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And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
Author: BobR
Date: 03/03/2010 13:50:33
We have seen two large earthquakes rock our hemisphere in the last couple months. The destruction was very different in the two countries, based on their building preparedness. But in both cases, the human preparedness seems to be lacking. Just how well prepared are we as a nation - and as a worldwide people - for these kinds of disasters?
With the enormous quake in Chile, and the need for normalcy in our lives, the problems of Haiti have fled from most people's minds. However, a yearly problem has already been shown to be much worse as that country grapples with its attempts to recover - flooding.
The rainy season is coming, and a recent rainstorm shows that they will be having a rough time of it. It will get a lot worse as tent cities in open fields get flooded by the torrential rains that WILL come.
While Chile was much better prepared (in terms of building codes, and response preparedness), their current situation shows that even the best laid plans aren't enough. When people are used to having running water, food, and electricity available to them at all times, a sudden unplanned event like an earthquake will leave them needing basic essentials almost immediately. Even though ramping up and delivering supplies within 2 days seems pretty impressive, it can feel like an eternity to those at ground zero.
This results in looting and lawlessness, which is starting to overtake cities in Chile. I don't know anyone (other than FOX News) that would begrudge a hungry person trapped in the rubble breaking into a store to get at food and water. However, greed and selfishness are basic human emotions, so you have the people stealing TVs and they're the ones that get splashed across the news.
On top of that, criminals have taken advantage of the chaos, and turned the coastal cities of Chile into a Thunderdome-esque post-apocalyptic nightmare.
We won't soon forget our own lack of preparedness for a category 5 hurricane, that we knew was coming. When Katrina slammed the gulf coast and wiped out large chunks of New Orleans, Marcia watched helplessly as the head of FEMA - clearly drowning in his position - dithered while fellow Americans died in or on their homes waiting for help.
Heckuvajob-Brownie is long gone, and the current person in that position - W. Craig Fugate - seems to have the real-world experience you would want for that position. He guided the Florida division of FEMA through 4 hurricanes. But what about other natural disasters? The science of predicting earthquakes doesn't really exist (not like weather), so the best science can do is say what the probability is for any given fault line. As I mentioned in a previous blog, there are some areas that are likely to get hit with a huge earthquake, mostly the entire west coast.
Are we prepared for that? I know that building codes have adjusted so that the buildings have a better chance of surviving an earthquake. At least - the newer ones have a better chance; the older ones will crumble like most of Port au Prince. What about post-earthquake? Do we have the earthmoving equipment available on a moment's notice?
Any disaster requires food, water, medicine, and temporary shelter to be available, as well as the logistics support to deliver it. There is also the need to maintain order, and the ability to use common sense while maintaining it. One would hope we have that ready to go. The temporary housing in the form of trailers for Katrina victims, though, shows how government cronyism can result in contracts given to favored businesses that deliver shoddy goods (in that case - formaldehyde-ridden trailers).
How prepared are we really? It's never too early to reassess our preparedness, both as a nation and as individuals.
With the enormous quake in Chile, and the need for normalcy in our lives, the problems of Haiti have fled from most people's minds. However, a yearly problem has already been shown to be much worse as that country grapples with its attempts to recover - flooding.
The rainy season is coming, and a recent rainstorm shows that they will be having a rough time of it. It will get a lot worse as tent cities in open fields get flooded by the torrential rains that WILL come.
While Chile was much better prepared (in terms of building codes, and response preparedness), their current situation shows that even the best laid plans aren't enough. When people are used to having running water, food, and electricity available to them at all times, a sudden unplanned event like an earthquake will leave them needing basic essentials almost immediately. Even though ramping up and delivering supplies within 2 days seems pretty impressive, it can feel like an eternity to those at ground zero.
This results in looting and lawlessness, which is starting to overtake cities in Chile. I don't know anyone (other than FOX News) that would begrudge a hungry person trapped in the rubble breaking into a store to get at food and water. However, greed and selfishness are basic human emotions, so you have the people stealing TVs and they're the ones that get splashed across the news.
On top of that, criminals have taken advantage of the chaos, and turned the coastal cities of Chile into a Thunderdome-esque post-apocalyptic nightmare.
