Marcotte loses her shit

In response to the recent Supreme Court decision:

Schools are about more than sorting out winners and losers (and being very careful to minimize the browning of the former category). Schools are a social institution, established by the state for the good of society, not just of individuals. And if society chooses to try to move beyond racism, then the schools should reflect that by trying to educate classes of people that were previously denied access because of race. If society wants to institutionalize racism—which I think it exactly what a lot of wingnuts want—then schools will reflect that by doing everything they can to advance white students over black ones. In the past, it was more blatant school segregation. Now it’s about crippling the schools’ ability to reach out to underrepresented minorities in an attempt to diversify their student bodies, with an eye towards producing a more progressive society over time.

Exactly how does diversifying a student body help minorities? Not to mention that I'm totally uninterested in a "more progressive society."

If Marcotte thinks that busing in a bunch of white kids into the Detroit school system (for example) is the answer to the edjumacation quagmire in urban settings, then she's a tad more naive that I thought. Detroit is a BLACK town, run by BLACK politicians, and BLACK businessmen. The Governor is liberal. Exactly how are the wingnuts (who have no power in Detroit) keeping the blacks down through the institutionalized racism of schools? I mean, if that's what happening, than us wingnuts are certainly a ton more powerful than I thought.

The crises in education is a tad more complicated than merely mixing up the color scheme. To use the excuse of "racism" is to ignore the true problems, and to insure that the situation will never be improved.

As a "wingnut" - I'm not interested in keeping the status quo that exists in too many cities. Crime. a poor pool of workers, a lower tax base, etc, are undesirable. I'd really like someone to explain how I benefit by keeping segments of society "down?"

The answer, always, is that whites like to stay on top. On top of what? A huge garbage pile of debt, welfare, crime, and failure? It's just idiotic.

Damn Norwegians

Just in from England:

A car bomb planted in central London would have caused "carnage" if it had exploded, police sources have said.
A controlled explosion was carried out on the car, packed with 60 litres of petrol, gas cylinders and nails, in the early hours in Haymarket.

Police were alerted by an ambulance crew who saw smoke coming from the silver Mercedes, parked near the Tiger Tiger nightclub.

"International elements" are believed to be involved, the BBC has been told.

h/t; Hot Air

HA! Ace on the failed bomber: Thank Allah that Islam tends to stunt one's reasoning and scientific competency.

Fairness sharmness

From UPI

WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., said Sunday she is "looking at" the possibility of reviving the fairness doctrine for U.S. broadcasters.
Feinstein, speaking on "Fox News Sunday" with Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., said talk radio in particular has presented a one-sided view of immigration reform legislation being considered by the Senate.

U.S. talk radio is dominated by conservative voices.

"This is a very complicated bill," said Feinstein. "Most people don't know what's in this bill. Therefore, to just have one or two things dramatized and taken out of context, such as the word amnesty -- we have a silent amnesty right now, but nobody goes into that. Nobody goes into the flaws of our broken system."

Feinstein said the measure before the Senate "fixes those flaws" but that doesn't get presented on talk radio, which she said "pushes people to ... extreme views without a lot of information."

Asked if she would revive the fairness doctrine, which used to require broadcasters to present competing sides of controversial issues, Feinstein said she was "looking at it."

"I remember when there was a fairness doctrine," she said, "and I think there was much more serious correct reporting to people."

What does that last sentence even mean? To begin with, are we talking about "news" or commentary? Certainly there are more straight news sources with a liberal bent (from local newspapers, to the New York Times, to CNN) than conservative ones. So, we are NOT talking about serious correct reporting, we are talking about commentary and pundits.

I have one response for you. Air America. Look, I'm really sorry it didn't work out, but you gave it the old college try. Perhaps liberals are simply not interested enough to make commercial radio profitable? Invading the conservative shows, forcing them to present a counterbalance, will only drive listeners from the airwaves, which I'm sure is part of the plan.

