Starvation

North Korea agrees to suspend uranium-enrichment program – USATODAY.com

 

Of course, it remains to be seen how this will play out given that regime's history but it could give some cover to the President and his efforts at sanctions on Iran. Maybe enough pain can make a difference. Shame it is the people who have to suffer.

Kidd-Gilchrist's decision to stay even has Calipari confused – USATODAY.com

Kidd-Gilchrist's decision to stay even has Calipari confused – USATODAY.com


Coach Cal is right. If you do your thinking logically. But, there are some intangibles that are more difficult to measure. The college experience, camaraderie chasing dreams are all important also. True, these guys are millionaires as soon as they ink their names but there is little chance that opportunity won't be there in another 3 years. Personally, I miss the 4 year players and the chance to get to know the guys.

Surely one can't deny them the chance to be set for a lifetime but that is not the only metric. How to be something besides a rich basketball player is one of them.

With Friends Like These.......

AP: Israel wouldn't warn US about Iran strike - CBS News


do you think they would be so willing if they weren't certain that they could drag us kicking and screaming into the battle. It exemplifies the low regard in which the Israelis hold their most staunch ally. One would think they would come to understand that if we have protected them for 65 years we may continue to do so and cut us some slack.

Coach of the Year--John Calipari

Greatness of Kentucky's Calipari not measured by lack of national title - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and RPI Rankings




I've got to say, when UK went looking for a coach to return our beloved Big Blue to national prominence John Calipari was not on my short list. I considered him to be all flash and no substance. I was very wrong. This guy is not only a great recruiter and coach but is a darned good man to go with it. He seems to have humility and believes in personal accountability. Not even the venerated Adolph Rupp was too good at that.

I sincerely would like to see Coach Cal get a championship. Almost as much as I want to see UK hang another banner.

Oh yeah, is this guy really as tall as Anthony Davis?

Monsanto Wins Again!

Judge Dismisses Organic Farmers' Case Against Monsanto : The Salt : NPR

this is a disturbing occurrence in the continuing war with Monsanto over the ubiquitousness of its genetically modified seed. Monsanto has successfully sued growers who, through no fault of their own, had their crops cross fertilized by Monsanto's patented crops. In light of court rulings like this the continued survival of organically produced crops seems to be in doubt.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

Romney-Santorum battle in Michigan tightens | Reuters


Both of these guys are nuts bit they are interesting. Determined to shoot theirselves pandering to the Reactionary Right.  And where is Newt while all this is going on?  Somewhere he has a chance.  Georgia.

Take a Closer Look

Ranchers' Land In Nevada Becomes Ground Zero In Energy Fight : NPR

there is much more to this story than just a politician giving way to his supporters. This is an account from some of the people who live on the land where the pipeline was proposed. Turns out they are not so crazy about the idea. Then TransCanada threatened to take their land by eminent domain. This is a story that deserves a closer look.

Movement Arrested

Grandfather Gets Arrested for Holding Burglar at Gunpoint While Waiting for Police to Arrive | The Stir

What would you do? Maybe he should have performed a citizen's arrest.

Let the Sunshine In.

Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances - NYTimes.com

So much that we still don't know.

To The Rescue

Jeb Bush eyed as latest 'white knight' candidate in GOP presidential race | World news | guardian.co.uk

the Democratic Party's greatest fear. Would the country elect another Bush? This year it could be so. Jeb Bush could run against Obama's record without baggage of his own. This forces Obama to run on his record which everyone may not appreciate.

Political Theology

Boy, Oh Boy!! Did Rick Santorum step into it with both feet last week with some of his comments about the President's theology, contraception and pre-natal testing or what? It looked sort of like a manic episode triggered by his elation at the prospect of being the leader in the national polling for the Republican nomination. I kind of understand that. I have done the same thing when I should have been a bit more circumspect and not let my tongue wag at both ends. The difference is I wasn't running for President with everyone in the world listening. The thing is that it exposes for everyone to see the philosophy guiding Mr. Santorum and it is foolish to think that philosophy won't continue to influence him.

