An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for January 2009
Cool!
Such a shame we won’t be able to see it though. 
Annular Eclipse: The Ring of Fire
Explanation: Tomorrow, a few lucky people may see a “ring of fire.” That’s a name for the central view of an annular eclipse of the Sun by the Moon. At the peak of this eclipse, the middle of the Sun will appear to be missing and the dark Moon will appear to be surrounded by the bright Sun. This will only be visible, however, from a path that crosses the southern Indian Ocean. From more populated locations, southern Africa and parts of Australia, most of the Moon will only appear to take a bite out the Sun. Remember to never look directly at the Sun even during an eclipse. An annular eclipse occurs instead of a total eclipse when the Moon is on the far part of its elliptical orbit around the Earth. The next annular eclipse of the Sun will take place in 2010 January, although a total solar eclipse will occur this July. Pictured above, a spectacular annular eclipse was photographed behind palm trees on 1992 January.
The Children Are Now In Charge
Obama’s Partisan, Profane Confidant Reins It In
Early this month, Barack Obama was meeting with the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and other lawmakers when Rahm Emanuel, his chief of staff, began nervously cracking a knuckle.
Mr. Obama then turned to complain to Mr. Emanuel about his noisy habit.
At which point, Mr. Emanuel held the offending knuckle up to Mr. Obama’s left ear and, like an annoying little brother, snapped off a few special cracks.
The episode, confirmed by Mr. Emanuel’s office, underscores some essential truths about Mr. Emanuel: He is brash, has a deep comfort level with his new boss, and has been ever-present at Mr. Obama’s side of late, in meetings, on podiums and in photographs.
Actually, this type of nonsense underscores a LOT about B. Hussein himself, and the sort of people he surrounds himself.
There he was, standing at President Obama’s desk in one of the first Oval Office pictures; and again, playfully thumbing his nose at his former House colleagues during the inauguration; there he was, accompanying the president to a meeting with Congressional leaders on Friday.
Yep. Real classy there dud….er dude. How professional.
It’s official: The lunatics have taken over the asylum.
United States of America: 4 July 1776 – 20 January 2009
Obamarama
Morning Coffee 01/25/09
Obama Envoy Mitchell Arriving Wednesday; NU Calls it Chutzpah
Ketzaleh said that Obama needed to be reminded that Israel is not an American colony or the 51st state. “I think it is great arrogance and even chutzpah on the part of the U.S. administration that it does not respect the Israeli public,” he said in an interview. “Although Olmert is ending his role, the administration is trying to ‘close’ things that it could not close over the past years. We hope that the Prime Minister and his ministers will explain to him that he should go home,” he added.
Yesha Council head Danny Dayan said Saturday evening that Mitchell’s appointment is a “disturbing” one. He cited a report prepared by Mitchell during President Bill Clinton’s term, in which he called for an end to all settlement activity “including natural growth.”
“Soon we will have to ask Obama for permission to have babies,” he told Ynet.
Heh. I like this guy! No, Israel is NOT one of B. Hussein’s toys to play with. This is a sovereign nation. What the US should be doing, NEEDS to be doing, is ensure that we are standing WITH them against the nonstop attacks from the Arab world.
Obama likely to loosen Cuba policy
With the inauguration last week of Barack Obama, many Cuban-Americans are anticipating a change in policy toward their homeland that reflects both the new president’s campaign promises and shifting views and demographics among a once-solid Republican political bloc.
Mr. Obama won more than one-third of Florida’s Cuban-American vote in November, a voter base that in the past has favored Republican presidential candidates by margins of more than 80 percent.
“More than one-third”? That also translates to a bit under two thirds who voted AGAINST The ONE. I guess countries who violate any and every sort of ‘human rights’ is just fine with him, eh? Oh, and if these are folks who are now US citizens, I would say that Cuba is no longer their “homeland”. If it is, then they are in the wrong country.
Immigrant Teens Struggle With Formal Schooling
New York City classrooms have long been filled with children from all over the world, and the education challenges they bring with them. But hidden among the nearly 150,000 students across the city still struggling to learn English are an estimated 15,100 who, like Fanta, have had little or no formal schooling and are often illiterate in their native languages.
