SHERIDAN, Colo. A couple planning to set off their own Super Bowl pyrotechnics accidentally blew up their own car while transporting a balloon filled with an explosive gas. Normally the only explosive gas at my parties comes after I eat my chili
Norman Frey, 46, and his companion suffered busted eardrums in the explosion Sunday as they drove to a Super Bowl party, according to the Arapahoe County sheriff. The balloon had been filled with acetylene, a flammable gas used in welding, and it had rolled across the back seat, possibly causing static electricity that ignited the gas. Must have been all out of hydrogen
The explosion broke windows, bent doors outwards and pushed up the roof about a foot. Looking at the car closely, it's amazing that these people weren't killed, Sheriff Grayson Robinson said. Saw it on the news, he missed the Darwin by that much
Several people reported the explosion, but when a deputy arrived, Frey and the woman had abandoned the vehicle. The license plate led them to Frey, who faces a felony charge of possession, use, or removal of explosives or incendiary devices. The woman will not be charged, authorities said. "Told you the party would be a blast. Honey? Honey? Now where did she go?"
Posted by: steve ||
02/07/2006 17:42 ||
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The explosion broke windows, bent doors outwards and pushed up the roof about a foot.
What comes of using ACME designs and gas.
Semi-ot.... acetylene? Could an acetylene ballon launch? Seems like it would havier that the atmosphere.
... I'm a wee bit worried for his well-being...
Rotting whale giving off giant smell
Dave Mark
A 10-TONNE sperm whale which beached off Spurn Point is expected to stay in the remote spot where it died for weeks to come and is already starting to decompose.
Yesterday it remained unclear which authority was responsible for disposing of the 30ft carcass, and the Receiver of Wrecks was officially informed.
It is now thought that regardless of who has responsibility for the grim task, disposal teams will be unable to move it because of the position in which it beached and the size of the creature.
Tony Ellis, of Humber Coastguard, said: "It couldn't have ended up in a more difficult to reach position. The rescue operation was hampered because it was so hard to get to the whale, and the same problem will arise with trying to dispose of it.
"Nature is already starting to take its course and there's a bad smell coming off it and what looks like a slick of oil, and it won't be long before the seagulls will be arriving for a meal. It's just how nature does things.
"If it does start to float then the authorities may be able to tow it out to sea, or take it somewhere and cut it up. Any suggestion of blowing it up is just a nonsense, as that would just spread the putrefecation.
"I think it will probably be there for some considerable time, but we'll know better how to dispose of it when it has decomposed more. It isn't going to smell great for a while, that's for sure."
Eddie Fell, assistant operations manager with East Riding Council, said: "The whale is currently 500 yards from the beach and is stuck on mud flats. As it poses no risk to the public, or to shipping, we have decided that a recovery operation would not be feasible at the moment. Working with the maritime and coastguard agency we are looking at all options for its removal but nothing is likely to happen before the next major tide."
The sperm whale became stuck in the sands of the estuary on Saturday morning during low tide. Humber Coastguard was alerted by a passer-by who spotted a large grey shape three quarters of a mile off the coast of Kilnsea. The giant creature was in about only a foot of water, and appeared to have a large gash on one of its flanks.
A rescue operation was launched by the coastguard, RNLI and British Divers' Marine Life Rescue Service, which was involved in the well-publicised operation to save a bottle-nosed whale in the Thames two weeks ago.
The sperm whale, usually found in the deep water of the Atlantic was declared dead at 3.10pm the same day.
...at a manslaughter sentencing hearing.
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) The judge who led her courtroom in a Super Bowl cheer before a manslaughter sentencing hearing has issued an apology to the victim's family, prosecutors and others in the court. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Beverly G. Grant had said she was just trying to ease tensions Friday when she asked everyone to say "Go Seahawks" before starting the hearing. On Monday, after drawing heavy criticism, Grant said she never meant to hurt anyone's feelings and issued the apology. "I take full responsibility, particularly as it has impacted the Patricelli family, the judiciary system and others," Grant wrote. "I have consistently tried to treat everyone in my court with dignity, fairness and respect. ... My sincere regrets to all." Grant resentenced Steve Keo Teang at the hearing to 13 1/2 years in prison for the shooting death of Tino Patricelli during a fight outside a tavern. After the hearing, sheriff's deputies and lawyers said they were embarrassed by the cheer for the Seattle Seahawks, and Patricelli's stepmother, Kathy Patricelli, said she was offended.
#2
Nothing like a little humor and sports-related good cheer to lighten up the oh-so-grim court proceedings when your son's murderer receives his sentence.
Posted by: Dar ||
02/07/2006 16:13 Comments ||
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Angry Egyptians awaiting news of relatives who were aboard a ferry which sank in the Red Sea last week ransacked the office of the vessel's owners on Monday and set fire to the furniture, witnesses said. Reuters Television footage showed a crowd of men hurling chairs, filing cabinets and airconditioning units out of the first floor office, piling them up in front of the building and starting the fire, shouting and chanting as they did so. Witnesses had earlier said the fire had been set inside the office building, used by the el Salam Maritime Transport Company and located near the Red Sea port of Safaga. Police fired tear gas to drive away the crowd and firefighters doused the flames.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/07/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
It's very confusing to me : did the ferry firm publish some kind of cartoons about old Mo' or something? They were chanting? What were they chanting? Brit pop? The Ramones? Were the hurled chairs zionist? Danish-made? Ikea, perhaps? But Ikea is swedish, or is it from Norway, can't remember.
