Jul 10, 2009
Ask a dumb question...
Alex Johnson, an outfielder who played for eight different teams in the 1960’s and 1970’s, was asked by a reporter:
“Last year you hit two homers and this year you hit seven. What is the difference?”
“Five,” Johnson replied.
The beauty who turned Obama’s head in Italy...
The girl who Obama oogled in Italy is a 16-year-old Brazilian beauty from Rio de Janeiro.
Link
Obama finds stimulus in Italy
Barack Obama talked of a second stimulus. In this photo he appears to be getting a stimulus of a different kind at the G8 summit as an amused Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, looks on.
Photo taken in L'Aquila, Italy July 9, 2009.
Rupert Murdoch: media cooling on Obama by year end
Rupert Murdoch (pictured), owner of Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, says the world's most powerful media moguls are "very bearish" on the economy, but they don't seem to be blaming President Obama for the tough times.
Media mogul Murdoch also predicts opinion of Obama will swing by year's end.
Apart from Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, both owned by News Corp., the media "remains very supportive of him, perhaps not of all of his policies," Murdoch told Stuart Varney of Fox Business Network.
Link
Media mogul Murdoch also predicts opinion of Obama will swing by year's end.Apart from Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, both owned by News Corp., the media "remains very supportive of him, perhaps not of all of his policies," Murdoch told Stuart Varney of Fox Business Network.
Link
Jul 9, 2009
Graves in Chicago cemetery desecrated and stripped for profit
Authorities say that, over the last several years, more than 100 bodies at Burr Oak cemetery have been dumped "in a massive pile on cemetery grounds" so the plots could be resold.
The photo above shows broken vaults after bodies were disinterred
Burr Oak cemetery was Chicago's first African-American cemetery. It is located in the town of Alsip, 12 miles south of Chicago.
The four charged are shown below:
(Left to right) Former Burr Oak Cemetery manager Carolyn Towns, 49, grounds foreman Keith Nicks, 45, dump truck operator Terrence Nicks, 39, and back-hoe operator Maurice Dailey, 59.
The Arizona-based owner of the cemetery, Perpetua Inc., said in a statement Thursday that the company is cooperating with investigators.
"We will make every attempt to insure and maintain the dignity of those that have been entrusted to our care," the company said.
Link
The photo above shows broken vaults after bodies were disinterred
Burr Oak cemetery was Chicago's first African-American cemetery. It is located in the town of Alsip, 12 miles south of Chicago.
The four charged are shown below:
(Left to right) Former Burr Oak Cemetery manager Carolyn Towns, 49, grounds foreman Keith Nicks, 45, dump truck operator Terrence Nicks, 39, and back-hoe operator Maurice Dailey, 59.
The Arizona-based owner of the cemetery, Perpetua Inc., said in a statement Thursday that the company is cooperating with investigators.
"We will make every attempt to insure and maintain the dignity of those that have been entrusted to our care," the company said.
Link
Ooops... White House spells Obama’s name wrong
Someone might want to look into whether an impostor took President Obama's place during his trip to Russia.
In a release touting an agreement between Obama and President Dmitry Medvedev over how to craft a follow-up to the START arms reduction treaty, the White House claimed the document had been signed by one "Barak Obama."
Perhaps the White House should become a little more aquatinted with its principle resident.
Link
A hair raising competition
Models display hair creations during the Europe Cup open 2009 competition in Athens, Greece last month.
Billions in aid to areas that backed Obama in 2008
The spin:
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says, “There's no politics at work when it comes to spending for the recovery."
The reality:
Counties that supported Obama last year have reaped twice as much money per person from the administration's $787 billion economic stimulus package as those that voted for his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, a USA TODAY analysis of government disclosure and accounting records shows. That money includes aid to repair military bases, improve public housing and help students pay for college.
Michelle Obama shows off her $6,000 purse
Back in April Michelle Obama wore a pair of $540 Lanvin sneakers at a Washington food bank. Earlier this week in Russia, she carried a sexy black clutch, which Italian luxury house VBH boasts is their shiny black alligator manila bag – with a retail sticker price of $5,950.
The $5,950 shiny black manila alligator clutch purse is part of VBH's Spring 2009 collection (a smaller version is shown above).
VBH stands for V. Bruce Hoeksema, a very successful Italian designer.