More than half of these arrive as older teenagers and land in the city’s high schools, where they must learn how to learn even as their peers prepare for state subject exams required for a diploma.
Here’s a thought. Since NY wastes so much money on those teachers that have been suspended, for whatever reason, to just sit around and do nothing in a special building, why not use that building for such students. Let them begin at the beginning….1st grade, 2nd, etc. Teach them English, and the basics. As they progress with their learning, they can move into the grade level they need to be for their age. So much money is wasted on the bloated bureaucracy, why not actually use it to TEACH? Seems a simple enough solution.
Only after six years of litigation were they able to fire him. In the meantime, they paid the teacher more than $300,000. Klein said he employs dozens of teachers who he’s afraid to let near the kids, so he has them sit in what are called rubber rooms. This year he will spend $20 million dollars to warehouse teachers in five rubber rooms. It’s an alternative to firing them. In the last four years, only two teachers out of 80,000 were fired for incompetence. Klein’s office says the new contract will make it easier to get rid of sex offenders, but it will still be difficult to fire incompetent teachers. (source)
Taped inauguration music robs Americans of experience
Well, “performed” is perhaps overstating it. What the audience on the Mall and at home heard, it turns out, was a prerecorded track of the John Williams piece “Air and Simple Gifts,” which the quartet made two days earlier in a studio at the Marine Barracks. It was simply too cold Tuesday to perform at the players’ usual standard.
Hearing something performed live matters. There is a significance to being able to say, “I was there.” It was because of this that more than a million people converged on the Mall to be present at Obama’s swearing-in — even if they were so far from the Capitol that they couldn’t actually see him in person.
I’ve no doubt that listening to a stringed instrument completely out of tune due to the cold (think a yard full of cats in heat) wouldn’t have been a great experience at all. C’mon people. Use a little common sense. You went, be happy. Now, back to reality.
Gore highlights new US push on climate change
Gore’s testimony comes as environmentalist groups hope for a 180-degree turn from what they, and much of the world, viewed as former president George W. Bush’s foot-dragging approach on fighting global warming.
“We have something frankly we haven’t had for eight years: Close, positive coordination between the White House and Congress,” said Tony Kreindler, communications director for the Environmental Defense Fund.
“I don’t think you can even begin to measure that. That’s huge,” Kreindler told AFP by telephone.
Obama has said he wants to commit to reducing US greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and by 80 percent in 2050, mainly through a 150-billion dollar, 10-year program to develop renewable forms of energy.
These weasels never cease to amaze me. Even though it’s been proven….yes…PROVEN….that man does NOT control the climate, they push forward with their money grubbing plans. And that’s ALL it is…a grab for taxpayer dollars. How the hell did we allow these morons so much power? Time to send them ALL packing!
For Pakistanis under Taliban, a reign of terror via radio
Every night around 8 o’clock, the terrified residents of Swat, a lush and picturesque valley a hundred miles from three of Pakistan’s most important cities, crowd around their radios.
They know that failure to listen and learn might lead to a lashing – or a beheading.
Using a portable radio transmitter, a local Taliban leader, Shah Doran, on most nights outlines newly proscribed “un-Islamic” activities in Swat, like selling DVDs, watching cable television, singing and dancing, criticizing the Taliban, shaving beards and allowing girls to attend school. He also reveals names of people the Taliban have recently killed for violating their decrees – and those they plan to kill.
So much for your ‘religion of peace’, eh Georgie? I’m guessing these are the same sort of tactics that B. Hussein will use if he, and the weasels of Congress are allowed to shut down the voices of the ‘right’. I’d say a LOT more of those drones need to be dropping bombs in that area of Pakistan, since the current gubmint of that country seems to have no control.
S.S. D.D.
Verse of the Day
2 Timothy 2:23-26
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Queen P – Dumb As A Bag Of Hair
Nancy Pelosi: “Every Month… 500 Million Americans Lose Their Jobs”
Hey…genius! Can you count? Read? Function on a level of a literate human being?
If 500 million Americans lose their jobs every month, and there are approximately 303 million people in the US, is she importing the other 197 million, each month? I mean after every man, woman and child becomes unemployed all over again, every month.