I'm lost here, please help me. I'm so confused.
Anyway, glad to see that Moderate Muslims(tm) stay true to type.
#2
The ferry firm office ransacking is just the Egyptians' coming to terms with the Insh'Allah thing. It is like a cruel Zen Koan.
Of course, a properly designed, crewed, and maintained ferry would minimize great tragedies like the one we have witnessed, but such banal tasks would be beneath the the dignity of the followers of Allan. Like I said before: Insh'Allah for them.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/07/2006 10:13 Comments ||
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Id say its a helluva lot saner to ransack the offices of a company that was negligent in the deaths of your kinfolk then to ransack an embassy over a bunch of silly cartoons.
I mean just consider this there cheaper alternative to tort lawyers. :)
#11
Well i'd hire a good lawyer. But Im not sure that works as well in Egypt.
My point is to lash out in anger at folks whove done you wrong (dont know if there was evidence tehre) is more understandable than lashing out about some cartoons.
China said Tuesday it has formally complained to Washington over a Pentagon report that calls China a potential military threat, and the foreign ministry accused the United States of trying to mislead public opinion.
The report, released Friday, expressed concerns about Beijing's rising military spending to project power beyond China's borders.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said the report made "groundless accusations regarding the normal national defense development in China, interferes with China's domestic affairs and plays up the theory of the Chinese military threat, thereby misleading public opinion."
Kong said China had made "solemn representations to the U.S. side," without providing details.
"We are an important force that promotes the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world," Kong said. "We have not, do not and will not pose a threat."
China's official military budget for 2005 was $30.7 billion, based on current exchange rates, after a decade of double-digit annual increases. But foreign analysts say the true spending is several times that. A Pentagon report last year put the figure at between $50 billion and $70 billion, which it said was the world's third-highest military budget.
"Of the major and emerging powers, China has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the United States and field disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional U.S. military advantages absent U.S. counter strategies," the latest Pentagon report said.
By comparison, President Bush in his budget proposal this week said America's military budget in 2007 should be $439.3 billion, a 6.9 percent increase over 2006 for the Pentagon. That figure does not include the costs of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
China has spent heavily in recent years to modernize its 2.5 million-member army, focusing on adding high-tech weapons to extend its reach and back up threats to attack rival Taiwan.
"The United States should correct its wrong view and treat China's peaceful development in an objective and positive manner," Kong said. "It should stop making groundless remarks and do more to benefit the stable and healthy development of China-U.S. relations."
Asian governments from Japan to Southeast Asia to India worry about Beijing's growing military power.
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/07/2006 10:00 Comments ||
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"We are an important force that promotes the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world," Kong said... proclaiming China's stance on Tibet and Taiwan and highlighting China's aid to North Korea, Pakistan, Venezuela, Iran...
#7
What now? Are the politburo Mandarins taking lessons from the Muslims?
We get to build up our military with no visible external threats, hint at nuclear attacks upon America, seek to topple an elected democracy ... but say one negative thing regarding us and let the seething begin!!!
Stephen Harper was sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister yesterday, as for the first time in more than 12 years the Conservative Party rules the traditionally liberal nation. The 46-year-old economist has pledged to cut taxes and clean up government. Welcome, Mr. Harper. Now get out there and defend those borders! And watch out, the Grits won't take their defeat lying down.
KING FUNERAL TURNS POLITICAL: BUSH BASHED BY FORMER DOLT PRESIDENT, REVEREND
Tue Feb 07 2006 15:49:48 ET
Today's memorial service for civil rights activist Coretta Scott King -- billed as a Bashing of Bush "celebration" of her life -- turned suddenly predictable political as one former dolt,village idiot,peanut head president took a swipe at the current president, who was also lashed by an outspoken black pastor! Not to be confused with Jesse, Al etc... The outspoken Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of Bash Conservatives Southern Christian Leadership Conference, ripped into President Bush during his short speech, ostensibly not about the wife of Martin Luther King Jr.
"She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war. She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar. We know now that there were no weapons of mass destruction over there,other than Syria, Iran etc..." Lowery said.
The mostly black crowd applauded, then rose to its feet and cheered in a two-minute-long standing ovation to stupidity.
A closed-circuit television in the mega-church outside Atlanta showed the president smiling uncomfortably thinking to himself "Why do I protect these people?".
"But Coretta knew, and we know," Lowery continued, "That there are weapons of misdirection right down here,speaking from this pulpit " he said, nodding his head toward the row of presidents past and present. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!" The crowd again cheered wildly. Love the rhyme. "If the war's legit, they don't sit"Former President Jimmy Carter later swung and missed at Bush as well, not once but twice. As he talked about the Kings, he said: "It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps during the Kennedy administration ." The crowd cheered as Bush, under fire for a secret wiretapping program he ordered after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, again smiled weakly. Gotta be thinking "I'm tired of all these crap weasels"
Later, Carter said Hurricane Katrina showed that all are not yet equal in America. Look at the stats more whites than blacks died based on population norms Some black leaders have blamed Bush for the poor federal response, and rapper Kayne West said that Bush "hates" black people.
#3
Reminds me of the Paul Wellstone "memorial rally"...
