The Only Thing That Changes is the Window Dressing

Tags

education, GOP, middle class, poor, Recipes, religious rightwing, rich robber barons, Stupid America, tex-mex meets China, working class

The religious right-wing nuttery learned that if they put their agenda out front, it was soundly rejected. So they went stealth. They infiltrated got elected to public office in statewide and local jurisdictions, never letting out a peep of what their agenda was.

Once on school boards and in state legislatures, they began pushing their fundamentalist-based principles into our school curriculums and city ordinances.

Karl Rove (Turd Blossom) was pretty darn up front about his desire to turn America into one gigantic GOP juggernaut. That failed to.

It is now quite clear that the GOP, too, has played the magician. While keeping us distracted with the usual dog and pony show of Palin/Bachmann/Limbaugh/Beck/Hannity/Gingrich/DeMint/Huckabee/King circus act, why they went out and got themselves installed in state legislatures and governorships all around the land.

While bowing to the “teabagger” agenda of cutting all them “freeloader” programs such as Head Start and food stamps, and introducing all that right-wing “freedom” to worship and live as you wish as long as it’s “Christian” and between a man and a woman, the really ugly work is being done quietly but efficiently by true blue GOPers.

And what does that entail you ask? Nothing less than the utter reduction to slavery of the poor and working poor, the elimination of the middle class and their endless liberal leanings, and the support and coddling of the rich and wealthy.

In state after state, Repulsigans are systematically lowering taxes for the rich, cutting programs for the poor, and increasing taxes on the working and middle classes.

These immoral hard to call them humans, really believe the bastardization of Darwin’s survival of the fittest, as translated in the 19th century to mean, the worthy rise and become wealthy and powerful, and those doomed to be the rightful underclass, well, they are naturally where they are supposed to be. Married to an interpretation of the bible that then instructs the slave to be obedient, we have voila´, the natural order of things. Now that is some science and bible interpretation going hand in hand if you ever saw it!

Crooks and Liars, building upon Rachel Maddow’s show, which is embedded, shows how the GOP has lackeyed for the uber rich again, following their successes in the 2010 election. Armed with majorities and control in most legislatures, they are busy as bees. Featured are twelve states and the actions being taken to accomplish this fiendish agenda. If your state is listed, well you know what you need to do.

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Stoopid is as Stoopid does. That’s a saying I guess that makes some sense, but sounds more so than it actually is. And stoopid, as we’ve pointed out innumerable times, is what the American public is, by and large. Another of those polls, this time by Newsweek, proves again that the average American is amazing for its ability to walk and talk and maybe even chew gum, all the while knowing almost nothing about the world she or he lives in.

One of the things in this country that is apparently sacrosanct is the educational system. We have always, as far as I know, educated our kids based on localized school boards, supplemented marginally in many cases by a few scattered state laws. Shockingly, we learned that in some states, homeschooling is completely unregulated for instance, meaning a parent who has an IQ of dirt can “teach” their own child, and get them a bona fide “graduation” certificate.

Meanwhile, GOPers/religious fanatics around the country are forcing “balanced” teaching of creationism and intelligent design into science curriculums, revisionist history downplaying racism, American imperialism, and other “embarrassments”.

Is it time to have a serious discussion about how we teach our children? I certainly think so. I think we have to conclude that what may have once worked, no longer does. Our educational system is a failure today for most students, leaving them ill-equipped in the world they are entering, a world that requires some reasoned sophistication about the global issues that now intertwine with America. Our colleges and universities are having to spend nearly the first full year in some cases, just shoring up their freshman on the basics. My god, this was true when I went to college in the 70’s!

Weigh in and tell us what you think.

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What’s on the stove? Wanton pulled pork. What’z dat? Take your basic pork butt, slap some barbecue seasoning on it, lock it in a secure house, bake it at 325° until you can fork break it up into shreds. (3 hours or more) Leave it in its juices, add some of your favor-ITE barbecue sauce. Make a batch of coleslaw, a bit on the sweet side. Take some wonton wrappers, deep fry them, pressing with a spoon to make a depression, fry until crispy, drain…fill up with the pork and top with the coleslaw.. eat until you can’t walk.

Related Articles

• Republican Control Of State Legislatures Brings Record Number of Creationism Bills (outsidethebeltway.com)

Are Ya Hungry?

