The extremes of heat transfer, besides the dangerous storm over the USA...

December 19, 2008; 2100z; Naval Research Lab, global day/night view.
Yep, the circulation system crosses the equator as a consistent 'entity' defying Coriolis. Wow.

The center of the Atlantic vortex is just north of The Tropic of Cancer at 30 degrees latitude just west of Africa. What a mess. There are strong winds adding to the circulation off the North American continent into the Atlantic. Noted are strong winds heading directly north over Greenland into the Arctic Circle.

There are actually four distinct circulation centers. The other two besides the two noted off Africa in the northern hemisphere and off Brazil at the Equator, there is one at the 'usual' place in the Gulf of Mexico northwest of the Yucatan and in the Pacific at about 27 degrees north latitude just south of Mexico.

There is a fifth one east of Brazilia at 15 degrees south latitude. Wow, what a mess. This is where a hurricane manifested earlier in the year, I believe.



Sea heights at the outer periphery of the circular air movement is higher, especially in the Southern Oceans. The winds of the central vortex in Mid-Atlantic near SA is pushing surface waters into the Southern Hemisphere before the northern winds have a lesser effect in the Northern Oceans.

The heat from the equatorial waters are being forced south toward Antarctica. The same dynamics in less proportions are occuring in the northern waters of the Equator. There is some artificial upwelling under the vortex west of Brazil. It appears there is higher dynamics in the northern ocean, but, my estimation is that the ocean heights north of the Equator is a result of 'less surface area' and 'less water' than the southern seas.


There is a very unusal upper tropopsheric vortex over the Atlantic between Africa and South America. That is a result of a global circulation that connects the southern hemisphere with the northern hemisphere as a result of the 'collection of water vapor' over the South American continent as well as that of Wouthern Africa.

No Joke. The Sole of Your Shoe can now speak louder than words. Amazing.

The world has an new way of expressing common ground.

Investigation of Police Brutality and Torture. Scary combination. Yikes !!!

Shoe-tossing journalist was abused, Iraqi judge says (click here)
Thousands of protesters are calling for the release of journalist Mundtadhar al-Zeidi.
By Sarah More McCann
from the December 19, 2008 edition

An Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush at a press conference in Iraq last Sunday was beaten afterward, an Iraqi judge said Friday. The latest revelation in the incident that has garnered worldwide attention comes amid an Iranian cleric's call for a "shoe intifada" against the US and praise for the journalist from a Malaysian leader, suggesting that US President-elect Barack Obama will face challenges to overcoming anti-US sentiments.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi had "bruises on his face and around his eyes" shortly after throwing his shoes at President Bush during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Dec. 14.
Judge Dhia al-Kinani, the magistrate investigating the incident, said the court has opened an investigation into the alleged beating of journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi....

Warren needs to step down. His politics DON'T represent America.

The USA has a policy prohibiting assassination. The problem with Warren is his self-righteous standards he demands of political leaders of the USA. He is one of the poorest examples of someone capable of establishing peace in the world.

Warren is a religous figure in this country and YET he feels completely justified in CLEARLY CROSSING the line of church and state to dictate Political Policy to his following. That reeks of demands for him to have his Tax-Exempt status pulled. His verbose positions regarding foreign governments is completely offensive to the policies of Barak Obama. There is NO WAY he should be participating in any Inauguration of this President-Elect.

No Way ! Ain't gonna change my mind ! Never ! Hate mongering is NOT allowed.


...Seems to me that Rick Warren, one of the most popular Christian evangelical pastors in the nation, has some splainin’ to do to the Muslim bruthas when he Council national convention in two weeks. You see, Brother Rick engaged in a surreal interview with Brother Sean on FOX News last week in which he called for the murder of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran’s president. Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to go over too well with the Convention guests. I’d really like to see the video of this session especially the Q&A! Somebody who attends, please send it to me....

Double Speak - ..."Instead of protecting voter rights, it allows the campaigns to become the gatekeepers of the election."

People vote for candidates. Therefore, the people are represented by the candidates when a court challenged is engaged. If a candidate sincerely believes in the votes received then it is the candidates obligation to insist on an accounting of all ballots cast.

There is no displacement of authority to a 'gatekeeper' system. It is the right and obligation of the candidate to insist the voters are represented honestly. These are legitimate challenges to cease disenfranchisement of voters in Minnesota.

"...What’s more, the Coleman campaign returned to the Minnesota Supreme Court this morning over the issue of potentially double-counted ballots. The Republican’s camp has argued that in some cases (roughly 150 total) both original and duplicate ballots have been mistakenly included in the tally and wants the court to enjoin the canvassing board from certifying the election results until the issue is resolved. At least one local election official, Cindy Reichert of Minneapolis, seems to agree that double-counting may have occurred. The Franken campaign maintains it’s not an issue. The canvassing board voted unanimously this morning not to get involved in the matter, prompting the Coleman campaign to seek redress in the courts...."

32 Days until Inauguration - Why "W"rong priorities establish dangerous currents.

Hezbollah supporters attending a protest in Dahiyeh, Lebanon, on Friday against the Gaza blockade carry Palestinian flags. (AP)
Is Hezbollah its own political nation state, too? (click here) It displays a Palestinian flag. When will the Palestinians 'unit' under one political authority?


