Friday, April 30, 2004
Chicago Tribune | Stand on labor sets Ryan apart: "Ryan is supporting retention of the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires contractors for the federal government to pay workers what amounts to the going rate for union wages."
-- Cool. Sounds like a good idea to me.
-- Cool. Sounds like a good idea to me.
ABC7Chicago.com: Madigan: Approve more casino licenses: "April 29, 2004 "Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has some advice for the governor and state lawmakers about the new casino deal. She says if the state wants to earn any new revenue from casino gambling, the general assembly had better approve more gaming licenses."
-- Glad to see someone is looking into logical alternatives. I don't like gaming but it seems better than all the other 'revenue' ideas that are being pushed. It seems it is either, A:gaming B:income tax increase C:fee and tax businesses to death:. Sorry I pick A
-- Glad to see someone is looking into logical alternatives. I don't like gaming but it seems better than all the other 'revenue' ideas that are being pushed. It seems it is either, A:gaming B:income tax increase C:fee and tax businesses to death:. Sorry I pick A
Chicago Tribune | Slumping Blagojevich goes 0 for 2: "SPRINGFIELD -- A federal judge in Chicago opened a new $125 million hole in the state's current budget Thursday by ruling that Gov. Rod Blagojevich could not tap the funds of a state-linked environmental foundation to help solve Illinois' fiscal crisis."
-- Hey why not start adding the beer tax to NA beer, grape juice and soda? Makes as much sense as making trains pay into the road fund...
-- Hey why not start adding the beer tax to NA beer, grape juice and soda? Makes as much sense as making trains pay into the road fund...
Four Treasury agents track bin Laden and Saddam money, while 21 work Castro: "The Treasury Department agency entrusted with blocking the financial resources of terrorists has assigned five times as many agents to investigate Cuban embargo violations as it has to track Osama bin Laden's and Saddam Hussein's money, documents show. "
-- Because you have to keep an eye on that Cuba, the 21 on Cuba doesn't bother me nearly as much the idea of only 4 on terror.
OneMan
-- Because you have to keep an eye on that Cuba, the 21 on Cuba doesn't bother me nearly as much the idea of only 4 on terror.
OneMan
ESPN.com - NFL - Student who railed against Tillman apologizes: "Gonzalez said he was trying to convey that Tillman's celebrity came into play when the former Arizona Cardinals player was labeled a hero.
'I felt that his celebrity had been a factor in American society calling him a 'hero,' and I felt American society had arrived at that conclusion without much thinking, but rather as some sort of patriotic 'knee-jerk' into hero worship,' he wrote. 'That was my point. I did it [admittedly] in such an insensitive way, that the article was not worth publishing.'"
-- I would argue that if that was your point you didn't just do it in ans insensative way, but in a really inefective way. Your column was a rant about a great many things against the war on terror. Nice backpedal.
OneMan
'I felt that his celebrity had been a factor in American society calling him a 'hero,' and I felt American society had arrived at that conclusion without much thinking, but rather as some sort of patriotic 'knee-jerk' into hero worship,' he wrote. 'That was my point. I did it [admittedly] in such an insensitive way, that the article was not worth publishing.'"
-- I would argue that if that was your point you didn't just do it in ans insensative way, but in a really inefective way. Your column was a rant about a great many things against the war on terror. Nice backpedal.
OneMan
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Follow the link so you don't think I am making this up.News From KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY of DPRK:
" Ryongchon, April 27 (KCNA) -- The Korean people's spirit of guarding the leader with their very lives was fully displayed when there was an unexpected explosion at Ryongchon Railway Station in Ryongchon County, North Phyongan Province, on April 22. Upon hearing the sound of the heavy explosion on their way home for lunch, Choe Yong Il and Jon Tong Sik, workers of the County Procurement Shop, ran back to the shop. They were buried under the collapsing building to die a heroic death when they were trying to come out with portraits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.
When the building of Ryongchon Primary School was destroyed by the violent storm and the classroom on the third floor caught fire, teacher Han Un Suk, 32, also died after bringing portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il to a place of safety from the classroom and saving seven pupils.
Teacher Han Jong Suk, 56, also breathed her last with portraits in her bosom.
Principal of the school Choe Pyong Ryop and his son rushed to the accident scene and evacuated materials concerning the revolutionary ideas and immortal exploits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il from the school, wrapped in fire.
Such noble deed was also done by Head of the County Nursery Pak Sun Mi and seven nurses including Jang Yon Hui, Ri Pong Suk and Principal of Ryongchon Middle School Kang Yong Su. Many people of the county evacuated portraits before searching after their family members or saving their household goods. "
-- People risked their lives to save pictures? Someday these people are going to taste fredom and reality and they are going to have no idea how to respond. When comunisum finally fails in that country it is going to be very scary....
OneMan
" Ryongchon, April 27 (KCNA) -- The Korean people's spirit of guarding the leader with their very lives was fully displayed when there was an unexpected explosion at Ryongchon Railway Station in Ryongchon County, North Phyongan Province, on April 22. Upon hearing the sound of the heavy explosion on their way home for lunch, Choe Yong Il and Jon Tong Sik, workers of the County Procurement Shop, ran back to the shop. They were buried under the collapsing building to die a heroic death when they were trying to come out with portraits of President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il.
When the building of Ryongchon Primary School was destroyed by the violent storm and the classroom on the third floor caught fire, teacher Han Un Suk, 32, also died after bringing portraits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il to a place of safety from the classroom and saving seven pupils.
Teacher Han Jong Suk, 56, also breathed her last with portraits in her bosom.
Principal of the school Choe Pyong Ryop and his son rushed to the accident scene and evacuated materials concerning the revolutionary ideas and immortal exploits of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il from the school, wrapped in fire.
Such noble deed was also done by Head of the County Nursery Pak Sun Mi and seven nurses including Jang Yon Hui, Ri Pong Suk and Principal of Ryongchon Middle School Kang Yong Su. Many people of the county evacuated portraits before searching after their family members or saving their household goods. "
-- People risked their lives to save pictures? Someday these people are going to taste fredom and reality and they are going to have no idea how to respond. When comunisum finally fails in that country it is going to be very scary....
OneMan
Looks like over at the Tom Cross web site they met their fundraising goal. Lets see if we can get it over $3K. Go on over and make a donation.
I got this in an e-mail today, I am not going to make it a habit of putting up things people just send. But he was only the second person to do it and nice enought to answer a couple of questions for me so here it is. I am assuming the name other stuff is accurate since it seems to match the letter that was on the leader here. So here it is.
An open letter to Conservative Catholics
As part of a grassroots effort, the Republican National Committee is reaching out to Catholics this election cycle. One of the ongoing efforts is to identify parish leaders within each Catholic church to help communicate that it is the GOP that best exemplifies traditional Catholic values in America.
This is a truly grassroots effort, attempting to build a relationship with Catholics at the Parish level. The GOP is seeking Conservative Catholics, who are active church goers. These people will lead the effort to get the facts out to Catholic voters, and to register conservative Catholics to vote. The Parish Leaders will receive information from the RNC in support of their activities.
This is an important element in the effort to re-elect President Bush, and elect Republicans at the statewide level. As Catholics, it will enable us to be heard on issues such as abortion, stem cell research, gay marriage, and any number of other issues
Illinois has a large Catholic population. Catholics in the State of Illinois could enable the President to win here, and provide the Democratic Machine a big surprise come November. The only way to enable this scenario is to become involved.
To become involved , please email gdienhart@rocketmail.com
George Dienhart
McHenry
An open letter to Conservative Catholics
As part of a grassroots effort, the Republican National Committee is reaching out to Catholics this election cycle. One of the ongoing efforts is to identify parish leaders within each Catholic church to help communicate that it is the GOP that best exemplifies traditional Catholic values in America.
This is a truly grassroots effort, attempting to build a relationship with Catholics at the Parish level. The GOP is seeking Conservative Catholics, who are active church goers. These people will lead the effort to get the facts out to Catholic voters, and to register conservative Catholics to vote. The Parish Leaders will receive information from the RNC in support of their activities.