We won't soon forget our own lack of preparedness for a category 5 hurricane, that we knew was coming. When Katrina slammed the gulf coast and wiped out large chunks of New Orleans, Marcia watched helplessly as the head of FEMA - clearly drowning in his position - dithered while fellow Americans died in or on their homes waiting for help.
Heckuvajob-Brownie is long gone, and the current person in that position - W. Craig Fugate - seems to have the real-world experience you would want for that position. He guided the Florida division of FEMA through 4 hurricanes. But what about other natural disasters? The science of predicting earthquakes doesn't really exist (not like weather), so the best science can do is say what the probability is for any given fault line. As I mentioned in a previous blog, there are some areas that are likely to get hit with a huge earthquake, mostly the entire west coast.
Are we prepared for that? I know that building codes have adjusted so that the buildings have a better chance of surviving an earthquake. At least - the newer ones have a better chance; the older ones will crumble like most of Port au Prince. What about post-earthquake? Do we have the earthmoving equipment available on a moment's notice?
Any disaster requires food, water, medicine, and temporary shelter to be available, as well as the logistics support to deliver it. There is also the need to maintain order, and the ability to use common sense while maintaining it. One would hope we have that ready to go. The temporary housing in the form of trailers for Katrina victims, though, shows how government cronyism can result in contracts given to favored businesses that deliver shoddy goods (in that case - formaldehyde-ridden trailers).
How prepared are we really? It's never too early to reassess our preparedness, both as a nation and as individuals.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:11:34
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:11:34
First? 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:13:07
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:13:07
Morning 
Now you make me want to double check my emergency bag, which is not a bad thing since I think I raided it for batteries and the tarp
Now you make me want to double check my emergency bag, which is not a bad thing since I think I raided it for batteries and the tarp
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 14:14:26
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:14:26
I hope they get better federal regulations regarding how children are treated in school. I never again want to read a story like this.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 14:16:42
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:16:42
Very thought provoking blog, bobber. I know that on the advice of our dear Velveeta, we purchased one of these: Midland All Hazards Radio with Weather Alert
It has proven to be a wise investment.
It has proven to be a wise investment.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 14:26:49
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:26:49
So Bunnings amendment went down in flames last night. Interesting .. This was what went down in flames:
What is black liquor? Why is it interesting? This is why:
Bunning's amendment, which failed with only 43 votes in support, called for the $10 billion package of temporary extensions to be offset with the end of a lucrative tax credit for paper companies on a wood byproduct called "black liquor."
After that vote, senators immediately approved the extensions bill, 78 to 19.
To pay for additions and enhancements included in President Obama’s health care plan, the White House would rely on something called black liquor. But it has nothing to do with whiskey or responsible alcohol consumption. Black liquor is wood byproduct that can be turned into fuel, and for years pulp and paper companies have burned it to power their plants — while also claiming a biofuel tax credit that was never intended for them.
Rescinding the black liquor tax credit could generate as much as $24 billion in revenue over 10 years, helping to pay for a chunk of the health care legislation.
[...]
At one point in the fall, Senate Democrats swiped a revenue-raiser that House Democrats had included in their health care legislation: a delay in a tax code change, which would result in multinational corporations’ paying $26.1 billion in taxes over 10 years that they would otherwise be spared. The Senate Democrats decided to use that tax revenue to help pay for legislation to extend unemployment benefits and a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
That left House Democrats with a gap in paying for their health legislation. How did they fill it?
You guessed it: black liquor. Bottoms-up!
The Senate health care legislation, on the other hand, had a somewhat smaller price tag than the House version. So Senate Democrats did not need black liquor for their proposal.
Mr. Obama’s version of the health care legislation is expected to cost about $950 billion over 10 years, or about $79 billion more than the Senate bill. And to make sure that the legislation is fully paid for, the White House said it would include an idea in the House bill: ending the bio-fuel tax credit for black liquor.
Among many complaints about the Democrats’ legislation, some Republicans have warned that Democrats are using most of the available revenue-raising ideas to pay for the health care legislation, rather than reducing the deficit.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 14:33:03
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:33:03
So in the end, I think nit was just another way for Bunning to stop HCR. Devious, spiteful bastard.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:42:16
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:42:16
sounds like it - asshat 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 03/03/2010 14:44:07
Scoopster on 03/03/2010 14:44:07
Morning all! 