The real issue, is that before Rush, liberals owned the media. ALL the media. They could be sure that the radio hosts, the news reporters, the movie directors, the singers - EVERYONE- had a liberal bent. And now they simply cannot stand that conservatives have a few radio shows to listen to, and Fox News to watch. And, honestly, Fox News is not nearly as conservative as everyone claims. Brit Hume. He's the man.

Regardless, this move by liberals Senators reminds me of ... Chavez.

Kelly tagged me yesterday

So I'm trying to think of 7 interesting things about me. I'm gonna assume we need things I've never mentioned before. Cripes. Ok, lemme think.

1. My superior musical taste is mocked by my family.
2. I was a varsity cheerleader in high school. For one year. Basically, they recruited me because I could do flips and whatnot. I could only stand one season, because they fought like you wouldn't believe. Or, perhaps you can. But, it was cool cheering for the games; much more fun that I thought it would be. And, I LOVED basketball season, because I usually had to wear the uniform twice a week and thus didn't have to come up with other outfits.

Man, only two down? I may resort to describing my freckles.

3. I once tried out for the touring company of "Annie." It was humiliating. Let's leave it at that.
4. I started drinking coffee when I was young. I can't remember, but I wanna guess I was about nine or ten. It was that instant crap, and I liberally added milk and sugar. Thus my addiction began.
5. I was a Liberal in college. I know, who wasn't? But, I wore patchouli and everything.
6. Oh, back to high school; I ran varsity track for four years, and was Captain my senior year. Actually, I was the captain of the gymnastic team as well. I was a hurdler.
7. My very first boyfriend was named Paul. We started dating when we were freshman in high school. It took at least six months of dating before we had our first kiss. When he tried something a bit more daring during our second year of dating, I cried. That put an end to that.

Am I done? YES! Phew.

**Extra credit** My current music crush, thanks to Michele:



Dear Michele,

My husband and kids all dislike Queens of the Stone Age and complain that I play it too loud. Is there any point listening the QOTSA at a lower decibel? I'm thinking no, it has to be played at eleven. What do you think?

Thanks in advance,
Carin

Kids, what are they good for?

Every now and then, you come across people who declare that they will never, ever have children. Rachel Lucas describes kids as little prison wardens or something. I have to admit, at times the thought flashes through my head that life would have been easier, cheaper, neater, and certainly quieter if I hadn't bred. I wouldn't have to share my iPod with ingrates who make fun of classic artists such as the Smiths and the Cocteau Twins. I would never find anime wallpaper on my computer. I wouldn't wake up with tiny legs stretched across my butt. My dinner menu could include a range of delicacies larger than hamburgers, tacos, and home-made chicken nuggets.

So, why the heck did I have kids? What are they good for? So, in no particular order, here's what I've got so far:

1. Babies are cute, they sucker you in.
2. I had some bizarre, irrational, biological drive to reproduce, of which I had no control at the time.
3. Ignorance. I have to claim a bit of Ignorance of what a pain in the ass children can be 24/7.
4. They are, however, a great future source of vital organs, should I never need one.

5. They are an ok source of slave labor (but, honestly, their skillz could use some work.)
6. They "go fetch" pretty well.
7. My five-year-old is a great kiss-ass. Mommy, you are so beautiful. Mommy, you are the greatest cook.Etc, you get the idea.
8. Humor. Kids are FUNNY. I won't bore you, but my kids do crack me up.

9. They make a good audience. No matter how boring your stories are, your children will listen with rapt attention to your tales. At least for the first five times. About the sixth retelling, their eyes do glaze over a bit, but at that point can you blame them?
10. Coffee fetchers. I know i mentioned that they fetch at number six, but the coffee fetch really deserves it's own number. Speaking of which, where is one of my fetchers? Garçon!
11. My dog loves them. Honestly, I don't know what that counts for, but being a dog person, if my dog likes you, you must be ok. And my dog LOVES my kids.
12. They make for good photography subjects.

Ok, that's all I can think of so far this morning. I'm sure they must be good for more stuff. Point is, it's simply to late to go back. I've got 'em, they're here, and I'd best just deal with the fact.

Oh shit

River Rat sent this along. Guess I'd better clean up my act?