This is an important element in the effort to re-elect President Bush, and elect Republicans at the statewide level. As Catholics, it will enable us to be heard on issues such as abortion, stem cell research, gay marriage, and any number of other issues
Illinois has a large Catholic population. Catholics in the State of Illinois could enable the President to win here, and provide the Democratic Machine a big surprise come November. The only way to enable this scenario is to become involved.
To become involved , please email gdienhart@rocketmail.com
George Dienhart
McHenry
The Campus Newspaper site that originally had this is too busy but I found it on usnet via google
"Pat Tillman is not a hero: He got what was coming to him By Rene Gonzalez April 28, 2004:"
I will just include this little snippet.
Al-Qaeda won't be defeated in Afghanistan, even if we did kill all
their operatives there. Only through careful and logical changing of the underlying conditions that allow for the ideology to foster will
Al-Qaeda be defeated.
-- I will defend your right to say what you want, I will also defend the right of people to think you are a complete tool.
Do people really think Al-Qaeda and people who blow them selves up or trains up are doing it because anything than pure hate? I can't even remotely understand where this dude is coming from.
The fact you get to enjoy security and peace provided by people who have made a choice to join the millitary and seem to completely fail to understand that blows my mind.
OneMan
"Pat Tillman is not a hero: He got what was coming to him By Rene Gonzalez April 28, 2004:"
I will just include this little snippet.
Al-Qaeda won't be defeated in Afghanistan, even if we did kill all
their operatives there. Only through careful and logical changing of the underlying conditions that allow for the ideology to foster will
Al-Qaeda be defeated.
-- I will defend your right to say what you want, I will also defend the right of people to think you are a complete tool.
Do people really think Al-Qaeda and people who blow them selves up or trains up are doing it because anything than pure hate? I can't even remotely understand where this dude is coming from.
The fact you get to enjoy security and peace provided by people who have made a choice to join the millitary and seem to completely fail to understand that blows my mind.
OneMan
From Chicagobusiness.com
"Members of the Illinois Coalition for Fair Fuel Taxes scheduled a press conference in Springfield this morning, calling on state legislators to reject the 21.5-cent-per-gallon tax Mr. Blagojevich wants to impose on non-highway vehicles. The governor wants the levy on freight locomotives, bulldozers, mining machinery, forklifts and other industrial equipment to help fill the state's budget gap. "
-- Let me get this right we are going to charge railroads the tax we use to fix up roads? Another great Blago 'fee' that is going to result in nothing more than lost jobs and revenue in the long run.
Follow the story for the full scoop.
OneMan
"Members of the Illinois Coalition for Fair Fuel Taxes scheduled a press conference in Springfield this morning, calling on state legislators to reject the 21.5-cent-per-gallon tax Mr. Blagojevich wants to impose on non-highway vehicles. The governor wants the levy on freight locomotives, bulldozers, mining machinery, forklifts and other industrial equipment to help fill the state's budget gap. "
-- Let me get this right we are going to charge railroads the tax we use to fix up roads? Another great Blago 'fee' that is going to result in nothing more than lost jobs and revenue in the long run.
Follow the story for the full scoop.
OneMan
Beyond Stupid to read it while it is still up go here. Otherwise read below
ABC Nightline Pre-emption
The ABC Television Network announced on Tuesday that the Friday, April 30 edition of "Nightline" will consist entirely of Ted Koppel reading aloud the names of U.S. servicemen and women killed in action in Iraq. Despite the denials by a spokeswoman for the show, the action appears to be motivated by a political agenda designed to undermine the efforts of the United States in Iraq.
There is no organization that holds the members of our military and those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country in higher regard than Sinclair Broadcast Group. While Sinclair would support an honest effort to honor the memory of these brave soldiers, we do not believe that is what "Nightline" is doing. Rather, Mr. Koppel and "Nightline" are hiding behind this so-called tribute in an effort to highlight only one aspect of the war effort and in doing so to influence public opinion against the military action in Iraq. Based on published reports, we are aware of the spouse of one soldier who died in Iraq who opposes the reading of her husband's name to oppose our military action. We suspect she is not alone in this viewpoint. As a result, we have decided to preempt the broadcast of "Nightline' this Friday on each of our stations which air ABC programming.
We understand that our decision in this matter may be questioned by some. Before you judge our decision, however, we would ask that you first question Mr. Koppel as to why he chose to read the names of 523 troops killed in combat in Iraq, rather than the names of the thousands of private citizens killed in terrorist attacks since and including the events of September 11, 2001. In his answer, we believe you will find the real motivation behind his action scheduled for this Friday. Unfortunately, we may never know for sure because Mr. Koppel has refused repeated requests from Sinclair's News Central news organization to comment on this Friday's program.
I can't find a link to ABC's response yet. I fail to understand how helping America understand the cost of the war on terror in Iraq in human lives is a bad thing. It makes you think and that no matter what you think is not a bad thing. I support the war, however you still need to think about, reflect and understand it's very real costs.
ABC Nightline Pre-emption
The ABC Television Network announced on Tuesday that the Friday, April 30 edition of "Nightline" will consist entirely of Ted Koppel reading aloud the names of U.S. servicemen and women killed in action in Iraq. Despite the denials by a spokeswoman for the show, the action appears to be motivated by a political agenda designed to undermine the efforts of the United States in Iraq.
There is no organization that holds the members of our military and those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country in higher regard than Sinclair Broadcast Group. While Sinclair would support an honest effort to honor the memory of these brave soldiers, we do not believe that is what "Nightline" is doing. Rather, Mr. Koppel and "Nightline" are hiding behind this so-called tribute in an effort to highlight only one aspect of the war effort and in doing so to influence public opinion against the military action in Iraq. Based on published reports, we are aware of the spouse of one soldier who died in Iraq who opposes the reading of her husband's name to oppose our military action. We suspect she is not alone in this viewpoint. As a result, we have decided to preempt the broadcast of "Nightline' this Friday on each of our stations which air ABC programming.
We understand that our decision in this matter may be questioned by some. Before you judge our decision, however, we would ask that you first question Mr. Koppel as to why he chose to read the names of 523 troops killed in combat in Iraq, rather than the names of the thousands of private citizens killed in terrorist attacks since and including the events of September 11, 2001. In his answer, we believe you will find the real motivation behind his action scheduled for this Friday. Unfortunately, we may never know for sure because Mr. Koppel has refused repeated requests from Sinclair's News Central news organization to comment on this Friday's program.
I can't find a link to ABC's response yet. I fail to understand how helping America understand the cost of the war on terror in Iraq in human lives is a bad thing. It makes you think and that no matter what you think is not a bad thing. I support the war, however you still need to think about, reflect and understand it's very real costs.
Go over and read at ArchPundit: Next, I'll Reinvent Addition and Subtraction. He references a Trib article about how the Govs. school numbers don't add up. Take a look at what he has to say and follow the link in his stuff to see what the Trib has to say.
OneMan
OneMan
CNN.com - Uri Geller protests ABC adoption show - Apr 29, 2004:
"Geller claims the ABC '20/20' show is an exact rip-off of his yet-to-be published novel 'Nobody's Child' which follows a reality TV game show where five couples compete to win a baby.
'I'm outraged and angry. I can't believe that such a show will go on,' he told Reuters."
-- To read more about Uri Geller go over to James Randi's site. Can this whole thing get any stranger?
"Geller claims the ABC '20/20' show is an exact rip-off of his yet-to-be published novel 'Nobody's Child' which follows a reality TV game show where five couples compete to win a baby.
'I'm outraged and angry. I can't believe that such a show will go on,' he told Reuters."
-- To read more about Uri Geller go over to James Randi's site. Can this whole thing get any stranger?
It appears at least to
Sneed it is time to put the smackdown on the Gov.
First
"Are Gov. Blago and his staff living under a rock?
*Consider: After a year of silence, Blago scheduled his first 'women's issues' press conference on the day women who would have attended -- and 1 million others -- were in the nation's capital marching for women's lives Sunday.
*Consider: Sneed hears a group of top Illinois women activists are wondering how they find out what exists under the rock."
-- I suspect whatever it is it has a lot of hair and a lot of new debt.