Tags

Pork, Recipes, tex-mex, wonton tacos

So, a few weeks ago, the Contrarian broke down and took me out to eat during a busy shopping spree in town. We decided on Applebee’s. We had a great appetizer called Wonton Tacos. If you haven’t tried them, do so, but read on.

Course, I assumed that I was the only one who so liked these that I would try to duplicate them myself. Duh. I actually found another recipe, based on Applebee’s format, but thought it rather tacky since it started with “purchased” barbecued pork.

I mean, that is not cooking, that is putting other people’s cooking together to form a dish. Okay, if you want to, feel free, but my recipe is not complicated nor messy as it might appear at first glance.

We made these last Friday and frankly they were not exactly what Applebee’s had, but close enough, and so delicious that the Contrarian swears mine were better. That may or may not be, but, take a look.

The Meat

pork brisket (my butcher said boneless pork ribs would suffice) 1-1½ lbs

salt, pepper, garlic powder, season generously

liquid smoke- 1 tbsp

oil- 1 tbsp

beef broth – low sodium – 3/4 cup

barbecue sauce – 2/3 cup

Add the oil to a large enough (cast iron preferred ) pot to accommodate the meat in one layer without crowding.  Season the meat and brown on all sides over med-high heat. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add beef broth and liquid smoke. Liquid should come up at least 1/3 of the way up the meat.  Cover and braise (very low boil) for at least 2 hours or until the meat starts to fall apart when picked up with tongs. Remove from liquid and set aside to cool. Pull apart into shreds with forks or tongs.

You can do this in the morning if you wish and then add the barbecue sauce near dinner time and reheat to just warm in the microwave. Mix the sauce into the shredded meat. The amount here is flexible. I would say you want the meat covered, but not sopping.

As to the barbecue sauce: Use your favorite homemade or bottled. It is better if it is not a sweet sauce, but heat of course is up to you. I like both Cattleman’s and Budweiser commercial brands.

 The Coleslaw

1/4 head of a medium cabbage

mayo – scant 1/3 cup

pepper 1/2 tsp

salt – pinch

vinegar – 2 tsp

hot sauce 1 tbsp or as you wish

sugar – 1 tbsp or to taste

You of course can buy the store bought stuff, but slicing it yourself is certainly not hard. I’d say about 2 cups. As to the dressing, I know there is store dressing, but I have never used it. The point of this dressing is that it needs to be sweet to offset the tang of the barbecue sauce, and not too vinegary.

As to amounts, please understand that I don’t personally use a lot of measuring when I cook, so I’m trying to estimate for you. The coleslaw when dressed should be quite a bit drier than you might normally like for regular coleslaw. It’s the crunch and the sweetness that you want more than the mayo. If you barbecue sauce is quite “hot” then you might want to lessen the heat in the slaw.

 The Wontons

One package – you will use only a fraction of the package. I froze the balance in three packages. Don’t know if it will work or not, but I couldn’t just throw them away!

Oil for deep fat frying

This is the tricky part, and frankly I puzzled for a long time. Wontons are square, so to make them like “taco’s” means to corner them, leaving a fillable pocket. Also we assumed we had to submerge the entire thing and so we were thinking fairly deep oil as well.

All this is off-putting, since I don’t like the mess of deep frying, but in the end, we found it was simple. After trying to make the “taco” shapes, we realized that we could do it faster and easier by ignoring that shape entirely. (The pic above is NOT ours, but Applebee’s)

Use a small-even a 6 inch is fine-cast iron pan. Fill with at least an inch of oil (canola). Heat to around 375.  Lay the wonton in the oil and immediately depress the middle with the flat of a wooden spoon or a gravy ladle. Hold for a few seconds until the form is set and then let fry for a few additional seconds. They take only about 1 minute per, so it goes fast. Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel lined cookie sheet. When all are done, place in a warm oven until you are ready to eat.

The oil can be saved. It is essentially perfectly “clean.” So the mess is minimal and you don’t use much oil at all.

Assemble by placing a tablespoon or so of the pulled pork into the “well” and then add about the same amount of slaw. Enjoy.

I think some sprigs of cilantro might be a nice addition if you like it. We didn’t think of that. You can also of course use chicken or beef for that matter. As long as the meat will pull, it will work.