Nah.

Rate your blog.

Otsego Lake

Camping. Fishing. Swimming. Canoeing. You know, family stuff.

Is it just me?

Salmon Rushie


Kelsey Grammer

Jesus said...

Michele Moore says he's not advocating Socialized medicine, but Christianized medicine. For video, see Hot Air.

So, we collectivize our resources, for Jesus.

Always looking for new music

Michele, over at A Big Victory wrote about Queens of the Stone Age last week or so. Since I'm always looking for new stuff, I checked it out and was reminded that they do that song I've (over)heard on the radio No One Knows. I listened to Sick, Sick, Sick on iTunes, and just wasn't moved.

But, today I'm bored, and have really been looking for some new music to rock my world. So, something dragged me back and I found this on Youtube:



The lead singer here is actually from another band (Screaming Trees), but I'm really digging the whole song. I'll search around a bit more. A couple of their other tunes piqued my interest.

A Joke from my sister

You are driving in a car at a constant speed. On your left side is a 'drop off', (The ground is 18-20 inches below the level you are traveling on), and on your right side is a fire engine traveling at the same speed as you. In front of you is a galloping horse, which is the same size as your car and you cannot overtake it. Behind you is a galloping zebra. Both the horse and zebra are also traveling at the same speed as you. What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?

For the answer, click and drag your mouse from star to star.

*Get your drunk-ass off the merry-go-round. *

Global Warming is kicking my ass

It's too hot to cook. Or eat. Or work out.

My Hair

I'm thinking of letting it go white.

My hair started going white (a term a prefer to grey) when I was twenty or so. Back then I didn't care; my hair was red or purple half the time anyway. Really it was just a hair or two (hundred), certainly not critical mass. But, now the battle is lost. I need to touch up the color every three weeks. The color, when darkened, only looks ok. I've never wanted to be one of those older women (which I'm certainly not YET) who desperately holds on to her hair color way past it's time.


Anyway, my hairdresser suggested I let it go. She thinks it will look cool. So, I'm thinking about it. I haven't touched it up, which it needs.

On a related note:




This lady did it, and chronicled the transition:

About a month or so late ...

But, I just watched the season finale of 24 ... I'm sure I wasn't the only person yelling Shoot the boat, THE BOAT!!! at the television.

Stupid is as stupid does

In the paper today is a story about voter support for a graduated state tax. Voters like graduated state income tax. Well, voters are stupid. They don't realize that rich people already pay more in state taxes- much more. And, a wide percentage of our population (probably most of those who were "for" a graduated tax) don't pay ANY TAX at all. That is the problem with increasing the rolls of those who don't pay tax; they will always vote to screw those who do.

Our State income rip-off, I mean tax, is 3.9%. Let's add up all of life's taxes ... city, state, and federal? The federal tax rate ranges from 10% to 35%. The rate is 25% for those making between $31,850 and $77,100. Certainly you are not living in the lap of luxury for the privilege of sending one-quarter of your income to the federal black-hole, so Harry Reid can spend $18 million of it to build a bridge connecting property he owns in Arizona with a booming Nevada commuter town. All while being a member of the Most Ethical Congress EVA!.

Ok, so where was I? Oh, right. I'm at city taxes. For the privilege of living in Detroit, I pay 2.5% "resident tax." But, I'm not done with taxes - there is a 6% sales tax in Michigan. Six-fricken-percent. Property taxes, on a $100,000 home where I live is another $3,385.

So, almost 32% is coming right out of my paycheck, never to be seen. Roughly 4% of my family income is going to property taxes - I'm up to 36%. How to figure sales tax into total taxes, I'm not sure, but I'm going to guess we probably pay $1000 a year on sales tax, with is at least another 1%.

Now, honestly, how is it possible that the various governments can take 37% of my income, and still are not able to make shit run?

Michigan has a constitutional ban on graduated tax rates, and for good reason. Michigan is in financial trouble right now - thanks to an overspending government. To raise the rates on successful Michiganders will drive high earners out of the state. This is not an idle threat - they will move out of our state. To state not under the thrall of unions. To a state that will not overtax them.