She makes a good point, however I suspect he chose the date so some people would not be there...
Then
Tsk. tsk. Memo to Gov. Blago's Deputy Gov. Bradley Tusk. Your speech at the induction of the Illinois Lincoln Academy laureates at the Chicago Historical Society recently went over like a lead balloon. I know it was meant to be funny, but I'm told laughter was scarce. It was a big enough snub that your boss has skipped the dinner two years in a row, and it was gracious of you to come, but bragging about New York, whence you came, is a bit declasse. Get it?
-- First, he has skipped the dinner... come on it is in Chicago a short drive. It's not like it was down in Springfield, God forbid he would have to go down to Springfield.
Secondly yeah the braging about New York at an event to honor Illinois finest is rather stupid, like bragging about steak at a vegitarian group meeting, dork.
Perhaps someone is using Sneed to send a message to Blago...
OneMan
Sneed it is time to put the smackdown on the Gov.
First
"Are Gov. Blago and his staff living under a rock?
*Consider: After a year of silence, Blago scheduled his first 'women's issues' press conference on the day women who would have attended -- and 1 million others -- were in the nation's capital marching for women's lives Sunday.
*Consider: Sneed hears a group of top Illinois women activists are wondering how they find out what exists under the rock."
-- I suspect whatever it is it has a lot of hair and a lot of new debt.
She makes a good point, however I suspect he chose the date so some people would not be there...
Then
Tsk. tsk. Memo to Gov. Blago's Deputy Gov. Bradley Tusk. Your speech at the induction of the Illinois Lincoln Academy laureates at the Chicago Historical Society recently went over like a lead balloon. I know it was meant to be funny, but I'm told laughter was scarce. It was a big enough snub that your boss has skipped the dinner two years in a row, and it was gracious of you to come, but bragging about New York, whence you came, is a bit declasse. Get it?
-- First, he has skipped the dinner... come on it is in Chicago a short drive. It's not like it was down in Springfield, God forbid he would have to go down to Springfield.
Secondly yeah the braging about New York at an event to honor Illinois finest is rather stupid, like bragging about steak at a vegitarian group meeting, dork.
Perhaps someone is using Sneed to send a message to Blago...
OneMan
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Ok,
I am watching the West Wing while working on something and just saw an add from the Communications Workers of America about the outsourcing of US Tech Jobs with a reference to TechsUnite.
There was a reference to outsourcing in last weeks West Wing that the ad referenced to.
A group is referencing things in a fictonal TV show in their ads.
Also while we talk about the media....
This week's 20/20 is extraordinary. It is the story of an adoption of one baby, but it involves the lives of five families who want to adopt the child, and a 16-year-old pregnant girl who wants to find a loving home for her baby while still remaining part of his life. She wants a very "open" adoption.
-- Great now ABC provides a new show: Who Wants To Be A Parent? Too stupid and sick to even comment about really. Hey lets watch some people be crushed on TV.
OneMan
I am watching the West Wing while working on something and just saw an add from the Communications Workers of America about the outsourcing of US Tech Jobs with a reference to TechsUnite.
There was a reference to outsourcing in last weeks West Wing that the ad referenced to.
A group is referencing things in a fictonal TV show in their ads.
Also while we talk about the media....
This week's 20/20 is extraordinary. It is the story of an adoption of one baby, but it involves the lives of five families who want to adopt the child, and a 16-year-old pregnant girl who wants to find a loving home for her baby while still remaining part of his life. She wants a very "open" adoption.
-- Great now ABC provides a new show: Who Wants To Be A Parent? Too stupid and sick to even comment about really. Hey lets watch some people be crushed on TV.
OneMan
Chicago Tribune | State budget fight heats up: "Gov. Rod Blagojevich sent a clear signal Tuesday that he will take a hard line with the legislature over his $53 billion budget plan, saying rank-and-file lawmakers come from a 'narrow-minded, special interest-focused mindset' and vowing to take his case to the public." Empahsis OneMan
-- Another quick thought on this one. Does that include the Democratic Senate Canidate State Sen. Barak Obama? Since he is a rank and file member of the Senate. Might make a good ad for Jack Ryan.
Dork.
OneMan
-- Another quick thought on this one. Does that include the Democratic Senate Canidate State Sen. Barak Obama? Since he is a rank and file member of the Senate. Might make a good ad for Jack Ryan.
Dork.
OneMan
Yahoo! News - 'Nightline' Devotes Show to Reading War Dead Names: "Koppel will read aloud the names of those killed since the March 2003 start of the Iraq war on the Friday edition of ABC News 'Nightline,' the network said on Tuesday. The reading will be accompanied by a photograph of each person named. "
-- It should be a powerful reminder of the price people pay to make us safe.
-- It should be a powerful reminder of the price people pay to make us safe.
Some more thoughts on the Cheif over at The Peoria Pundit, Zorn a blog posting from someone who was part of the sit-in.
-- I think it is up to the school if they want to keep the Cheif, however I always thought some kid dancing like that looked a bit goofy.
-- I think it is up to the school if they want to keep the Cheif, however I always thought some kid dancing like that looked a bit goofy.
Chicago Tribune | Senator tells U. of I. to bounce Illiniwek:
"Although Jones called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to take an active role against the Illiniwek, spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the governor believes the decision should be up to trustees.
Blagojevich has sidestepped the issue, saying he had never seen the chief perform."
-- Yeah right, Oh then again U of I doesn't play many games north of I-80.
I think they should rename his after Blago, how about Cheif Chickenfeathers or Brave who acts not brave.
"Although Jones called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to take an active role against the Illiniwek, spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the governor believes the decision should be up to trustees.
Blagojevich has sidestepped the issue, saying he had never seen the chief perform."
-- Yeah right, Oh then again U of I doesn't play many games north of I-80.
I think they should rename his after Blago, how about Cheif Chickenfeathers or Brave who acts not brave.
Over at the Leader
Joyce writes about earth day and the move by Republicans to stop the zero funding of the open space fund.
The thesis this week. Earth day is a pesudo-religous commie plot or
the government buying open space is bad.
" 'Illinois Republican legislators chose Earth Day to kick off an effort to stop Gov. Rod Blagojevich from cutting state funding for parks and natural areas,' according to Scott Richardson's article in the Bloomington Pantagraph."
-- Again I fail to undestand why she freaks out about the government buying open space? If taxpayers are willing to pay for it and voters are in favor of it, isn't that what democracy is about. I could understand if the money was being used to prevent people from developing land they own. Someday if she hasn't already she needs to go see the cook county forest preserves and see how they are a great asset to the area and help improve property values.
More Joyce
The day the Republicans chose to kick off their effort was Earth Day (which is also Lenin's Birthday as both are April 22). Isn't that interesting - considering Mikhail Gorbechev leads the large earthy organization, "Green Cross International" and this group would believe in government-owned open space.
-- It is also the day the Germans first used in poison gas WW I. It is also the birthday of various other well know people including Charlotte Rae and Jack Nicholson perhaps they are part of the plot as well.
Still More Joyce
Former Vice President Al Gore joined the board of a waterless urinal company late last year to further the dry toilet cause and to help avert what many environmentalists believe is a looming international water crisis.
-- Ummm as a long time user of Urinals I would argue the amount of water used by them or even if water is used by them does not really change my opinion of the quality of one. Also what does this have to do with your argument. Al Gore supports something therefore it must be bad?
Why would a waterless urinal be bad, since it costs money to move water to the urinal as well as process the water out of the urinal there would less water used and processed therefore requiring less public expenditure on the infrastructure needed to deal with water and urine. That may result in fewer pipes that need to be run to deal with waste products and reduce the need to government to dig up people's back yards to lay more pipe. Joyce you should be all over this idea.
Again I have never walked out of a mens room thinking 'Wow that used a lot of water to flush so therefore I feel I had a better urinal experience'
Still more Joyce
It wasn't until the Clinton/Gore administration did we go to such extremes that we can no longer afford the demands. Studies prove that wealthier countries are cleaner. As the extremists try to close power plants and factories and take the land out of use, promote the congestion of Smart Growth planning, the United States may find itself along side the poor nations and our environment will truly suffer.