We ate four apiece. You may want more or less depending on whether you have any sides. The meat will make about 16 tacos I would guess. We tried the remainder of the meat on Sunday on just hamburger buns. The Contrarian thought they were fine, but the crunch of the wontons really really adds to the dish I found.

Short Takes on the Day 11/06/08

Tags

appetizers, Archaeology, cake, chocolate, Desserts, Election 2008, fundamentalism, gay rights, gender, GOP, History, McCain, Pork, Presidency, psychology, race, religion, voting

Well, I’ve been saving a few articles I have run across during my convalescence. As we alluded to last week, the post election press is full of the usual Obama transition elements, but much more fun is the crazy world of Republican politics. The fur is beginning to fly as predicted between Sarah and the McCain campaign operatives. As well, we find the beginnings of the super fight brewing between the moderate wing of the GOP and the reactionary wingnut right. Months of fun are to follow!

Religious Dispatches reports that the much touted and predicted death of the Religious Right is highly exaggerated. In fact, what we will witness seems to be a fight among them for control of the movement. The more moderate faction will attempt to work with the Obama administration, the more wingnuttery will vie for control and try to direct the GOP in an even more conservative mode. Read their analysis.

I am always fascinated with any article that purports to dissect people from a psychological point of view. This article from The Daily Beast suggests that at least subconsciously, McCain deliberately made decisions that would guarantee his defeat. This was not conscious but was subconsciously his way of destroying the people who had destroyed his campaign in 2000. I don’t know if its correct, but I very much have always assumed that much that drove Dubya was tied to his need to prove himself to daddy. I think McCain has issues that stem from his successful father and grandfather and his relative failure as a Navy man. Additionally I think his POW time has a huge impact on him psychologically that was dangerous in it’s possibilities. Read this article and make up your own mind.

Another great post at Religious Dispatches about what role race, gender and religion played in this election. I found the analysis quite thorough and if this subject interests you, I’m sure you will find something worthwhile in the reading.

As we welcome a new president in, Britannica Blog has a fun little post on other presidents and some of the quirky things they said and did. Did you know for instance that John Adams swam nude regularly in the Potomac? See? Now go get that perfect water cooler tidbit that you so desire to dazzle your coworkers with. Also good for the kids to use in that next book report! LOL.

History News Network probes the issue of race and it’s impact on the election. Their review of polling information provides some important conclusions that we should all reflect upon. Most important the so-called “Bradley” effect seems to have been debunked as erroneous.

As someone who is more often critical of the Vatican than otherwise, I am pleased to report that Vatican officials are returning the head of a sculpture to Greece for inclusion in it’s proper place in the Parthenon. The head will be on loan for a year, and may be renewed. As some may be aware, the topic of antiquity pieces being returned to their lawful owners is hot news around the archaeology world. Reportedly, the Vatican possesses at least two other pieces of the Parthenon which may also be turned over to Greece. In any event, it’s a fascinating subject. Visit Rogueclassicism for the details.

Oh chocolate sets my heart a singing as you well know. Baking Delights has a lovely chocolate lava cake to offer you palate. I tried one recipe for these which failed rather badly, so I’m interested to try it again when my back allows a little more time in the kitchen. Enjoy.

Since the holidays are now close upon us, I thought I would include this rather interesting recipe for empanadas which are a popular finger food in Spain and Portugal. These are pork curried empanadas and they just sounded great. If you are having a party and want something really elegant but not too hard to make, you might want to take a look. Simply Recipes also suggests that you can vary the filling and spices of course.

Okay, some of us deal with snow during the winter. And those of us who have been raised in that hellish environment know snow, you know what I mean? Well the Angry African sends us a hysterical piece on a novice and snow. He happily waves at the snow plow who covered up all his clean sidewalk and troops out to start shoveling again. You can imagine how long his love affair with snow lasted! Enjoy this piece, but be prepared to laugh a lot, or cry, if it sounds all too familiar. I was nearly screaming with laughter, and pain as my back started spasming from my guffaws! Stop this!

Although we scored a huge victory in Barack Obama’s presidency, we faired badly in California with Prop 8, the ban on gay marriage. I am sickened as are many by this development, one we thought was not possible only a few short weeks ago. But all is still not lost. Read AlterNet‘s report on the what the lawyers say about the legality of the new ban.