I don't think it would be any secret to infer that a lot of the Christian Right do not consider the President to be true to the faith. It is just that it is not politically acceptable to directly challenge a person's affirmation of faith in the public arena unless you are ready to fill the bus up and go home. Having been a member of a conservative faith community most of my life I kind of understand what Mr. Santorum meant when he drifted off into matters of theology. In many people's mind he could have been referring to a theology in which the creation is worshiped rather than the Creator. I don't think that a significant number of people will make that distinction so he is much better off trying to find a way to say he didn't say that. Well, maybe he did say that but he didn't mean it. Truth be told, he did.

Mr. Santorum then made the rounds of the talk shows to tell how he said that but didn't mean it that way. It was a tough sell and I don't think too many people bought the story. However, not too many interviewers will call out “liar, liar, pants on fire” to a guy who may end up occupying the White House and who may carry a grudge.

All of this should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed this man or who is familiar with the doctrine of the Catholic Church which leads us to another of Mr. Santorum's revealing statements, this time concerning contraception. Of course, the Church does not recognize any kind of artificial birth control to be in accordance with dogma and says that it is sinful. He went on to attack the precept of having pre-natal testing made available as a part of the Affordable Care Act due to be in full force by 2014. You may recall the incident where Cardinal Dolan (recently Bishop Dolan) went on a tear stating that for the government to require a church supported entity to provide contraceptive coverage is a violation of the First Amendment concerning Freedom of Religion. Personally, I think that is a stretch since this Church has all sorts of secular activities it collects revenue from that are subject to taxation. If the activities meet that criteria for taxation then it seems to me it is no longer strictly a religious organization. In addition, the requirement was not to use contraception but to provide coverage for those who wished to use it. Mr. Santorum then took off on the use of pre-natal testing asserting that the main purpose of such testing is to provide abortions. All of these positions are philosophically and religiously understandable whether one agrees or not but that does not make them suitable subjects for domestic policy.

And the thicket just gets thornier. Recent news has Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, casting some doubt on the validity of President Obama's faith. Then he went so far as to assert that Mitt Romney is in trouble also since most Christians will not accept the Mormon church as part of the Christian tradition. That leaves Mr. Santorum and Mr. Gingrich the only two of the major candidates with an approved Christian practice. I'm not certain that Mr. Paul would meet the litmus test for genuine adherence to faith practices. He converted to Baptist from Lutheran which does not automatically disqualify him. If he is the same kind of Baptist as he is a Republican we may find some common ground there as well as politically. How thorny is that thicket and who are the Christian mullahs that we would allow to approve or disapprove of proper Christian practice? Mr. Santorum and Mr. Gingrich would not have a problem with that question since the Pope is supreme in interpretation of all things spiritual. John Kennedy addressed that problem 50 years ago and here we are looking at it again.

My take is that we should leave theology and religious piety at the door of the campaign bus. As individuals we can use that as an item to be considered but it is just too thorny to be a part of political debate. The imagination just runs wild with possible scenarios on the debate stage. I won't go there.

Larry Webster

Evolution, devolution, prostitution and other good cheer | Larry Webster | Kentucky.com


Maybe my favorite columnist. Larry is from Pikeville and is irreverent about most everything except mountain music.

Doh!

McCain 'concerned' about November - POLITICO.com

as well he should be.

Santorum Says Obama Policy ‘Elevates the Earth Above Man’ - Businessweek

Santorum Says Obama Policy ‘Elevates the Earth Above Man’ - Businessweek

Now, this is theology in contrast to what Santorum called a "non-biblical theology" of President Obama. This clearly illustrates a belief that we are to use the world. He said we are to be "stewards" of the earth but how can one do that and foul the air we breath and the water we drink. The very earth from which we grow our food? It has nothing to do with theology on Obama's part and everything to do with theology on Santorum's part.