-- Ok so some environmental regulations are ok with Joyce. Just not what changed under Clinton. So why is helping local park districts buy land a bad thing for Republicans to promote?
Joyce writes about earth day and the move by Republicans to stop the zero funding of the open space fund.
The thesis this week. Earth day is a pesudo-religous commie plot or
the government buying open space is bad.
" 'Illinois Republican legislators chose Earth Day to kick off an effort to stop Gov. Rod Blagojevich from cutting state funding for parks and natural areas,' according to Scott Richardson's article in the Bloomington Pantagraph."
-- Again I fail to undestand why she freaks out about the government buying open space? If taxpayers are willing to pay for it and voters are in favor of it, isn't that what democracy is about. I could understand if the money was being used to prevent people from developing land they own. Someday if she hasn't already she needs to go see the cook county forest preserves and see how they are a great asset to the area and help improve property values.
More Joyce
The day the Republicans chose to kick off their effort was Earth Day (which is also Lenin's Birthday as both are April 22). Isn't that interesting - considering Mikhail Gorbechev leads the large earthy organization, "Green Cross International" and this group would believe in government-owned open space.
-- It is also the day the Germans first used in poison gas WW I. It is also the birthday of various other well know people including Charlotte Rae and Jack Nicholson perhaps they are part of the plot as well.
Still More Joyce
Former Vice President Al Gore joined the board of a waterless urinal company late last year to further the dry toilet cause and to help avert what many environmentalists believe is a looming international water crisis.
-- Ummm as a long time user of Urinals I would argue the amount of water used by them or even if water is used by them does not really change my opinion of the quality of one. Also what does this have to do with your argument. Al Gore supports something therefore it must be bad?
Why would a waterless urinal be bad, since it costs money to move water to the urinal as well as process the water out of the urinal there would less water used and processed therefore requiring less public expenditure on the infrastructure needed to deal with water and urine. That may result in fewer pipes that need to be run to deal with waste products and reduce the need to government to dig up people's back yards to lay more pipe. Joyce you should be all over this idea.
Again I have never walked out of a mens room thinking 'Wow that used a lot of water to flush so therefore I feel I had a better urinal experience'
Still more Joyce
It wasn't until the Clinton/Gore administration did we go to such extremes that we can no longer afford the demands. Studies prove that wealthier countries are cleaner. As the extremists try to close power plants and factories and take the land out of use, promote the congestion of Smart Growth planning, the United States may find itself along side the poor nations and our environment will truly suffer.
-- Ok so some environmental regulations are ok with Joyce. Just not what changed under Clinton. So why is helping local park districts buy land a bad thing for Republicans to promote?
Chicago Tribune | State budget fight heats up: "Gov. Rod Blagojevich sent a clear signal Tuesday that he will take a hard line with the legislature over his $53 billion budget plan, saying rank-and-file lawmakers come from a 'narrow-minded, special interest-focused mindset' and vowing to take his case to the public.
Standing before Chicago TV cameras 200 miles from where the legislature was waiting to negotiate, Blagojevich said he had no need to go to the state Capitol as his predecessors have done to hammer out differences on critical spending and revenue issues."
-- Go down to Springfield? Argh, he'll get cotties or something.
Calling the state legislature names is not going to do anything for your cause. You know Rod we have different branches of government for a reason. You are not a dictator, contrary to what you may think or want to be true. If it is going to be your way or no-way at least say so. That way when we start to hammer you on all this debt in two years we can remind the voters of Illinois that this was all your idea.
"I think it's sort of irresponsible for him to make those remarks while we are down here working," said Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), the Senate Democrats' budget expert. "According to his words, we are doing nothing. I don't know if he really knows what's going on down here in Springfield."
-- Well duh' also there is no way Madigan lets him walk all over the legislature this time around, if he does it is going to make Mike look weak and make it harder for him to raise money and wield power. That is not going to happen.
Remember Rod the image of the closed St. Charles youth center is already going to make a good TV comercial against you some day when you run for higher office.
You cant run for President if you can't ballance your budget without a huge debt bomb.
OneMan
Standing before Chicago TV cameras 200 miles from where the legislature was waiting to negotiate, Blagojevich said he had no need to go to the state Capitol as his predecessors have done to hammer out differences on critical spending and revenue issues."
-- Go down to Springfield? Argh, he'll get cotties or something.
Calling the state legislature names is not going to do anything for your cause. You know Rod we have different branches of government for a reason. You are not a dictator, contrary to what you may think or want to be true. If it is going to be your way or no-way at least say so. That way when we start to hammer you on all this debt in two years we can remind the voters of Illinois that this was all your idea.
"I think it's sort of irresponsible for him to make those remarks while we are down here working," said Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), the Senate Democrats' budget expert. "According to his words, we are doing nothing. I don't know if he really knows what's going on down here in Springfield."
-- Well duh' also there is no way Madigan lets him walk all over the legislature this time around, if he does it is going to make Mike look weak and make it harder for him to raise money and wield power. That is not going to happen.
Remember Rod the image of the closed St. Charles youth center is already going to make a good TV comercial against you some day when you run for higher office.
You cant run for President if you can't ballance your budget without a huge debt bomb.
OneMan
Senate leader: Dump the Chief: "Senate President Emil Jones issued an ultimatum to the University of Illinois on Tuesday: Get rid of Chief Illiniwek by next month or face tighter ''scrutiny'' of school spending."
-- How much do you want to bet that any money taken away from U of I ends up going to Chicago State University They also named their convocation center after the Senator.
Glad to see he finally figured out this is a problem after all of these years of people complaining about the Chief, or could he just be using this to free up money for Chicago State? Naw, I just being cynical.
-- How much do you want to bet that any money taken away from U of I ends up going to Chicago State University They also named their convocation center after the Senator.
Glad to see he finally figured out this is a problem after all of these years of people complaining about the Chief, or could he just be using this to free up money for Chicago State? Naw, I just being cynical.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Over at eCampaign Weblog they have some coverage of the Rep Tom Cross weblog and the fundraising he is doing and the outreach that should spring forth. If you want to give $3 go here.
Chicagobusiness.com: "The head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is stepping up his attack on business-related fee increases proposed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, suggesting the governor is trying to short-circuit the legislative process.
In a letter to House Speaker Michael Madigan, Chamber President and CEO Douglas Whitley says Mr. Blagojevich has yet to provide details of $450 million in proposed increases, even though the legislature is scheduled to adjourn just over a month from now."
-- Well it all depends on how much he can borrow.....
In a letter to House Speaker Michael Madigan, Chamber President and CEO Douglas Whitley says Mr. Blagojevich has yet to provide details of $450 million in proposed increases, even though the legislature is scheduled to adjourn just over a month from now."
-- Well it all depends on how much he can borrow.....
Over at ArchPundit he offers his thoughts on the Malpractice Reform plan being pushed by the state house GOP.
I guess just a couple of comments on his comments. Smaller hospitals can and do support Neuro docs, they do in Michigan (I sailed with a guy once who described him self as a 'small town brain surgon') who worked in a small city in Michigan. Also the transport time to St. Louis can quite litteraly be a killer for people.
Also the fact fewer docs are delivering babies all the time shoud be a bigger concern in most places that anything else.
As for the 500K limit and the fact that attorneys fees can not come out of that amount strikes me as a good idea. Again I have a bias since Mrs. OneMan has to buy malpractice insurance.
OneMan
I guess just a couple of comments on his comments. Smaller hospitals can and do support Neuro docs, they do in Michigan (I sailed with a guy once who described him self as a 'small town brain surgon') who worked in a small city in Michigan. Also the transport time to St. Louis can quite litteraly be a killer for people.
Also the fact fewer docs are delivering babies all the time shoud be a bigger concern in most places that anything else.
As for the 500K limit and the fact that attorneys fees can not come out of that amount strikes me as a good idea. Again I have a bias since Mrs. OneMan has to buy malpractice insurance.
OneMan
Monday, April 26, 2004
Now this is a productive way to use a messageboard.