Video swiped from The Conservative Post.
Had To Share
There were probably many, many times this year when I may have disturbed you, troubled you, pestered you, irritated you, bugged you, or got on your nerves with all the e-mails I send. So today I just wanted to tell you…..
Tough Shit!
There are no changes scheduled for 2009!
Thanks Sue! 
Saturday Afternoon – My Nose Is Cold – Laundry Time
The Black Holocaust – RedState
The Salute to Heroes dust up – This ain’t Hell
McCain Proves the Farce of His Nomination – Malignant Liberal Idiocy
The Real Story of Inauguration Day – The Black Sphere
Obama’s Initiative: Free Terrorists, Kill Babies, Don’t Ask Questions – With Bias
NO White Male Construction Workers – American and Proud
The Dalai Lama Get’s It – The Political Jungle
A Privilege, Not A Right – Newscoma
Israel Develops Piston-less Engine–> Potential 100 MPG – YID with LID
Providing more questions than answers – Blue Collar Muse
Campbell Childen UPDATE – Southern Sass on Crime
Being a Politician means never having to say you – Taxing Tennessee
Obama Picks On the Wrong Guy – HolyCoast
High Comedy: NY Democrats Flip Out Seeing Gillibrand Next to Al D’Amato – JammieWearingFool
Friends of the Lummox in trouble – BlackFive
DID FORMER OFFICER’S CONSCIENCE GET TO HIM OR SOMEONE ELSE? – Thaddeus Matthews
Is There a GOP in Our Future? – Southern Reflections – Blue Collar Republican
Bob says it all… – Disgruntled Truck Driver
The Return of Federally Funded Baby Murder – silent E speaks
Al-Beeb refuses to air Gaza ad UPDATED with video – Israel Matzav
Operation Cast Lead – Monkey in the Middle
The Heavy, Heavy Hand of the Feds – Dad29
From 2 to 4 and from 4 to 6 – Kay Brooks
Warning: This post contains profanity – From Where I Sit
Details of the corrupt bargain emerge – The Tennessee ConserVOLiance
Al Franken, Come On Down – No Runny Eggs
“When Obama Says This Stuff, I Don’t Think He Really Means It,” – The Smallest Minority
Now Do Something Constructive – Hecate’s Crossroad (a MUST read for all women, and those who love them)
Put us in coach, we’re ready to play! – Badger Blogger
US, Afghan villagers differ over 15 killed in raid – Texas Fred’s
Is Dissent Still Patriotic? – The Tygrrrr Express
On This Day In History…..
…..in a different universe, also called Waupun, Wisconsin….the Mr popped into the world!
And I’m sure glad he did!
I LOVE YOU!
I Want Some TARP
Swiped from Grouchy Old Cripple.
Wise Choice
One of the greatest secrets of life is
having both patience and wisdom…
Courtesy of Ken the cop.
Weasels
Won’t Be Jumping On That Train
GOP beware the hoopla -David Limbaugh
It’s going to take real courage the next four years for Republicans to swim against the tide and oppose Barack Obama — in whom so many have placed their hopes, almost to the point of idolatry. But if Mr. Obama governs consistently with his promises, the country’s future security and prosperity will depend on spirited opposition.
It’s bad enough for the liberal media to deify Mr. Obama, but it’s almost unbearable for right-wing commentators and politicians to jump on this bandwagon, as well, as if President Obama’s personal attributes have blinded them to the policy dangers he represents.
During the Bush years, the left blamed George W. Bush for the absence of bipartisanship, when, by any rational measure, they were the ones whose relentless vitriol made bipartisanship impossible.
Obamarama
Morning Coffee 01/24/09
Obama gives more details on stimulus
President Obama on Saturday revealed more details about his economic recovery package, stating that the $825 billion program will in part go to fund a new electricity grid to route power from alternative energy sources such as wind and solar to American homes and businesses.
Mr. Obama, in his weekly radio and video address, promised to “lay down more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines to convey this new energy from coast to coast.”
He also disclosed that 10,000 schools will be modernized with “state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, and labs,” benefiting about 5 million students, and said that making 75 percent of federal buildings more energy efficient will save taxpayers $2 billion annually.
