Why are these politicos so afraid to raise taxes for needy causes? When I lived in Indiana, the republicans and democrats couldn’t vote fast enough to raise a penny tax on all entertainment and dining expenses to pay for a new football stadium. They never paid for it even though they raised enough money to do so, and the tax still remains. It reminds me of the bridge Keith Olbermann mentioned in New York where the toll was only supposed to exist until the bridge was paid for, and it’s been decades since.

The Golden Gate Bridge was the same, Gothrykke. It was going to be paid off in so-many years (definitely within a life time) and then we could all drive over the bridge for free since we’d paid for it. Politicians seem to have a knack for finding ways to spend money.

❖ While other newspapers in Israel are struggling to survive, Hayom is doing just great. The paper is owned by Sheldon Adelson, the US casino king and major Romney donor, who is a huge supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hayom is free. Tee vee channels in Israel are also feeling the impact of big bucks.

What kind of ‘marketing model’ is it when the Bibiton is handed out, each and every day for free, on most Israeli Street corners…? *gah*

Though they’ve never committed to constructing a suicide barrier on the GGB.

Aloha, CTuttle. I think it’s your basic “taking over the market” model–period.

No doubt…! 8-( Mahalo, M’dear, for another excellent roundup…! *g*

Another lie from the pit of hell:

Warm North Atlantic ocean causing UK’s wet summers, study shows

The UK’s dismal recent summers can be blamed on a substantial warming of the North Atlantic ocean in the late 1990s, according to new scientific research. The shift has resulted in rain-soaked weather systems being driven into northern Europe, increasing summer rainfall by about a third.

Also, too:

Gov. Chris Gregoire issued an emergency proclamation Sunday enacting a sweeping outdoor burn ban for every county in Washington state through the middle of the month. … No significant rainfall has fallen in the Seattle area since July 23.

No rain since July 23? OMG, allan, I hadn’t realized it was that bad. Don’t like the news, but thanks so much for letting us know.

They are predicting rain next weekend. Sure hope so.

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/seattle-wa/98104/daily-weather-forecast/351409?day=6

Hugo Chavez won the election.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19867445

Regarding Big Bird. . .

The link points out that the Fed subsidy amounts to $1.03 per person. It’s not much in itself, either for a taxpayer or auguably for PBS itself.

So there’s been a lot of wrestling over this for a long time. What goes? Maybe it has more to do with PBS enjoying a Federal imprimatur, or not. That is, it would amount some implicit endorsement or acknowledgement that the public can enjoy something of value independent of the “free market.”

There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m thinking back to JFK’s FCC Chairman, Newton Minnow, who famously observed that TV was a “vast wasteland” back in the 1960s. And that was when there were only about a half dozen channels, or so, which could be accessed in any given location.

So now we have 100 channels to choose from almost anywhere, and nearly all are still a vast wasteland. I’d opt to keep the subsidy for PBS to remind people there’s something better still available.

Not supine, but merely oblique?

(Chicago) Aldermen push for details on feared school closings

Recall that rumors of wholesale closings of public schools and opening of private “charter” schools were part of the background of the recent teacher strike.

Regarding Turkty and Syria exchanging missle strikes. . .

Is Assad that stupid? It doesn’t seem plausible that Syria has anything to gain by doing this.

I wonder if the opposition may be the ones firing toward Turkey, or perhaps even Turkish agents could have slithered across the border to fire back toward Turkey to create a perceived “fact” on the ground. If Turkey wants a reason to intervene, they may have figured out a way.

Anyone over there is capable of anything, and might try to make it look like something else.

morning

The rains used to start coming in around the 20th of September. We were in BC two weeks ago and it was clear hot weather day after day. When I was a kid back in the 50s, weather like that was always accompanied by clouds of smoke from the forest fires. You couldn’t escape the acrid smell. It was everywhere. There’s less logging now, so fewer fires, I guess.

Good Morning Pups,
Looks like the Dragon is still under the weather. Hope the visit to the doctor will result in some relief.
Sending *healing thoughts* to our Big Guy.

Thanks, Demi. I wondered where the Diner was this morning. Anyone heard from him since Saturday?

Not me. But, I did read yesterday that (I think it was) greenwarrior emailed eCAHN and reported that she’s fine, just doing things other than the Lake.

Thank you, demi, like msmolly, I was a bit concerned when I didn’t see the Diner sign lit up for business, this morning.

Healing thoughts and energy beams to SD.

DW

Thanks, yes, I did see that (on Peggy’s cat post, I think). You could tell recently that the tensions around here (and just generally) were getting to eCAHN. I’ve been here less frequently, too, for no specific reason other than very busy, but also taking a bit of a break.

EDIT to add: I guess this virtual group of friends is sorta like a real one. If someone isn’t around for awhile, others do worry about the absence. I know I do.

That information is also much appreciated, demi, as I’ve not seen eCHAN’S moniker “up”, for a while … and wondered … worried, truth to tell.

DW

Mohammed Nasheed has been “arrested”.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/08/mohamed-nasheed-maldives-former-president-arrested_n_1947348.html

DW

Yes, DW and Molly, we do tend to worry sometimes. I’ve asked my mister that if anything ever happened to me, that he would come to the Diner to let you guys know. I especially worry for the folks who live alone.

And, Molly, thanks for posting that half-time show on FB. I was in HS marching band and so was my daughter. I posted that link to her. Gosh, I enjoyed marching band so much. One time we even tried out for the Rose Parade.

That actually happened on a blog I used to follow, Relaxed Politics. A longtime commenter passed away unexpectedly, and her husband came to the blog after a bit to let us know.