-- Most times I am joking with Mrs. OneMan when I say the deep south starts south of Kankakee, sometimes I am not so sure.
-- Most times I am joking with Mrs. OneMan when I say the deep south starts south of Kankakee, sometimes I am not so sure.
Chicago Tribune | Madigan hints end to governor's honeymoon: "Lawmakers say they are tired of Blagojevich portraying them as part of an old cabal representing the worst of policymaking.
Democrats and Republicans alike complain Blagojevich has shunned Springfield and the General Assembly and its governmental role, making it hard to negotiate with him."
-- You mean you need to go to Springfield to talk to lawmakers when they are in session. You know how long of a flight that is every day! Can't they just move everything up to the Thompson Center?
Democrats and Republicans alike complain Blagojevich has shunned Springfield and the General Assembly and its governmental role, making it hard to negotiate with him."
-- You mean you need to go to Springfield to talk to lawmakers when they are in session. You know how long of a flight that is every day! Can't they just move everything up to the Thompson Center?
Priceless (qt movie)
From the Trib:Hale found guilty
-- Why is it these guys seem to represent the white race (if there really is such a thing) in such a way as to defeat their own argument. It is your right to have these views, it is not your right to try and have a judge killed.
-- Why is it these guys seem to represent the white race (if there really is such a thing) in such a way as to defeat their own argument. It is your right to have these views, it is not your right to try and have a judge killed.
Also saw the new Yahoo ad with Ben Stein and Al Franken in it. Rather funny since Al Franken says Republicans use Yahoo to look for yachts.
Ummm Al I think that's what John Kerry uses it for.
Watch the ad (the first link) it's kind of funny. Look at John Kerrys Yacht registration (second link).
Ummm Al I think that's what John Kerry uses it for.
Watch the ad (the first link) it's kind of funny. Look at John Kerrys Yacht registration (second link).
Over at the Qur'an Blog he has some notes on the Cat protest down in Peoria.
New delay for Rosemont casino: "The goal to get a Rosemont casino up and running by May 2005 is in bigger doubt."
-- Hey no problem, it's not like we were counting on that so the state could pay it's bills and.. oh wait we are. Time to put that new spending in Chicago on the Discover card.
-- Hey no problem, it's not like we were counting on that so the state could pay it's bills and.. oh wait we are. Time to put that new spending in Chicago on the Discover card.
Chicago Tribune | State's highway plan sends drivers down bumpy road: "In releasing his state highway plan covering the next seven years, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is betting that road conditions look pretty darn good to Illinois drivers.
And that he won't be around to take the blame in 2010 or so when the asphalt hits the fan"
-- I am sure roads in Chicago will be fine... Isn't that where everyone lives anyway?
And that he won't be around to take the blame in 2010 or so when the asphalt hits the fan"
-- I am sure roads in Chicago will be fine... Isn't that where everyone lives anyway?
Sunday, April 25, 2004
From ABCNEWS.com more on Waffle Boy
"'I gave back, I can't remember, 6, 7, 8, 9 medals,' Kerry said in an interview on a Washington, D.C. news program on WRC-TV's called Viewpoints on November 6, 1971, according to a tape obtained by ABCNEWS.
Throughout his presidential campaign, Kerry has denied that he threw away any of his 11 medals during an anti-war protest in April, 1971. "
-- So what is it, I suspect it is none.
"'I gave back, I can't remember, 6, 7, 8, 9 medals,' Kerry said in an interview on a Washington, D.C. news program on WRC-TV's called Viewpoints on November 6, 1971, according to a tape obtained by ABCNEWS.
Throughout his presidential campaign, Kerry has denied that he threw away any of his 11 medals during an anti-war protest in April, 1971. "
-- So what is it, I suspect it is none.
I am reminded of something else from the other night. How cool it is to be involved in politics for a host of reasons.
One of the big ones is a reason most people I think wouldn't suspect. Talking to canidates and office holders is nice, but talking to their staffers and 'pros' is even cooler in a lot of ways. Since politics is not even remotely how I make a living or related to how I make a living I approach it from a given perspective. When you get to talk to pros you get insight on a bunch of different things. Issues ranging from strategy all the way down to simple logistics the guys who deal with this stuff for a living just seem to have a lot of offer. They are belivers who are willing to stake their livelyhoods on those ideals, if someone I have done stuff for loses an election, that sucks but it doesn't keep me from paying the mortage next month.
So I guess what I am suggesting here is next time you go to an event or fundraiser after you get your 60 seconds with the canidate or office holder talk to the people with them for 5 minutes. You'll get something out of it.
OneMan
One of the big ones is a reason most people I think wouldn't suspect. Talking to canidates and office holders is nice, but talking to their staffers and 'pros' is even cooler in a lot of ways. Since politics is not even remotely how I make a living or related to how I make a living I approach it from a given perspective. When you get to talk to pros you get insight on a bunch of different things. Issues ranging from strategy all the way down to simple logistics the guys who deal with this stuff for a living just seem to have a lot of offer. They are belivers who are willing to stake their livelyhoods on those ideals, if someone I have done stuff for loses an election, that sucks but it doesn't keep me from paying the mortage next month.
So I guess what I am suggesting here is next time you go to an event or fundraiser after you get your 60 seconds with the canidate or office holder talk to the people with them for 5 minutes. You'll get something out of it.
OneMan
Well a few things going on. Was at an event the other night where I got to hear both Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Steve R. speak.
First Steve R. it was really nice to hear someone speak after an election that didn't have a trace of anger or bitterness. That was Steve, he came accross as truly happy just to have had the experience and it was good to see him still out speaking to groups. It seems that even people who have offices currently kind of go into hiding when they lose a primary or something for a higher office. I hope Steve does run for Governor when the time comes, he has my vote.
Tom Cross was the featured speaker at the event and spoke about a host of subjects including malpractice reform. You can guess what topic I am going to focus on.
Soon there will no neurosurgons south of Springfield in this state.
Soon there will no neurosurgons who treat head trama in Will County (300K people) and only one neurosurgon in the entire county.
Soon it will very hard to find an Ob/Gyn who delivers babies in Will County. To get more of an idea of the impact of this issue in Will County go here.
To see the 'Code Blue' Medical Liability Crisis Releif Plan go here (pdf).
I will be taking a closer look at the plan and offering my ill-informed opinion on it soon.
OneMan
First Steve R. it was really nice to hear someone speak after an election that didn't have a trace of anger or bitterness. That was Steve, he came accross as truly happy just to have had the experience and it was good to see him still out speaking to groups. It seems that even people who have offices currently kind of go into hiding when they lose a primary or something for a higher office. I hope Steve does run for Governor when the time comes, he has my vote.
Tom Cross was the featured speaker at the event and spoke about a host of subjects including malpractice reform. You can guess what topic I am going to focus on.
Soon there will no neurosurgons south of Springfield in this state.
Soon there will no neurosurgons who treat head trama in Will County (300K people) and only one neurosurgon in the entire county.
Soon it will very hard to find an Ob/Gyn who delivers babies in Will County. To get more of an idea of the impact of this issue in Will County go here.
To see the 'Code Blue' Medical Liability Crisis Releif Plan go here (pdf).
I will be taking a closer look at the plan and offering my ill-informed opinion on it soon.
OneMan
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Chicago Tribune | Candidate's best tag: A likable kind of guy: "'To see these personality characteristics, this background of classic privilege with the five houses, the motor yacht, the ski chalet, it's hard to say that `He's a guy like me' because most of us don't have ski chalets or motor yachts,' said Terry Holt, spokesman for the Bush campaign."
-- Five houses and a ski challet and the guys NOT a Republican.....
-- Five houses and a ski challet and the guys NOT a Republican.....
Friday, April 23, 2004
From the leader a letter about Joyces latest column.
"Textbook worthy column on 'endangered' rivers"
-- I think that says more about the quality of textbooks than anything else....
"Textbook worthy column on 'endangered' rivers"
-- I think that says more about the quality of textbooks than anything else....
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Nauvoo casts Mormons' plight in a different light:
Some day perhaps, an alderman from some small Mississippi River town will go to dinner with an old friend from Chicago who will regale him with stories about the time in history when the city elected its first African-American mayor, causing white racist aldermen to rebel and take control of the City Council so as to limit his powers.
