According to today's fair and balanced pug reich news, the Iraqi PM did not snub shrub. It was a one finger peace sign!

Pelosi Rawks!!!!

Good morning everyone!

A little Thursday fun for you.

The turkey at the White House - By Andy Borowitz

Good morning {{{Cyn}}}

Here's the video from Canada of Governor Dean's great speech to the Liberal Party's convention. Click the picture on the right. He got a wonderful reception.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/712

Senator-elect, Bush have unfriendly chat on Iraq

Kristen....Thanks for the humor....I needed that,....just got back from the drug store....just found out that my doctor dropped me because of cuts in Medicare...and will no loger even fill my pain prescriptions for the degenerative bone dease I now have as a result of my chemo...I hope you guys nail these bastards in'08. I may not be here to see it, but there are a hell of a lot of people worse off than I am who will still be suffering because of Bush and Co.

John Kerry and John Murtha have been the leaders inside the Democrat Party in our assault on terrorism. We need to stop terrorists not recruit them.
Jimmy Carter has my vote as being the most effective military leader of the 20th century. When the soviets invaded Afghanistan, President Carter’s strategy was to develop and support allies within Afghanistan. The “look for allies “strategy eventually worked and the Russians withdrew. Incredibly, Jimmy Carter is given little credit for setting a course resulting in success with no US military casualties.
We can develop a strategy against terrorism without using our military daily on covert missions.
John Kerry is our best candidate for president. We are approaching honest election counts. An honest election in 2004 would have had him in the White House. Our military would be disengaged and we would have to deal with far fewer terrorists.
John Murtha should be granted a position in the House proportional to his stature.
We need to take our gloves off and deliver the electorate the results our mandate deserves.

Supreme Court battle considers regulation of greenhouse gases

The Supreme Court's hottest environmental case of the year pits California against Texas.

It's also Washington state vs. Idaho, scientists vs. car dealers and, it may seem, the world against the White House, as the justices on Wednesday consider a crucial question in the effort to combat global warming.

The question is this: Can the federal government regulate the so-called greenhouse gases many experts blame for rising global temperatures? The Bush administration says no. California, Massachusetts, Washington, 15 other states and their allies insist otherwise. The final answer is now up to the court's nine justices.

"This is a global problem," California Secretary for Environmental Protection Linda Adams said Tuesday, "and I think everyone agrees that a global problem needs a global solution."

I was on a roll.

Gaia scientist Lovelock predicts planetary wipeout

The earth has a fever that could boost temperatures by 8 degrees Celsius making large parts of the surface uninhabitable and threatening billions of peoples' lives, a controversial climate scientist said on Tuesday.

Posted by sunny on November 30, 2006

THX for the link Sunny. Go Dean!

Good Morning,

Well, it seems the X-tian pug reich is using their third person again. This time the X-tian will put the virgin Mary as a shield. How dare “THEY” criticize the virgin Mary?

No, one is criticizing the virgin Mary butt the pug reich! No one is trying to steal Christmas except the pug reich!!

THERE GOES THE X-TIAN PUG REICH WITH THEIR THIRD PERSON COMMENTS!!

A hApPY pOLiTIcAL diSinFormAtion TO yOu!

goodfoe, what disappointing news for you this morning. I know that more and more doctors are pulling out of being medicare providers. When I was managing the clinic it would take months and months to get paid and multiple phone calls to figure out why they denied the claims to begin with. Something it was because their adjusters hadn't caught up on the new requirements and would deny them because a box wasn't checked that no longer needed to be checked.

All of this doesn't help you, I do hope you find a doctor office that realizes helping their patients is worth the extra effort, but most of all I hope you find a repreive from your pain.

Wanna "argue" with a Christian about whether it's holy or not to have a "Christmas Tree" in their home? Oh well! I'm a pagan...my tree is standing in the breezeway all decorated with shiny beads & lights...and the 100+ snowmen display are tiny idols. I'm sure to burn in Hell.

Here's what the Good Book says about adorning trees.

Jeremiah was a Bull Frog

1 Hear what the LORD says to you, O house of Israel.

2 This is what the LORD says:
"Do not learn the ways of the nations
or be terrified by signs in the sky,
though the nations are terrified by them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless;
they cut a tree out of the forest,
and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so it will not totter.

5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch,
their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them;
they can do no harm
nor can they do any good."

6 No one is like you, O LORD;
you are great,
and your name is mighty in power.

Republicans want vote on abortion bill

While they still can, House Republicans are looking at scheduling a vote next week on a fetal pain abortion bill in a parting shot at incoming majority Democrats and a last bid for loyalty from the GOP's base of social conservatives.

Good Morning everyone.

Many decades ago, not centuries as some would have you believe, two forces began a struggle for power within the Middle East. As the time our government maintained relatively good relations with all nations of the Middle East, including Iran and Syria. The Palestine Mandate was also fresh in our minds having only recently come to refer to a part of it as Israel once again.

In ignorance a group of Americans and Arabs clashed. Each believed that total control of the region and nothing less than total control of the region would be acceptable. These two forces even went so far as to pervert the glory of God and religion in an effort to fulfill this unholy quest. Domination is what they wanted.

Today we know well why relations between Americans and Arabs have become as tense as they are. It is the fault of those who fail to see, no matter how many times they are shown, that relgion is here to bring people together. There are many names for that power responsible for the existance of all creation and they exist because we speak different languages, not because we are meant to destroy one another over a name.

People will do battle, as they always have, but they will do battle for selfish reasons, not for godly ones.

Private HMOs cost more to Medicare: study

Private insurers in the Medicare insurance program were paid 12.4 percent more by the government than the health care provided would have cost under traditional Medicare, a report released on Thursday said.