That’s Texas Betsy’s place, for you “old timers” who remember, and the regulars (including Cassie) still post and comment. I go there very rarely now.

Good morning everyone.

Fatster to the rescue. I sure hope that SouthernDragon is feeling better.

Expect the CIA to begin fomenting unrest in Venezuela. It’s what the plutocracy would want.

Aye, I’ve asked my better half to let folks know if I depart this life or become incapacitated … and I very much share your concern about those friends of ours who are living alone, demi.

DW

That was something else, wasn’t it? The planning and choreography and rehearsal had to be extraordinary.

For anyone interested who doesn’t know, here’s the YouTube of the halftime marching band show at Ohio State.

I went to OSU in the early 60s and we thought the marching band was exceptional then, but I’ve never seen a show like this one.

I was way late reading the posts the other day. Just busy earlier on.
Anyway, you and Greenwarrior were telling birthday dates hers on the 9th and yours on the 20th. January was a very good month for us. Mine is the 29th. I just thought that was funny.
I have one for you that I use.
“Age is a matter of mind, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
That is my story and I am sticking to it.

I live alone, and I worry sometimes as I age. I am out and about and in touch with family and friends almost daily, but I could still be incapacitated for a couple of days before someone realized I wasn’t around.

Fortunately I am my internist’s poster patient for good health, but one never knows.

Hey All! Sorry I haven’t been around to post anything in the last year or so. I’ve been really busy with trying to get my oldest out the door to a life of his own. I stop by now and then for a read, but haven’t had much time for posting responses or commentary.

I noticed this story in the round-up today:

❖ Grrrr! Darryl Hannah joined 78-year old great-grandmother, Eleanor Fairchild outside Winnsboro, TX, to protest construction of the Keystone XL pipeline through Fairchild’s 300-acre ranch. The police came and arrested both of them for trespassing–even though Fairchild was standing on her own property.

Just thought I’d mention that while this was technically Ms. Fairchild’s property, it is being reported on the news here in TX that it was on a utility right-of-way that the actions in question took place. Not saying that it really was, or that the Keystone XL is a good thing (not by any measure that I can see), but there may be more to the story…

Morning everyone. Do hope SD is feeling better soon. His Diner is a nice way to start the day.

I like that one. Back when my (now 46 y/o) son was in high school, I used the “I’m not getting older, I’m getting better” line. His response was, “You’re just getting better at getting older.”

Not only are we January babies, we’re the same age, too. We’re both rolling over the big 7-0.

Guess you and I and Greenwarrior need to have birthday cake at the Diner in January.

I laughed out loud when I read your son’s comment to you.
Good morning.

That is a good plan. Lets split the difference and do it on your birthday.

Morning People,

Long to-do list today and a still longer list of additional future possible project ideas. In organizing priorities, kitchen (cleaning and crock-pot recipe), laundry, and storm window repair won out. Sitting here today and chatting did not make any of my lists. Just a quick look-see.

Happy Birthday Mr demi. Get Well SD, for all you do here, you deserve a break.

Raise a glass mug cup to the future.

Sun is shining, day is brisk and I have to get some things done.
Someone used the term “Autumn Urgency” and it is a good one.
Have a great day everyone.

Clink!
I used to work with a woman who’s favorite toast was Everyone’s upping their income…Up yours.

Be happy, Mr. Canyon.

demi,
Just read nonquixote’s comment about your hubby’s birthday.
Tell him “Happy Birthday” from me too.
Have a great day!

I think they’ve already done their best. Chavez needs to think about grooming a credible successor. He is not going to be around as long as Castro.

But you do realize that my birthday is also Inauguration Day. May have reason to celebrate or commiserate, I guess.

Oh, I like that!

Good morning all. Warm healing thoughts for Dragonman.

Our government hard at work protecting the banksters!!!! Gives new meaning to the fox guarding the chicken coop.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/49321429

Morning, oldnslow.
Looks like you had a fun birthday party for the grand. Fun cake.

It was nice. Did not know there were pics out there. FB?

Take good care all. I’m out.

Yep.

Good morning firedogs. Thank you for the news up top fatster.

Still trying to figure out what it is. Guess I’m too far away from my grandkids to keep up regularly with their TV characters.

workers must have it too good in Mexico.

so, to fix that….

“Nathaniel Parish Flannery
October 02, 2012
On September 28, legislators from Mexico’s National Action Party (PAN) and Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) worked together to pass a wide-ranging labor reform law, one of several economic initiatives that the two parties are expected to jointly support.

The proposed labor reforms will make it easier and less expensive for companies to hire and fire employees and create new types of temporary employment contracts.

Mexico’s Excelsior wrote that “the new labor reform…has divided Mexico between those who fear mass firings and more job insecurity and those who think that the changes open the possibility of having a more competitive emerging economy.”

http://www.as-coa.org/articles/mexico-rival-parties-unite-pass-labor-reform-law

very good news.

those who think that the changes open the possibility of having a more competitive emerging economy.

Of course! Relaxing regulations always makes things better!

funny how you see the same words, from country to country …

so

” wide-ranging labor reform law” … it’s being reformed, made better

“a more competitive emerging economy.” more competitive. what could be wrong with that?

from the article

“The Los Angeles Times argued: “Experts say unwieldy unions, like those representing workers from the state oil conglomerate, end up holding back the economy ”

“The debate over the reform pits proponents of labor market flexibility who want to create jobs and reduce unemployment”

labour market flexibility.

Obama was saying the other day that American social security law had to be “reformed” cause it was written so long ago.

These people must all use the same economists, and same PR outfits.