-- Glad to see someone brought up this point of view. He also points out how it was a bit of surprise to people who live down there.
Some day perhaps, an alderman from some small Mississippi River town will go to dinner with an old friend from Chicago who will regale him with stories about the time in history when the city elected its first African-American mayor, causing white racist aldermen to rebel and take control of the City Council so as to limit his powers.
-- Glad to see someone brought up this point of view. He also points out how it was a bit of surprise to people who live down there.
Over at HOG ON ICE he has some interesting thoughts on BD losing hisLeg.
Then again Gary Trudeau has given to the Democrats (see the last entry) and I think he gave to Dean but I can't find a record of that.
Follow the top link, it is rather interesting.
Then again Gary Trudeau has given to the Democrats (see the last entry) and I think he gave to Dean but I can't find a record of that.
Follow the top link, it is rather interesting.
While I am on the subject of the Governor, I saw footage of him visiting Utica yesterday and he was wearing an IL State police coat that even seemed to have a cloth 'badge' on it? It this apropreate? Dosen't he have his own coat?
Yes I know the democrats who read this are going 'What about President Bush and his flight suit' yeah, yeah. But somehow this strikes me as a bit different. He is not a state trooper, why wear a coat like he is. At least President Bush was in an aircraft.
OneMan
Yes I know the democrats who read this are going 'What about President Bush and his flight suit' yeah, yeah. But somehow this strikes me as a bit different. He is not a state trooper, why wear a coat like he is. At least President Bush was in an aircraft.
OneMan
The Illinois House Republicans call on Gov. Blago to
help protect open space... Have I entered bizaro world?
"The House Republicans today urged Governor Rod Blagojevich to reconsider his proposal to take a 'holiday' from funding crucial open space preservation programs in Illinois.
"In recent years, Illinois has ranked 48th out of 50 states in the amount of open space available for outdoor recreation and what we have left is disappearing fast," said State Representative David Winters (R-Shirland). "The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD) was created to help us preserve environmentally sensitive areas and recreational lands for future generations. It would be irresponsible to completely abandon funding, even temporarily, for this important purpose."
-- It helps local governments, it doesn't cover all of the costs and at a $21 million it is not a budget buster.
The OSLAD program is a state-financed grant program through the Real Estate Transfer Tax that provides up to 50% funding assistance to eligible units of governments for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing lands for public outdoor recreation purposes (public parks and open space). These are not funds generated through property taxes.
Zeroing out this funding for the OSLAD program diverts funding to the state's General Revenue Fund allowing the governor to earmark this dollars for any project or program he wishes. "
-- I am sure there are lots of projects north of I-80 that require state funding.
help protect open space... Have I entered bizaro world?
"The House Republicans today urged Governor Rod Blagojevich to reconsider his proposal to take a 'holiday' from funding crucial open space preservation programs in Illinois.
"In recent years, Illinois has ranked 48th out of 50 states in the amount of open space available for outdoor recreation and what we have left is disappearing fast," said State Representative David Winters (R-Shirland). "The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD) was created to help us preserve environmentally sensitive areas and recreational lands for future generations. It would be irresponsible to completely abandon funding, even temporarily, for this important purpose."
-- It helps local governments, it doesn't cover all of the costs and at a $21 million it is not a budget buster.
The OSLAD program is a state-financed grant program through the Real Estate Transfer Tax that provides up to 50% funding assistance to eligible units of governments for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing lands for public outdoor recreation purposes (public parks and open space). These are not funds generated through property taxes.
Zeroing out this funding for the OSLAD program diverts funding to the state's General Revenue Fund allowing the governor to earmark this dollars for any project or program he wishes. "
-- I am sure there are lots of projects north of I-80 that require state funding.
Some more on the cost of malpractice insurance:
"By July 1 Robinson and her two colleagues will have left their 6,000-patient practice in Niles, Ill., and moved nearly an hour away, across state lines to Kenosha, Wis. The doctors say they can no longer afford to pay skyrocketing malpractice premiums. Their combined insurance has leapt 48 percent to $510,000 a year. In Wisconsin they'll pay just $50,000."
-- We need to do something about this gang.
"By July 1 Robinson and her two colleagues will have left their 6,000-patient practice in Niles, Ill., and moved nearly an hour away, across state lines to Kenosha, Wis. The doctors say they can no longer afford to pay skyrocketing malpractice premiums. Their combined insurance has leapt 48 percent to $510,000 a year. In Wisconsin they'll pay just $50,000."
-- We need to do something about this gang.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
An interesting Story from Reason about how running ads for on-line casinos may be a crime and the feds have warned people.
It would be interesting to see if they go after radio stations that run ads for offshore sportsbooks and magazines that run them.
OneMan
It would be interesting to see if they go after radio stations that run ads for offshore sportsbooks and magazines that run them.
OneMan
I have written about malpractice reform in Illinois so to be fair I am going to include a link to this story.
State doctors, malpractice insurer battle over rate hike, board raises: "ISMIE also paid out $4.9 million to senior executive Donald Udstuen when he left the company, two months before pleading guilty to taking kickbacks on state contracts."
-- Nothing like having your own insruance company run by people you are not happy with.
State doctors, malpractice insurer battle over rate hike, board raises: "ISMIE also paid out $4.9 million to senior executive Donald Udstuen when he left the company, two months before pleading guilty to taking kickbacks on state contracts."
-- Nothing like having your own insruance company run by people you are not happy with.
I read Joyce at the Illinois Leader so you dont have to.
Her point this week -- That by letting the Missouri River be managed in a way that results in it's level being too low to allow barge traffic resulting in various harms occouring.
How I think she fails to get there...
Should we be asking who gives American Rivers the authority to compile a list that appears to have so much impact? Does the media research the other side before readily printing these releases and promoting an agenda?
-- Ummm the "Ten Most Endangered Rivers" list gets fewer hits in google news the combo of Oprah and Apprentice as a combo get more google news hits. Not actaully big news. So the impact is just sort of there, not huge but there.
The environmentalist's goal is to make our rivers "free flowing" as the rivers were in the days of Lewis and Clark. They believe this can be achieved by the removal of locks and dams. They want to see canoes paddling the rivers instead of barge traffic moving commercial products and providing millions of jobs to support families.
-- Ummm. Even if this is true the second sentence takes a legitamate point but sounds shrill since it is they are against x and it causes y.
I think she has a point to make, one I even agree with.
In that the econ. benefits of rivers need to be considered above questionable environmnet concerns. However she fails to make it.
Who knows maybe I will start re-writing them for her.
OneMan
Her point this week -- That by letting the Missouri River be managed in a way that results in it's level being too low to allow barge traffic resulting in various harms occouring.
How I think she fails to get there...
Should we be asking who gives American Rivers the authority to compile a list that appears to have so much impact? Does the media research the other side before readily printing these releases and promoting an agenda?
-- Ummm the "Ten Most Endangered Rivers" list gets fewer hits in google news the combo of Oprah and Apprentice as a combo get more google news hits. Not actaully big news. So the impact is just sort of there, not huge but there.
The environmentalist's goal is to make our rivers "free flowing" as the rivers were in the days of Lewis and Clark. They believe this can be achieved by the removal of locks and dams. They want to see canoes paddling the rivers instead of barge traffic moving commercial products and providing millions of jobs to support families.
-- Ummm. Even if this is true the second sentence takes a legitamate point but sounds shrill since it is they are against x and it causes y.
I think she has a point to make, one I even agree with.
In that the econ. benefits of rivers need to be considered above questionable environmnet concerns. However she fails to make it.
Who knows maybe I will start re-writing them for her.
OneMan
Yahoo! News - Senator says US may need compulsory service to boost Iraq force: "'There's not an American ... that doesn't understand what we are engaged in today and what the prospects are for the future,' Senator Chuck Hagel told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on post-occupation Iraq.
'Why shouldn't we ask all of our citizens to bear some responsibility and pay some price?' Hagel said, arguing that restoring compulsory military service would force 'our citizens to understand the intensity and depth of challenges we face.'