So let me get this straight here.. Senate Dems shifted around some of the cost-balancing in their HCR bill, leaving a gap for the House Dems to fill. The House Dems then decided to fill that gap by removing this biofuel subsidy.
But Bunning decided to be an asshole by having the subsidy ended separately from the HCR bill - which would have pre-empted the House Dems action and caused them to look elsewhere for funding.
That sound about right?
So let me get this straight here.. Senate Dems shifted around some of the cost-balancing in their HCR bill, leaving a gap for the House Dems to fill. The House Dems then decided to fill that gap by removing this biofuel subsidy.
But Bunning decided to be an asshole by having the subsidy ended separately from the HCR bill - which would have pre-empted the House Dems action and caused them to look elsewhere for funding.
That sound about right?
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 14:49:01
I think, however, that they knew this vote wouldn't pass. The subsidy is still there and will be used as a cost cutter for either HCR or the jobs bill. Either way it's a gonner.
Raine on 03/03/2010 14:49:01
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all!
So let me get this straight here.. Senate Dems shifted around some of the cost-balancing in their HCR bill, leaving a gap for the House Dems to fill. The House Dems then decided to fill that gap by removing this biofuel subsidy.
But Bunning decided to be an asshole by having the subsidy ended separately from the HCR bill - which would have pre-empted the House Dems action and caused them to look elsewhere for funding.
That sound about right?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:51:27
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 14:51:27
its amazing all the "business oweners" that call in this show
hey asshat if your taxes went up you make more the 250K so cry me an f-ing river
hey asshat if your taxes went up you make more the 250K so cry me an f-ing river
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:00:39
Great point -- I would love for Chris or Steph to bring that one up.
and -- Not for nothing, but I am not sure how a business owner gets a paycheck... I am sure they do in one respect or another, but that guy said he gets a paycheck as tho he was an employee.
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:00:39
Quote by wickedpam:
its amazing all the "business oweners" that call in this show
hey asshat if your taxes went up you make more the 250K so cry me an f-ing river
Great point -- I would love for Chris or Steph to bring that one up.
and -- Not for nothing, but I am not sure how a business owner gets a paycheck... I am sure they do in one respect or another, but that guy said he gets a paycheck as tho he was an employee.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:06:04
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:06:04
you should call and point that out 
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:09:58
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:09:58
Maybe I will call. I have not called in a long time. I kinda miss Rebekah 
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:14:20
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:14:20
Heres that video
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 15:15:02
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 15:15:02
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
Comment by Scoopster on 03/03/2010 15:18:04
I have a little bit if understanding on this.. basically the owner of a company can draw a paycheck as if he were an employee, but he doesn't really have to. This is especially true in the case of a small business (S-Corp) since the business itself is essentially considered an asset of an individual for tax purposes.
BTW this is kinda where I understand the whole outcry over taxes being raised on those who make more than $250k a year. Most small businesses will easily pull in that much gross income in a given year, however not all of them end up with a balance sheet showing that much of a profit. Now I'm not 100% sure, but I think the problem is that they have to pay taxes based on the gross income.
Scoopster on 03/03/2010 15:18:04
Quote by Raine:Not for nothing, but I am not sure how a business owner gets a paycheck... I am sure they do in one respect or another, but that guy said he gets a paycheck as tho he was an employee.
I have a little bit if understanding on this.. basically the owner of a company can draw a paycheck as if he were an employee, but he doesn't really have to. This is especially true in the case of a small business (S-Corp) since the business itself is essentially considered an asset of an individual for tax purposes.
BTW this is kinda where I understand the whole outcry over taxes being raised on those who make more than $250k a year. Most small businesses will easily pull in that much gross income in a given year, however not all of them end up with a balance sheet showing that much of a profit. Now I'm not 100% sure, but I think the problem is that they have to pay taxes based on the gross income.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:19:10
I do miss her morning snarkiness - it was fun
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:19:10
Quote by Raine:
Maybe I will call. I have not called in a long time. I kinda miss Rebekah
I do miss her morning snarkiness - it was fun
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:23:37
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:23:37
Fixed.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:25:39
There is a difference between business and personal taxes tho? Isn't it how they have the company set up?