House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, said he and Senate Republicans were negotiating to raise the personal income tax, expand the state's sales tax to include entertainment, such as tickets to concerts and games, or combine both tax options.

Tax tax tax. That will solve all of our problems. But, it's not just the Democrats.

Senate Republicans would consider a graduated tax only if a solution to the current budget deficit could be found without a tax increase, said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester.

Senate Republicans, you are now on notice. A graduated tax should NEVER be considered.

We should put on the November 2008 ballot a constitutional amendment that asks the voters whether we should continue to outlaw a progressive income tax.

"Outlaw" a "progressive income tax?" Nice use of scary words. And, who is this "we" you are talking about? This progressive tool, Dan Johnson-Weinberger, doesn't even live in Michigan.

I tell ya, Dan Johnson-Weinberger, a progressive-tax will lead to a progressive movement out of the state of Michigan. As long, of course, as this is the land of the free. There was a reason why the communists built fences around their countries, and it wasn't to keep people out.


In related socialist/communist thought, John silky-boy Edwards now joins the ranks of Hillary(!) Clinton in support of socialized medicine. Just in time to capitalize on Fat-boy Moore's new movie.

Potty Mouth Warning

Don't read, if you don't wanna heard the f-bombs fly.

Here's a picture for spoiler space .





Who the fuck do men think they are? Here's a little message to the black SUV that sped by me SCREAMING out the window: You can just FUCK OFF and die right ... now. .

The damn thing startled me (because, you know, I make the stupid assumption that I inhabit this planet with HUMAN beings and not fucking idiot mouth breathing assholes who are gonna SCREAM at me as I ride), and I almost went flying into Lake St. Clair. I swear-to-God I understand why some women (feminists, lesbians) HATE men. I mean, LOATH them. Many of you deserve it.

I am SO FUCKING SORRY I wasn't there to offer proper eye-candy for the pigs in that car. Where the fuck do men get off acting like that in public? What is wrong with you? Honestly, I want an answer.

So what, but I'm not one of those uber-cool bike riders. I don't have cute pants, or a logo shirt pretending that I "race." I even wore my crocks. I was sweaty, and with my glasses and helmet, I probably looked pretty dorky. I was on a 12-mile bike ride, not strutting along the runway. So, I suppose THAT was why the guy yelled at me. Because, you know, what right do I have to ride my bike RIGHT THERE OUT IN THE OPEN???

My life, in pictures

This last photo, I'd like to entitle "Will It Make It?" Perhaps you can see a little vine along the fence. It's a clematis. I've wanted one forever, and last year I finally got this one to survive. And - LOOK- it's come back this year. Granted, it's small, but no matter how small, it's still has life worth protecting.


The bucket of this behemoth is about 8 inches from the base of the plant. So, what do you thing? Will it make it?

Crap to do

In commiseration, River Rat sends along this photo:




He explains that a septic tank cleaning went bad, and he had to have the drain field replaced. I hope he doesn't have to crap down that hole....

where am I?

Plumbing woes. AGAIN. Someone is arriving today with a back hoe to completely destroy my yard.

Right v. Left

In the news this week, two stories of legal troubles for both sides of the isle:

What a difference a day makes: On Monday, administration officials no doubt breathed a sigh of relief when the Democrats finally occupied the hot seat following the indictment of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., on bribery charges.

But on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton sentenced former White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby to 30 months in prison and a fine of $250,000 for obstruction of justice, perjury and lying to the FBI. The sentence refocused the nation's attention on the murky origins of the war in Iraq, the administration's resentment of its critics and the leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson.

Except, of course, one story was heavily covered (from beginning to end) while the other barely was a blip on the radar screen.

Ironic ending alert:

Pardon or no pardon, Libby was found guilty of serious crimes in a court of law. The principle still stands that, in the words of prosecutor Fitzgerald, "truth matters, and one's station in life does not."

Unless, of course, you are a Hilton.

I can hardly wait ...