The Nebraska Republican added that a draft, which was ended in the early 1970s, would spread the burden of military service in Iraq more equitably among various social strata. "
-- Yeah, like thats ever gonna happen.... He makes a valid point, but it is never gonna happen.
'Why shouldn't we ask all of our citizens to bear some responsibility and pay some price?' Hagel said, arguing that restoring compulsory military service would force 'our citizens to understand the intensity and depth of challenges we face.'
The Nebraska Republican added that a draft, which was ended in the early 1970s, would spread the burden of military service in Iraq more equitably among various social strata. "
-- Yeah, like thats ever gonna happen.... He makes a valid point, but it is never gonna happen.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
I am watching something on Nova on PBS right now about population trends. One of the things I like about PBS is you can find out who funds things and figure out what else the fund. This can give you some insight to the viewpoint of what you may have watched.
Major funding for "World in the Balance" is provided by Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund (sponsor of the Goldman Environmental Prize), and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
OneMan
Major funding for "World in the Balance" is provided by Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund (sponsor of the Goldman Environmental Prize), and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
OneMan
Yahoo! News - Michael Jackson's Brother Raps U.S. Policy in Iraq: "Jermaine, also a singer, told Reuters in an interview: 'I do not agree with the U.S. government. What they are saying about Muslims and Arabs is all propaganda and brainwashing.' "
-- Besides for the fact the headline didn't even contain his name who cares what Jermaine thinks. I want to know what Tito thinks!
-- Besides for the fact the headline didn't even contain his name who cares what Jermaine thinks. I want to know what Tito thinks!
UK Bombers Target Soccer Match?:
"A SUICIDE bomb plot to kill thousands of soccer fans at Saturday's Manchester United-Liverpool match was dramatically foiled yesterday."
-- If someone pulls that sort of thing here in the US I think a growing number of Americans are going to demand that we bomb part of Afganistan back to the stone age ( or make it glow).
"A SUICIDE bomb plot to kill thousands of soccer fans at Saturday's Manchester United-Liverpool match was dramatically foiled yesterday."
-- If someone pulls that sort of thing here in the US I think a growing number of Americans are going to demand that we bomb part of Afganistan back to the stone age ( or make it glow).
Now it is time for two calendars Babes for Bush and Babes against Bush.
Sorry I still think the Babes against Bush calendar chicks look a bit like 'low rent porn stars'
OneMan
Sorry I still think the Babes against Bush calendar chicks look a bit like 'low rent porn stars'
OneMan
The Trib has some more on the state's debt:
-- This is my favorite line out of the whole thing.
Because of the way Blagojevich has pushed back payments, Wheeler said, the bonds are 'like time bombs that are being put out there for a future governor.'"
-- This is my favorite line out of the whole thing.
Because of the way Blagojevich has pushed back payments, Wheeler said, the bonds are 'like time bombs that are being put out there for a future governor.'"
Monday, April 19, 2004
Over at Crains they point out Danny! is getting a little verklempt about how much debt the state is getting into.
"'The pattern of increased debt is troublesome on a number of levels,' Mr. Hynes said. 'It is not just an issue of how much we are borrowing, but what we are borrowing for.'
Specifically, Mr. Hynes' echoing Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is becoming increasingly nervous about the governor's plan to borrow money to finance short-term obligations.
'Issuing debt to pay for long-term projects can certainly be financially prudent. But borrowing long term for short-term needs is dangerous,' Mr. Hynes said. 'It goes back to one of the basic principles of family economics: you take on debt to buy a home or a car, not to buy groceries."
-- If you raise taxes you can't run for president. If you borrow your way out of trobule and then leave the problem for someone else then you are fine. I think the Democrats are going to start taking shots at each other... This is very schadenfreude of me but cool.
"'The pattern of increased debt is troublesome on a number of levels,' Mr. Hynes said. 'It is not just an issue of how much we are borrowing, but what we are borrowing for.'
Specifically, Mr. Hynes' echoing Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is becoming increasingly nervous about the governor's plan to borrow money to finance short-term obligations.
'Issuing debt to pay for long-term projects can certainly be financially prudent. But borrowing long term for short-term needs is dangerous,' Mr. Hynes said. 'It goes back to one of the basic principles of family economics: you take on debt to buy a home or a car, not to buy groceries."
-- If you raise taxes you can't run for president. If you borrow your way out of trobule and then leave the problem for someone else then you are fine. I think the Democrats are going to start taking shots at each other... This is very schadenfreude of me but cool.
The Peoria Pundit offers up some thoughts on the anti-catapiller protests that are going to be going down in Peoria because of the woman who was killed by a catepillar dozer during a 'protest'.
Read his take.
OneMan
Read his take.
OneMan
From A New Can Of Worms: "Last Fall the Illinois Policy Institute released its Illinois-STAMP report dynamically scoring the Governor's FY04 Budget." See how close they were to reality. (I'll give you a hint they did better than the Gov).
illinigirl has some thoughts on the whole Cheif thing. Again I really don't have a dog in this fight so I don't have a really strong feeling one way or the other. However I wouldn't consider the Cheif nearly as bad as schools that are the 'Redskins' or something like that.
OneMan
OneMan
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Watching/Listening right now to Eye on Chicago and interviews with Mancow and the guy who has filed the complaints. Some comments.
Sorry Mancow I am not even remotely buying the 'They are coming after me to stiffle political desent'. I highly doubt there is some big government plan to shut you up because Al from Cicero calls and complains about something.
He did have some what I feel legitimate gripes about the FCC process and how the standards are vauge.
The guys who has filed the complaints was also on. He did an Ok job and even had a bit of a counter argument for the 'Change the station argument'.
What he failed to do is to really bring out the idea that 'we' own the airwaves. He said it once but really failed to bring it out that this is not to government buring books and that the licenses that these stations have from the government are really their primary asset.
OneMan
Sorry Mancow I am not even remotely buying the 'They are coming after me to stiffle political desent'. I highly doubt there is some big government plan to shut you up because Al from Cicero calls and complains about something.
He did have some what I feel legitimate gripes about the FCC process and how the standards are vauge.
The guys who has filed the complaints was also on. He did an Ok job and even had a bit of a counter argument for the 'Change the station argument'.
What he failed to do is to really bring out the idea that 'we' own the airwaves. He said it once but really failed to bring it out that this is not to government buring books and that the licenses that these stations have from the government are really their primary asset.
OneMan
Well I have been thinking about something Arch wrote about the Republicans of his youth.
I guess he has a real point in some ways I am a (Thompson/Edgar) Republican. That is a Republican who does not feel that you need to be a strong social conservative to be a Republican.
Here is my definition of a Thompson Republican (using some examples)
A) Not a fan of Right to Work, unions are not evil.
B) Feel local government entities should be free to make decisions with a limited influence from Springfield.
C) What people do in the privacy of their own homes should be their business.
D) There is virtually no singe issue that is a 'Republican Litmus Test', pro-choice fine, gay fine. Want to raise taxes and make government bigger (err, nope)
F) Is pragmatic, due to the very nature of how things work in Springfield you need to be able to work with both parties and accross branches of government.
G) How you chose to worship God or even if you want to worship God is your own business.
H) Create a regulatory environment that is fair to business and labor and encourages the economic growth.
My fear is sometimes that we get too focused on the social conservative issues.
I guess he has a real point in some ways I am a (Thompson/Edgar) Republican. That is a Republican who does not feel that you need to be a strong social conservative to be a Republican.
Here is my definition of a Thompson Republican (using some examples)
A) Not a fan of Right to Work, unions are not evil.
B) Feel local government entities should be free to make decisions with a limited influence from Springfield.
C) What people do in the privacy of their own homes should be their business.
D) There is virtually no singe issue that is a 'Republican Litmus Test', pro-choice fine, gay fine. Want to raise taxes and make government bigger (err, nope)
F) Is pragmatic, due to the very nature of how things work in Springfield you need to be able to work with both parties and accross branches of government.
G) How you chose to worship God or even if you want to worship God is your own business.
H) Create a regulatory environment that is fair to business and labor and encourages the economic growth.