Anybody see Gore on Leno last night. I have sworn off that stupid chinned-one, (who for some reason cannot give a monologue without mentioning John Kerry) but had to watch cuz of Gore.

Gore looked great. The interview seemed to be more about him then his movie, however. He is definitely running for 08. Bout time he showed some warmth and humor!

Hi. :-)

Financial ties found among clinical trials

More than one-third of experts charged with overseeing clinical trials at medical schools and research hospitals have financial ties to companies that sell pharmaceuticals and medical devices, according to survey results released Wednesday.

Coalition Targets Convicted Lawmakers

Both Pelosi and Reid have said that Democrats, who made Republican ethical lapses a major campaign issue, will move quickly in the new Congress to tighten rules governing congressional ethics.

The House last spring passed lobbying and ethics legislation that would have denied pensions to lawmakers convicted of bribery or acting as a foreign agent. The legislation died when the House and Senate were unable to agree on a common approach.

Kristen....as a follow up...your kind words much appreciated...I just called Kelsey-Seybold Clenic here in Spring....they have probably 12 locations around Houston plus thier main campus in the medical center. Some 300 doctors on staff...was just told that they no longer accept Medicare....my thought was...how many thousands of patients did they drop and where do these people now go?....random thoughts,,,to the public, charity hospitals? just blabbering....got to see if I can find a doctor to see me for cash, w/o medicare....incidently, medicare comes out of my ss check as does Humans Gold which is another $44 per month, So thats about $100 mo and I can't get medical care and these outfits are going up on thier premiums. What are we paying for. I kown there is nothing anyone who reads this blogg can do now, I'm just asking that you all remember us 'ol folk in '08. you'll be here someday....thx...got to go...later

Posted by Esmeralda on November 30, 2006 at 11:15 AM

I enjoyed this post Esmeralda.

Halliburton Unit to Pay $8 Million for Overbilling

A Halliburton subsidiary agreed to pay the government $8 million to resolve accusations of overbilling related to the firm's work for the Army in the Balkans, the Justice Department said yesterday.

Posted by Marine on November 30, 2006 at 11:49 AM

Glad you did.

One article about "work", then I'm off to wrap the few gifts I have bought. One of the gifts for my Necee was a new muffler for her car. The receipt is in her stocking. (it's one of the things she "wanted") Her dad bought her tires. (that kid!)

Enjoy the day, everyone.

New voting machines' debut rocky, study says

American democracy survived the Nov. 7 general election without any major voting machine disasters, but there were far too many problems to call it a real success, according to a report released yesterday by a nonpartisan election reform group.

Long lines, machine mishaps and inadequate poll worker training in many states -- combined with questions about 18,000 "undervotes" in a hotly contested Florida congressional race -- likely damaged the public's confidence in widespread technological changes made since the disputed 2000 presidential election, the group said.

THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS: Letters from the front.

"My name is Jingles, I am one of Santa's Helpers. Before the War on Christmas, I made toys and played jolly games with my friends at the North Pole, it seems like a thousand years ago. I miss my wife Sleigh Bell and our two children, Snowy and Tinker Bell.

This is my third tour with the Army of the North Pole, and it has been a living hell ever since the Coalition of Christians declared war. I started out as an infantryman, but after witnessing two years of the carnage, I decided to switch to Psychological Operations.

As December nears, I am prepping for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. My unit, a crack outfit of specially trained Reindeer and Helpers, will be riding Santa's sleigh over the deep south and dropping leaflets announcing sales on the new PS3 and Wii. This is a diversionary tactic as it forces many of their front line troops to flood shopping centers and wait on line for hours. Then, we can move in to plant Christmas trees, bubble ornaments, and PEACE WREATHS on people's lawns.

This mission is dangerous, because we have to watch out for the ever present Cross Cannons, which attempt to take us down. It seems that they have batteries of them everywhere in the south. Last year, they took out Lancer, the son of Dancer and Prancer. Tutu, the elf who had been riding Lancer, was tortured for weeks and forced to convert.

We all know the risks involved but gladly volunteer to protect our cold and snowy homeland and bring peace and cheer to children all over the world.

For years we managed a truce with the Coalition of Christians, but it was only a ploy. They pretended to be accomodating by moving Jesus' birthday to December and combining it with the celebration of Yule. Since then, they have been systematically hunting the other traditions down one by one. We should have seen it coming, but we are not going down without a fight!"

Don't mis tomorrow, when a Christian Soldier writes in.

Posted by goodfoe on November 30, 2006 at 11:47 AM

I've looked on as several individuals were taken from this world prematurely as a result of medical intervention. I've also seen two people, less far gone to start with, saved by medical intervention. I have myself found the medical community to be a mixed bag of nuts, some having what it takes and some lacking a clue.

Keep looking and start looking in places that you would never have before allowed yourself to look in search of relief. It sounds as though you've found medication to be effective but don't rule out alternative means. I have no idea whether or not something like deep tissue massage would help you but I do know that it is something you might at least try.

Bodies of slain Canadians leave Kandahar base
The bodies of two Canadian soldiers killed earlier this week while serving in Afghanistan are on their way home to Canada.
Full story:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/11/30/ramp-kandahar.html

Scores more bodies found in Iraq
At least 80 bodies - many with gunshot wounds and bearing signs of torture - have been found in Iraq in the past 24 hours, officials have said. Full story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6160117.stm

Posted by goodfoe on November 30, 2006 at 11:47 AM

Hi, goodfoe,

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with the health care mess. When my mother got really sick, I found out just how little respect the patient gets in our country. But there are resources. You have to dig to find them.

Have you tried the patient advocate at Humana Gold or talked with the social worker at the hospital where they did the chemo? There is no way that you shouldn't be getting your pain meds.