Well, enough for today. Enjoy the reads, I’ve already found some for tomorrow that will wow your socks off! LOL.

Is God Just Pissed or What?

Tags

Bush, Carribbean, embroidery, environment, Gardening, Iowa, Iraq, John McCain, Media, oceans, pasta, pesto, Pork, quilting, satire, vegetables, witchcraft, Women's history

Called “The Advanced Guard (the Ambush),” this piece was done by Frederic Remington in 1890. It is located at the Art Institute of Chicago. Two thoughts come to mind. I feel ambushed by the gush of water we have endured for the past twenty-four hours. I feel like I’m living on a floating flotsam of land on a sea of muck, and two, when did I start cheering for the Indians when I see pictures or movies involving Native Peoples and the Cavalry?

Oh what a holy mess. It poured buckets ALL night and the water is literally running downhill in rivers. I’m sure that we could force ourselves out if it were necessary but of course it is not, so we aren’t. We have gone from piles of snow to cold and rain for now close to six straight months with hardly a break of decent weather. It’s depressing. I fear for the garden at this point. The fact that we have a whopping two days without rain and temps in the low 80’s may save us, but I’m not sure.

The dogs are grumpy, and are stubbornly laying outside now, determined to be outside after spending way too much time indoors. My floors take a beating on days like this as 24 paws trip over the floors leaving their lovely impressions in dirty wet prints. And dogs just smell when they are wet, like old wet soggy leather. I need to make a dessert but frankly cannot get up the emotional gusto for the job. We are having hamburgers and home fries for dinner. Maybe some coleslaw, if I get up that energy! LOL. I just want to b**ch out the world today.

I’m convinced the world is nutso anyway. Dunkin Donuts cancels an ad because some wingnut on Fox Nonews thinks Rachel Ray’s scarf looks similar to the kind worn by Yasar Arafat? I mean who care what Foxthinks about anything? Has America gone mad? A Catholic priest rants like the worst kind of Telepreacher, embarrassing not only every sane Catholic but religion in general? Religion is looking awfully bad these days, no matter what type you practice. I think America is bipolar if you get my drift. I would move to a sane country if I could. I’m sick and embarrassed to be a member of this country right now. Well, let’s get to the news, it can’t be worse can it?

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Frankly the only pestos I’ve ever made were basil. I have made that several times when I had enough homegrown basil to make a big batch and freeze. This recipe from 101 Cookbooks is broccoli pesto and I thought it was a nice spring/summer type meal that can be made up quickly but elegantly as well.

This is hardly an uplifting story. It doesn’t take a big brain to conclude that global warming and pollution not only affect the air, but also our oceans. And the sad facts are that more and more “dead zones” are showing up in our seas and oceans around the world. The die off in marine life is horrid, and its not all caused by global warming either. Excessive fishing is totally changing the landscape under the waves, perhaps forever as we kill off one species after another in our greed to have it all.

I doubt that most people have any sympathy for Scotty McClellan. His allegations are undoubtedly true, and many have been saying the same for years. The problem is that Scotty’s new found attack of shame and the need to do the right thing, are well, just a tad late. But one has to admire the usual Bushite machine’s smearing of his name. It’s all been said and done before. In fact they even use the same tired excuses. In fact McClellan himself used the same excuses to smear other tell-all confessions, namely those of Richard Clarke. It is like a memo was sent out, giving the standard “talking points.”

Do you know what a nanologist is? Bet not. Feeling stitchy can tell you as well as show you some lovely stitched ones. Enjoy this little aside into embroidery fun. Your kids will love them, and weird old ladies probably will too! LOL.

Gardening Tips and Ideas has about four short reviews of new gardening books. I don’t indulge because I end up just looking at the pictures, and they generally seem awfully expensive. But many are addicted to cookbooks and gardening and crafting ones, so if you are, slip over and see if anything inspires you.

Here is a book many will be happy to spend some bucks on. Gracious Acres brings us the story of a small town guy who snapped pictures of life in Ridgeway Iowa for 60 years and never could even afford to print them. They finally have been and are collected in a book called, “Sunday Afternoon on the Porch” and are published by Iowa University Press. Make sure you take a look.

