Yesterday I felt groggy most of the day and took a long nap, so the mundane tasks I had planned still await. I’m current with replies. Today is a holy day in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb. May the Orb bless your team, unless your team is playing my team.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 3:16 (average 4:44). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Alternet: The Republican primaries may be getting lots of attention, but several progressive candidates around the country are gearing up for races that could swing the Congress and put some control back in the hands of progressives.
I like all of his choices. Click through for details.
From Me: Obama’s weekly address.
In case you missed it.
From Common Dreams: Japan found the first case of rice with radioactive materials far exceeding a government-set level for a preliminary test of pre-harvested crop, requiring thorough inspection of the rice to be harvested from the region, the farm ministry said late on Friday.
This is just one more reason to move away from nuclear power.
Cartoon:
8 Responses to “Open Thread–9/25/2011”
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4:27 Not even close. I am 84 out of 268 (313).
I wasn’t quite as good with the next one.
We’re in a catastrophic dilemma re power – nuking is out (I’m so sorry for Japan!) I don’t know why they chose nuke when the island nation is so prone to earth quakes! I suppose it seemed cheapest at the time – as does fracking right now! Obama should take an immediate stance against this method of exterminating this country by banning fracking in this nation – of course it would mean the loss of his corporate vote! so I suppose it will go on!!!! For those of you who don’t know about fracking – please investigate it! It has already wreaked havoc in much of the country, but is now due to pose a danger to NYC and 16 million dependents on the Delaware Water Basin – a decision will be made very shortly regarding our lives here – it has already brought about distruction in PA – poisoning the Susquehanna River and personal well-water as well as a few explosions! The people are tempted by leases and short-term bucks from oil at a time when economy seems to need it – jobs that will be somewhat plentiful at risk to workers exposed to chemicals for what might be a boon of 20 years, but at tremendous cost to human life and environment!!!!~ Had to put it out there – sorry so verbiose!
Lee, the problem is that this country uses a pants load of energy and green energy is not yet sufficiently developed to put a small dent in the need. There will be poison until we bridge the gap.
I feel so sorry for those people in Japan – now their staple is contaminated. Of course we don’t hear anything about it not like the BP oil spill where we had hourly update. Think of the horror and the deaths that are coming – children and adults dying of cancer at a rapid rate. So sad.
You have that right. It’s a tragedy that will play out for generations.
The Primaries — Ask yourself, ‘Why did Teddy Kennedy last 47 years in Washington?’ I’ll bet that the first thing you come up with is his people centred policies and stances ie affordable medical care as an example. That should tell you, especially in this day and age, what the average American is looking for — someone to listen to them; someone to champion them; someone who gives a damn about them. Unfortunately, the Republicans and the Teabaggers don’t give a damn about anything other than their corporate masters; their under or across the table money grabs; and making Mr Obama a one term president (a really tired motto). I don’t know anything about any of the 5 candidates other than Warren, but if they have the balls to go 15 rounds in a 12 round fight to support the American people, then I say GREAT! Get them into Washington where they can get to work for the American people.
Strengthening the American Education System — What Mr Obama is talking about makes sense to me. There have to be high expectations and high performance if the students of today are going to be able to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. There is likely no system that is going to be 100% effective, but best practices have to be taken seriously and put in place in every school. I find it telling that a Massachsetts school has had every graduating student enter college for the past 3 years, yet did not meet the standards of NCLB and therefore failed. There is a flaw in NCLB when it allows this to happen. From what I saw in a number of videos about the Finish system, there is a lot to learned there. As I said, using best practices.
Radioactivity — So there are high radioactivity levels in the rice harvest. How long does this continue to be an issue? I understand in Chernobyl there are still effects being felt from the accident there in 1986. Both disasters are classified level 7 so are on par with each other. If Chernobyl is still feeling the effects, I think we can expect Japan to feel the effects for years to come. So tell me, why are we still fumbling around in the dark with nuclear energy?
The Cartoon — No kidding! Great cartoon. Anybody remember ‘Oil Can Harry’ from the cartoons in the ’50s or ’60s? This group remind me of him.
Yes!
Yes!
See my reply to Lee.
Vaguely. Thanks!