The Russian system, called the S-300, is one of the most advanced multi-target anti-aircraft-missile systems in the world today and has a reported ability to track up to 100 targets simultaneously while engaging up to 12 at the same time. It has a range of about 200 kilometers and can hit targets at altitudes of 27,000 meters.

Israel is always in a crisis simply because of the lack of mutual peace in the region. The latest is the expiration of a treaty with Hamas. That in and of itself isn't the reason for this entry. That in and of itself is not a crisis with the PALESTINIANS. It is, however, re-establishing hostilities for aggression by both Israel and Hamas. There are elements in Israel that would like a change in tone toward Hamas in Gaza. It also accompanies the difference in politics. It is an interesting 'pause' in aggressions.

In actuality, Hamas is NOT a sovereign authority. The 'truce' should exist between the ELECTED authorities of Palestine and rebel elements such as Hamas. Israel recognizing Hamas as a diplomatic priority is actually recognizing divided Palestinian authority established due to violence/law breaking.

If Hamas in Gaza wants to act as 'separatists' then they need to seek relief through changes in the Palestinian Constitution which could delinate between Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and other settlements. I may be that perpetual conflict can result if Hamas is not allowed a sovereign authority. The question that arises, however, is that establishing Hamas as a sovereign entity dilutes any established 'ethnicity' and rewards 'political states' different from 'ethnic states.' Hm?

Tensions Rise as Hamas Ends Truce With Israel (click here)
By Robert Berger Jerusalem
19 December 2008
Tensions are high on the border of Israel and the Gaza Strip after a cease-fire comes to an end. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired rockets into southern Israel, formally ending a six-month old cease-fire. The truce expired on Friday, and the Islamic militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, said it would not be renewed. A masked member of the Hamas military wing, Abu Obeida, said all Palestinian factions agreed that Israel has not abided by the cease-fire and therefore they would return to armed resistance....


Last update - 07:08 19/12/2008
ANALYSIS / Barak's restraint in Gaza is a huge elections gamble (click here)
By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent
The debate in Israel over a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip is a debate between two opposing security doctrines: preemption versus postponement. Proponents of an invasion argue that it is better to fight Hamas before it grows even stronger, as that will reduce casualties on both sides. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who heads the opposing camp, holds that it is better to wait: Perhaps something will change in the Palestinian arena or in the Arab world, thereby preventing a bloody war, and if not, waiting until Hamas escalates the conflict will make it easier to mobilize both domestic and international support for an operation....





The reason for this entry is the overwhelming focus by Israel's citizens on the armaments from Russia to Iran. There are sales of 'anti-aircraft' missiles to Iran.

(From the article at the title to entry) ..."The deliveries of dangerous armaments to our enemies won't serve the interests of peace and, for instance, can help Iran wipe Israel off the face of earth," the Interfax news agency quoted envoy Amos Gilad was quoted as saying....

Let me first note that anything Russia is selling Iran can be duplicated by the USA as noted in the film loop above. There is also technology being developed by Israel to counter any form of war machines Iran owns. In realizing that is established the fact that Iran is nullified of aggressions using these weapons and sales of these armaments by Russia speaks to concerns by Iran of USA aggression from Iraq. This IS NOT about Russian aggression, so much, as stabilizing the region from more warfare. Balance of power.

Israel warns Russia: If you sell your air-defense system to Iran, we'll neutralize it.
Barak in new threat: If Israel is provoked, the IDF is ready to 'attack Iran and succeed uncompromisingly' (click here)
Jerusalem Post - Jerusalem
Author :: YAAKOV KATZ
Date :: Aug 8, 2008
"Russia will have to think real hard before delivering this system to Iran, which is possibly on the brink of conflict with either Israel or the US, since if the system is delivered, an EW [electronic warfare] system will likely be developed to neutralize it, and if that happens it would be catastrophic not only for Iran but also for Russia," the defense official said....

Also noteworthy is that Israel has well established diplomatic relations with Russia under Sharon that should be accessed by its leadership.

That established, it is more interesting to realize 'the reason' for the arms sought by Iran's Ahmadinejad. Same 'ole, same 'ole. No different than seeking ? peaceful ? use of nuclear technology, the more 'powerful' the Shia Nation of Iran appears the more political clout the Iranian President BELIEVES he establishes. The reasons for the arms to Iran by the demands of their leadership, is to establish a sovereign 'protectorate' nation of the Shia. No other reason. Anti-aircraft missiles are a part of that. The USA has been in Iraq now for well over five years and there is no reason to believe the issue of POTENTIAL American Aggression toward neighboring nations will change without troop withdrawal. Hence, Iran for reasons that are its own, shadowed in legitimacy, will continue to escalate tensions in the region by arming itself.

So, I'll say it again, at least for one last time:

We don't belong in Iraq.

We never did !

So what then is on the minds of the average Iranian citizen? What is on your mind?

M-O-N-E-Y

Why?

Because Iran is in debt to Russia and they want to perhaps purchase anti-aircraft missiles in a paranoid reaction of the occupation of Iraq.