The White House denies the story and claims the purse she was carrying the $875 VBH patent leather clutch.
A $6,000 alligator clutch is just the thing to go with her tank tops.
Link
The $5,950 shiny black manila alligator clutch purse is part of VBH's Spring 2009 collection (a smaller version is shown above).
VBH stands for V. Bruce Hoeksema, a very successful Italian designer.
The White House denies the story and claims the purse she was carrying the $875 VBH patent leather clutch.
A $6,000 alligator clutch is just the thing to go with her tank tops.
Link
Scientists discover Easter Island fountain of youth drug
Articles at the links below reports that:
A miraculous 'elixir of youth' which could extend the human life span by more than a decade is being developed by scientists.
The anti-aging pill was created from a chemical found in the soil of Easter Island - one of the most remote and mysterious places on the planet.
The drug, rapamycin, takes its name from the Polynesian name of Easter Island, Rapa Nui.
The drug was originally identified in soil samples from Easter Island, is a powerful suppressor of the immune system, commonly given to patients to help to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, and its dangers to healthy people would far outweigh any potential benefit.
Unfortunately there are side effects, like you could end up looking like an Easter Island statue.
Uh, well...maybe not. However, there is one serious side effect that may prevent this drug from widespread availability to people seeking a magic ‘fountain of youth’ elixir - it suppresses the immune system.
More of the story here and here.
60 Democrat votes in the Senate? - Think again
An ABC News blog posting, found at the link below, deals with the myth that the Democrats have a 60 a filibuster proof 60 votes in the Senate.
It is true that there are 60 Democrats in the Senate, a majority they have not had since the 1970’s - enough votes to block Republican filibusters.
Not so fast - that number is more realistically 58, or even 57 on some occasions.
Two Democrat Senators haven’t voted in months.
It is true that there are 60 Democrats in the Senate, a majority they have not had since the 1970’s - enough votes to block Republican filibusters.
Not so fast - that number is more realistically 58, or even 57 on some occasions.
Two Democrat Senators haven’t voted in months.
Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., who is suffering from brain cancer, hasn't cast a vote since March 26. And 91-year-old Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., hasn't voted since May 13.
On May 15th, Robert Byrd was hospitalized for what his Senate office called "a minor infection." A couple weeks later, his Senate office released a statement saying he had contracted an additional staph infection and would need to remain in the hospital. Byrd was finally released on June 30.
So when will Byrd return to the Senate?
It seems as if none of Byrd's colleagues have any idea about his true condition or when he will return to the Senate.
Kennedy's office also cannot say when he will return to the Senate.
And then there is Senator Joe Lieberman (pictured) who can’t always be counted on to vote with the Democrats.
In fact, he may not vote for a second stimulus or for Obamacare.
Also, there will surely be a few other moderate Democrats that will defy the majority.
Link
Jul 8, 2009
Michael Jackson memorial - not our proudest moment
There are numerous articles and YouTube videos of the Michael Jackson memorial at the Staples Center Tuesday.
Most of the reports didn’t bother to mention the sparse attendance.
Disappointed that the huge anticipated crowds did not materialize, tickets were handed out to any and all takers who happened to be near the Staples Center.
There were several Jackson family members and others on stage saying kind words and giving Michael Jackson (upper photo) a musical tribute. It surely must have been a fitting reverie.
It was the speech by Rev. Al Sharpton (lower photo) that was a bit puzzling as he spoke on about Michael Jackson’s "influence" as a black person and how he broke the race barrier in music.
There were literally hundreds of black musicians before Michael Jackson during the last 100 years. Most of them had more talent and morality.
It was not unexpected that Sharpton would inject "race" into the Jackson memorial. But you have to wonder about Sharpton’s complete lack of understanding the irony of his words and the actions of others on the stage at the Staples Center.
The only race barrier Jackson broke was the one he was born with. It was ironic to see all the black people lionizing a man who hated his blackness so much that he turned himself white and “aquired” white children.
He selected a white woman to be the mother of his children. Will the name of the white sperm donor ever be revealed?
At the second link below, Michael Jackson’s dermatologist says he is not sure but he doesn’t think he is the biological father of Michael Jackson’s children.
Link here and here.