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:25:39
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Not for nothing, but I am not sure how a business owner gets a paycheck... I am sure they do in one respect or another, but that guy said he gets a paycheck as tho he was an employee.
I have a little bit if understanding on this.. basically the owner of a company can draw a paycheck as if he were an employee, but he doesn't really have to. This is especially true in the case of a small business (S-Corp) since the business itself is essentially considered an asset of an individual for tax purposes.
BTW this is kinda where I understand the whole outcry over taxes being raised on those who make more than $250k a year. Most small businesses will easily pull in that much gross income in a given year, however not all of them end up with a balance sheet showing that much of a profit. Now I'm not 100% sure, but I think the problem is that they have to pay taxes based on the gross income.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:32:12
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:32:12
I'm sure that if you put money back into the business you get tax breaks, your business has to file its own taxes. The owners taxes would be separate and personal, so if you getting 250k profit from you business that your taking home I'm not all that sad if you get a tax hike. Now if you invest that money back into your business, then I'm good with a tax cut.
Granted I know nothing about taxes and laws like that - in my head that seems logical
Granted I know nothing about taxes and laws like that - in my head that seems logical
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:34:06
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:34:06
MGM!
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:35:44
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:35:44
MGM! Bring the logic! 
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:41:18
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:41:18
did he just say argo? fancy 
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 15:47:50
Raine on 03/03/2010 15:47:50
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. In this case, Lieberman is doing the right thing.
11 Dems-- ZERO Repubs.
And I am sure they will say this is a partisan bill.
Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut on Wednesday will introduce the Senate’s first “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal bill along with eleven Democratic cosponsors including Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, but no Republicans.
“To me, it’s very important that we repeal this law, both because it’s fair and consistent with basic American values of equal opportunity,” Lieberman told The Advocate, “but also because it’s a very positive step for the military to take in terms of military effectiveness and readiness.”
And I am sure they will say this is a partisan bill.
Comment by 
BobR on 03/03/2010 15:50:27
"Hello - we have Raine from ... DC?"
BobR on 03/03/2010 15:50:27
Quote by Raine:
Maybe I will call. I have not called in a long time. I kinda miss Rebekah
"Hello - we have Raine from ... DC?"
Comment by BobR on 03/03/2010 15:51:06
D'OH!
Thanks...
BobR on 03/03/2010 15:51:06
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:55:34
Good Luck!
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 15:55:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
Good Luck!
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 16:17:35
Raine on 03/03/2010 16:17:35
ahhh the famous Brooklyn Stroller Manifesto Movement... this has been going on for years, especially in Park Slope.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:30:11
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:30:11
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 16:31:14
Raine on 03/03/2010 16:31:14
Brooklyn is crazy wonderful...
The “No-Stroller” Movement: Who can forget the bartender at Patio, a bar on Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue, who wrote in 2005 the infamous “Stroller Manifesto” on an A-frame sandwich board? “What is it with people bringing their kids into bars?” wrote bartender Andy Heidel back in 2006. “A bar is a place for adults to kick back and relax. How can you do that with a toddler running around?” This incident marked the beginning of the baby backlash. Non-breeders (another term that emerged in the O’s) were sick and tired of parents — and kids — being the center of attention. And who can blame them?
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/03/2010 16:32:34
livingonli on 03/03/2010 16:32:34
Good morning everyone. Listening to Momma and then I have errands to run. Hopefully, I can finally get my wi-fi network hooked up. I do have instructions for the model and then I will finally have some decent speed on my laptop to listen to internet streams.
Comment by livingonli on 03/03/2010 16:35:53
Raine, did you call in? At least I heard your call-in to Lizz.
livingonli on 03/03/2010 16:35:53
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Maybe I will call. I have not called in a long time. I kinda miss Rebekah
"Hello - we have Raine from ... DC?"