In dealing with my mother-in-law's cancer treatments and with talking to seniors at medical office waiting rooms, I found that you have to find an advocate who will work for you. They're out there, but the medical centers like to keep them secret.

This problem with doctors dumping Medicare patients seems to be a result of the HMO and PPOs cornering the market in large cities.

Hang in there. You don't seem like the kind of person who takes "no" for an answer. Neither am I.

Christmas and Halloween, both celebrated in times of the year previously dedicated to celebrations centered around seasonal change.

Christmas, or Yule as it is also known, is considered to be the last great celebration before winter sets in. Celebrating both simutaneously made sense, but one purpose was never meant to overshadow the other.

Halloween, or Samhain as it is also known, is a celebration held at summer's end. The Celts and Christians who celebrate it also used the day to worship spirits. Early Christians new it as All Saints Day.

For some reason a few zealots have seen fit to deny their followers the pleasure of companionship on these days. They attempt to divide people by making it appear as though simply communicating with and sharing in the lives of those around you can be evil. Why a people who once sought to spread peace and kindness now wish to isolate themselves is beyond me.

Marine, massage isn't covered by medicare nor are many of the alternative treatments.

It's almost as though modern day Christian leaders have forgotten that their religion did not exist at one time. It is during that time, prior to the existance of Christianity that these seasonal celebrations became popular, not because the previous religion deemed them necessary but because people found them pleasurable.

I'd like our community spirit back. That belief that we all may interact and share with one another a period of time that can be pleasurable for all involved. No we don't all share the same customs, but that doesn't mean that we can't interact.

My ancestors, as with the ancestors of all people, were a diverse group of people. Most predate Christianity, as the human race itself predates Christianity. Whether you get your history from the bible or from other sources you know this to be true.

Yesterday, I took a local radio station to task via email because they were lamenting that they had to say Happy Holidays and that they didn't understand why people from other countries come here and try to change "our" religious holidays.

I asked them (both Catholics) to refresh my memory where in the new Testament it states that Jesus forced people to say his name or he wouldn't shop in their stores. I then encouraged them to find the true meaning of Christmas with a hint that it isn't threatening others with your faith.

This phony war on Christmas really takes the joy out of the season.

Posted by Esmeralda on November 30, 2006 at 11:52 AM

Essie,

Senator Elect Clarie McCaskill says she's requested committee apppointments this session in those areas where she can use her expertise in auditing most. Looks like there's a great need for more Democratic senators with her background. The Republicans have had 12 years to corrupt the whole system.

Maybe that's a key to success in the future for the party....making sure we run attractive candidates with real skills. The voters seem to have a renewed interest in legislators who can do their job competently.

"One purpose never meant to overshadow the other?"

From Wikipedia:

Many of the symbols associated with the modern holiday of Christmas such as the burning of the Yule log, the eating of ham, the hanging of boughs, holly, mistletoe, etc. are apparently derived from traditional northern European Yule celebrations. When the first missionaries began converting the Germanic peoples to Christianity, they found it easier to simply provide a Christian reinterpretation for popular feasts such as Yule and allow the celebrations themselves to go on largely unchanged, rather than trying to suppress them. The Scandinavian tradition of slaughtering a pig at Christmas (see Christmas ham), and not in the autumn, is probably the most salient evidence for this. The tradition derives from the sacrifice to the god Freyr at the Yule celebrations. Halloween and Easter are theorized to have been likewise assimilated from northern European pagan festivals.
English historian Bede's Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum ("Ecclesiastic History of the English People") contains a letter from Pope Gregory I to Saint Mellitus, who was then on his way to England to conduct missionary work among the heathen Anglo-Saxons. The Pope suggests that converting heathens is easier if they are allowed to retain the outward forms of their traditional pagan practices and traditions, while recasting those traditions spiritually towards the one true God instead of to their pagan gods (whom the Pope refers to as "devils"), "to the end that, whilst some gratifications are outwardly permitted them, they may the more easily consent to the inward consolations of the grace of God". [1] The Pope sanctions such conversion tactics as Biblically acceptable, pointing out that God did much the same thing with the ancient Israelites and their pagan sacrifices.

Marine, massage isn't covered by medicare nor are many of the alternative treatments.

Posted by Kristen on November 30, 2006 at 12:32 PM

I know it Kristen, which is foolish because it and other treatments have been proven time and time again to be as effective as medication. I was simply trying to pass on some advice, that the medical community may have ignored.

Marine, I was trying to point out that while it would be great to seek other options some people need to be able to depend on what medicare will cover and it isn't as simple as seeking out other treatments when doctor's shut the door on patients.

I noticed an interesting quote in a news story about the Pope’s visit to Turkey this weekend. Call it a holiday revelation if you will. I’m not sure why, but it somehow makes a lot of sense.

The CNN or MSNBC story quoted a Turkish protester as saying, “Why can’t Christians accept Mohammad as a prophet when we accept Jesus as a prophet?”

Why don’t we? The Pillars of Faith do seem to be a clarification of earlier Judo-Christian tenets? Would it hurt Christians to admit that the Lord maybe didn’t end His messages to Mankind when Jesus died on the Cross?

I’m no theologian, but I get what this protestor was saying. Are we selling our Christian religion short; and in the process fueling division among the faiths, when there is a perfectly logical explanation that could mend fences out there in the Middle East (in the whole Muslim world)? Maybe the Almighty did speak to Mohammad for just that purpose, if we would only consider the possibility?

It could help bring peace to a world that yearns for it at a time that celebrates that sentiment. Good tidings to you...? Maybe there was more Good News and we just didn't hear it?

You can't say we aren't coming up with candidates who address the big issues in new and innovative ways.

Iowa Gov. Vilsack runs for president By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa - Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack launched his long-shot bid for the presidency Thursday, calling for an end to U.S dependence on foreign oil in favor of alternative energy sources.