Posted by: Dave D. ||
02/07/2006 20:22 Comments ||
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#4
The GWOT > once again about the Fed and only the Fed, once again proving that the greatest singular threat to free America is not and never was domestic "Creeping/Gradual Socialism-Communism". The Radics can kill as many ordinary Amers as they want, but Fascist = Limited SOcialist-Commie Clintonian Washington must continue to pay out.
Score one for Powerline's Paul Mirengoff, who asked Sen. Dick Durbin some tough questions about the NSA hearings today. Durbin, as public figures sometimes do when they're under pressure, tried to make Mirengoff's credentials an issue:
Q: But the attorney general says FISA allows intercepts that are otherwise authorized by statue. And he also says that that was authorized in the authorization of force act.
DURBIN: That's his argument. You've just repeated it.
Q: Well, why don't - if you disagree with that argument, why don't you go on the floor and try to get a vote and have the Senate say whether or not the authorization of force - with all force necessary-
DURBIN: No, you've got it wrong. You've got it wrong. I don't know - who do you work for, incidentally?
Q: Powerline and Pajamas Media.
DURBIN: Jamas Media?
Q: Pajamas Media.
DURBIN: Pajama Media?
Q: And Powerline.
DURBIN: Okay, I'm sorry I wasn't familiar with your publication. But I will just tell you this: the argument is the Constitution spells out the powers of the president, as well as the powers of the legislative branch and the judicial branch. And statutes will be followed if, in fact, they put exclusive authority. That's was FISA does. It creates the word ""exclusive means" - exclusive authority. And they are reading more into it now than the statute obviously allows.
Q: But did you hear Gonzales say-
DURBIN: I'll check out Pajamaline, but I'm not familiar with your publication.
Q: Yeah. Dan Rather knows something about it. (laughter)
Posted by: Yosemite Sam ||
02/07/2006 12:51 ||
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Heh, read this one at PL - pretty funny. Kennedy preceeded Durbin and ran away before they got to the punchline stuff, lol.
The Dhimmidonk partisan's classic duck of the baseline issue.
It's not about any legislation passed, FISA or whatever, it's about the Constitution and the enumerated powers of the Office of President. Everything else be wankin' for the media. Pajamas optional, heh.
NEW DELHI Members of one of the worlds most primitive and isolated tribes have killed two fishermen who strayed on to their island in Indias Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, a senior government official said yesterday.
Coast guards spotted two bodies buried in sand last month on North Sentinel Island, 40km west of the island chains capital, Port Blair, said chief administrator D.S. Negi. A group of about 20 Sentinelese tribes people were surrounding them, Negi said. They (the tribals) were naked and carrying bows and arrows, he told Reuters by telephone.
The Indian government has banned anyone from going near Sentinel Island where about 250 tribe members live a hunter-gathering lifestyle little changed since the Stone Age.
Negi said he had no knowledge of any previous killing of outsiders by the islanders. He said the fishermen, a young boy and an older man who lived in Port Blair had probably drifted towards the island without realising their mistake.
"Now, now, my nephew, they're just primitives, let me handle them."
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/07/2006 00:00 ||
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wow quite interesting that, kinda like a mini North Korea.
#2
Fascinating place and people, for my money the most interesting on the planet. And totally hostile to outsiders. You step ashore, the arrows zip out of the foliage.
I like the idea there are still lost worlds untouched by civilisation.
They found one this week in the mountains of West Papua.
Thousands of new species, and rare species of mammals totally unafraid of humans. Scientists just picked them up to study them. A paradise. Hope nobody goes there and wrecks it.
I have no doubt that as soon as the word gets out where this paradise is, the "environmentalists" will descend en masse to "protect" the place and its fauna - right out of existence. :-(
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/07/2006 13:58 Comments ||
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India does not permit access to most of these islands.
The tribals are quite vulnerable and the position of the Indian government and the Courts is that they must be left alone.
Any enviros will end up in a Navy brig.
A few of the islands are quite strategic. They hold listening posts. One has an airbase with long range Su-30 MKI fighters armed with cruise missiles. It holds the only tri-service command (army-navy-air force).
It has been suggested that a portion of the air force's second strike nuclear capability be based there (which may explain the Sukhoi squadron being moved there recently).
Posted by: john ||
02/07/2006 16:07 Comments ||
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#6
After the Tsunami, an Indian Coast Guard helicopter arrived to search for survivors and drop aid.
The Sentinalese had survived. They had gone to the high ground before the wave struck and were unaffected.
One naked warrior fired arrows at the chopper.
Posted by: john ||
02/07/2006 16:17 Comments ||
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#7
The Sentinalese had survived. They had gone to the high ground before the wave struck and were unaffected.
British judge Dame Rosalyn Higgins, 68, was yesterday elected president of the International Court of Justice. She is the first woman to hold the three-year position at the UN court based in the Hague, Netherlands.
I presume she's the judge who will preside over Dubya's trial in a few years*.
#3
Another brillant European invention designed not to solve anything, but make a good show that by proceedings, demonstrate that they mean good. Bets on who gets convicted first - Miloević or Saddam?
A Russian astronomer has predicted that Earth will experience a "mini Ice Age" in the middle of this century, caused by low solar activity.
Khabibullo Abdusamatov of the Pulkovo Astronomic Observatory in St. Petersburg said Monday that temperatures will begin falling six or seven years from now, when global warming caused by increased solar activity in the 20th century reaches its peak, RIA Novosti reported.