Until I get my next call from Miami University for funds. I have a response perfectly formed in my head. I would have been happy to send you money, but there is this little dealo about a lack of diversity on campus, and I'm sorry but until the University takes intellectual diversity seriously, I am unable to support my Alma Mater.

How does that sound?

What set me off? Well, it appears Miami was looking for a new history professor. Mark Moyers, summa cum laude at Harvard, Ph.D at Cambrige, speaker of two languages (French and German), writer of THREE book sent over his resume. He wasn't even granted an interview, although four of those who were interviewed had lesser credentials. Why wasn't he granted an interview? Perhaps it had something to do with the title of one of his books: "Triumph Forsaken: The Vietnam War, 1964-1965." Something tells me Moyer's book isn't another polemic about the "quagmire of 'Nam."

I attended Miami from 1986-92 (I went to Grad school), and I can safely say I never had a conservative professor. My husband claims to have met a few in the B school and history department. No wonder our colleges are turning out an ever-increasing, liberal-educated class, kids can go four years without once being hit with a moderate to conservative idea. Despite this, the president claims that Miami supports "diversity of ideas on campus." I suppose diversity, to a Miami professor, is represented by those who support Hillary, and those who support Obama.

Moyar's research found that among Miami history faculty who declared party affiliation, Democrats outnumbered Republicans 15 to one. My own check of Butler County voter registration shows 13 Democrats and three Republicans in the history departmen

See, my joke isn't that far off.

h/t: Ace

Innovative new idea for the office

I f(beep)ing hate Bud, but this is funny.



H/t: Innocent Bystanders

What the heck is a "Green Drink"?

Krista asked, so ....


First, there are LOTS of makers of "green drinks" - just go to a health food store (or a vitamin joint), and they are sure to have a whole "green drink" section. Basically, it is an drink made from a powdered form of organically grown grasses, sprouted grains and green vegetables. It is a source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. From this site, all green drinks contain the following; kamut grass, alfalfa sprouts, dandelion greens, kale, and kelp in addition to a bunch of other stuff. They are not cheap, but they are definitely cheaper if you buy them online. I bought a cheap one at a local joint to tide me over until my order arrived, and it was rather nasty tasting.

I bought the Garden Greens brand (berry flavor), and mixed with water and iced nice and cold it is definitely drinkable.

Update Galore!

Diet Update
Ok, I'm drinking my Green Drink, and my Berry Drink (although that one is a bit strong, and I get a tad nauseous after it), and taking all the intestinal cleansing stuff.

You just wait. The pounds are going to FLY off me.

Dad Update

Well, word late afternoon is that he is getting better and that they are thinking of moving him to new facility. One more focused on rehab. So that is all good.

Plus, the new place is only about two miles from my house. Right now, I'm driving twenty minutes to visit.

So, do you think we can use those?

U of M Dearborn is building a few new foot washing stations. Now, while apparently such a thing is used by Muslims before they pray, the ACLU is not concerned that public money is being used to build these TOTALLY SECULAR plumbing fixtures because anyone and everyone is also free to come and wash their feet. Suggestions have been made that they would be a great place to change a diaper. Alas, I have no young child. But I do have feet, and boy do they get dirty.

So ... who's with me?

Goodbye Hello

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about, it (or if I even feel anything), but this week one sorta big blogger went away (with fanfare) and two more, who left a few years ago, came back . One is tentatively on my blogroll.

It's always variations of the same; I'm sick of blogging, so I'm quitting. Then, I missed blogging so I'm back. Throw in life changes, job changes, etc, and that's pretty much the whole picture.

I guess I find it ... funny. And, just a tad bit overwrought and boring.

This just in:

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., was indicted Monday on federal charges of racketeering, money-laundering and soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes in connection with years of trying to broker business deals in Africa.

The charges came almost two years after investigators raided Jefferson's home in Washington and found $90,000 in cash stuffed in a box in his freezer.

Man, that is so good, I have to see it again:

ep. William Jefferson, D-La., was indicted Monday on federal charges of racketeering, money-laundering and soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes in connection with years of trying to broker business deals in Africa.