"Energy security will revitalize rural America, re-establish our moral leadership on global warming and climate security, and eliminate our addiction to foreign oil," said Vilsack, a prominent proponent of ethanol, biodiesel and wind power.

Long lines, machine mishaps and inadequate poll worker training in many states -- combined with questions about 18,000 "undervotes" in a hotly contested Florida congressional race -- likely damaged the public's confidence in widespread technological changes made since the disputed 2000 presidential election, the group said.

Posted by Esmeralda on November 30, 2006 at 11:59 AM

Damaged the public's confidence? Far as many Floridians are concerned that election was stolen pure and simple with the aid of the Supervisor of Elections.

Marine, I was trying to point out that while it would be great to seek other options some people need to be able to depend on what medicare will cover and it isn't as simple as seeking out other treatments when doctor's shut the door on patients.

Posted by Kristen on November 30, 2006 at 12:45 PM

Kristen, I've been through this with the VA who will not provide massage therapy to patients suffering from PTSD despite the fact that massage therapy was found to be beneficial to such patients as far back as WWI when their sufferings were refered to as Shell Shock.

All the hoopla about what one says for the season.

It's Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays and to all a good night! Whatever!

I'm not lettin' some group or whoever tell me what to say during this season. For me it's Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year and a healthy respect and regard for all the other spiritual celebrations during this time of the year.

It looks like we would both like to see some changes made when it comes to the treatments government agencies deem worthy. It is all too obvious that medicine and surgery get the thumbs up an unproportional amount of times when compared to alternative and proven treatments.

Posted by Marine on November 30, 2006 at 01:01 PM

well my favorite VA story is when they tell my father that they have no record of him serving even though he was treated out there less than 10 years ago and it will take two years before he can begin his treatment again.

You still miss my point.

Damaged the public's confidence? Far as many Floridians are concerned that election was stolen pure and simple with the aid of the Supervisor of Elections.

Posted by J on November 30, 2006 at 12:55 PM

I'm sure that many feel a certain sense of déjà vu.

Posted by J on November 30, 2006 at 01:05 PM

Egggsactly! If it doesn't come from your heart, it doesn't mean a thing.

Posted by SandyH on November 30, 2006 at 12:46 PM

There will never be peace in the world as long as religions are evangelical. As long as people can say they are good simply because they are Christian or Muslim (or whatever) and others are evil simply because they are not--they will see each other as a threat and hate one another. Religion is not about spreading peace, it is about spreading religion, by preaching or at gun point!

On that cheery note, I am off.

Have a great day dems.

Posted by Kristen on November 30, 2006 at 01:05 PM

What's your point Kristen?

Religion is not about spreading peace, it is about spreading religion, by preaching or at gun point!

Sadly this is the approach taken by ambitious men and women who desire only to be part of a group that is stronger than others. These aren't godly people and never have been. Instead, these folk are all about human power and the ability to control others with it.

Marine...thanks for your thoughts on deep tissue massage. Usually the pain with degenerative bone deteriation redates out of the femurs. In my case I also have two vertabre that are deteriating. When the spinal cord gets pinched, it's next to impossible to stand and walk. But all of that does not mean a whole lot, thats just happening to me. What is importantis that we should never have been in Iraq in the first place. By the time we get out we will have 3000 kia, 30,000 maimed and have spent 1/2 a trillion dollars on Bush's folly. Bush is attempting to build schools, hospitals, water treatment plants and repair the electrical grid in Iraq while here at home, 20% of our own children live in poverty, our own electrical grid is obsolete, and our health care system is a digrace! A lot of you good folks may disagree with me, but I think we shpould be taking care of our own first!
Did you ever get the book "One Bugle, No Drum"??? Good reading. Sorry for the lenght of this, but I'm slightly irratated tis morning.

Regressives think torture is a good thing.

In my case I also have two vertabre that are deteriating. When the spinal cord gets pinched, it's next to impossible to stand and walk.

Have you ever heard of manipulation? This and deep tissue massage combined offer a degree of relief from the above mentioned problem. Medication masks the pain and allows deterioration to continue unchecked, manipulation and massage focus on reducing the amount of stress being applied to the joint(s) in question thereby reducing pain and deterioration.

I agree, Americans come first.

Never read the book, though it sounds good and I may just check it out.

By the way goodfoe, deep tissue massage may offer some degree of relief from your other condition because it relaxes that nerves which are responsible for conveying pain to the brain. It may also be that stress compounds your pain by tensing muscle fibers in the deep tissue near the bone. It's a possibility, not a certainty. I hope you don't mind me passing that on.

Support Our Troops!
Bring Them Home, NOW!

We The People want rules and standards.

senator sanders, making socialism a respected concept in the senate. bravo!!

Socialist senator to push Congress from left
Thu Nov 30, 2006 1:40pm ET

BURLINGTON, Vermont (Reuters) - From pressing for hearings on Iraq to probing no-bid contracts awarded to Halliburton Co., America's first socialist senator aims to give Congress a hard tilt to the left.

Bernie Sanders, a 16-year veteran of the House of Representatives who swept 65 percent of the vote in Vermont running as an independent in the November 7 elections, says Congress owes voters an exhaustive probe into the White House.

"It is time to ask some hard questions. Why did we go into Iraq and what did the president know and when did he know it," Sanders said in an interview in his Burlington office on a hillside above Lake Champlain near Canada's border.