The coldest period will occur 15 to 20 years after a major solar output decline between 2035 and 2045, Abdusamatov said.
Dramatic changes in the earth's surface temperatures are an ordinary phenomenon, not an anomaly, he said, and result from variations in the sun's energy output and ultraviolet radiation.
The Northern Hemisphere's most recent cool-down period occurred between 1645 and 1705. The resulting period, known as the Little Ice Age, left canals in the Netherlands frozen solid and forced people in Greenland to abandon their houses to glaciers, the scientist said.
#2
Nah. I'm sure that, even though it can't predict the weather 5 days in advance, the Church of the Immaculate Global Warming knows exactly what will happen to the earth's climate over the next 100 years.
#3
You Global Warming skeptics are really scraping bottom, huh?
You *are* aware this theory is not new, aren't you? And I'm not just talking about the "Coming Ice Age" hysteria of the '70s.
Besides, given the historical correlation between the peaks of human cultures world-wide and warmer climates, I'm about as worried about climate change as I am about seasonal change.
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/07/2006 15:24 Comments ||
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#4
I still think that Kyoto could have prevented this.
#6
A russian astronomer - versus the consensus of climate scientists in the West?
and no they cant say EXACTLY what will happen in 100 years. You have to plan based on the most likely case.
"Besides, given the historical correlation between the peaks of human cultures world-wide and warmer climates"
yeah, could be good for agriculture IF it follows patterns of past peaks. Which IIUC many think will NOT be the case. But past human civilizations hadnt put billions of dollars of urban investments on the coasts.
#7
"Besides, given the historical correlation between the peaks of human cultures world-wide and warmer climates"
Read an interesting book a while back that documented the collapse of Roman rule in Britain. Whilst it wasn't the author's contention, it was clear to me that climate cooling destroyed the agricultural economy that supported Roman rule.
#8
Read an interesting book a while back that documented the collapse of Roman rule in Britain. Whilst it wasn't the author's contention, it was clear to me that climate cooling destroyed the agricultural economy that supported Roman rule.
Huh?
Roman rule collapsed as the environment was getting warmer, heading towards the medieval climate optimum. Heck, they were growing GRAPES in southern England.
The collapse of literacy, and with it the loss of agricultural techniques and animal husbandry did post-roman Britain in, plus those pesky Anglo-Saxons enslaving most of the population...
Next year is gonna be like this year, 10 years from now is gonna look a lot like the last 2 years, 50 years from now is likely to be warmer, but there's a good chance it could be cooler or even average. Keep it under your hat.
#10
LH - looking for a grant? Or sipped the blue koolaid?
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/07/2006 18:48 Comments ||
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#11
Roman rule collapsed as the environment was getting warmer, heading towards the medieval climate optimum.
Rome declined as the Roman Warm Period ended and collapsed during the Dark Ages Cold Period. The MCO was much later, around 1000 AD.
yeah, could be good for agriculture IF it follows patterns of past peaks. Which IIUC many think will NOT be the case.
Ah, well then. So long as you toss out any evidence that doesn't fit the result you want, you'll see what you want. The sun might not come up tomorrow, too, but given the past performance, I'll bet on the future results.
But past human civilizations hadnt put billions of dollars of urban investments on the coasts.
So?
For every billion we have on the coasts, we have ten inland. You may as well fret about the Big One coming to California -- and wiping out the billions we've invested there -- or the Big One coming to the New Madrid fault and wiping out St. Louis, Memphis, Peoria (OK, no loss there), etc.
And if warming is anthropogenic, what did we do to Mars? Or, fer crissake, Pluto?
Global Warming -- or Climate Change as it's now being called -- is just worrying for the sake of political power. Another in the proud chain that gave us the Club of Rome, Limits to Growth, etc. The instigators have wised up a little, this time, and are now declaring every extreme bit of weather as "proof".
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/07/2006 20:14 Comments ||
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#12
D ***, no more Coppertone and sunbloc, etc. and GASP, NO BIKINIS?, for the beach babes - maybe we should convert to Islam and Burquas after all!?
#3
The "Girls of the Jihad" spread is going to be pretty boring...
Posted by: Jonathan ||
02/07/2006 11:02 Comments ||
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#4
This law will be used to crush the hindu topless beauties of Bali, the natives of the Indonesian part of New Guniea and to destroy old sculptures that litter the landscape from Hindu days.
#5
Miss October comes in a sexy big black tent billowing down from the tip of her saucy head to the ground.
And those rays emanating from her hairs just leap out from beneath the burka to smite your special spot even though you can't see them.
and she's wearing glasses too, very attractive, draw attention to those alluring peepers just visible through that 5cm slit across the face of her burqa.
Hubba hubba.
Mohammad, get me my acid, I need to teach this takfir slut a lesson!
Aw, c'mon RD. All you gotta do is give a link and add the NSFW tag. Why, it's just like dealing with an asshole CO. Just preference your criticism of his ancestry with the " With all due respect to your rank and position, ..." You can say anything, then. Of course you'll still end up in LBJ or Leavenworth, but you'll feel really really good about yourself. Honest.
#8
pretty pathetic when your sexiness is defined by the thread count in your sheet covering you head to toe, huh?
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/07/2006 13:14 Comments ||
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#9
Oh, my gosh, Frank, I needed a coffee alert on that one! Da#n you, my screen's all wet now!