My fear is sometimes that we get too focused on the social conservative issues.
CNN.com - Mom sues Coors' over son's death in accident - Apr 18, 2004: "RENO, Nevada (AP) -- The mother of a 19-year-old killed in a traffic accident is suing Coors Brewing Co., claiming that it promotes underage drinking.
Jodie Pisco, of Reno, contends Coors has failed in its duty to protect the country's youth from drinking. Her son, Ryan, was killed in 2002 after he drank Coors at a party and drove his girlfriend's car into a light pole at 90 mph, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Washoe County District Court, seeks unspecified damages. It accused Coors of 'glorifying a culture of youth, sex and glamour while hiding the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction"
Also named in the suit were Ryan Pisco's girlfriend and her mother. The lawsuit alleges the girlfriend allowed Pisco, who lacked a valid driver's license, to drive off in her car, which had been given to her by her mother.
-- Yeah it wasn't his fault at all...... Why not sue the outfit who made the car, heck it went 90 that's over the leagal speed limit. Why not sue the guy who provided him with the brew. No way is it his fault!
It's sad it's not actionable. Your son was an adult, he made a bad decision.
OneMan
Jodie Pisco, of Reno, contends Coors has failed in its duty to protect the country's youth from drinking. Her son, Ryan, was killed in 2002 after he drank Coors at a party and drove his girlfriend's car into a light pole at 90 mph, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Washoe County District Court, seeks unspecified damages. It accused Coors of 'glorifying a culture of youth, sex and glamour while hiding the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction"
Also named in the suit were Ryan Pisco's girlfriend and her mother. The lawsuit alleges the girlfriend allowed Pisco, who lacked a valid driver's license, to drive off in her car, which had been given to her by her mother.
-- Yeah it wasn't his fault at all...... Why not sue the outfit who made the car, heck it went 90 that's over the leagal speed limit. Why not sue the guy who provided him with the brew. No way is it his fault!
It's sad it's not actionable. Your son was an adult, he made a bad decision.
OneMan
As the Os-blog points out. NIU president Peters is out of the running to be the president of the U of Tenn. Cool, I am glad he is staying at NIU.
Chicago Tribune | Illiniwek skirmish will shift to Capitol: "'I just think people are overreacting,' said Darryl MaGee, a freshman from Waukegan. 'Sometimes you just need to let it be. Illinois is known for the Chief. If you take that away from us, what do we have?'"
-- Well I suspect that you still have a campus that seems to get a disproportionate amount of financial support, media attention and prestige compared to the rest of the state colleges and universities in this state. Then again I went to NIU so I may have a bit of a bias.
If all you think that represents a school is it's mascot, you must be a freshman.
OneMan
-- Well I suspect that you still have a campus that seems to get a disproportionate amount of financial support, media attention and prestige compared to the rest of the state colleges and universities in this state. Then again I went to NIU so I may have a bit of a bias.
If all you think that represents a school is it's mascot, you must be a freshman.
OneMan
Friday, April 16, 2004
Chicago Tribune | Jury finds suburban mayor guilty: "Defense attorney Marc Hamilton said in his opening statement that Luster would not deny he collected unemployment benefits and failed to file tax returns, but he said Luster did not willfully and knowingly breaking the law.
``Mr. Luster would like you to know this case is about more than that,'' Hamilton said. ``This case is about a young man who overcame a troubled youth, became a leader of his community and was elected mayor of this community.''"
-- Who didn't make his state tax payments. It's good to see the George Ryan defense does not work.
``Mr. Luster would like you to know this case is about more than that,'' Hamilton said. ``This case is about a young man who overcame a troubled youth, became a leader of his community and was elected mayor of this community.''"
-- Who didn't make his state tax payments. It's good to see the George Ryan defense does not work.
Over at west north: There is a post about a California proposal that would further regulate big-box retailers
"An interesting bill now before the California General Assembly would better inform municipalities' decisions about big-box retailers:"
"The bill would prohibit a city or county from approving any store larger than 100,000 square feet that also devotes at least 10% of its space to selling groceries, if an economic report shows that the surrounding community would be harmed."
"It would require Wal-Mart or other superstores to pay for the studies, although they would have no say in choosing which independent consultant would be hired by local officials. Economic and environmental impact reports can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars."
-- Ok where do I start on this one.
First 'Why not let local towns and cities make their own decisions on who sells in their towns?' Is this something that needs to be turned over to a larger government entity? No!
Second. How do you define econmic harm. Big grocer A opens up a store that will end up causing store B to close is that economic harm? Why do businesses need to be protected from other businesses? Compitition good not bad....
Third, you pick the consultant and I pay for it? Oh that's not going to lead to anyone playing favorites at all.
Why not just call this what it is, the existing retailer protection act.
"An interesting bill now before the California General Assembly would better inform municipalities' decisions about big-box retailers:"
"The bill would prohibit a city or county from approving any store larger than 100,000 square feet that also devotes at least 10% of its space to selling groceries, if an economic report shows that the surrounding community would be harmed."
"It would require Wal-Mart or other superstores to pay for the studies, although they would have no say in choosing which independent consultant would be hired by local officials. Economic and environmental impact reports can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars."
-- Ok where do I start on this one.
First 'Why not let local towns and cities make their own decisions on who sells in their towns?' Is this something that needs to be turned over to a larger government entity? No!
Second. How do you define econmic harm. Big grocer A opens up a store that will end up causing store B to close is that economic harm? Why do businesses need to be protected from other businesses? Compitition good not bad....
Third, you pick the consultant and I pay for it? Oh that's not going to lead to anyone playing favorites at all.
Why not just call this what it is, the existing retailer protection act.
Telegraph | News | Defiant hostage's murder on video outrages Italians: "The Italian hostage executed in Iraq tried to tear off his hood seconds before he was shot dead and screamed: 'Now I'll show you how an Italian dies.'"
-- Good for him, if it is going to happen no sense giving them the satisfcation of thinking they have broken you.
-- Good for him, if it is going to happen no sense giving them the satisfcation of thinking they have broken you.
Chicago Tribune | Ryan, Obama side by side in race for election funds: "Ryan also attacked Obama for voting to raise what Ryan said were 428 taxes and fees, voting to extend state bonding authority by $14 billion, and moving $800 million out of the state's highway trust fund in the last four fiscal years. The result, Ryan said, is 'we've lost, in Illinois, 100,000 manufacturing jobs over the last four years.'"
-- Thats the downside of having a record. It can be used against you.
-- Thats the downside of having a record. It can be used against you.
Still more from Sneed on'The Apprentice . . .':
"Sneed was right. We predicted over the last week that if Chicago's Bill Rancic was selected as Donald Trump's apprentice, he would be the perfect choice to spearhead The Donald's 90-story Trump Tower right here in the footprint of the Sun-Times."
-- There were two guys left, you had a 50/50 shot. Also thanks for letting us know that he got his 'locks clipped' at SalonBlond...
How about doing a blurb about something real like the St. Charles youth center or something. Oh wait you have a item on how Luke Perry had a burger at Billy Goat on Thursday with Oprah...
"Sneed was right. We predicted over the last week that if Chicago's Bill Rancic was selected as Donald Trump's apprentice, he would be the perfect choice to spearhead The Donald's 90-story Trump Tower right here in the footprint of the Sun-Times."
-- There were two guys left, you had a 50/50 shot. Also thanks for letting us know that he got his 'locks clipped' at SalonBlond...
How about doing a blurb about something real like the St. Charles youth center or something. Oh wait you have a item on how Luke Perry had a burger at Billy Goat on Thursday with Oprah...
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Illinois Youth Center St. Charles Illinois:
The Issue
Governor Blagojevich has announced in his proposed budget:
'We have old prisons in Illinois that are simply too costly to operate. We have new facilities sitting vacant.
Prisons ought to be built or operated when you need them to house inmates not because
The Issue
Governor Blagojevich has announced in his proposed budget:
'We have old prisons in Illinois that are simply too costly to operate. We have new facilities sitting vacant.
Prisons ought to be built or operated when you need them to house inmates not because