Raine, did you call in? At least I heard your call-in to Lizz.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 16:37:33
Raine on 03/03/2010 16:37:33
Nah I didn't call in today. maybe one day this week.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:40:02
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:40:02
No the Smithsonian does not want it
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:45:21
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:45:21
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 16:47:29
Raine on 03/03/2010 16:47:29
Good thing this gluttonous person has convinced half of America that he speaks for the middle class...
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:48:20
I saw an article about this just yesterday. Raine get out of my head!
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:48:20
Quote by Raine:
Brooklyn is crazy wonderful...The “No-Stroller” Movement: Who can forget the bartender at Patio, a bar on Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue, who wrote in 2005 the infamous “Stroller Manifesto” on an A-frame sandwich board? “What is it with people bringing their kids into bars?” wrote bartender Andy Heidel back in 2006. “A bar is a place for adults to kick back and relax. How can you do that with a toddler running around?” This incident marked the beginning of the baby backlash. Non-breeders (another term that emerged in the O’s) were sick and tired of parents — and kids — being the center of attention. And who can blame them?
I saw an article about this just yesterday. Raine get out of my head!
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 16:48:57
Spell check doesn't do definitions, the spelling was correct.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Raine on 03/03/2010 16:48:57
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Comment by wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:52:38
ick! that's southern senior citizen tacky
wickedpam on 03/03/2010 16:52:38
Quote by Raine:
Good thing this gluttonous person has convinced half of America that he speaks for the middle class...
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
ick! that's southern senior citizen tacky
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:59:14
Yeah I know, Raine. I was just pointing out the limitations of spellcheck.
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 16:59:14
Quote by Raine:Spell check doesn't do definitions, the spelling was correct.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Yeah I know, Raine. I was just pointing out the limitations of spellcheck.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 17:00:13
Raine on 03/03/2010 17:00:13
here's another Klassy tweet from fred:
Klassy klassy klassy
Janet Napolitano broke her ankle playing tennis. Whoever she was playing against should be in charge of terrorist interrogations
Klassy klassy klassy
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:00:48
Oh my god. That is horrific! I agree with Mala. What is with the awful murals everywhere? Where is the hoist to haul his fat ass outta the tub?
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:00:48
Quote by Raine:
Good thing this gluttonous person has convinced half of America that he speaks for the middle class...
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
Oh my god. That is horrific! I agree with Mala. What is with the awful murals everywhere? Where is the hoist to haul his fat ass outta the tub?
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 17:04:46
Raine on 03/03/2010 17:04:46
must see TV tonite!
Wild liberal Florida Congressman Alan Grayson just announced via Twitter that he'll face off with wild conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota on Larry King Live tonight at 9.
The topic: health care reform. "Are you ready for some great TV?" Grayson asks.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 17:05:21
Raine on 03/03/2010 17:05:21
Hey Mondo, how did the interview go?
Comment by livingonli on 03/03/2010 17:10:25
Why do I picture him ending up a lonely old man like Charles Foster Kane since he seems to be close to that even with the new wife?
livingonli on 03/03/2010 17:10:25
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Good thing this gluttonous person has convinced half of America that he speaks for the middle class...
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
Oh my god. That is horrific! I agree with Mala. What is with the awful murals everywhere? Where is the hoist to haul his fat ass outta the tub?
Why do I picture him ending up a lonely old man like Charles Foster Kane since he seems to be close to that even with the new wife?
Comment by BobR on 03/03/2010 17:14:51
SUUURRRE you were...
BobR on 03/03/2010 17:14:51
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Spell check doesn't do definitions, the spelling was correct.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Yeah I know, Raine. I was just pointing out the limitations of spellcheck.
SUUURRRE you were...
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:15:11
Meh, not bad, not good. I hate to say this, but mumbling and a strong Indian accent do not mix. I could only understand about 3/4 or what the guy was saying. Nice enough guy. I got points for knowing some things about India.
Basically it is a contract job doing PC upgrades for the Duval County School Board. Full back round check required. The pay is shite, but hey, gotta start somewhere.
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:15:11
Quote by Raine:
Hey Mondo, how did the interview go?
Meh, not bad, not good. I hate to say this, but mumbling and a strong Indian accent do not mix. I could only understand about 3/4 or what the guy was saying. Nice enough guy. I got points for knowing some things about India.