Posted by: BA ||
02/07/2006 13:25 Comments ||
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#10
"Porn row"? Isn't that what Bo Derek wore in "10"?
Posted by: Dar ||
02/07/2006 15:14 Comments ||
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#11
The people behind this are using religious values to make their argument, especially Muslim groups. It is not stated in the bill, but the standard being used is the standard of
Sharia law .
In keeping with highly educational and historic references here at RB:>>> Nudity Standards in Islamic countries weren't all that strict 100 years ago.
Some examples: NSFW
Shortcomings in aid from the U.S. government are making New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin look to other nations for help in rebuilding his hurricane-damaged city. Nagin, who has hosted a steady stream of foreign dignitaries since Hurricane Katrina hit in late August, says he may seek international assistance because U.S. aid has not been sufficient to get the city back on its feet.
"I know we had a little disappointment earlier with some signals we're getting from Washington but the international community may be able to fill the gap," Nagin said when a delegation of French government and business officials passed through on Friday to explore potential business partnerships. Jordan's King Abdullah also visited New Orleans on Friday and Nagin said he would encourage foreign interests to help redevelop some of the areas hardest hit by the storm. "France can take Treme. The king of Jordan can take the Lower Ninth Ward," he said, referring to two of the city's neighborhoods.
French Transport Minister Dominique Perben, leading the French delegation to a city that was founded by France in 1718, said, "This catastrophe has deeply upset the French people and the French government." France, Perben said through a translator, "wants to be a long-term partner for Louisiana and New Orleans."
#1
We are living in a post-Westphalia, post heroic, post-religious world. The Internet came just in time to unite those of us still willing to fight for freedom.
#2
The only reason that Nagin is still mayor of New Orleans is that he got the elections delayed. His problem is similar to the Palestinians: nobody wants to pour money down a rathole. His insistence on local control of money deters would be donors. No one trusts the locals not to just steal it. Nagin is not only inept, but appears to be corrupt and politically tone-deaf as well. If he and Blanco would just get out of the way, things could start happening.
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#6
Just another angle for Democrats to gather campaign cash from foreign donors, IMHO. I mean, Christ, how much of New Orleans' budget ends up in crony's hands already?
Posted by: Robert Crawford ||
02/07/2006 8:13 Comments ||
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#7
This is all BS. Let's see how much money actually goes to Nawlins from abroad. Since when do other countries have $ to throw around? Everyone looks to Uncle Sam; if he can't do no one can.
#9
Quit rewarding stupidity. The Federal gov has already spent or has in the pipline more than $100 billion for Katrina relief, much of it for New Orleans. Since either corruption or stupidy (not lack of money) allowed those levies to be breached, I say blow Lake Ponchartrain and let the mosquitoes reclaim the swamp land.
Posted by: ed ||
02/07/2006 8:38 Comments ||
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#10
New Orleans is "foreign" anyway.
Posted by: Captain America ||
02/07/2006 8:58 Comments ||
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#11
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#14
Hey folks, I'm ready to dump all the comments on this thread. New Orleans and Gulf Coast are still in a real bad way. I'm not happy with Nagin's grandstanding either, but c'mon, these are American citizens, our friends and neighbors. And several steadfast Rantburgians as well. Quite honestly, all the gov't entities are making a real hash of things. Let's spend more energy trying to help rebuild, and less time sneering.
#16
I like the Sinktrap idea, the ability to hunt out what was cut is a great concept. Having said that...
Nagin is an opportunist. His claims are designed to (a) speed up the money (b) remove some of the strings from the money (c) cover his own butt. They are posturing and shouldn't be taken seriously. He didn't act like Guliani during the crisis so why would he change his ways now?
Foreign nations might actually donate money if they believe it gives them an opportunity to embarrass the US or Bush. Not great amounts mind you but the Ray Nagin retirement fund will take any and all amounts because even in New Orleans his political career is probably over.
#18
Heh. The sinktrap thingy reminds me of the old Comedy Roasts. The pinnacle roast speech was given by Red Buttons as he extolled the extensive achievements of a whole raft of folks - each anecdote closing with the fact that this paragon of whatever "never got a roast"... *sniff* I'm kinda jealous that I've never been sink-trapped.
#19
These type of hateful comments coming from the right about New Orleans should come as no surprise because the right is infamous for being intolerant of people in the U.S. that dont look, think, or act like themselves.
Perhaps what blacks have been saying all along has been true of the rescue/rebuild efforts by the Bush administration: If the skin color of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as seen via
television had been white, the response would have been much quicker and thorough.
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 13:26 Comments ||
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#20
Two words: Oh, shuddup.
Wotta dipshit.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/07/2006 13:35 Comments ||
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#23
Hey, #19 Delbert CS - I don't care it they're pink with purple polkadots, anyone who wants to live lower than the water next door is nuts.
And I can't think why I should have to work my ass off and have my hard-earned money confiscated by any government to help them move back in and put themselves in that untenable position again.
Here's a better - and cheaper - idea: Buy up all the land that was below water when the levees failed (and that would be in both black and white, rich and poor neighborhoods, by the way) and turn it back into the swampland wetlands it's supposed to be. Rebuild someplace else.