Iran mulls financial bailout as stock market falls (click here)
Atta Kenare / AFP/Getty Images
UNDER PRESSURE: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who faces elections in June, is under pressure to act after the stock market hit a five-year low.
A key index has fallen more than 2,000 points as businesses are hit by flagging oil and commodities prices. An ailing economy could hamper President Ahmadinejad's prospects in June elections.
By Borzou Daragahi and Ramin Mostaghim December 19, 2008
Reporting from Tehran and Beirut -- Iran is considering a $300-million financial bailout plan for companies listed on its weakened stock market, a newspaper reported this week, as share prices falter for businesses hurt by sagging oil and commodity prices....

It is a stop gap. No more bailout monies for Wall Street.

The President did the right thing and within his definition of 'good terms.' It will provide enough breathing room until the President Elect takes office on January 20th.

THAT is a precedent that marks a clear path of a cooperative 'spirit' that should be emulated by the Senate Republicans as the next term opens to new leadership, with new ideas and a clear agenda to solve the problems of this country while also revitalizing the Middle Class of the country. I believe this interest by the President should be welcomed in the spirit it was intended.



Realizing this 'Presidential Precedent' is an act of compassion to the agenda of the incoming leadership due to take responsibility on January 20th, the same standards should apply to any more monies demanded by the Treasury Department.

Currently, there is LITTLE to no turbulence in the global markets. With the discovered Ponsi Scam rocking 'selective' banking districts there has been a set back of sorts.

BUT.

8500. 8500. 8500. 8500.

The markets are maintaining a steady course. They will turn around when consumers to the products of the markets again have monies to spend, reestablishing a housing demand and potentially a housing shortage IF there proves to be enough buyers/renters for EVERY house already built. Commercial properties as well are in abundence and until there is a SINCERE demand for any new construction, the country needs to address its infrastructure, making bridges safe, improving and constructing effective and efficient mass transit, responsiblity building alternative energy sources while rebuilding its tax base.

The USA needs to retool its Conservation focus. We need scientists and their assistants on the ground' doing species inventories to establish losses and plan for restoration of our nation to its 'natural' heritage that preserves every inch of magesty this country deserves. We, the people of the United States of America, need to set an example for Global Conservation to match those of award winning African Conservationists and possibly exceed them. African Conservationists won't have the opportunity to save Arctic species as we will.

The proudest fact of saving the USA auto industry, is that we contribute to our bright future in establishing 'world class' personal transportation while still supporting people of other countries that work with USA companies currently. As these elements of economy change and the USA work force is reestablished to secure the needs and priorities of the American people, the places where outsourcing misdirected the 'healthy infrastructure' of the USA can be addressed in ways that will support disaffected economies as we reclaim ours.

Working within a global framework that prevents isolation, will protect the economies of allies and take away issues of 'poverty' that encourage terrorist networks. When people value life above sacrificial status through death, we know it stops the growth of terrorist elements.

There was a time when diplomacy with the USA also included standards regarding child labor and environmental protections. When diplomacy ADDS those components to their doctrines it establishes 'jobs' connected with those provisions in other lands.

Jobs such as teachers, environmental policy makers and those that enforce them. A return of sound American standards to international relations elevates other governments and challenges them to meet higher standards that remove the dangers of poverty.

Compromising standards of Environmental Stewardship, including those of energy and transportation, lowers the esteem of citizens and causes depersonalizaton of values that elevate conscience. When species less than ourselves are valued for their contribution to global environmental stability, including primary producers, it creates a lifestyle that values life and not death.

I'll get off my soap box here, but, in all honesty I thought it was darn decent of the President to seek a stabilizing effect with the incoming administration. Didn't expect it. I think a thank you is in order. We are looking forward to our new President Elect's leadership, the joy of his family in the White House and the challenges that await us all in the bold, brave frontier we have sculpted for our nation and its future generations with the historic election of 2008.

Still in office and VICTOR in Round One of Hostile Political Climate. Congratulations, Rod and Patti.

It is clearly demonstrated that the Illiniois Attorney General is creating a hostile work environment due to her political ambitions. The decision regarding the 'funding' for Rod's legal defense needs to be appealled to a higher court for reconsideration in the face of the favorable outcome to the Governor's 'competency' findings.

In establishing the fact there is NOTHING "W"rong with Rod's leadership as a freely elected Governor, Patti and he need to consider establishing a fund for his defense.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says goodbye to his wife Patti and daughter Annie at their home in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. Blagojevich said Wednesday he is ready to tell his side of the scandal to the people of Illinois and that he would do so no later than Thursday. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Ill. high court rejects attempt to remove governor (click on title to entry - thank you)
By CHRISTOPHER WILLS – 1 day ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to hear a claim that Gov. Rod Blagojevich is unfit to serve, erasing what could have been the quickest path to forcing him out of office as he faces federal charges....



The Illinois Attorney General is abusing the power of her office. She misdirected the statue of 'incompetency' directed at the Governor. That is hostile politics and with such a person in the lead of the Judicial Department of Illinois she needs to be replaced.

I mean honestly now !

What did she think she was going to do prove that he can't remember where he lives or how to get to work. Noted in the video loop above, he not only knew where he worked by considered the quality of life and good will among all involved more important than tarnishing everyone's holiday season with, THE TRUTH.