And Politics the Damndest in Kentucky

Appalachia home to top Ky. legislative leaders | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune | wisconsinrapidstribune.com

Whitney Houston

this is a beautiful tribute from Kevin Costner to Whitney.  It speaks of how even when we do not think we are good enough our Heavenly Father begs to differ.

Facism

Paul: U.S. "slipping into a fascist system" - CBS News


there are just some things that I agree with this guy on.

You Can't Take This Away From Me

Kyle Busch nudges Stewart to win wreck-filled Bud Shootout – USATODAY.com

Can't take this from Kyle. The guy won the race with every obstacle one can imagine thrown in front of him. He wrecked at least twice and nearly wrecked who knows how many times. He survived being bumped by the 24 near the end to wind up pushing Tony Stewart on the last 2 laps and then pulled out to blow past Stewart to win the race. A fabulous piece of driving.

Not so Good

this should be a terrifying testimony for our cause in Afghanistan.  It is time to call it quits and come home.

Mullah Rick

The Associated Press: Rick Santorum questions Obama's Christian values

Just what we need. Christian mullahs to tell us how to worship properly. Of course, being used to the Pope telling him how to do it he's probably a little more used to the idea. Next we'll get out the explosive vests and go to attack the infidel.

Drones With an Eye on the Public Cleared to Fly - NYTimes.com

Drones With an Eye on the Public Cleared to Fly - NYTimes.com

NO!

US officials believe Iran sanctions will fail, making military action likely | World news | The Guardian

see my previous post concerning the possibility of Iran developing Nukes. Just get over it. Its not worth another war.

On the way up.

fact of the matter is that if you want jobs then you're going to have to tolerate high gas prices.  This could be altered if our domestic refineries sold their product here before shipping it to a better market.  But, that's the free market at work.

Short Track Racing Rocks

Budweiser Shootout will test NASCAR's adjustments on tandem racing - Racing - Lars Anderson - SI.com


Love the shootout and the duels. If I had my way no race would be longer than 250 miles and no track longer than 1 mile. Maybe NASCAR should put an S turn in any track longer than 1 1/4 mile.

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Maybe not Tariffs

Jon Talton | Easy to talk about supporting manufacturing, harder to rebuild | Seattle Times Newspaper

True that Germany is a world leader in manufacturing with jobs that sustain a high standard of living. How do they do it? In Germany business and government form a synergistic relationship that beats each one on its own.

I'm not certain that this guy's prescription for tariffs is one that will work.

When in Doubt

Just Do the Right Thing

You've just got to wonder what is the deal with some people. Like a majority of the American people I can't fathom why people aren't motivated to just do the right thing. We've got this redistricting thing going on and I just wonder why our legislators can't just do the right thing and draw some compact districts without all those funny loops and goosenecks. That's right, even if it puts their reelection prospects or party advantages at peril. Why can't they just go back to their day job knowing that the will of the people has been spoken? Curious American minds want to know. If self-preservation is the reason then we need someone else up there.

Exactly how much money does a person need? Or even, how much can a person spend even spending lavishly? And yet we have guys on Wall Street pulling down millions, even hundreds of millions of dollars for doing something that no one really understands except that it is more profitable than larceny. But then, it may be larceny. Just not the illegal kind. So, why isn't a nice salary of, say $500,000 satisfactory? Maybe even a $1,000,000. Isn't that enough to put the kids through college and buy a nice house. Maybe even invest some money and put a nice nest egg back for retirement. Just a few decades ago the CEO made maybe 25 or even 50 times what a line worker made. Now it is hundreds of time the wages of a line worker and I seriously doubt they are quite that valuable. What is wrong with just doing the right thing and allowing the middle class worker to make a little more money instead of making more money than it is possible to spend. Of course, what money really buys is power. Power to do good or evil. Power to free mankind or power to enslave. Their choice.