But of course that would preclude the inept Nagin and his political cronies getting their hands on more money to line their pockets waste.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/07/2006 13:54 Comments ||
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#24
Barbara, I agree. It's important that these folks that used to live at below sea level areas be relocated to higher ground so that this catastrophe doesn't occur again. The elected officials should be working to educate these people to this fact. With the global warming telling us that we'll be seeing more vicious hurricanes in the future, we need to prepare ourselves for them, not continue to be vulnerable by rebuilding on low ground.
"U.S. aid has not been sufficient.."
My God there's been a hell of alot of money given, I'd like to see the money trail here.
One other thought that I really haven't heard mentioned much if at all. While it's being said or felt that "these folks" are being vicitmized or that this area hasn't been helped because they are poor and or black, is very wrong. This area of New Orleans has always been rich with culture and a history that anyone who visits holds dear to their heart. I know I have and saying this, I'm one who wants to help keep this rich cultural society alive and well. I have loved visiting NO, the music, delicious foods, vibrant urban cultures, spiritualism, the celebrations with marti gras, (the drinking, but I digress). Kidding aside I do mean very much that I cherish the history and culture of the way New Orleans used to be and hope that it can be successful in being rebuilt but on higher ground. I'm sure many of us that have visited New Orleans would like to see this city be rebuilt. I say take advantage of this opportunity, in rebuilding a stronger better city.
Posted by: Jan ||
02/07/2006 14:47 Comments ||
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#25
"Common Sense"? Here's some real definitions of common sense:
1. If you live in an area that is below sea level and there is a freakin' hurricane coming your way, you get the hell out instead of staying there and expecting emergency and government personnel to risk their own lives to save your worthless butt.
2. If you are the mayor of a major city threatened by a natural disaster, you follow your pre-laid evacuation plans using all available city resources to get people out ASAP instead of playing it by ear and risking thousands of peoples lives.
3. If you are mayor or governor in a multi-state region that has been devastated by a hurricane, you set an example of strength, resolve, and fortitude by pushing to get resources to the area while accepting that the extent of the disaster will prevent the response from being as immediate as you'd like--Don't cry on national TV and don't point fingers or play politics. Be a leader, not a victim!
Posted by: Dar ||
02/07/2006 15:07 Comments ||
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#26
4. If your IQ is below room temperature, don't run for mayor.
FEMA Mission
DISASTER. It strikes anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms -- a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disaster, and its terrifying consequences.
On March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
DHS Mission
Statutory Authority
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, PL 100-707, signed into law November 23, 1988; amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, PL 93-288. This Act constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs.
Who We Are
FEMA History
FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. FEMA has more than 2,600 full time employees. They work at FEMA headquarters in Washington D.C., at regional and area offices across the country, the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, and the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. FEMA also has nearly 4,000 standby disaster assistance employees who are available for deployment after disasters. Often FEMA works in partnership with other organizations that are part of the nation's emergency management system. These partners include state and local emergency management agencies, 27 federal agencies and the American Red Cross.
Senior Staff Biographies
Staff Directory
Strategic and Other Plans
Strategic Plan
Annual Agency Performance Plans
General Contacts
Contact us at:
FEMA
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
1-800-621-FEMA
Or see our "Contact Us" page or "Mailing Addresses" page for more contact information.
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 15:39 Comments ||
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#28
wow! a "FEMA"? when did we get that?
thanks knucklehead
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/07/2006 15:42 Comments ||
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#29
Frank G.
My post was a response those who responded to
post#19.
I strongly suggest they read the FEMA "Mission
Statement"
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 15:50 Comments ||
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#30
#19 These type of hateful comments coming from the right about New Orleans should come as no surprise because the right is infamous for being intolerant of people in the U.S. that dont look, think, or act like themselves.
Perhaps what blacks have been saying all along has been true of the rescue/rebuild efforts by the Bush administration: If the skin color of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as seen via
television had been white, the response would have been much quicker and thorough.
Posted by Common Sense 2006-02-07 13:26|
#31
Every time I try to sit down and write a response in this thread my blood pressure goes to stroke levels and I feel like writing something that'll get me kicked...
I'm not saying rebuilding is right, or letting it sink isn't wrong, but as long as we don't do the wrong thing, the US in general, and Louisianians outside New Orleans in particular, are going to be punished greatly for it by our would-be owners like Blanco and Nagin.
Common Sense, if you believe Nagin's so goddamn motherfucking wonderful, here's your chance to cast a vote of confidence in his administration: you could _move to New Orleans_ and live under his management and "leadership" in the rebuilding process. Hopefully you're happy with Not Voting, since they've cancelled the elections because they know they won't lose.
Until you do that, however, just shut up.
Posted by: Phil ||
02/07/2006 16:01 Comments ||
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#32
#29 - I'm a little busy at the moment, so forgive me if I ask you instead of researching it myself.
Where in FEMA's Mission Statement does it say "Pay out billions of dollars to rebuild an area below sea level we KNOW will be flooded again. And again. Instead of helping the people who were flooded out the first time move to higher ground so they don't have to go through this again."?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/07/2006 16:01 Comments ||
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#33
"This catastrophe has deeply upset the French people and the French government." France, Perben said through a translator, "wants to be a long-term partner for Louisiana and New Orleans."
But not the actual country - that would be the United States of America - THAT LOUISIANA IS A PART OF.
How very.... Phrogish.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/07/2006 16:04 Comments ||
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#34
Barbara S.
"FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident."
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 16:06 Comments ||
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#35
Drat. I shouldn't post when I'm angry.