Basically it is a contract job doing PC upgrades for the Duval County School Board. Full back round check required. The pay is shite, but hey, gotta start somewhere.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:19:52
Seriously, I was commenting on the limitations of spell check. I have a love-hate relationship with spell check. As a lousy speller I love when I see the red squiggly line under a word, however when you click on it and it gives you these wildly weird correct "spellings" then not so much. I especially dislike that the spell check on the iPhone. It is condescending as hell; I type the word "hell" in and it changes it to "he'll." WTF Jobs? Really swearing isn't allowed with the iPhone?
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:19:52
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Spell check doesn't do definitions, the spelling was correct.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Yeah I know, Raine. I was just pointing out the limitations of spellcheck.
SUUURRRE you were...
Seriously, I was commenting on the limitations of spell check. I have a love-hate relationship with spell check. As a lousy speller I love when I see the red squiggly line under a word, however when you click on it and it gives you these wildly weird correct "spellings" then not so much. I especially dislike that the spell check on the iPhone. It is condescending as hell; I type the word "hell" in and it changes it to "he'll." WTF Jobs? Really swearing isn't allowed with the iPhone?
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:22:12
"Two step in, one steps out! Tonight on Larry King a Congressional steel cage match for the ages!"
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:22:12
Quote by Raine:
must see TV tonite!Wild liberal Florida Congressman Alan Grayson just announced via Twitter that he'll face off with wild conservative Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota on Larry King Live tonight at 9.
The topic: health care reform. "Are you ready for some great TV?" Grayson asks.
"Two step in, one steps out! Tonight on Larry King a Congressional steel cage match for the ages!"
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:26:35
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:26:35
Oh another thing about spell check. I think it is behind this conflation of possessive when you should be using plural. Spell check says it's right so it has to be correct. Microsoft wouldn't make a mistake.
Comment by 
TriSec on 03/03/2010 17:29:14
TriSec on 03/03/2010 17:29:14
Howdy folks.
And the First Aid guy is rather embarassed to be underprepared for catastrophe.
However, I've got a cellar full of camping gear and other things that will do in a pinch.
Not expecting any earthquakes in New England, or tsunamis 11 miles inland, either.
(Yeah, I know...flooding can happen anywhere. We're on the high between the River Chuck and Lyman brook...if we didn't flood in the '96 storm, we're not going to.)
Anyway.
Jim Bunning is a dick.
And the First Aid guy is rather embarassed to be underprepared for catastrophe.
However, I've got a cellar full of camping gear and other things that will do in a pinch.
Not expecting any earthquakes in New England, or tsunamis 11 miles inland, either.
(Yeah, I know...flooding can happen anywhere. We're on the high between the River Chuck and Lyman brook...if we didn't flood in the '96 storm, we're not going to.)
Anyway.
Jim Bunning is a dick.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:31:17
Well said!
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 17:31:17
Quote by TriSec:
Howdy folks.
Jim Bunning is a dick.
Well said!
Comment by Scoopster on 03/03/2010 18:12:08
Good lord how tacky can you be..
Oh yea.. if that's wasn't enough I plugged the link for this story into ShadyURL and got back this:
http://5z8.info/click-on-this-and-youll-be-taken-to-page-that-will-create-pop-up-windows-until-your-browser-crashes_y3h2z_PIN-phisher
Scoopster on 03/03/2010 18:12:08
Quote by Raine:
Good thing this gluttonous person has convinced half of America that he speaks for the middle class...
Rush Limbaugh's Gaudy Fifth Avenue Penthouse Is Now For Sale
******* WARNING ********
There is a bathtub shot in there.
Good lord how tacky can you be..
Oh yea.. if that's wasn't enough I plugged the link for this story into ShadyURL and got back this:
http://5z8.info/click-on-this-and-youll-be-taken-to-page-that-will-create-pop-up-windows-until-your-browser-crashes_y3h2z_PIN-phisher
Comment by BobR on 03/03/2010 19:04:55
This was my mistake - I never blamed it on Spell Check.