In other words: I’m going to bankrupt the country, and make you squirm under my thumb….for I am The ONE! Bend over!
Unbowed, Gazans rebuild tunnels
But Israel argues that very soon the tunnels, restored or not, will not matter as much. It has secured agreements with Egypt and the United States that will make this smuggling route far less important. The details have not been made public, but Israel says it is confident they will work.
“What is different today is that there is a good international commitment to prevent the link-up between Iran and Hamas,” said Mark Regev, the spokesman for the Israeli government. “We believe that Hamas will not be allowed to rearm.”
Is this guy really that naive? Of course Hamas will rearm, and of course the Iranians will be right there to aid. It’s not going to stop. And that “good international commitment”? Pfft! This would be the same ‘international’ bunch who condemned Israel for defending herself? Uh huh. Got it.
Vatican criticizes Obama for ending ban on funds for groups offering information on abortions
“This deals a harsh blow not only to us Catholics but to all the people across the world who fight against the slaughter of innocents that is carried out with the abortion,” another top official with the Academy for Life, Monsignor Elio Sgreccia, told the ANSA news agency.
“Among the many good things that he could have done, Barack Obama instead chose the worst,” he was quoted as saying Saturday.
Get use to it. This guy is going to continue making ‘the worst’ decisions.
Man charged in Belgian crèche stabbings
A 20-year-old Belgian man has been charged with killing two infants and a 54-year-old female employee at a child daycare centre and remanded in custody, a prosecutor said on Saturday.
The man, who was arrested shortly after the rampage on Friday, was interrogated by police and later appeared before a judge who charged him, said the prosecutor in Dendermonde in western Belgium.
What kind of animal targets children? There is a special place in hell reserved for such! Prayers for the families.
Teacher admits sending student naked pictures
On Jan. 6, the girl’s mother went to administrators at Harrison to report that Nicklis had given the student a phone without her parents’ knowledge. The parent apparently discovered the cellphone during the holiday break and called a cellphone provider to determine the phone’s owner.
The following morning, school system officials questioned Nicklis about the allegations, and the teacher submitted his written resignation, in lieu of termination. Nicklis had the option of requesting a formal hearing in front of the school board, but declined.
“I am an idiot,” Nicklis told school officials. “I realized how ridiculous I was.”
Gee. Ya think???? Why don’t they give psychological exams to teachers? I’m starting to think they are mass producing the lunatics!
Texas Sen. Cornyn challenges Obama agenda
“I think he has decided that the only chance Republicans have is to be very aggressive,” political scientist Larry Sabato said of the Texan, who come to Washington six years ago as a defender of President George W. Bush.
Cornyn said the campaign committee role makes him a key player in the Senate GOP leadership as well as the architect of the party’s Senate campaign in 2010.
“It’s a lot of work,” he said, “but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it would help the people of Texas.”
Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, who served on Cornyn’s Senate staff, said his former boss has no ulterior motives.
“He’s not the kind of guy to act in a very partisan manner just to advance partisan causes,” Olson said.
I’d like to know why every other Republican isn’t standing up against B. Hussein’s dangerous policies? No, instead, the weasels are bending over at every opportunity!
Terrorism: Islamist group urges Al-Qaeda to adopt US truce
The armed group has now launched an appeal to Al-Qaeda leaders to mark Obama’s inauguration in a bid to build a new relationship with the US.
“We were not the ones who initiated war, and we have only fought for our own self-defence,” says the militant group on the Islamic website, Isam Darbala.
Oh really? I guess the US was over there with suicide bombers, slaughtering innocent folks, right? Self defense my hind end! So, now, they are going to wait and see if B. Hussein is actually, in reality, a stealth Muslim, right? He sure isn’t a Christian!
Iraq to reopen notorious Abu Ghraib prison
The announcement comes as the U.S. military has begun handing over detainees in its custody to the Iraqis under a new security agreement.
Deputy Justice Minister Busho Ibrahim says the renovated facility will be called Baghdad’s Central Prison because the previous name has left a “bitter feeling inside Iraqis’ hearts.”
I would hope the bitterness comes from the years of Saddam’s abuses, and not from the actions of a few morons.
S.S. D.D.