"The war in Iraq has been an absolute disaster and it's absolutely imperative that America never again goes that route. That's why we have to ask those questions," he said.

vermont delivers the real goods

Sandy...thanks for your suggestions...I will call Humana Gold.....thier sales hype tells you that you can go to any doctor you wish,...what they don't tell you is that most doctors will not accept this coverage because it essentilly is a "pass through" to medicare. I didn't understand that when I enrolled and that is my fault. I should have investigated the situation better. I had my chemo at M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Hospital in Houston. Excellent care. Unfortunatley, I had my bladder cancer surgury done by a HMO doctor. It failded and I now have a hernia the size of a large cantelope on my stomach and it is really an inoperabe situation.During the course of my tratment, I ran into several situations where the private insurance companies we had tried to defraud us. For example, trying to kick me out of the hospital one day after I came out of ICU. There is agreat deal of criminal fraud perpitrated on unsuspecting patients by private insurors. Most suffer in silence, die and thier story dies with them. We didn't want that to happen, so we wrote a book about it and as funds permitt, have been sending copies to Democratic members of Congress. In that way, we have tried to benifit a lot of oeople. Considering some of the things I have said about the Bush administration on this site, I can't give you the name of the book. I don't want to see the black suburbans pull up to my front door. As an aside, I had my wife call M.D. Anderson, they told her that they also, do not accept Medicare. With my spelling as horrible as it is, you may rightfully wonder how I ever got a book on health care published. My wife is my "editot" and is a wis with the computer and spell checked and corrected the entire manuscript. Thx for you good thoughts...

be thankful for the empiricist-dreamers....for they have saved you from polio, from pneumonia, from malaria, from early death and have given you electricity, television, space travel, artificial heart valves and the machine i am typing this on...

Humans must colonize other planets: Hawking
Thu Nov 30, 2006 8:39am ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Humans must colonize planets in other solar systems traveling there using "Star Trek"-style propulsion or face extinction, renowned British cosmologist Stephen Hawking said on Thursday.

Referring to complex theories and the speed of light, Hawking, the wheel-chair bound Cambridge University physicist, told BBC radio that theoretical advances could revolutionize the velocity of space travel and make such colonies possible.

"Sooner or later disasters such as an asteroid collision or a nuclear war could wipe us all out," said Professor Hawking, who was crippled by a muscle disease at the age of 21 and who speaks through a computerized voice synthesizer.

"But once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe," said Hawking, who was due to receive the world's oldest award for scientific achievement, the Copley medal, from Britain's Royal Society on Thursday.

Previous winners include Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin.

In order to survive, humanity would have to venture off to other hospitable planets orbiting another star, but conventional chemical fuel rockets that took man to the moon on the Apollo mission would take 50,000 years to travel there, he said.

Hawking, a 64-year-old father of three who rarely gives interviews and who wrote the best-selling "A Brief History of Time", suggested propulsion like that used by the fictional starship Enterprise "to boldly go where no man has gone before" could help solve the problem.

"Science fiction has developed the idea of warp drive, which takes you instantly to your destination," said.

"Unfortunately, this would violate the scientific law which says that nothing can travel faster than light."

However, by using "matter/antimatter annihilation", velocities just below the speed of light could be reached, making it possible to reach the next star in about six years.

"It wouldn't seem so long for those on board," he said.

The scientist revealed he also wanted to try out space travel himself, albeit by more conventional means.

"I am not afraid of death but I'm in no hurry to die. My next goal is to go into space," said Hawking.

And referring to the British entrepreneur and Virgin tycoon who has set up a travel agency to take private individuals on space flights from 2008, Hawking said: "Maybe Richard Branson will help me."

Good Afternoon, ALL!!

Well, there's ANOTHER ONE LOOSE.

What is it with these "holier than thou" Pugs and NAMBLA??

hey dpd. gotta run. hold the fort.

Posted by goodfoe on November 30, 2006 at 02:04 PM

Have you sent a copy of your book to Michael Moore? He's doing a movie on the health care crisis. I bet you could be a big help to him.

I've been the familiy health care giver off and on for both sides of the family during the past 15 years, but it sounds like you know a lot more about the subject than I.

I've been thinking about writing a book about my mother's death and how the system mades it a lot more difficult for people to die with dignity. We made the best of it, and I'm confident I did all I could to make her passing easier and meaningful. I was lucky I got to spend so much time with her at the end.

But you sure sure aren't ready for that yet. I knew you were a fighter. I'd love to read you book someday. Don't be so humble about what sounds like a serious work on an important subject.

Did anyone see 20/20 last night? Great show on charity. They did a study at Syracuse University about charity in the U.S. Out of the top 25 states for charity giving. 24 were RED States and only 1 was a Blue State (according to who voted for Bush v. Kerry) I guess now you commies can no longer spew your lies about how "liberals" care more about people than conservatives do. Also, they had the salvation army put out a dontation bucket at its busiest location in San Fran and its busiest location in Sioux Falls, S.D. (population about 1/50 of San Fran's) Guess where the salvation Army got more money...that's right. Sioux Falls. You pinkos are such lying idiots. You only want to be generous with other people's money.

And referring to the British entrepreneur and Virgin tycoon who has set up a travel agency to take private individuals on space flights from 2008, Hawking said: "Maybe Richard Branson will help me."

Posted by gregg on November 30, 2006 at 02:07 PM

gregg,

Wouldn't it be neat if Hawkings could soar into space and fly? Now that would be one heck of a flight.

With all the shit going on in the world today, it's good to remember there are those that still believe that mankind can fly to new heights. Science opens up so many possibilites.

PS-Vote for Liberty, Vote Libertarian.

A government can only give that which it has stolen.

Read more here...

http://townhall.com/Columnists/JohnStossel/2006/11/29/are_americans_cheap?page=full&comments=true

PERHAPS THE CREEPY LOSER CONSERVATIVES HAVE MORE MONEY......

You only want to be generous with other people's money.

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 02:31 PM

Get off you soapbox and consider that you might one day be someone in need. Didn't Katrina teach you anything?