Blagojevich attorney: Wiretaps were illegal (click here)
23 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The lawyer for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says federal investigators illegally monitored his client's conversations.
Attorney Ed Genson told the House impeachment committee Thursday that the federal wiretaps were illegal.
The recordings are crucial to the criminal charges filed against Blagojevich last week. Prosecutors say they caught the Democratic governor discussing efforts to auction off a U.S. Senate seat and pressure a hospital executive for campaign donations.
Genson told the impeachment committee that it shouldn't consider any material from the wiretaps, saying the evidence was "illegally obtained."
The comments suggest Blagojevich's legal defense may include challenging whether the recordings can be introduced in court.

It is called THE ASSAULT on Conservation, when so called Green Energy causes Environmental Damage.

Green Energy is NOT green when it compromises long standing standards of Conservation, Biodiversity and Preservation. Species preservation on a warming Earth is vital to every positive outcome to return Earth's capacity back to 'norms' rather than 'shifting baselines.'

(click title to entry - thank you) ...“We particularly value the administration’s recognition that renewable energy technologies, if not properly planned and sited, could have a disastrous impact on California’s exceedingly fragile deserts, and we look forward to working with the governor’s staff during this process,” Shaw said. “We have to do this quickly, but we have to do this right.”...

Chlorophyll and the ecotones and ecosystems that primary producers support are JUST as valuable if not more so as the alternative energies that seek to destroy them. Destroying conservation and its values along the way to alternative energy sources will make the CO2 content over the USA higher, not lower !

If protections of California's deserts can be appreciated, so can the other sensitive areas of the state.


Mill Creek drainage, San Bernardino National Forest

Apr 09,2007
Environmentalists fight 'green' plan (click here)
by UPI
LOS ANGELES - A push to bring "green energy" to Los Angeles would destroy wildlife preserves and mar scenic vistas, say California environmental activists.
The proposed 85-mile "Green Path" corridor would put power lines and transmission towers through the San Bernardino National Forest and the Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve north of Palm Springs.
The plan to import nonpolluting power is supported by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, but opposed by more than a dozen preservation and community groups, the Los Angeles Times said.
"Not only is such energy consumption not 'green,' it is unacceptable under any name," said Justin Augustine of the Center for Biological Diversity.
Los Angeles faces strict new state laws to replace polluting coal-fired power with renewable energy.
The Green Path project reflects the complications many communities nationwide face in determining how to bring wind, sun and steam power from remote rural areas to cities, the Times reported.




20 months ago: MORONGO VALLEY, CA - APRIL 11: The San Jacinto Mountains are seen in the distance behind new green growth at a honey mesquite grove as recovery from a 2005 wildfire continues at Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve on April 11, 2007 in Morongo Valley, California. The preserve, faces the prospect of being affected by a proposed plan to build power lines and transmission towers to deliver "green" energy to Los Angeles from geothermal, solar, and nuclear sources in southeastern California near the Salton Sea, and Arizona. The 85-mile-long "Green Path" energy corridor being pushed by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to bring nonpolluting power to Los Angeles would cut through two desert wildlife preserves, a national forest, and Pioneertown, a set used in the filming of countless westerns. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) and the mayor have been condemned by more than a dozen preservation and community groups for the project that threatens to destroy wildlife corridors, natural areas, and vistas. Big Morongo Canyon, west of Joshua Tree National Park, is designated by the Bureau of Land Management as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian, or stream, habitats in California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Rick Warren is a DIVIDER, not a uniter. Don't throw 'Mind Speak' at people to well attuned to POLITICS.

The NEOCON Empire Magnets will play the 'touchy, feely, gee ain't we all great routine' until there are no more women's rights including reproductive rights and no more gay/lesbian rights and marriage.

"SLICK."

Warren hosted an AIDS conference because it was a political agenda of the Bush White House. Those seeking 'attention' from the Evangelicals attended. It was controversial for Democrats to be involved with this movement then and it remains so today. It underminds all the 'civil rights' movements today, including gay and women's rights.

Not many women preach there either ! I will never change my mind regarding this issue. Never. Warren is a political icon and he likes it that way. It made him millions if not billions. There are countless others that can perform the invocation without the political razzle-dazzle that Warren demands. It is tasteless power playing and excludes realistic options of those that SHOULD perform the invocation !


The Saddleback Empire (click here) started in 1980 taking on international recognition after the NEOCON media discovered exploiting "A Purpose Driven Life" served their political purposes. Warren's 'spot light' is more than an assault against the line between church and state, it is an assault against civil rights !

Top 50 Most Influential Churches (click here)
The 2005 survey was sent to 2,000 church leaders
Number 1 - Rick Warren - Saddleback, Lake Forest, California
The 2005 survey was sent to 2,000 church leaders with the goal of ranking the nation’s fastest growing churches and churches with more than 2,000 weekend attendance. The 127 churches nominated for the 50 Most Influential Churches survey were located in 32 states and represented 27 affiliation groups and/or denominations. The term affiliation is used to include networks of unaffiliated, independent churches.

"Forty Days of Purpose" - The message of Warren's AGENDA. Video at link below. He currently has something like four or five churches now. How many MINORITY preachers attend to 'The Message' there? This is in CALIFORNIA ! Cal-if-or-knee-ah. Okay? What is the NEOCONS greatest hope? To divide and conquer California. Where was Proposition 8 passed? Yep, California. Don't talk to me about this.

