1 riverbeds boil, meek clammy miseries drifting grimly, old sneezing There. A randomly generated cowboy haiku. I just saved Harry Reid millions of dollars out of the budget.

2 I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

So if I like sitting around in my EZ chair with my hand in my pants watching the beautiful women on Fox News that means ... ?

3 2 What's the over/under for air strikes?

Posted by: CDR M at March 18, 2011 06:48 AM (5I8G0)

To start off, I think they need to launch two or three cruise missiles just to make Qadaffy and his Libyan army very, very nervous.

4 Report: U.S. considering strategic outreach to Hezbollah Washington Post says Obama administration weighing dialogue with Lebanese militant group's political wing, in an effort similar to that attempted by U.K. in its dealings with Sinn Fein in the 1990s. "Officials who support this course argue that the organization is like the IRA or the PLO — with nonmilitary components that can be drawn into a dialogue," Ignatius added. Ignatius quotes in his article one intelligence official, John Brennan, known for supporting a move toward dialogue with the Lebanese militant group, as saying that while "Hezbollah started out as purely a terrorist organization back in the early ’80s," it has "evolved significantly over time." Morons.

5

Leadership: Canada Sending Warplanes
While the 3:00 a.m. phone keeps ringing. [rdbrewer]

Go Canada!...we're gonna kick some ass!

6 Good morning, M&Ms. Another work week almost done, grass growing, birds singing, Bambi teeing up, and the business of the nation piling up unaddressed. Happy Friday!

7 What's the over/under for air strikes?

The time for that has passed.  A no-fly zone now is moronic.  I'm surprised Quaddafy didn't go balls out right after the UN vote.

8 What's the over/under for air strikes? Posted by: CDR M at March 18, 2011 06:48 AM (5I8G0) Well unless we're providing Air Management I'd go with the French shooting down one British Plane and the Italians bombing Egypt by mistake.

9 If memory serves the Brits and the French both have some pretty good aircraft and pilots. Maybe they train at the anti-radar Wild Weasel kind of stuff too. Maybe they can take out the air defense infrastructure? Then it becomes easier to destroy tanks and the like. All of the above is a WAG, by the way.

10  Libya: IÂ’ll attack passenger jets, warns Gaddafi, as air strikes loom

11 If memory serves the Brits and the French both have some pretty good aircraft and pilots. Maybe they train at the anti-radar Wild Weasel kind of stuff too. Maybe they can take out the air defense infrastructure? Then it becomes easier to destroy tanks and the like. All of the above is a WAG, by the way. Posted by: joncelli at March 18, 2011 07:03 AM (Nvw83) Yeah if we are involved. I'd still like to see how they do going it alone.

12 I should also add that Hillary Clinton is a fucking imbecile.  Can anyone enlighten me as to why is she considered a real man of genius (other than the obvious fact that her fanboi prostitutes in the media want her portrayed that way)?  Her creds for SOS are what - a couple of years on a Senate Committee talking about foreign affairs?  Being married to a former President who was himself a foreign affairs disaster?  Seriously ....

13 You shall know them by their works.  ^{_{(it is news to some)}}

14 Arab League says UN resolution sets limits Published: 03.18.11, 12:37 / Israel News share The Arab League chief said on Friday a UN Security Council resolution on Libya was aimed at protecting civilians and not did not back any invasion, and said he did not want any side "to go too far". Amr Moussa said participation of any Arab state in implementing a "no-fly" zone or in other action would be discussed on a bilateral level as the League's own resolution backing a "no-fly" zone had not specified other steps by states. (Reuters) Ah translation: The Arab States are just gonna watch

15 I'll be launching an air strike on the 18th hole. Fore!

16

Conditions continue to improve @ Fukushima Daiichi. Other parts of the plant are being repowered (it's a bit tougher than flippling a switch), and a second diesel powerplant (a seriously big rig) is being readied for restart. For now, this means that all offsite resources can now be dedicated to the most damaged segments (#3), as the plant's own systems can handle the rest.

Of course, the American Media is still "all radiation all of the time". CNN this AM completely butchered relative radiation levels... hard to tell if they have an agenda or are just that stupid.