It should have read "they've cancelled the elections because they know they'll lose."
Posted by: Phil ||
02/07/2006 16:07 Comments ||
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#36
Phil:
Perhaps your blood pressure keeps rising to
stroke levels because you know I'm telling the truth and furthermore it struck a nerve.
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 16:10 Comments ||
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#37
"effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts"
Thanks, CS - you've made my point for me.
If they follow their mission statement (a big "if" when it come to government), they won't rebuild homes/businesses in any area below sea/river level.
And I'd suggest that if the Phrench are stupid enough to finance that, they should finance the flood insurance, too.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/07/2006 16:13 Comments ||
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#38
You don't believe in your so-called "truth" enough to move there and experience the Nagin Civilization, complete with latter-day apartheid.
Posted by: Phil ||
02/07/2006 16:14 Comments ||
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#39
I think "Common Sense" wants us to believe that if Al Gore were president, he would simply wave his Magic Wand™ and *poof!* New Orleans would be back to pre-Katrina state--plus everybody would have a pony!
Please don't clutter Common Sense's little mind with words like "infrastructure", "logistics", or "environmental impact". S/he expects things to be solved in 30 minutes, just like on TV!
Posted by: Dar ||
02/07/2006 16:23 Comments ||
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What I expect is for President Bush to quit passing the buck take responsibilty for the response, relief and rebuilding effort.
There is a pattern with the Bush admininstration that is disturbing. They will go out of their way to take the credit when something goes well for them and they are more than willing to blame other people and not take responsibility when things go against them.
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 16:38 Comments ||
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#42
So far, there's $85 billion that's been committed. What do you want Bush to do, No Sense, go out and direct traffic or get a hammer and start building? There's more to the presidency than rebuilding one city that probably shouldn't be rebuilt anyway. And five months isn't long in the grand scheme of things. Give us your playbook instead of Monday-morning quarterbacking, No Sense.
As for Nagin, maybe it's best he wastes his time entertaining the Jordanians and the French instead of directing recovery -- he proved to be pretty useless at directing much of anything during the storm.
#43
I have to laugh at these Paternalistic Sick White Liberals (PASIWELS) that believe they will earn brownie points with the African-American elites and Civil Rights establishment by showing off their anti-racist bona fides.
So Common Sense[less] thinks those of us that bash Nagin's idiotic comments and leadership skills are "hate filled" and such. Right. Let's have a look at who is doing the real hating these days:
Just yesterday the WSFA 12 Sports team publicly recognized Demond Washington for a job well done, a plaque honoring Washingtons Athlete of the Week honors last fall. ...
Were told Washington spoke into the P-A system in the school and allegedly said, I hate white people and Im going to kill them all!
There were some words expressed to that affect, said Jeffers.
Blacks are seven times more likely than people of other races to commit murder, and eight times more likely to commit robbery.
When blacks commit crimes of violence, they are nearly three times more likely than non-blacks to use a gun, and more than twice as likely to use a knife.
Interracial Crime
Of the nearly 770,000 violent interracial crimes committed every year involving blacks and whites, blacks commit 85 percent and whites commit 15 percent.
Blacks commit more violent crime against whites than against blacks. Forty-five percent of their victims are white, 43 percent are black, and 10 percent are Hispanic. When whites commit violent crime, only three percent of their victims are black.
Blacks are an estimated 39 times more likely to commit a violent crime against a white than vice versa, and 136 times more likely to commit robbery.
Blacks are 2.25 times more likely to commit officially-designated hate crimes against whites than vice versa.
Rather than confronting the social and cultural roots of the ongoing meltdown of a significant minority (perhaps 25 to 30%) of Black America, and seeking resolution in the crisis by focusing on individual accountability, responsibility, and developing stronger families and greater respect for education, it is always easier to take the favored liberal PASIWEL route of calling those that do not blame capitalism, whitey, or THE MAN racist. Cheap and largely unthinking but also unhelpful for those most afflicted. Forty liberals of liberal social-engineering now has left the Black community with over a third of its menfolk in prison or on probation and nearly 69% of all children being born out of wedlock. Good going liberals!
#46
Well, yeah, AF, that may all be true, but whose FAULT is it, huh? Bush? White folks? Repubs?
Let's ask Common Sense! He'll know!
Posted by: Bobby ||
02/07/2006 17:04 Comments ||
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#47
Bobby:
I'll go with that cell-phone commercial, the one where the boss says "it's my way of sticking it to the man" and his employee says, "yeah, but you are the Man... so you're errr ... sticking it to yourself."
Think a subconscious backlash against modern white male superiority in american society and past slavery has anything to do with those statistics?
yeah we know, all white men are upstanding citizens and angels.
Thanks for explaining to me why the Republican Party is virtually lilly white. Look at all those red states that voted for Bush they are primarily in the deep south and midwest populated by rednecks, cowboys, bigots and nazis..birds of a feather flock together.
Posted by: Common Sense ||
02/07/2006 17:09 Comments ||
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#53
May I suggest that no one ever responds to No Sense, ever again?
It will be a test of self-discipline. And will feature the wank-posts, stark, naked and alone, as pure trolling. Mebbe then the Mods will pull the trigger 'n place little x's on its eyes.
It will be hard.
We can do it.
*lotus position*
Feel the vibrations. Follow the energy. Be like water. Take a leak.