History of American Women continues to bring us stories of women charged with witchcraft in our colonial history. Today she focuses onSarah Averill Wildes. She was accused first by the sister of her husband’s first wife, then deceased. Eventually she was arrested in a sweep that included eight others and that spread from Salem to outlying towns. She was tried, convicted and then hung on July 19, 1896.

The Iowa Independenthas another profile of a Democrat running for that 4th district House seat currently held by Republican Latham. Read about Becky Greenwald and her rather impressive endorsements as she runs to win the nomination.

Inspired by Antique Quilts has some links to her favorite antique quilt makers. They are definitely not cheap but oh they are beautiful. It is delightful just to look at them. Do so if you need a visual pick-me-up today.

Jeannelle at Midlife by Farmlight has a uplifting story about how her son’s football team went to Parkersburg to help out in the tornado relief effort. The additional rain last night I’m sure did nothing to help matters a  bit. My thoughts continue to be with those people ravaged by the tornado and it’s aftermath. I cannot fathom the sense of loss people must be feeling and the strange out-of-body feeling it must engender.

Once Upon a Feast has a presto pasta roundup of recipes from around the net. If you can’t find one you like out of this array, then you don’t know pasta! LOL. I found more than a few that I would like to try. Pictures of each are a bonus along with the links to all the recipes.

McCain has made a point of appearinig to promote policies designed to stem global warming and aid our worn environment. Course, as many  of us suspected, it more talk than anything else. He misses the votes in Congress when they come up and fails to support the best bills, instead favoring those that are more in line with the Bushite desires. The Mav is a skunk it seems smelling up the biosphere with the usual rhetoric sans action.

I don’t know about you, but the Contrarian and I never miss an episode of either the Daily Show or The Cobert Report. We get some of the finest biting commentary on the news from them, something not available in the mainstream. It continues to amaze me how very influential they are becoming, and Steven’s “Cobert Nation” seems willing and able to do just about anything asked of them. The Salon offers a great little post on the influence of the satirists on politics.

Do you shuffle when you walk? Why if so, you are but doing as our ancestors may have done. Researchers claim that it is possible that bipedalism began with a shuffling motion designed to conserve metabolic energy. Okay, makes sense to me. Read about it at Science Digest.

This is an atypical recipe for me, but one I think I will give a go to. It’s called Pork Mango Picadillo and is a Caribbean treat. I think it would make a fine addition to any “international” dinner plan. Sounds great to me. Since it’s from Simply Recipes, you know it will be a fantastic one.

John McCain has made claims that while he disagrees a good deal about how the war in Iraq was prosecuted, he sees no alternative now since we are there, than to finish the job. But do his earlier pronouncements equal this new stance? The Nation in a well researched report, suggests the answer is a resounding NO, and that McCain has supported and echoed the Administration line from start to well, finished it still is not. Read about what he ACTUALLY SAID throughout the war years and make up your own mind.

I must say this little post just made me laugh. Bush doesn’t intend to read Scotty’s book! Is this a joke? Does he read any book? Too too funny and just the knee slapper I needed today.

Veggie Gardening Tips has some ideas about growing heirloom tomatoes. I’ve done a lot of this, mostly growing from seed. They have done okay for the most part, but remember, most of these plants are very much more susceptible to disease, and if you put up a lot like I do, you learn to appreciate the nice round blemish free tomatoes from the more modern hybrids. But for pure pleasure eating, the heirlooms are wonderful.

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“There’s an old saying about those who forget history. I don’t remember it, but it’s good.” Stephen Colbert

“Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act.” Truman Capote

“I’m living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart.” e.e. cummings

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Just dumb things said:

I think the team that wins Game 5 will win the series. Unless we lose Game 5.”
– Charles Barkley, NBA Basketball Player

“China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.”
– Charles De Gaulle, former French President

“Most lies about blondes are false.”
– Cincinnati Times-Star, headline

“If you give a person a fish, they’ll fish for a day. But if you train a person to fish, they’ll fish for a lifetime.”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President

It’s time for the human race to enter the solar system!”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President on the concept of a manned mission to Mars

“I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix.”
– Dan Quayle, former U.S. Vice President

“Sit by the homely girl, you’ll look better by comparison.”
– Debra Maffett, Miss America 1983

“We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out.”
– Decca Records Rejecting the Beatles, in 1962

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John McCain repeated his assertion that Barack Obama should visit Iraq to really learn about the country. When asked for how long, Senator McCain replied a three- or four-year tour of duty should take care of it.