17 The Arab League chief said on Friday a UN Security Council resolution on Libya was aimed at protecting civilians and not did not back any invasion, and said he did not want any side "to go too far".

Amr Moussa said participation of any Arab state in implementing a "no-fly" zone or in other action would be discussed on a bilateral level as the League's own resolution backing a "no-fly" zone had not specified other steps by states.

Well then, I say we vote, "Fuck Libya" and watch this one on television.  This is simply not our problem, and we waited way too long to effectively intervene.  I see another Blackhawk Down debacle in our near future.  I'm sure Russia and Iran have shoulder-launched anti-aircraft weapons en route.

18

Of course, the American Media is still "all radiation all of the time". CNN this AM completely butchered relative radiation levels... hard to tell if they have an agenda or are just that stupid.

Posted by: Jess at March 18, 2011 07:18 AM (cNHhh)

ratings.

Nothing gets ratings like an apocalypse.

19 CNN this AM completely butchered relative radiation levels... hard to tell if they have an agenda or are just that stupid.

Posted by: Jess at March 18, 2011 07:18 AM (cNHhh)

I'm going to say that the answer is "both"

20 CNN this AM completely butchered relative radiation levels... hard to tell if they have an agenda or are just that stupid. Posted by: Jess at March 18, 2011 07:18 AM (cNHhh)

¿Porque no los dos?

21 Interesting, ain't it.

We go into Iraq, into Afghanistan, and Muslim jihadis from places like Somalia, Chechnya, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and more, accompanied by convoys of weaponry, all pile in to help with the fight against us.

Meanwhile, with Muammar the Great going gangbusters in Libya, obliterating Libyan Arab Muslims by the score, the rest of the Arab Muslims go quiet.

All seems quiet on that Libyan front, after all that frantic diplomatic shuffling to press the GO button.

22

Bracket title:  DFL (Dead Fucking Last)

Ranking:  6 from the bottom

I'm almost there!

23 #25 - your parents must be so proud...

24 You guys, even Norway is ready to kick some K'Daffy ass.

Obama has totally fucked this chicken.

25 Ya know whatÂ’s kinda funny. The Ruskies and the Chicoms donÂ’t seem to want to take part in these no-fly zones? But doing it would be good practice for their pilots and command structure. Unless they are so inept and afraid to show it?

26 Go Canada!...we're gonna kick some ass!

Meanwhile we kick the can down the road all the way to the golf course..pathetic.

27 UTAH NAMES ITS OFFICIAL STATE GUN, the model 1911.

As someone living in Utah, I am very disappointed in their choice. I would have gone with the Thompson .45 cal machine gun.

28 First airstrike or patrol must be by an Arab nation. Thus, we wait for the Jordanians or whoever to fly over their stuff to Sicily.

29 I'm on top of it! I have a map to all the topless beaches, plenty of sunscreen, packed extra shorts, and my golf clubs are ready to go! Why is it that I always feel like I am forgetting something? Oh! I am going to Rio because it will create jobs... or something! Errr... and I will bring a t-shirt back for Hillary. See ya in a week or so!

30

Go Canada!...we're gonna kick some ass!

Posted by: CanaDave at March 18, 2011 06:56 AM (unlT9)

 

Damn Canadian spies!

31 First airstrike or patrol must be by an Arab nation. Thus, we wait for the Jordanians or whoever to fly over their stuff to Sicily. Posted by: sexypig at March 18, 2011 07:34 AM (QEGOk) They might have to send it by cargo ship?

32 Eek!!  Japanese radiation !!1!!1!

Looks like it's time to put it on the great list of Shit That's Going to Kill Us ^tm ... let's slot it ahead of SARS, Y2K and Bird Flu, but behind AIDS and Global Warming.

33
Alex, give me best war time black president ever for $600!

34 You should have seen Three Mile Island (60 miles upwind from me) when it boiled and burped -- they started talking about evacuating an area the size of Pennsylvania and people never being able to return to their homes. Kept everyone glued to the tube. I can't imagine what is happening in Japan where the people already have an inordinate fear of anything nuclear.

Posted by: Downscaled Uscale at March 18, 2011 07:26 AM (IhHdM)

So what did they do .. just drop the story?