The charges came almost two years after investigators raided Jefferson's home in Washington and found $90,000 in cash stuffed in a box in his freezer.

But, it gets better:

efferson is charged with racketeering, soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

Why are the words, "the most honest, the most ethical congress in history" echoing through my head? But, Nancy does have something to say about the situation:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to push this week for Jefferson to be stripped of his seat on the Small Business Committee, according to a leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been announced.

"If these charges are proven true, they constitute an egregious and unacceptable abuse of public trust and power," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "Democrats are committed to upholding a high ethical standard and eliminating corruption and unethical behavior from the Congress."

She says that now, but a few months ago (with the charges up and coming) she put him on the homeland security panel.

I can't believe voters put this clown back into office AFTER the charges came to light. Idiots.

What Stinks?

Ok, here's a fun game you can all play along at home.

Something stinks here. I mean, RIGHT here. Under my computer table or something. It's definitely somewhere in this little corner of my basement.

My kids say it smells like the penguin house. Since I'm not housing a penguin, and I really doubt my cats caught (and killed) one, I'm gonna have to say that's not what it is. So ... what do you think it is?

Sure, I could move the table and solve the mystery for myself, but where would be the fun in that?

Winning guess gets whatever it causing the stench mailed to them.

You're welcome.

Yippee

My diet stuff came today. And, the Green Drink (by Garden Greens) I got online taste MUCH much better than the stuff I bought at the local health food store. That stuff was like drinking liquified cut grass. With some green algae thrown in. Yuck.

I'm still not sure what to do about dinner - whether to go full board with the veggie dinners, or to eat what I'm serving everyone else. Perhaps I'll just vary it according to what we/they are having.

Tonight is grilled lamb ... so I guess I'll eat with the family.

DWB- The Truth Revealed

Saturday night, the husband and I got pulled over by the pigs in Grosse Pointe for driving while black. Anyone can tell you that if you are black, and take a drive through Grosse Pointe, you will get pulled over for absolutely no legal reason what so ever. Simply because of the color of your skin. Or so the story goes.

In Detroit, you can speed, go through red lights, fail to come to a complete stop at a sign ... heck, you can even get into a car accident and the police will not bother to show up. If you hit another car, you need to drive to a precinct to fill out an accident report. Remember to sober up first!

But- and this is the important part - in Grosse Pointe those superfluous, inconsequential, silly, traffic laws are actually taken seriously. It doesn't matter if you black or white, you will get pulled over for something as minor as a broken headlight. Bank on it.

And, that is what happened to us Saturday night. Of course, we didn't cuffed and taken to the big house, because we didn't have any outstanding warrants for our arrest. Good thing.

Making Friends

Yesterday, while visiting my father, I met a woman who's husband is in the same care facility. Curiosity about her accent led me to inquire about her nation of origin. My guess of Russia was incorrect; she was Polish. Of course, she immigrated to the US after she was liberated from Berger-Belsen by American troops.

Of course, once I heard that, I was hooked. Wanda was forced labor in a Nazi munitions factory. Just. Amazing. That I met her.

Wanda experienced both Nazism and Communism. Lucky her, huh?

Long story short, you've never met anyone who loves America, and freedom, more than someone who liberated by American soldiers. Who thinks that the US, bar none, is the greatest country on the planet.

Friday Catblogging

Iggie, our "cool" cat.

Diet Update

By popular request ;)

Ok, yes. Still going strong. Yesterday I weighed in at ... yikes, am I really going to put this online? Sigh. Ok 143. Down about 8 pounds. I started, roughly, about 10 days ago. Last weekend I slacked a bit, but this week I've been pretty good. Yesterday I ate dinner instead of the veggie soup (and I had a few pretzels while doing the mommy-sport drive routine.) My goal is 130. Honestly, I do start looking a bit too thin around there, but we'll reevaluate when I get to that problem.

My issue, though, is that I still haven't gotten some of the diet food-stuff I need (ordered), so I've been winging it. I can do it, but it certainly would make my life a bit easier if it would arrive.