Posted by Kathy_in_Indiana on November 30, 2006 at 02:36 PM

I am sure they do. Conservatives believe that work is good. Liberals think living off the government (i.e. off other citizens is the ideal) However, read the list of states below and the red states are some of the poorer states yet they crush the blue state liberals who care so much about saving the poor...as long as they can do it with some elses money

The catalogue for philanthropy keeps track of which states are the most generous based on their respective incomes. Here is the top ten:
1)Mississippi
2)Arkansas
2)Oklahoma
3)Louisiana
5)Alabama
6)Tennessee
7)South Dakota
8)Utah
9)South Carolina
10)Idaho

Here is the bottom ten:
41)Pennsylvania
42)Michigan
43)Colorado
44)Connecticut
45)Minnesota
46)Wisconsin
47)New Jersey
48)Rhode Island
49)Massachusetts
50)New Hampshire

Posted by SandyH on November 30, 2006 at 02:37 PM

Katrina taught us the greatest lesson of all. You need to count on yoursef, not the government. And you are missing the point. Conservatives donate more money to charity than liberals. You do not practive what you preach. That is call hypocracy.

Neener Neener, that proves exactly nothing. It is a completely meaningless chart. If you could reason, you would know that, but we know you can't reason because if you could you wouldn't be a libertartiona pig.

Posted by SandyH on November 30, 2006 at 02:37 PM

yes, Katrina taught us a great lesson. You can never count on government, only on yourself and your neighbors. Also, you are missing the point. Conservatives give more than liberals. You are a hyppocrite.

Posted by Christopher_blunt on November 30, 2006 at 02:44 PM

Yes, but the study did show that people who are conservative give a higher % of their income to charity than those who consider themselves liberal. The study was conducted by Syracuse University. Hardly a haven of conservative thought. Why do you want the government to steal other people's money to serve your causes but you (liberals) wont give your own?

Posted by ranger995 on November 30, 2006 at 01:11 PM

I don't know, ranger. Religion can be whatever it needs to be. It's isn't all about earthly power. The power of peace can be just as strong.

The fact that a Turkish Islamic protestor was asking a pertinent question about Christanity even while he railed at the Pope, gives me hope that even the radicals want some peace in their world.

For every voice raised in anger, there are two quiet ones pondering the true meaning of life. This man seemed to be pulled from both directions. I see that as a sign of hope. He was trying to bridge the gap.

I think its time that Western cultures did the same. Turkey is after all sort of a bridge between the two worlds. I'd like to visit there someday.

9's 2:31 post proves the study was flawed.

Any gay person, or gay friendly person will not donate to the Salvation Army. The head of that organization has stated that he didn't want Salvation Army to have to help any gay people in need. Therefore, many gay folks and gay friendly folks no longer donate to that organization.

I used to drop in a five dollar bill every time I saw a bell ringer. They no longer get a penny from me.

Want to skew test results? Put a Salvation Army bucket in a city known for a large gay population and gay friendly laws

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 02:45 PM

I know you are saying conservative but you really mean Republican, don't you?

I'm a fiscal conservative and a social liberal, so what does that say about the study? You are making assumptions about people based on faulty definitions.

Democrats always pay off Republican deficits and you know it. You are the hypocrite.

And Katrina didn't teach us that it's everyman for themselves. The Republican's idea of government failed to perform. So the American public decided that the Republican agenda was a complete failure and voted them out of office.

People give from their hearts not with just money...but also with acts of kindness. You really need to read the Christmas Carol or see a performance this season.

Regressive solution: CHARITY
Liberal solution: GOOD PAYING JOB

Give me the liberal solution!

Posted by Cate on November 30, 2006 at 03:01 PM

HA HA HA HA!!!! The ability to deny the truth in the face of overwhelming evidence thereof. I am impressed. You must be a lawyer.

That was just one test done for the TV program. The study at Syracuse was a scientific study of dontations throughout the USA to any charity, foreign or domestic for any charitabe cause. Face it, you people are the worst specimen on the planet, hyppocrites who advocate that the government steal money to support causes that you, yourselves will not support with your own money. I think I remember a special circle of hell reserved just for you

I saw that Stossel ("I wanna be on Faux News but I'm stuck here at ABC") segment and I believe the book and its balogna should be answered through proper data. My question for this Brooks guy, who wrote the book that this segment is based on, is this: If you discount all religous charities, which group gives more?

See, I think that the holier-than-thou Kristian Repugs give to their churches and sit back on their fat arses and think they've done their part. While the dems give not only money but TIME in volunteering and actually starting charitable programs that do not involve religion.

Also, the "data" was based on what people say that they give, AND WE ALL KNOW THAT PUGS ARE LIARS.

No doubt the study has huge holes and the author is as "fair and balanced" as Pravda, er, I mean Fox.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Thursday he believed Iraqi forces would be ready by June 2007 to take full control of security in Iraq, an issue on which he pressed President Bush during their meeting in Amman, Jordan.

In making the argument that his military and police could handle security in the country, al-Maliki has routinely said the force could do the job within six months.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/30/bush.trip.ap/index.html

To which Bush quickly replied, "I said NO f-ing timetables!"

Posted by SandyH on November 30, 2006 at 03:05 PM

I too am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. We are called Libertarians though. I am not seeing your point. I am pointing out that "liberals" give less money to charity than repugs. So, wouldnt be DEMOCRATS that need to see a Christmas Carol? Scroog was "Scroog" because he failed to advocate for the government to take more money from people.

Did they count my tax money that went to unConstitutional "Faith based Initiatives"?

Probably not....

Posted by BlueinIdaho on November 30, 2006 at 03:11 PM

You pretty much nailed it, Blue. There are a lot of non-profit organizations to which you can make tax-deductible donations, but that doesn't make them charities in my book.