New York Governor David Patterson has announced that the state will begin to back same-sex marriages from elsewhere. Rudy Giuliani immediately countered with the argument that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and then another woman, and then the other woman.— Janice Hough, Palo Alto, Calif.

NASA says the toilet on the international space station is clogged. Until now, what’s always been the worst problem for restroom facilities in zero gravity? Remembering to keep the lid down. – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.

Mind Flipping Incongruities

Tags

1st Amendment, American History, astronomy, Barack Obama, breakfast, Bush, environment, Gardening, gay rights, Israel, John McCain, Military, Palestine, religion, Sauces, SCOTUS, seafood, tex-mex, vegetables, Women's history

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This lovely painting is by Pierre Auguste Renoir and is called “Near the Lake.” It was done in 1879/80 and is from the Art Institute of Chicago.

It’s a rather gloomy Tuesday, with the sun long gone it seems. It did peek out a bit earlier this morning, but that it appears is all we are likely to get today. Rain is again in the offing for later. Like we have room for any more. I cleaned the fridge today. That started out as a much easier job than it finished out being. I did a lot of cleaning around the seals in the door which had gotten a bit gunky, if you get my drift. Anyway, it’s done now. I haven’t cleaned behind yet. The Contrarian didn’t sleep well last night so he went back to bed when I got up. So that is my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.

On with the news:

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I think I featured a crab cake recipe recently, but I found this one with a fabulous sauce that I just couldn’t resist. So take a look and see if you like Crab Cakes with Green Mango Salsa. A Mingling of Tastes brings you this lovely one.

Another Bushite in trouble. Scott Bloch, self described “devout” Catholic and hater of all things gay, is in some deep trouble with the FBI which has raided his office and home looking for evidence that he has obstructed the investigation of his own misconduct at head of the Office of Special Counsel. Bloch as far back as 1971 has opposed the anti-war movement and women’s rights as well, making him an all-purpose hater of various minorities, and a lover of war. That of course made him just right for the neo-cons of the Bush Administration. The investigation has to do with his alleged treatment of employees.

As many of you may know, John McCain recently gave a speech on the environment in an attempt to establish his creds with voters. According to Alternet, and reporter John Nichols, McCain is full of hot air. It seems much of what he touts as new environmental policy is old science, much of which is now outdated by newer stuff. Experts say his new policy is arranged more to get votes than it is to make any real difference on the planet. See what you think.

I admit that there are a huge number of vice presidents that I don’t know anything at all about. This suggests of course, that most VP’s are not particularly noteworthy. American Presidents Blog has some nice trivia about a few of them and a link to more information.

We all have faced the problem of plants that start out wonderful, then suddenly start wilting and just going ugly. Disease strikes quickly and seemingly without warning. Sally’s Gardening Tips has some great ideas for you to help avoid losing your precious flowers and vegetables to disease.

Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas has found the most interesting little site. It’s about landscaping on a miniature scale, someone like bonsai. The site is called Little Landscapes and it has plenty of pictures and instructions. This looks like so much fun and would be a wonderful project to push away those winter doldrums. (They sell a lot of the “accessories” but I do think you could be creative at any craft store.) They are so cute you just have to want one for yourself.

Seal tries sex with a penguin. Yep. You read that correctly. You do not need glasses. Go to Live Scienceand read all about this phenomenon that was actually caught on film. The picture is not very good, lol, but my goodness, what is the world coming to?

Wow, this recipe caught my eye. Corn Cakes! What a delightful idea for a brunch addition. It’s easy and I think would just be lovely to fix on a late spring Sunday morning for eating on the patio. Midwest Neurotica offers us this fine fare.

David Brooks who has to some extent lost his ultra conservative credentials among the ultra conservatives at least, has a thought provoking essay on religion, brain research and spirituality. I think his ideas are correct actually. I think he correctly zeroes in that the next major argument is not going to be God versus science, but true spirituality versus religious institutions. Read his post and see what you think.

Pauline Bonaparte is the subject of Scandalous Women‘s latest foray in the wonderful world of women and history. Be sure not to miss it, and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance at a free book.