At the core of it all is the fact that God has made all of us to live purpose driven lives. (click here)

33 Days until Inauguration - ...also Chairman of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Obama chooses 3 more to take on financial reforms (click here)

Dec. 18, 2008, 11:20AM
By NEDRA PICKLER

Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday named three veteran regulators to help clean up financial debacles that he said occurred because government overseers "dropped the ball."...

'Death Map' Study: Heat Waves Kill More Than Any Other Natural Disaster

..."It's the everyday hazards, such as severe weather (click title to entry - thank you) -- both in the winter and the summer -- and heat that account for the majority of natural hazard fatalities; it's not the big wham-o event like an earthquake or a Katrina that contribute to the long-term pattern," said lead researcher Susan Cutter, director of the university's Hazards & Vulnerability Research Institute....


...Heat/drought (click here) ranked highest among the hazard categories, causing 19.6 percent of total deaths, closely followed by severe summer weather (18.8 percent) and winter weather (18.1 percent). Geophysical events such as earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes were responsible for less than 5 percent of total hazard deaths combined....


12.18.2008
8:18 AM
2007 U.S. Weather Extremes
Drought, Flood, Wildfires, Hurricanes... (click here)
...The contiguous United States is on pace to reach its 8th hottest year on record in 2007. Here are some of the weather extremes and their impacts recorded this year:
-$1 billion in crop damage was sustained when exceptional late March warmth led to early maturation of plants that were killed when a record April cold snap hit a large portion of the country, from the central Plains to the Southeast.
-More than 2,500 new daily record high temperature records were set in August across the central and southeastern United States.
-Severe to exceptional drought affected most of the Southeast that has continued from midsummer to date, affecting crops, leading to water sharing tension and ongoing water use restrictions. Drought also affected the West, parts of the upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast. Five southeastern states, two Western states and three mid-Atlantic and New England states declared states of emergency due to drought....

This was a mistake? It is definately a political move. "No cone of uncertainty about it."

Warren is NOT the person for the job. He is alienating too many citizens as a return to EVANGELICAL roots. The "PURPOSE DRIVEN MINISTER" is to survive Bush's decline.

I don't appreciate it. He manipulated a question and answer session between Obama and McCain. It isn't right. There needs to be a broader representation of faiths at the Inauguration. I find this choice offensive.

This choice makes little sense if one is to believe Barak Obama believes in Civil Rights for all !

The Warren invocation (click title to entry - thank you)
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at Obama's inauguration. Postpartisanship, or capitulation?

...Warren campaigned for Prop 8 in California and said: "There are about 2% of Americans are homosexual, gay, lesbian people. We should not let 2% of the population...change a definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years." He doubts evolution and suggests that man and dinosaur cohabited the planet.
He has said that evangelicals could not support a candidate who was a "Holocaust denier" -- by which he meant, pro-choice.
Warren occupies a unique place in American society. He's probably sold more than 20 million books ("The Purpose-Driven Life" is his big hit). He doesn't look like those frothing lunatic preachers who have been so ubiquitous on American television for 40 years. He looks like the guy who works at the bank, or the guy who lives next door. He doesn't have a southern accent.
And he has said – and this is what has turned him into a "moderate" in lazy journalistic shorthand – that evangelicals should care about more things than abortion and gay people. Yippee. For all these reasons, he goes down easier than your average Dixie tub-thumper....

A Faith Bigot through and through. Under-educated in any of the sciences, bigoted because of it and willing to fight for any cause that 'in innuendo' will sell his prophecy enhancing his personal wealth is the ONLY purpose Rick Warren has. He is a 'popularist' choice and demeans the definition of democracy and civil rights.

Warren (click here), a creationist, believes that homosexuality disproves evolution; he told CNN's Larry King in 2005, "If Darwin was right, which is survival of the fittest then homosexuality would be a recessive gene because it doesn't reproduce and you would think that over thousands of years that homosexuality would work itself out of the gene pool."

Sadddleback Church is the fourth largest in the country with weekly attendance of over 23,000. Just imagine where his membership will go now !

The Middle East has a members of every political and religious organization throughout the region.

Is this another Return of the Taliban? Sunny Insurgency? Or election fervor corruption?


23 months ago: A young man signs the condolences book at the Jordanian Baath Party offices in Amman where party officials were receiving condolences following the execution of Iraq's ousted leader Saddam Hussien (portrait) 30 December 2006. Saddam's execution today drew mixed reactions across the Middle East, with some saying he got what he deserved and others hailing him as a martyr. AFP PHOTO/KHALIL MAZRAAWI (Photo credit should read KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP/Getty Images)

Iraq Passes Bill on Baathists (click title to entry - thank you)
Plan Would Ease Limits on Former Hussein Followers
By Joshua Partlow and Michael Abramowitz

Washington Post Foreign Service

Sunday, January 13, 2008; Page A01

...The legislation seeks to redress the first order issued by the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2003, the controversial decision that drove thousands of Baath Party members from their jobs and alienated them from Iraq's political process. That decision, along with a move to disband the Iraqi army, is widely believed to have fueled the Sunni insurgency that proved so deadly in the following years....

Now what is the deal? Either the Baathists can organize and participate in politics or they can't and where it the PROOF of a coup besides 'one faciliated by elections?'