Posted by BlueinIdaho on November 30, 2006 at 03:11 PM

Actually the study did discount for dontations made directly to churches. I like how you referenced PRVADA since I am sure you would have loved to have worked for that paper, it was just so...oh what's the code word you guys are using now to replace communism??? Oh Progressive. That's it. If we call it "Progressive" maybe people will not realize that we are advocating for Socialist/Communist ideals.

Conservatives donate more money to charity than liberals. You do not practive what you preach. That is call hypocracy. Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 02:43 PM

And how the hell do you know it's not Liberals in those red states donating the money to conteract the crappy policies of the conservatives where they live?

Good afternoon

Here is prime example of the narrow and intolerant views of the Christian Right.

Opposition to the speaking of a US Senator that wants to make human conditions for ALL citizens in this country more tolerable because his views on abortion rights differ from those of other participating religious institutions, there are those opposing Senator Obama speaking on HIV/AIDS.

These folks evidently just carry Bibles around because they sure don't read them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061130/ap_on_go_co/democrats_obama

I think a lot of people have big problems with all large national charities these days. Right after 9/11 the Red Cross was found to be not spending their money wisely. And these faith-based Republican iniatives using tax money only made some contributors more wary.

Smaller cities can keep better tabs on what's going on with local chapters of these charities, so I can understand why they might give more freely to them.

My personal beef is with the Boy Scouts. I volunteered hundreds of hours and annually helped raise donations for this organization and then I found out how homopobic they were. They do provide a needed role in the community, but they've lost my respect and support.

As the foundation of the American government, I am proud to provide our senior citzens with healthcare.

Posted by Domingo on November 30, 2006 at 03:16 PM

He shoots. He scores. Thanks for pointing out the obvious.

Nine,

Haven't you learned to view a study, any study, through a skeptical eye by now? Haven't you been led around by the nose enough for one lifetime?

See, as I stated above, I think that if you back out the religous charities, the numbers would be different. I also believe that the data is inherently flawed because it is primarily based on what people said they gave. Have you seen the questions they asked these people? And, this professor isn't even a statistician. We don't even know if the number questioned meets a statistically relevant number.

Flawed, but boy is the "liberal" (HA!) media and a few gullible souls eating it up.

Medicare has done more for our citizens than most charities combined.

And how the hell do you know it's not Liberals in those red states donating the money to conteract the crappy policies of the conservatives where they live?

Posted by Domingo on November 30, 2006 at 03:16 PM

Umm, because the scientific study showed that conservatives give more. If your logic held true wouldnt BLUE states be way ahead in the giving game. Face your hypocracy!!!! You only like giving other people's money!!

http://www.freakonomics.com/blog/2006/11/22/it-turns-out-conservatives-really-are-compassionate/

A government can only give that which it has stolen. Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 02:33 PM

Oh really? When you hand over money to Wal-Mart for a new TV or DVD, is that money "stolen"? All you are is just another free-loading conserative moocher who want all your police, fire, paramedics, schools, roads, military for free. You're nothing but a free-loading bum who wants to mooch off of others, pal.

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 03:16 PM

"Actually", no it did not.

And, why are you so testy? I've voted for republicans (though never again) and democrats and like you are "fiscally conservative" and "socially liberal".

But, unlike you, I don't let anyone spoon feed "studies" to me.

Charities can provide soup kitchens, but
good paying jobs sustain families.

Posted by BlueinIdaho on November 30, 2006 at 03:23 PM

Sure I learned to be skeptical of studies. But I have never seen any data to suggest this study was flawed. Also, the FACT that red states dontate larger % of their incomes was based on an analysis of total receipts within those states for non-religous cause charities. It was not based on subjective questions.

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 03:13 PM

No, I am called a Democrat. You can call yourself whatever you want. The study you site is flawed because its asumption are as faulty as your definitions.

It only proves that larger dollar amounts were contributed to the Salvation Army in different cities, not who the contributors were. Same thing with the state figures.

Posted by BlueinIdaho on November 30, 2006 at 03:23 PM

Sure I learned to be skeptical of studies. But I have never seen any data to suggest this study was flawed. Also, the FACT that red states dontate larger % of their incomes was based on an analysis of total receipts within those states for non-religous cause charities. It was not based on subjective questions.

If your logic held true wouldnt BLUE states be way ahead in the giving game.

NO! Because Blue states are not as messed up as red states. They give people jobs and hence don't need to give handouts.

Regressives are not compassionate- they're full of guilt!

And, Stossel claims to be a "Libertarian". Why did you stop using the term PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME after the first few posts? Is it because that ypu realized that "Blue" States have higher incomes, and you are comparing dollar amounts to percentages?

Also, I am SURE that San Francisco had MORE kettles than Bupkiss West Dakota, and people may have dropped their bucks in the kettle closest to their train station or where ever, not the "designated" test kettle.

Posted by Domingo on November 30, 2006 at 03:25 PM

Thank you for making my point. When I hand over my money to make a purchase from Wal Mart or some other great free market enterprise, I do so voluntarily. Wal Mart cannot throw my in jail if I dont buy a tv there. But the TAX man can throw me in jail if i do not surrender my money to him so he can waste it on some failed program like public eduation or an unjust war in iraq.

And, nice logic bozo. I am the one who wants to rid others of the burden of proving government services for me, yet you call me a "freeloader." It is you who wants to free load. Also, Libertarians do believe it is the job of the government to provide things like police departments and an Army, but do not think they should provide for every whim of the masses like healthcare, crappy public education that alays fails and always will

Anyone who votes against a minimum wage has to know that they are hurting poor folks. Anyone who votes for a politician who votes against the minimum wage has to know that they are hurting poor folks.

Its not compassion- its guilt!