35 29 Go Canada!...we're gonna kick some ass!

Meanwhile we kick the can down the road all the way to the golf course..pathetic.

Posted by: beanervt at March 18, 2011 07:33 AM (ifuAE)

 

Well, I actually agree with posters above...that we should stay out of it, so maybe it's a good thing. 

36
You know, Christ the Redeemer in Rio won't hold a candle to my statue to be erected in New York Harbor where the Statue of Liberty used to stand. 

37 So what did they do .. just drop the story? Posted by: Jackwagon at March 18, 2011 07:36 AM (ph9vn) yes it was overtaken by the Iran Hostage Crisis

38
yes it was overtaken by the Iran Hostage Crisis

Posted by: nevergiveup at March 18, 2011 07:39 AM (0GFW

ugh

39

Interesting.  Anecdote from the comments section from noted stupid Obama voter Ann Althouse

 

Mary said...

A curious thing has happened. My two daughters, teachers both, who have barely been speaking to me for the last few weeks, because they were furious with me for supporting Walker.... well their Superintendent spoke to the staff today and said he is anxious for March25 when the bill takes effect. He explained how it will save most of their jobs. Explained what the Union has lied to them about. And then they found many of their co-workers admitting they can't wait to have the option of quitting the Union. They are beginning to see the truth! I am taking this as an indication that the tide will be turning. Maybe slowly, but this gave me hope common sense adn logic will prevail.

40 BREAKING NEWS! Lockerbie Bomber is predicted to have a short life expectancy due to aggressive cancer and jets dropping bombs... but mostly jets dropping bombs.

41
My reservation at the Trocadero, a mildly gay Brazilian wax emporium in Rio is confirmed, and my taco will no longer be a Brillo Pad, but will be as smooth s a baby's ass, and I can't wait to show it off in my new bikini on Ipanema Beach.

42 Truman. 

I scored worse than you.  Ha!

In fact, I tied for the lowest score among those who completed their brackets.

43 Boycott at Zsa Zsa's sweatshop? Oh, burn (in Hell, you sweatshop-overseeing toad)!!

44

Lockerbie Bomber is predicted to have a short life expectancy due to aggressive cancer and jets dropping bombs... but mostly jets dropping bombs.

Now there's what you call a silver lining

45 You know you've abdicated as World Leader when the Norwegians and Italians boot you out of your seat ...

46 Posted by: Downscaled Upscale at March 18, 2011 06:55 AM (IhHdM)

There is almost zero chance of recriticality. Whoever printed that "report" are just engaging in more hype.  The wording implies that there was boric acid in the water before it boiled down and adding this new water is bad. BWRs do not use boric acid at all in their SFP and never have.

I can say this because IF the racks had been damaged causing them to lose their spacing and/or impregnated boron elements enough to have a concern they would have had that criticality BEFORE THE DAMN WATER HEATED UP.

The water has much more positive effect as a moderator cold than it does hot. if there had been any damage to the racks it would have occurred during the original event and the if it had gone critical the rad readings above the unit would have been out of sight high.

47 @39 To be etched in the new statue: "Give me your lazy, your poor, your migrant workers; yearning to vote Democrat in exchange for union jobs and free healthcare."

48 39
Posted by: Barky the Dithering Dork at March 18, 2011 07:38 AM (ZHsNw)

Hey! Which one of those evil bullies told you my nickname? Who, who?

49 You know you've abdicated as World Leader when the Norwegians and Italians boot you out of your seat ...

Posted by: ya2daup at March 18, 2011 07:47 AM (hsLUJ)

Fair enough.  But I'd say there's a difference between being a world leader and being the world's cop.  We've been doing both for a long time, and I think being the cop is getting a little too costly as it is, without adding more duties.  Granted, the current prez is just a useless cowflop who can't lead anyone out of a paper bag.  But even if we had a real man in charge around here, I'd say this Libya problem belongs to the Euros.  It's their back yard.  Kadoofis is an evil SOB, but at least he had the sense to calm down and quit giving us shit.  He was semi-controllable.  Now we're kicking the hornet's nest in the hope that the next wave of islamist crazies who take over (if they succeed) will be "better."  As if any muslim government, other than a nice stable monarchy, could really be of any long term use!  Street rabble are rarely able to produce anything more clever and well managed than a psychotic theocracy as in Iran. 