Iraqi politicians accused of 'coup' (click here)
More than twenty members of the Iraqi interior ministry, including at least one general, were arrested yesterday allegedly in connection with a plot to revive Saddam Hussein's banned Ba'ath party.

By Tim Butcher, Middle East Correspondent

Last Updated: 2:01PM GMT 18 Dec 2008

The arrests raised fears of a possible coup attempt against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the leader whose election was only made possible by the US-led ousting of Saddam's regime five years ago.
News of the arrests added to the already febrile atmosphere in Iraq in the run-up to next month's provincial elections.
One senior parliamentarian sought to defuse public concern over the arrests by describing suggestions of a coup as an "exaggeration''.
Nevertheless the arrests raised questions about the durability of Mr Maliki's government after Robert Gates, US defence secretary, confirmed the US-led occupation of Iraq had entered its "endgame''....

Conspiracy? (click here)
35 Iraqi officials arrested, some for links to Al Awda
18.December 2008, 08:48
35 officials were arrested for allegedly working secretly to restore Suddam Hussein's outlawed Baath Party in Iraq. Anonymous inside sources told the New York Times the arrests were politically motivated and ordered by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in the lead up to provincial elections. The Times reported four of the arrested officials were generals....

34 Days until Inaguration - Shooting Hoops a Priority ?

The teams need to LOWER ticket prices.

A recession is a time to build support from fans, not alienate them through insensitive ticket prices.

Can't outsource stadium attendance.

Sports, too, hit hard by economy (click here)
Once thought recession-proof, teams and leagues retrenching
(Graphic click here)
American sports have long been viewed as recession-proof, but Monday's decision by the Arena Football League to cease operations for the 2009 season is the latest indicator that the economic downturn has reached the games people play ... and watch....



Bulls vs Celtics - December 19 (click here)



Who's next for Obama's basketball dream team? (click here)
December 17, 2008
So just how big a basketball team does President-elect Barack Obama aim to build with his Cabinet?
Education Secretary-designate Arne Duncan is a longtime hoops buddy of Obama's who played pro ball in Australia.
"I just want to dispel one rumor before I take questions: I did not select Arne because he's one of the best basketball players I know," Obama said to laughter Tuesday. "Although I will say that I think we are putting together the best basketball-playing Cabinet in American history."
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a potential House appointee or candidate for U.S. Senate, played pro ball in Greece. Former Illinois Public Health Director Eric Whitaker may also be up for a health-related post. Reggie Love, Obama's friend, bodyguard and a former Duke basketball player, is also likely along for the ride.
Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson, head basketball coach at Oregon State, could also join the games if Obama, as he has threatened only half in jest, replaces the White House bowling alley with a basketball court.
Abdon Pallasch

Cellulose Ethanol is a priority for the nominated Ag Secretary. Cellulose Ethanol can be developed from drought resistant crops.



Transition: Adding Salazar and Vilsack (click here)
Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:26 AM
by Carrie Dann
Tom Vilsack's elevation to Ag secretary means he "would be the fourth high-level appointment of a former presidential campaign rival to Obama's team, following Clinton for secretary of State, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden for vice president and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for Commerce secretary."
By the way, it’s a big victory for ethanol advocates to have Vilsack in the Cabinet ...

The British Aren't Coming - The invasion was "W"rong and the occupation has no real definition other than destructive.

The West's presence in Iraq was never received well. While removing Saddam was a priority to most Iraqis regardless of ethnicity, the continued occupation and Western priorities were never a priority with any of the citizenry and/or the Parliament that favors good relations with Iran.

The infrastruture problems that still plague Iraq, including intact oil pipelines, stability outside the Green Zone, continue to haunt the current 'central authority' with 'diplomacy' as the sole resolve to any issues.

The interesting dynamics that allowed such decentralized authority to 'take hold' in Iraq were the long established "No Fly Zones" which provided stability for the Kurds and Southern Shia. Also contributing to the failing Iraqi infrastructure and ability of The West 'to muster the resources' of the Iraqis, was the poorly planned post invasion strategy that allowed Iraq to fall into anarchy thus escalating the need for local and regional militias.

Deploying troops out of Iraq should be a priority as the sincere fight against the threats against The West lie in the region of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir and India. The tensions between Iran and The West should somewhat dissipate with the exiting of The West to perhaps provide 'better' relations for diplomacy to work rather than aggression.



British Prime Minister Gordon arrives in the Green Zone on July 19, 2007 in Bagdad, Iraq. The surprise visit to the Middle East, will begin with the Prime Minister holding talks with Iraqi prime minister Nouri Maliki and military leaders in Baghdad today.
(Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images Europe)



(click title to entry - thank you) Today's agreement in Baghdad between Gordon Brown and the Iraqi prime minister to formally end Britain's military mission in Iraq by 31 May next year marks the end of one of the most controversial operations involving Britain's armed forces in modern times.
Opposition at home to the 2003 invasion and lack of any coherent post-invasion plan has had a serious impact on the morale of the armed forces, how they see the general public, and how the public regards them. Their initial welcome in Basra and Iraq's Shia-dominated south soon evaporated as militia filled the gap left by the failure to follow military action with economic and political progress.
At home, a growing feeling that British troops were not being appreciated led General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the army, to call for welcome-home parades.
In Basra, Britain's military commanders became increasingly frustrated by the time it took to train effective Iraqi security forces....