SandyH...Thanks for your comments...I think you are too modest about your role as a care giver....I don't want to get into this debate about charities....get started on your book!....I'll "see" you tomorrow.

Is it because that ypu realized that "Blue" States have higher incomes, and you are comparing dollar amounts to percentages? Posted by DPD

Right! If a Red stater makes 10 grand a year and gives one grand, that's 10% of his income. If a Blue stater makes a 100 grand and gives five grand, that's five times more than the Red guy gave, but only half the percentage of income. There's lies, damn lies, and then there's statistics. And rePugs rely on all three.

9:

First of all, this book is clearly designed to make greedy and selfesh people not feel guilty for their actions. "You really are compassionate, even though you promote endless war, imprisonment without trial, and spying on your own people"

Secong of all, you can't tell me that Mississippi is #1 in charitable giving and it has nothing to do with the Church. I am sorry, but that is all there is in Mississippi. By the way, I don't see any difference in giving money to the church and paying taxes. Donations are generally mandatory at Church, and you have no idea where the money goes. Usually, it goes to the Pastor's new BMW--but I guess that is charity.

It is funny to me how people who consider themselves "libertarian" support the church so strongly. There is no single entity in the world that wants to control you more than the Church. They want to control every aspect of your life, and you willingly comply.

This book is more propaganda, as are all books on social issues now, and you are a troll come here to stir things up, which is ok because it is sort of a boring day.

We The People are the government.
We The People are good.
THE PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT IS GOOD.

Posted by pee-wee on November 30, 2006 at 03:36 PM

The FACT that minimum wages HURT the poor is not even that something is really debated among economists anymore. While a very small % of economists advocate for minimum wage, it is almost universally accepted that minimum wages are a detriment to the poor. The reason idiots like you people advocate for it is because you dont understand economics which is why you all marxists

Posted by pee-wee on November 30, 2006 at 03:44 PM

Was the GOVERNMENT GOOD when it went into IRAQ?
How about when it passed the PATRIOT ACT?
How about when it opposed GAY MARIAGE?
How about when it tortured people in jail?
How about the many innocent people on death row? Was goverment good then?

You are a lemming. Move to N.Korea moron.

That idiotic mentatlity is what despots use to control their subject. Government is force and oppression. It must strictly limited it it will consume us all.

The states with the some of the highest poverty rates have the highest charity rates? No news here.

Posted by pee-wee on November 30, 2006 at 03:36 PM

Quick lesson. Labor is a commodity. When you increase the price of a commodity without increasing its value, you decrease demand for that commodity.

You are welcome. More lessons tomorrow!!

How many babies will die when Medicaid is gone?

Thank you for making my point. And, nice logic bozo. I am the one who wants to rid others of the burden of proving government services for me, yet you call me a "freeloader." It is you who wants to free load. Also, Libertarians do believe it is the job of the government to provide things like police departments and an Army, but do not think they should provide for every whim of the masses like healthcare, crappy public education that alays fails and always will Posted by 9

No, Thank you for making MY point, Bozo. You drive on roads, you went to school, you have the police protect you, you call for wars all over the world. You just don't want to pay for any of it because you're a moocher, a freeloading bum who wants to live off of other people's money. You're disgusting, you piece of trash.

Domingo:

For or against censorship?

Arrogant regressives prefer charity over a good paying job.

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 02:45 PM Katrina taught us a great lesson.

Yes, what katrina (and this administration and this Congress in general) taught is that when we elect people who think that government can't do much good we shouldn't be surprised that they don't do much good when they govern.

Libertarians can't even work with each other to organize and run a national political party let alone work with the rest of country to organize and run a government.

The FACT that minimum wages HURT the poor is not even that something is really debated among economists anymore. Posted by 9

Ha! here we go again. Maybe we can "not hurt them" by just not paqying them at all, huh? Now the freeloading "moochers" wants poor people's labor for free! This sicko is so damn cheap he wants EVERYTHING for free. Even slaves now! What a low-life!

I agree with Cong. Rangle only the dumb emlist in the material, it explains John Kerry's enlistment to a tee

Marine:

Are you stupid and poor?

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 03:49 PM Quick lesson. Labor is a commodity.

Great. Be sure to tell that to workers across the country. Just don't tell them you're a Democrat.

Here's a quick lesson for you. Any ideology when taken to an extreme is destructive and laissez-faire Capitalism is no exception.

If this democracy ever turns it's citizens into commodities, it will cease being a democracy.

But you go ahead and fight on. Just raise the GOP or Libertarian banner when you do.

Unions have ruined this country

The minimum wage is what it is.
Arguing against the minimum wage is arguing for a lower wage.

Regressives prefer charity over a good paying job.

Posted by 9 on November 30, 2006 at 03:47 PM

All of those things you mention come about because the Church has gotten involved in government.

We are not Marxists here for the most part, and I bet you haven't even read Marxist theory. It is mostly about the struggles between rich and poor. To me Communism is an ideal that humans who are ambitious will never accept. I certainly don't want to live in a commune.

However, I do want government to provide a check on greed, and services like roads, schools, police, military, etc...

I am glad that my government abolished slavery. Government oficials don't always act the way I would like, but I trust them a hell of a lot more than I trust corporations and religious groups.

Have you ever heard of Robber Barons? That is what happens when there is no government regulation. There should be a system of checks and balances so that we can stay somewhere between Soviet style communism and Nazi style capatalism.

Being "libertarian" wouldn't mean much if you had to earn the wages the company decided, had to shop at the company store, and live in the company tenaments--You would essentially be an indentured servant.

The 40-hour work week has not ruined this country.

Many charities are inherently religious but are not necessarily churches...duh.

Also, there are real statiticians that are already picking apart Brook's data because he relies on flawed base data--such as the income factors.