Most of the reports didn’t bother to mention the sparse attendance. Disappointed that the huge anticipated crowds did not materialize, tickets were handed out to any and all takers who happened to be near the Staples Center.
There were several Jackson family members and others on stage saying kind words and giving Michael Jackson (upper photo) a musical tribute. It surely must have been a fitting reverie.
It was the speech by Rev. Al Sharpton (lower photo) that was a bit puzzling as he spoke on about Michael Jackson’s "influence" as a black person and how he broke the race barrier in music.
There were literally hundreds of black musicians before Michael Jackson during the last 100 years. Most of them had more talent and morality.It was not unexpected that Sharpton would inject "race" into the Jackson memorial. But you have to wonder about Sharpton’s complete lack of understanding the irony of his words and the actions of others on the stage at the Staples Center.
The only race barrier Jackson broke was the one he was born with. It was ironic to see all the black people lionizing a man who hated his blackness so much that he turned himself white and “aquired” white children.
He selected a white woman to be the mother of his children. Will the name of the white sperm donor ever be revealed?
At the second link below, Michael Jackson’s dermatologist says he is not sure but he doesn’t think he is the biological father of Michael Jackson’s children.
Link here and here.
Straight from the horses mouth
A man checks a horse's teeth during the "Rapa Das Bestas" event in Cedeira, Spain.
Throughout the summer, hundreds of wild horses are rounded up, trimmed and groomed in different villages around Galicia.
High jumping at a Fort Worth rodeo
Norwegian rider Andre Villa performs a jump during a rodeo at the Fort Worth Stock Yards.
Stuart Smalley goes to Washington
First of all, who is Stuart Smalley?
Stuart Smalley is the small-minded character played on Saturday Night Live by Al Franken (pictured) the newly seated Senator from Minnesota.
A report at the link below says:
Stuart Smalley is the small-minded character played on Saturday Night Live by Al Franken (pictured) the newly seated Senator from Minnesota.
A report at the link below says:As the Democrats in Congress – and in the mainstream media – celebrate leftist loon and tax cheat Al Franken’s stolen victory from incumbent Republican Norm Coleman, the rest of us are still recovering from nausea at the very thought of Franken as a "valid" U.S. senator.
After nearly eight tortuous months of refusing to concede defeat to Coleman, Franken’s bully tactics finally paid off – thanks mainly to George Soros and ACORN.
Minnesota voters must be very proud.
Meet Al Franken the new Senator from Minnesota
Jul 7, 2009
The Michael Jackson event: memorial service or requiem for a pedophile?
The event at the Staples Center on Tuesday is described as a memorial service for the King of Pop.
As a result of his child molestation accusations and subsequent trial some of his detractors claim the event is a requiem for a pedophile.
Others are calling it a circus and, as if right on cue, elephants from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus began arriving. The circus will begin on Wednesday at the Staples Center - the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.
The Michael Jackson circus was held today.
The report at the first link below says:
As a result of his child molestation accusations and subsequent trial some of his detractors claim the event is a requiem for a pedophile.
Others are calling it a circus and, as if right on cue, elephants from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus began arriving. The circus will begin on Wednesday at the Staples Center - the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.
The Michael Jackson circus was held today.
The report at the first link below says:
The true extent of the media hype surrounding the death of Michael Jackson has been exposed.
Fox News reports on air that as the Michael Jackson memorial was starting, tickets were being handed out to bystanders, as embarrassingly empty seats inside the Staples Center signaled reality refusing to conform to media-generated expectations.
The report at the second link describes the arrival of the elephants for the circus that doesn’t begin until tomorrow.
Link here and here.
Mountain rescue dogs
Two Saint Bernard dogs sit in the snow on the Great St. Bernard Pass after returning from their winter quarters in Martigny, Switzerland. The dogs will spend the summer on the pass and return to Martigny towards the end of the year.
From Russia with love (with apologies to Ian Fleming and Sean Connery)
It didn’t take long for Barack Obama to misspeak during his appearance in Russia.
Obama described Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as president.
Putin surrendered the presidency to protege (and puppet) Dmitry Medvedev last May to take the lesser post of prime minister.
Until Obama’s visit, world leaders have been able to deal with the dual leadership in Russia with little difficulty.
Obama described Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as president.