BobR on 03/03/2010 19:04:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Spell check doesn't do definitions, the spelling was correct.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning all. Off to a job interview in a bit. Nice blog today Bob. Just one tiny item, the name of the South American country hit by the earthquake is Chile, not Chili. Chili is meat stew made with ground beef, beans etc.
D'OH!
Thanks...
Spell check said it was right? The way I remember it is this: the country is chil-lay, the tasty dish is chil-lee. stupid I know, but it works for me.
I think Bobber knew the difference, and it was a simple mistake that is fixed,
Yeah I know, Raine. I was just pointing out the limitations of spellcheck.
SUUURRRE you were...
Seriously, I was commenting on the limitations of spell check. I have a love-hate relationship with spell check. As a lousy speller I love when I see the red squiggly line under a word, however when you click on it and it gives you these wildly weird correct "spellings" then not so much. I especially dislike that the spell check on the iPhone. It is condescending as hell; I type the word "hell" in and it changes it to "he'll." WTF Jobs? Really swearing isn't allowed with the iPhone?
This was my mistake - I never blamed it on Spell Check.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 19:43:19
Raine on 03/03/2010 19:43:19
Wondering if anyone can help me, either yesterday or Monday, Momma was reading from an article about the changes that will happen if there is NO HCR -- does anyone remember where that article came from?
She never tweeted it, and I don't see it up on the Steph site.
She never tweeted it, and I don't see it up on the Steph site.
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 20:08:59
Raine on 03/03/2010 20:08:59
Wow -- She REALLY did Stand up...
Comment by Raine on 03/03/2010 20:27:35
I found it!
Raine on 03/03/2010 20:27:35
Quote by Raine:
Wondering if anyone can help me, either yesterday or Monday, Momma was reading from an article about the changes that will happen if there is NO HCR -- does anyone remember where that article came from?
She never tweeted it, and I don't see it up on the Steph site.
I found it!
Comment by Scoopster on 03/03/2010 20:35:48
Scoopster on 03/03/2010 20:35:48
WOW.. I just went to e-file my taxes and HR Block says "hay u can has $400 credit" 
So I looked it up and sure enough.. the stimulus bill that Obama pushed for had a tax credit in it! AWESOME!!! Only problem is now I have to re-do my federal forms
So I looked it up and sure enough.. the stimulus bill that Obama pushed for had a tax credit in it! AWESOME!!! Only problem is now I have to re-do my federal forms
We can haz one?
Comment by TriSec on 03/03/2010 21:31:25
TriSec on 03/03/2010 21:31:25
Passing through before heading home.
Don't know about the rest of the country, but the fine folks that make Lipitor seem to be in the middle of an ad blitz in the Boston market.
"See our ad in Cooking Light" magazine".
Ummm...wouldn't it make more sense for some ad placement in "Meat of the Month" or something?
Don't know about the rest of the country, but the fine folks that make Lipitor seem to be in the middle of an ad blitz in the Boston market.
"See our ad in Cooking Light" magazine".
Ummm...wouldn't it make more sense for some ad placement in "Meat of the Month" or something?
Sorry guys, I thought it was funny.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 23:14:40
Mondobubba on 03/03/2010 23:14:40
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 03/03/2010 23:26:13
That ad's been going on for a while.
If your doctor prescribed Lipitor it had to be for a reason.
Yeah $$$
trojanrabbit on 03/03/2010 23:26:13
Quote by TriSec:
Passing through before heading home.
Don't know about the rest of the country, but the fine folks that make Lipitor seem to be in the middle of an ad blitz in the Boston market.
"See our ad in Cooking Light" magazine".
Ummm...wouldn't it make more sense for some ad placement in "Meat of the Month" or something?
That ad's been going on for a while.
If your doctor prescribed Lipitor it had to be for a reason.
Yeah $$$
Comment by Raine on 03/04/2010 01:27:13
Raine on 03/04/2010 01:27:13
35 minutes till Larry King.
Has she pulled out of the interview yet?
Has she pulled out of the interview yet?
Comment by livingonli on 03/04/2010 03:42:35
livingonli on 03/04/2010 03:42:35
Damn. Forgot about Larry King. I will have to check the Midnight repeat.