Maybe you don’t think finding a single carbon monoxide molecule from a galaxy 11 billion light years away is important, but scientists seem to think it’s pretty darn exciting. The trick is that this  allows them to learn the temperature of the galaxy when the Universe was only 20% of its present age, and that’s a might long time ago. The universe is estimated to be about 14-15 billion years old. So do the math. In fact, predictions of the temperature were 9.3K. Actual results from the test turned out to be 9.1K with a wiggle room of 0.7, so the predictions were very accurate.

As we have previously reported, McCain has jumped on the conservative bandwagon with both feet, determined to resurrect himself among those he derided in 2000 as divisive elements in political discourse. He is now touting that judicial activism must be opposed. Of course, there is no such thing, it simply is code for GOP/religious right rhetoric that we don’t like the decisions coming from the courts and want to them rule as we prefer. Paul Waldman has an excellent post at American Prospect that you really should read. It turns out that if anybody can be called activist, its conservative judges, not the so-called liberal ones.

If you are not sure where exactly Barack Obama stands on the issue of Israel and Palestine, then two posts should help you, both are first hand interviews with Obama and not their personal conclusions about what they have read. Read Martin Peretz, editor-in-chief of The New Republictake on OBama and Israel, as well as Jeffrey Goldberg‘s interview from The Atlantic. And you can also drop by Urantian Sojourn and get Saitia’s take on the issue as well. (It’s a main site link again. Sorry, but I’m still having trouble with their website)

As a long time resident of Michigan for the better/worse parts of my life, I am very familiar with this story. Dow Chemical has been a major Michigan polluter for, well, nearly as long as I have been alive. It has continuously tried to avoid responsibility for its dirty practices. Today, a member of the EPA claims she was forced to resign by the Bushites because she was leaning hard on Dow to, as usual, clean up its act. Read a long and thorough account of Dow historically in Michigan and up to today’s news. Remember, when you see companies who have no consumer business, doing ads on TV about how environmentally good they are, you can be sure they are getting leaned on for being dirty.

Since the Pentagon was forced to release all that information on its attempts to seed the media with pentagon friendly “analysts,” the dirt just continues to build up. I mean the documents are so damning that some somebodies are going to pay a huge price. I assume congressional hearings will be in the offing quite soon. I mean you just have to read this stuff to be amazed at how our Constitution has been ripped to shreds by Bush/Cheney. Thanks to Think Progress for the excerpts.

I’d never heard of St. Sunniva, patron saint of Norway. Melisende has a lovely little bio of her at Women of History. Stop by and learn who she was.

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“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a rich widow.” Evan Esar

“Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.” Paul Gauguin

“He’s simply got the instinct for being unhappy highly developed.” Saki

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Best pickup lines? or the worst?

If you were a booger I’d pick you first.

Baby did you fart, ’cause you blow me away!

Is there an airport nearby or is that my heart taking off?

Are my undies showing? Answer: “No.” You: “Would you like them to?

Aren’t you the tiger on the Frosted Flakes box? Cuz you look “Grrrreat!”

Baby, you’re the next contestant in the game of love.

Can I get a picture of you so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas?

Don’t walk into that building — the sprinklers might go off!

Excuse me, do I need to buy a ticket for your fantastic voyage?

~~~&&&~~~&&&~~~

But if you look at this historically, it’s not that difficult to believe that Hillary would still be campaigning. Listen to this. Once a year, in his basement, Al Gore gives a State of the Union address. David Letterman

From The Onion:

Number Of Acceptable Things
Candidates Can Say Now Down To Four

NEW YORK—After Sen. Barack Obama’s comments last week about what he typically eats for dinner were criticized by Sen. Hillary Clinton as being offensive to both herself and the American voters, the number of acceptable phrases presidential candidates can now say are officially down to four. “At the beginning of 2007 there were 38 things candidates could mention in public that wouldn’t be considered damaging to their campaigns, but now they are mostly limited to ‘Thank you all for coming,’ and ‘God bless America,’” ABC News chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos said on Sunday’s episode of This Week. “There would still be five phrases available to the candidates if the Obama camp hadn’t accused Clinton of saying ‘Glad to be here’ with a little tinge of sarcasm during a stump speech in North Carolina.” As of press time, the two additional phrases still considered appropriate for candidates are the often-quoted “These pancakes are great,” and “Death to the infidels.”