50 Congratulations to Jimmy "Rabbit Slayer" Carter.  He's no longer the worst president ever.

51

Street rabble are rarely able to produce anything more clever and well managed than a psychotic theocracy as in Iran.

+1

52 The MESSENGER space probe successfully entered orbit around the planet Mercury yesterday.  The Planetary Society Blog notes:

We of Earth have now successfully orbited every classical planet -- every body known to move across the heavens and visible to the naked eye. We first orbited Earth in 1957; the Moon in 1966; Mars in 1971; Venus in 1975; Jupiter in 1995; Saturn in 2004; and now, finally, Mercury, in 2011.

53 That pic of Barky McJugears in the sidebar pisses me off.

I want a vacation. Someone told me to sacrifice a little. I've been holding up my end of the bargain.

54 Hey, I almost forgot! Would somebody remind Hillary Or Valerie to walk Biden after each meal and make sure to brush him at least once a day? He made a mess of my office while I was on my last vacation and there was poop and hair plugs everywhere when everyone forgot to tend to him. Otherwise, there's nothing else on the radar for me to take care of for the next few weeks, right? Ok. I'm off to Rio! I can't wait to see that Redeemer statue they put up on the mountain to honor my visit. I heard that they even gave me long hair and a beard to highlight my support for hippies.

55 Jackwagon,  Three Mile Island happened on March 28,  1979.   I think it got 3-4 days of coverage (not a lot of 24 hour news then  so it was network coverage).

About the time it wound down,  the iranians formally renounced the Shah and declared themselves an Islamic Republic.

Then Carter was attacked by the swamp rabbit,  and the dogs barked,  and the caravan moved on.

56 Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at March 18, 2011 07:59 AM (DhByh) Any word on finding intelligent life anywhere in our solar system? The current state of things and the past several election have confirmed that there's no hope that there's any on Earth.

57 The Consumerist writes

Pepsi "Throwback," a version made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, will has been upgraded from "limited time" to "permanent," the sodamaker announced on its Facebook wall. No more driving down to Mexico or waiting for Passover to snatch some up. You can now enjoy the all-natural sugary pick-me-up beverage as an occasional treat and compliment to your favorite nutritious meals and snacks all year-round.

Mountain Dew Throwback got the permanent tag, too.



Blood Glucose Levels, Michelle Obama hardest hit.

58
Never let it be said that Barky the Dithering Dweeb didn't execute a magnificent plan to assist the Libyan rebels.  Barky consulted with the Joint Chiefs, senior military advisers, Joe Biden and Harry Reid because of their extensive military experience in the strip clubs in Vegas. 

59 The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, quoting a senior official of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, said the US made the offer immediately after the disaster damaged Fukushima No 1 nuclear plant. According to the unnamed senior official, US support was based on dismantling the troubled reactors run by Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) some 250 km (155 miles) northeast of Tokyo.

Could it be that GE, one of Barky's corporate masters shills, called in its markers to help cover up significant flaws in some of its products (the reactors at Fukushima)?

60

Barky the Dithering Dweeb

would make an excellent name for a band...

61 We need to change the presidential theme from "Hail to the Chief" to "I'm leaving on a jet plane".

62 Posted by: Truman North at March 18, 2011 07:31 AM (8ay4x)
Posted by: rdbrewer at March 18, 2011 07:43 AM (jrNtB)


So, last night I was all pumped because my picks were kicking ASS!  I mean, if the kids would have been in bed, I would have dance naked around the living room singing about my greatness.

So, right before we put the kids to bed, hubby and checked our brackets (with the kids because I wanted to prove how kickass girls can be at filling out the bracket).  I log on and find I am close to the bottom, and I've picked several wrong.  I double check that Yahoo didn't mess up and give me another persons bracket (I know, stupid thought, but I knew I picked all (might have missed 1) the upsets)

I am almost in tears telling my hubby I just don't understand it (he is just as confused because we compared brackets and he laughed and laughed at mine), when my kid says,

"Hey mom, can I move those team names around some more?  That was so fun yesterday."