#54
how about creating another type sink trap for these types
More like a sink hole
Posted by: Jan ||
02/07/2006 18:17 Comments ||
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#55
common rabble rouser seems to agree that Mayor Chocolate is not responsible for drowning the busses, buying a new home in Dallas, not accounting for the Cadillac Escalades stolen, and in general, trying to sell the city back to the French. And what about his constituents that are living free of charge at taxpayer expense? Georges fault?
#57
I've lived through floods, pestilence, famine, earthquakes, etc. But I have never voted for a Mayor named Noggin.
It's called greed, folks. Look at the dollar signs in the eyes of Blinky Blanco (who refurbished their staff offices recently with imported fineries) or Senator Mary Landeau.
Regrettably, New Orleans has a really bad reputation for curruption by political figures. Some believe they are in the fix they are in because the local board members dipped into the federal funds earmarked for levy repairs for their personal discretion.
In that sense, we are talking Haiti.
Posted by: Captain America ||
02/07/2006 20:15 Comments ||
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#58
Common Sense, my cousin was wiped out in hurricane Katrina. He still to this day hasn't seen one federal official whether FEMA or the Federal Dog Catcher. He's as white as they come and lives in a rural area. Go pedal your BS somewhere else.
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
02/07/2006 20:52 Comments ||
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#59
What's really sad about all this is that Nagin was elected as a reform candidate after several years of incredibly corrupt rule (by the usual Democratic lot). In his defense, I think the guy simply broke down during the storm and hasn't recovered. He wasn't a professional politician (he ran Cox Cable in NO prior to running).
Unfortunately, while suspending the elections (which may get overturned in court) keeps Nagin in power, it is unlikely that NO will have the choice of electing a decent mayor. Already, Mary Landreaux's brother is making noises about running and the usual slew of wheeler-dealers are making noises. And even if there was a decent candidate, there is no guarantee that the locals will chose him/her.
Remember these folks kept Governor Edwin "Fast Eddie" Edwards (Dem - Tongsun Park's best pal) in power even though they KNEW that he was a crook. And they re-elected Cleo Fields (Dem - Baton Rouge) after watching him take thousands of dollars from Edwards and stuff it in his pocket on TV. [The guy had the brass to tell the press that it was none of their business what the money was for and made it stick.]
The locals just couldn't see what was wrong with that.
Army Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, Louisiana.
Ayro died in Mosul, Iraq, when a suicide bomber entered his dining facility and detonated an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 73rd Engineer Company, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on December 21, 2004.
Army Sgt. Christopher J. Babin, 27, of Houma, Louisiana.
Babin died in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device struck his Bradley fighting vehicle. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, Louisiana. Died on January 6, 2005.
Army 1st Lt. Christopher W. Barnett, 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Barnett died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, Shreveport, Louisiana. Died on December 23, 2004.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Barnhill, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Barnhill died in Baghdad, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Died on May 14, 2004.
Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. He was assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 4, 2003.
Army Spc. Bradley J. Bergeron, 25, of Houma, Louisiana.
Bergeron died in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device struck his Bradley fighting vehicle. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Lafayette, Louisiana. Died on January 6, 2005.
Army 1st Sgt. Michael J. Bordelon, 37, of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Bordelon died at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, from injuries sustained April 23, 2005 in Mosul, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker military vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on May 10, 2005.
Posted by: Matt ||
02/07/2006 22:14 Comments ||
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#62
Mayor Nagen, while entertaining a prospective client on the front parlor divan, was overheard saying, "the taste of suckling the same old teat gets a bit tiresome, so I'd like to find a new bitch to suckle... you know what mean".
#63
The Indian government has banned anyone from going near Sentinel Island where about 250 tribe members live a hunter-gathering lifestyle little changed since the Stone Age.
Mayor Nagin, if declaring indendence from the US and having your clan send thier dollars directly to you April 15th doesn't pan out, maybe you can work a deal with the Indian gov't load everyone on a few cruise ships and head to Sentinel Island.
#64
#10 New Orleans is "foreign" anyway.
Posted by Captain America 2006-02-07 08:58
Yup. It is an extension of Haiti via Africa. As for "foreign sources of money", expect Nagin to give Sheehan a call who in turn will "hook him up" with Hugo Chavez.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Angry Egyptians awaiting news of relatives who were aboard a ferry which sank in the Red Sea last week ransacked the office of the vessel's owners on Monday and set fire to the furniture, witnesses said. Reuters Television footage showed a crowd of men hurling chairs, filing cabinets and airconditioning units out of the first floor office, piling them up in front of the building and starting the fire, shouting and chanting as they did so. Witnesses had earlier said the fire had been set inside the office building, used by the el Salam Maritime Transport Company and located near the Red Sea port of Safaga. Police fired tear gas to drive away the crowd and firefighters doused the flames.
China said Tuesday it has formally complained to Washington over a Pentagon report that calls China a potential military threat, and the foreign ministry accused the United States of trying to mislead public opinion.
NEW DELHI Members of one of the worlds most primitive and isolated tribes have killed two fishermen who strayed on to their island in Indias Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, a senior government official said yesterday.
British judge 
Shortcomings in aid from the U.S. government are making New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin look to other nations for help in rebuilding his hurricane-damaged city. Nagin, who has hosted a steady stream of foreign dignitaries since Hurricane Katrina hit in late August, says he may seek international assistance because U.S. aid has not been sufficient to get the city back on its feet.