Pakistan seeks clarification over its role in the Mumbai attacks. (click here for video)

"...we are willing to cooperate...."

This chronic retreat into denial by Pakistan is to relieve internal aggitation.


Indian police guard the entrance to the damaged Nariman House in Mumbai December 16, 2008. Nariman House, home to the Mumbai chapter of the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish movement, was one of 10 sites attacked by gunmen during a 60-hour siege in the city that began on November 26, 2008.
REUTERS/Jayanta Shaw

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said there is still no firm proof that gunmen who attacked the Indian city of Mumbai came from Pakistan.

In the video by BBC there is a strong insistence the 'players' in the terrorist attacks that were successful and those trumped by Interpol primarily originated in Pakistan. We know this is the case, we also know there is a new government in Pakistan. To that end, the Pakistani government is a bit compelled to investigate all possibilities regarding the British reality.

It is my belief, from the instant Danny Peril was kidnapped, that Pakistan has a well established terrorist underground lasting decades. That degree of entrenchment isn't going to be irradicated instantly if the citizens of Pakistan are to survive the outcome and the sovereignty of that country remain intact.

It was a bit disheartening to realize India was preparing an attack into Pakistan based upon the Mumbai incident, however, India has sustained a good deal of damage to its infrastructure and citizens that demand relief.

Realizing that and recognizing the escalating efforts against Europe by the terrorists of this region, noted recently in France, there really is no other path except to insist this incident is never repeated and the terrorist networks that have become 'cozy' in Pakistan be irradicated in whichever methodology seems to work best.

Indian police to question possible Mumbai "scouts" (click here)
Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:16am EST
By Rina Chandran
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian police will question two jailed members of an Islamist militant group over whether they scouted Mumbai landmarks before last month's deadly attacks on the financial hub, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.
Indians Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin, who were arrested in February over an attack on a police camp in northern India, will appear in court in the next two days to determine how long they can be held in custody in Mumbai, said Deven Bharti, a police commissioner in India's financial capital.
Police say Ansari was trained by Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group India, Britain and the United States have blamed for the Mumbai attacks, which killed at least 179 people....

Journalism at Risk - Torture, false accusations and unreasonable due process

Muntadhar al-Zeidi expressed anger toward George W. Bush in a way that was available to him. The expression of dissent was aimed at Bush not the Iraqi's Prime Minister Maliki. Yet, due to 'customery priviledge' whereby insulting a guest means insulting a host within the Iraqi culture, Mr. al -Zeidi is charged with two counts and not one. That is NOT due process as I recognize it.

There is a good chance Mr. al-Zeidi may have received the wrath of police during his apprehension, which is police brutality. There is a chance he was victimized additionally through torture. The UN, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies need to investigate his well being and follow his progress through the '? judicial ?' system of Iraq.



December 16th, 2008 10:58 am
Shoe thrower 'beaten in custody' (click here)
BBC
The brother of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W Bush has said that the reporter has been beaten in custody.
Muntadar al-Zaidi has suffered a broken hand, broken ribs and internal bleeding, as well as an eye injury, his older brother, Dargham, told the BBC.
Mr Zaidi threw his shoes at Mr Bush at a news conference, calling him "a dog".
The head of Iraq's journalists' union told the BBC that officials told him Mr Zaidi was being treated well....

December 15th, 2008 9:39 pm

US: Detainee dies in US custody in Iraq (click here to Michael Moore dot calm)
BAGHDAD (AP) — The U.S. military says a detainee has died of an apparent heart attack while in custody at a U.S. detention facility in Baghdad.
Monday's statement says the 25-year-old man was pronounced dead by doctors at a combat hospital after losing consciousness at Camp Cropper.
The military did not release the name or nationality of the detainee, nor did it say why he was being held....

35 Days until Inauguration - Are the wheels are falling off the National Security Car?

I think the entire region of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, including Kashmir, need to be addressed with a Summit that provides continuity and 'realistic and achievable' outcomes to end the indecision that leads to violence.

Pakistan starts releasing Jamaat-ud-Dawa guys (click here)
16 Dec 2008, 0524 hrs IST, ET Bureau
...Showing no sign of taking further tough action against the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the Pakistan Punjab police has already released four detained Dawa workers and also removed police guards at the house of the group’s regional head Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi. Alvi heads the PoK chapter of the Jamaat and was put under house arrest last week. Reports quoting senior Pakistani police officials said that the police had no instructions to detain the “regional or second-line leadership” of the Jamaat raising doubts about the current action.
Numerous reports from Pakistan have also pointed out that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa’s main office in Muridke near Karachi continued to operate and that there was no official order to shut down in spite of UNSC ban that involves shutting down the functioning of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Even a Pakistani newspaper report had labeled the Muridke region the home of religious militancy....

India's Defense Minister Rules Out War with Pakistan (click here)
By Steve Herman New Delhi16 December 2008
Seeking to dampen persistent media speculation a retaliatory strike is in the works against Pakistan, India's defense minister is declaring no military action is being planned. But he warns Islamabad to act against terrorists on its soil, if it wants normal relations with India. A.K. Antony says war is not an option, as a response to the terror attack on Mumbai....