See, if when I win, I still lose.

They don't call me schleptock for nothing!

63 Three Mile Island happened on March 28,  1979.


Know what is weird about about this nuclear 'scare'?

Several TV shows mentioned Three mile Island and/or Chernobyl last week in their shows (could have been two weeks ago because I DVR everything and watch them in 2 or 3 episodes at a time). 

'V' and I think Fringe did it.  I know V did it, but another show did too, I just can't remember what one.

Isn't that weird?  Hollywood had an eerie ability to foreshadow tragedies.

64

Latest update from WNN

It looks like thing are progressing very well on getting power back and getting water in the SFPs. Also, they have confirmed what I said earlier about the large combined pool. There are no concerns there.

65

Posted by: momma at March 18, 2011 08:41 AM (penCf)

That's funny. Well, it will be in the future anyhow...

66

"The first time around it's like lightning in a bottle. There's something special about it, because you're defying the odds. And as time passes, you start taking it for granted that a guy named Barack Hussein Obama is president of the United States," Obama said. "But we should never take it for granted."

 

What a narcissistic jerk off

67

Morning, all! 

Heh, I love this.  Typical lefty victimhood.  You remember the sidebar story yesterday about the piece of gutter trash who was threatening Althouse & Meade?  Now he's being a whiny little bitch and claims the right is unfairly trying to silence him.  (Link to The Other McCain)

Here's the pull quote:

Because of a right-blogosphere campaign to silence me, I have been forced to commit Identity Suicide. I have never supported or advocated violence for any purpose other than self-defense against terror attacks by the armed wing of the American RightÂ….

Oh give me a fucking break, you asshat.  What do you call the threats of violence you directed toward Althouse & Meade, punk?  Last I checked neither of them was raising anything more than a video camera against you and your thug buddies.  You're problem is you got found out, and now you're trying to backpedal and play the victim instead of the aggressor.  Typical leftist tactic.  Go cry victim somewhere else, you nancyboy.

68 8 Another work week almost done, grass growing, birds singing,

Good morning!  TGIF. 

Our quail are doing a heck of a lot of cooing or whatever it is and Mr. Pheasant seems to be trying to find some lady friends.  Incidentally, two names for a group of pheasants are a "bouquet" and, my personal favorite, a "plump."  _{Mmmm... tasty, tasty pheasant.} 

69 Morning, morons!  Beautiful day here today.  Killing my sinuses.  *hack, cough, hack*

70 Morning, morons!  Beautiful day here today.  Killing my sinuses.  *hack, cough, hack*

Posted by: Jane D'oh at March 18, 2011 09:11 AM (UOM4

I just posted that same complaint in the Libya thread   How is your boy?  Did you give him our thanks?

71 As the Plume of Doom(TM) strikes the West Coast today.... Relax...with a nice big mug of- The Perfect Beverage In Case of Nuclear Meltdown, Radioactive Plume, or Atomic Attack!......Yes, Really Its science!

72 Dino D-Day is a forthcoming video game set in an alternate reality where Nazis team up with dinosaurs to fight WWII. The collateral for the game -- propaganda posters, newspapers, newsreels -- is really great and funny-weird/funny-ha-ha.

Many of us have unrealistically high expectations here, but when it comes to dinosaurs with mounted guns, there's no alternative. Enjoy the gallery of propaganda posters attached below as we patiently wait.

http://tinyurl.com/4fsbvjw

BoingBoing

73

I just posted that same complaint in the Libya thread   How is your boy?  Did you give him our thanks?

Posted by: momma at March 18, 2011 09:13 AM (penCf)

Thanks for asking.  He's great.  I still can't believe he's here.  He's taking one of his famous 45-minute showers (sigh) and we're going to Parris Island for him to have some stuff sewn on his dress blouse for church on Sunday, plus I want to shop at the Corps Store.  They have Philosophy products there.  He reminded me today is graduation day, so it'll be busy.

74 Jane,


Have a great time.  Do you look at him and well up with tears because you are so proud of him? 

