and contrast

Mad Dog and
Mad Dog McCain

Bush is a blowhard

This from Raw Story

The Chairman of the House of Representatives' powerful Appropriations Committee has slammed President George W. Bush's threats to veto the war funding bill that House and Senate members are planning to work out in conference. Rep. Dave Obey (D-WI) insisted that the President stop "huffing and puffing" and find a compromise.

And I might add stop pissing and moaning, whining and crying, and shucking and jiving. Now that spring is ostensibly here, can we please get Chimpy back on his bicycle. I hear the Beltway is quite scenic.

Snow Day!

What do you mean, grownups don't get snow days?

I was ready for winter to be done. And now this. Six inches of wet white stuff.

Rice O'Reilley

I'd prefer Rice-a-Roni

From RawStory

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a memorable visit to The O'Reilly Radio Factor today, heatedly debating with the show's host about Iraq.

The ignorati are at again.

It sounds strange even in Italian

"Ho sniffato le ceneri di mio padre" --Keith Richards

Keith Richards: 'I snorted my father'
And I don't even speak Italian.

UPDATE: Keith has recanted. He now says it was a jest. On the down side, he still looks like the love child of Charles Bronson and a bulldog's butt.

Vision Problems

Aaaargh. I went to the eye doctor today to get a new prescription for my aging eyes. The boob tube in the waiting room was tuned to Faux News. I made sure to ask the optometrist if they always tuned into Faux. I think she got my point and told me it depended on who gets there first in the morning.

Boo who?

Booing doesn't keep the umpires at home, but it seems George has too many meetings to throw out the first pitch of the season.


On the bright side, an invitation is pending from the International Track and Field Association for the president to catch the first javelin of the season.

I don't care if it rains or freezes...

as long as I have my chocolate Jesus.
This one is not so big or controversial as the one in the news.

The Eyes have it

Twin dastards of differnt mothers? I knew I'd seen that smug expression somewhere. I predict Alberto will not be at the Whitehouse Easter Egg Hunt.