...A group calling itself the Afghan Revolutionary Front had warned of "several bombs" in the store in a letter to the French AFP news agency.
"If you do not send someone to intervene before Wednesday December 17, they will explode," said the letter, which was handed over to police.
"Send the message to your president that he must withdraw his troops from our country before the end of February 2009 or else we will take action in your capitalist department stores and this time, without warning."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy called for vigilance and firmness in the battle against terrorism following the incident....

Oh, what a joke this is. How much of the Bailout is going to his cause?

I'd also be looking at anyone that actually walked away with plenty of profits and 'got on in time.'


Lots of computers and bright folks working for Madoff that is sorta looks like one of thoes 'boiler room deal making NIGHTMARES. What happens to the folks that helped it happen?

When is the structuring of the financial world going to reflect reality rather than, "Have I got a deal for you."

There was no protecting from this. He was eminently qualified to be carrying out independant investments. I sincerely believe the SEC has been watered down in its authority so much by this administration that it can't do anything, no different than the FDA. I mean you have to know that when two 'oily' men, one from Texas Oil and one from Halliburton get away with the crimes they committed, it has to be because the laws governing such issues have been changed and nullified. So, to completely point a finger at the SEC isn't prudent either, so much as allowing them to be scapegoated. Their authority has changed drastically under this adminisration and all that has to be examined as well.

The sad reality is that the SEC might have been told to 'do nothing' because of the size of the accounts involved, $50 billion. An investigation that would actually derail that much money could cause the Bush White House a whole lot of economic headaches all by itself. How much of what Madoff was involved in was given a 'nod' for the sake of stabilizing economic disaster. Basically, Madoff wasn't reporting his losses. He wasn't putting forward an honest 'balance sheet' and if he did there would be calamity every place, especially for him.

This is just too big a 'con' to look the other way. I am sure there are issues that reach into government, but, the question is to whom and for how long.

At least there is an attempt by David Johnson at the NYTs to sort through law and politics.

The Founding Fathers (not mothers) played politics, too.

The Illinois Governor is not wrong, he is innocent. Full of hubris and 'local political culture,' but, not guilty of a crime. He is playing a little loose with his powers both politically and legally, but, he isn't that horrible human being everyone wants to make him and his wife out to be.

If I can regress, there was a time in Arkansas when a couple that later occupied the White House knew all too well the unpleasant demands 'that came with serving the people.' It ain't easy and much of what has been so valuable regarding the service of Hillary and Bill Clinton was their ability to understand the Republican's ability to manipulate the public. I think if asked Bill Clinton would state, that the citizens of Arkansas became more sensitive to 'exploitation of their emotions' vs. 'their own ability to make informed and CORRECT decisions' about their choices for ELECTED authority.

If you recall during his run for President, Barak Obama stated (and I paraphrase), "...you will hear many bad things about me coming from the opposition. They will try to make you believe I am whom I am in a very negative way...."

I'd like to refer to a paragraph in Mr. Johnson's article.

...But talk is not enough. Any case will ultimately turn on the strength of the tapes, and whether the governor made it clear to any of the candidates for the Senate seat that he would give it only in exchange for something of value....

When I look at the 'charges,' and mind you there have been no indictments; they seem very trivial to me. Insulting. Crass. A lot of hubris and 'power speak.' Perhaps one might call some of it zealotry. All those things, but, when politics gets nasty the realm of civility becomes challenged. Talk is simply talk and when a Governor is speaking to a trusted collegue in his Cheif of Staff, you better believe feathers are going to fly in some instances.

I mean look at the viciousness of the political climate the Governor has to face today. Media services are attacking everyone and everything in trying to get a footing that will bring audience attention. The Illinois legislature is attempting to build steam against the Governor by a man whom's daughter is the Illinois Attorney General. She has stated she has ambitions to be Governor in 2010. THAT is a conflict of interest and she should have recused herself from any proceedings. That conflict of interest alone makes every proceedings either court or legislative automatically an element of appeal.

There is nothing wrong with investigating the aspects of the charges for impeachment, but, when Governor Rod Blagojevich is found innocent of any charges that will directly weigh on the legislators that have acted against him for political gain and they will find themselves voted out in the next election. If the Illinois legislature acts for political reasons without solid basis for there proceedings there will be repercussions and their are those already waiting for that to happen and hoping it does.

I find the Governor's will to stand his ground and see this through more than admirable, but, in all honesty if one is innocent then why would you not do exactly that and allow everyone else make all the mistakes and point to that reality in retrospect.

The real peril in allowing a media frenzy to dictate the outcome to ELECTED authority is that it endangers the democracy and insults the Constitution. We all have rights to Due Process and that includes ELECTED authorities. If we allow any aspect of Due Process to be underminded for 'political posturing' we are losing the basis of 'good politics,' 'good government' and the POWER of the vote.

I believe in our Constitution. It is strong. We have come out of the undermining of a very tenacious set of circumstances with a Republican dominated legislature and executive branch to elect a man I firmly believe holds the hopes and best outcomes to the USA. We have to allow the 'time' it takes for Due Process to work and believe regardless the outcome that we have acheived the ultimate 'good' of our democracy.

Hey, look. If folks in Illinois want to make a political circus of their government when there is so much in crisis including our national security, what does that tell you?

Thank you, Mr. Johnson.