75 O'Keefe dropped NPR video #3.  I haven't watched it yet, but it's at Project Veritas. 

76 My husband is a marine. He is helping with cleanup in Japan near nuclear reactors. Military leaders are telling marines there is nothing to worry about...just keep doing their job. Marines bringing in food and water because of radiation in food and water supply.

77 @56 The Cassini report is in on Titan, moon of Saturn. It's raining hydrocarbons there. Hydrocarbons lay about on its surface in vast pools bigger than the Great Lakes. More than all the oil and gas on Earth.

(3) Profit!

Irony of the AM: Project director, Johns Hopkins' Dr. Elizabeth Turtle. Goddammitol, it really is turtles all the way down.

C-17 with tons of boric acid on its way to help GE's troubled reactors.
I'd be careful with that stuff. It's lethal to bees which is a BFD in Japan, also, warmed up a little, it will eat through cladding in just minutes. I'm 12 miles from Davis Besse; why do you ask? Upside: it's a better moderator than Zombie David Broder.

Pretty, pretty Japanese bee-girls.

78 Check out the picture of Carter in the sidebar.

79 "Because of a right-blogosphere campaign to silence me, I have been forced to commit Identity Suicide." Why identity suicide when He. . . Could. . . Go. . . All. . . The. . . WAY!

80 "I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts." I suggest strongly that people keep this in mind when evaluating the primary field for 2012.

81 #76  OK,  that is a way cool looking game.  Nazis and dinosaurs,  sources of eternal fascination.

Whoever designed that game is a genius.

82

83 Lazy fingers, hit enter too soon.

Playboy magazine will never be the same after Helen Thomas.

84 For those looking for a calm, concise summary of yesterday's Japan situation, here's what ABC (Australian broadcasting) reported: 

It's been seven days since the twin disasters struck Japan and the crisis is still unfolding. As we sign off for the day, we leave you with some of the latest developments: 

Fire trucks are to keep dousing reactor No.3 at the crippled Fukushimi plant, Japanese defence minister Toshimi Kitazawa says.

Teams are trying to restore a power cable to reactors 1 and 2 at the plant to restart pumps needed to pour cold water on overheating fuel rods, but that work would stop to enable the fire trucks to proceed with spraying.

Plant operator TEPCO acknowledges that preparatory work to reconnect the power "has so far not progressed as fast as we had hoped". Workers are constantly checked for radiation levels.

Nuclear agency spokesman says the key aim is to get water into spent fuel pools, with reactor No. 3, containing plutonium fuel, the priority. The spokesman acknowledges that a "Chernobyl solution" of burying the reactors in sand and concrete "is in the back of our minds", but cooling the reactors is the main task.

Smoke or steam earlier seen rising from reactors 2, 3 and 4. The top US Nuclear reactor said the cooling pool for spent fuel rods at reactor No. 4 may have run dry.

World Health Organisation believes the spread of radiation is localised and poses no immediate risk to human health.

Finance Chiefs from G7 countries said authorities from the United States, Britain, Canada and the European Central Bank will join with Japan in foreign exchange intervention from Friday.

Head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, due back in his native Japan on Friday. His aide calls the situation at the  plant as "reasonably stable" with no major worsening.

US president Barack Obama says he has requested a comprehensive review of US nuclear facilities, while maintaining backing for atomic energy. He pledged support for Japan while seeking to aid and evacuate Americans.

85 I am going to Rio because it will create jobs... or something!

WTF?!! I skimmed his press release, and he was actually talking about how the oil industry there is booming and an indication of their economic strength and how many jobs this is creating. I thought, "Great, run for president there. I'm sure Soros could arrange it, you fucking jackass."

86 Chicago's out? Chicago's out?

87 You know, Christ the Redeemer in Rio won't hold a candle to my statue mosque to be erected in New York Harbor downtown Manhattan where the Statue of Liberty WTC used to stand. 

Finally, a church the Obamas can attend. America's chickens are coming home to roost!

88 Visa To Offer Person-To-Person Payments

Link

So long paypal! Don't let the door . . . !

89 I can't get the Helen Thomas link to load, but since it has three words that should never be used together, probably just as well.

Helen. Thomas. Playboy.