Putin surrendered the presidency to protege (and puppet) Dmitry Medvedev last May to take the lesser post of prime minister.
Until Obama’s visit, world leaders have been able to deal with the dual leadership in Russia with little difficulty.
At a news conference Obama gave a carefully worded reply about the effectiveness of the leadership tandem when a U.S. journalist bluntly asked "who is really in charge here in Russia?"
But minutes later, speaking about Medvedev's objections to a controversial missile defense system planned for central Europe, Obama slipped: "I suspect when I speak to President..eh.. Prime Minister Putin tomorrow, he will say the same thing."
Mr. Obama would be well advised to stick to the script written for him and projected on his teleprompters.
Mr. Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to seek a new agreement on reducing their respective nuclear arsenals. While the American media will spin this as watershed diplomacy, reality reminds us that this is a repeat of what was done decades ago.
And the United States president also announced that he reads the poetry of Pushkin. Really? If he were in Athens would he say he reads Zorba the Greek?
Mr. Obama seems more and more to be a combination of Al Gore's grandiosity and Jimmy Carter's cluelessness. 
We were given advance warning when the Temple of Obama (pictured) was set up in the Broncos football stadium for his victory speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Jul 6, 2009
Bright idea street lighting on demand in Germany
Street lights are just a call away in many German towns. They call it “Dial4Light.”
Every night at 11 p.m. the village of Dörentrup in central Germany is thrown into total darkness. For the past few years, the village's cash-strapped local council has been switching off all the streetlights in the village each evening until 6 a.m. the following morning.
No street lights would have residents stumbling around in the dark. But in Dörentrup they have seen the light (pun intended).
They have a program that allows residents to turn on streetlights on demand using their cell phones.
In the first project of its kind in Europe, the residents of Dörentrup can now switch on the lights on a specific street whenever they like.
All they have to do is register for the scheme online and provide a phone number. Then each time anyone needs to see in the dark, they call the Dial4Light number, enter the six-digit code that corresponds to the stretch of road they want lit, and within seconds the lights are on.
After a resident uses the Dial4Light scheme, the street lights in that area stay on for 15 minutes.
Link
New glass balconies on Sears Tower 103rd floor
Visitors to the Sears Tower in Chicago are now treated to unobstructed views of the city from the building's west side and a heart-stopping vista of the street and Chicago River below – for those brave enough to look straight down.
These balconies are not for the faint of heart. Don’t go near them if your are petrified of heights.
The balconies are suspended 1,353 feet (412 meters) in the air and jut out 4 feet (1.22 meters) from the building's 103rd floor Skydeck. They're actually more like boxes than balconies, with transparent walls, floor and ceiling.
The box shaped balconies are made of glass 1.4 inches thick and can hold five tons.
These balconies are not for the faint of heart. Don’t go near them if your are petrified of heights.
The balconies are suspended 1,353 feet (412 meters) in the air and jut out 4 feet (1.22 meters) from the building's 103rd floor Skydeck. They're actually more like boxes than balconies, with transparent walls, floor and ceiling.
The box shaped balconies are made of glass 1.4 inches thick and can hold five tons.
Sears Tower officials have said the inspiration for the balconies came from the hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week. Now, staff will have a new glass surface to clean: floors.
The balconies are just one of the big changes coming to the Sears Tower in Chicago. The building's name will also. Later this summer the building will become the Willis Tower.
Link
Obama assured of chilly reception in Russian
The Obamamania that has swept much of the rest of the world will it be absent when Mr.Obama meets with Russian president Dmitri Medvedev for a summit meeting.
A recent poll by Russia's Levada Centre found only 23 per cent of citizens believe the US president will "do the right thing in world affairs", with many doubting his promise of change will heal antagonisms between Russia and the West.
Makes a difference when the Russian media doesn’t swoon all over him as the US media does.
A long list of issues – from Nato's eastward expansion, to missile defence, to human rights, to the contest for oil and gas in Central Asia – continue to poison relations between the former Cold War superpowers.
Obama will need to have his teleprompters working as they never have before because the Russians see him for what he is.
Russian news agency Pravda was less than subtle in an editorial summing up the Obama administration, headlined: "Obama: Deceiver, cheat, swindler, liar, fraudster, con-artist."
Yes, Pravda gets it!
Link
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