It's election season and we all know what that means. It is a honey pot for broadcast advertising. This year, thanks to the Supreme Court we are going to see exponentially more money spent on advertising, mostly negative. What on earth motivates or justifies the expenditure of such obscene sums to influence the mind and emotions of the voter. The jobs that are being so earnestly bought with these vast sums of money, mainly acquired using the means previously described, do not pay anything close to these sums. So, is it the desire to better the lives of the masses of people the motivator? Is it the desire to influence legislation in order to accumulate more wealth? Or is it just for the intoxication of power itself? What would happen if people ran for office for the right reasons and then, when they were elected, held fast to that design? Hard to even contemplate, isn't it. Sort of like an idealized “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.”

This is not to say that many of us, maybe most, aren't convinced that our exertions are for the side of might and right and good for all the people whether they know it or not. You know, that is OK. People have different ideas and as long as we can sensibly talk about them, take a vote and then accept the results then we have done the right thing. We don't have to agree with it. Sometimes we may think it stinks but we had or chance and the vote did not favor us. There will be another day. It is when we extract comments out of context and use them to create a false impression of an opponent or an issue or when we try to paint the opposition as evil that we do the wrong thing. Let the person or the issue stand on its own merits and be judged by those who are eligible to do the judging. If the argument is false then how can the judgment be true?

You have heard me howl on the FEC v Citizens United Supreme Court case that stated that money is equal to protected free speech. It has opened the floodgates for secret corporate funding of political advertising and it is projected that over a billion dollars will be spent to influence your vote. The right thing to do would be to explain the issues giving each party time to do so and then choose. The wrong thing is to try to influence you emotionally by demonizing the opposition.

The final regulations are being written to implement the Dodd-Frank legislation to regulate the arcane workings of Wall Street. Those big bankers who drove the economy into the ditch while profiting hugely at the expense of the American taxpayer are spending millions lobbying our elected representatives to gut the bill and render it impotent. The right thing is to say, “hey, we screwed up. We went too far and need some regulation to level the playing field.” But no! They are trying to keep the golden goose laying those golden eggs and the American public be damned. That is the wrong thing.

It takes a lot of winnowing and studying to find the true story and there are many who don't want you to find it. They will spend a lot of money because they have sociologists and psychologists who know what pushes your buttons.

This is not a party thing. Everyone is doing it because it works. That is a wrong thing.

My take on the right and wrong things. Do the right thing.

So What?

New bill to press Obama on Iran strike? - Israel News, Ynetnews


The Constitution give the prerogative of conducting foreign policy to the President. For those who are always yelling about the usurpation of Congressional power it seems a bit ironic.

But, just for the sake of argument, what would it mean for Iran to possess nuclear weapons? Everyone knows that the Israelis have them whether they admit it or not. So does Pakistan, North Korea, and India. Japan is believed to possess the technology and could bring it online fairly rapidly. So, what does it mean?

Jerusalem is about one thousand miles from Tehran. Easy shooting distance but that cuts both ways. Israel is easily more capable of striking back. The US and the Soviet Union lived in a nuclear stalemate for thirty years without pulling the trigger. With areas so close to one another you couldn't pop a nuke without shooting yourself. So, do we think that the deterrent factor would not suffice as is has for us?

Bombs for terrorists? Same thing. Iran has no love for Al Qaeda and can't afford to have a nuke popped in it's back yard. And the certainty of annihilation should prevent Iran from trying to damage us.

So, what's the fuss? Everyone will have the technology shortly. Just get over it.

Comeback

Fox News Poll: Swing-state Landscape Shifting? | Fox News

still a long time until November but this validates what I have said. As we get closer Obama looks better as long as the economy is improving. GOP still does not have a message other than "we are going to reverse Obama." Hard to understand their objections since he is clearly more conservative than Clinton and is not a lot different from Bush on many issues. I hate to state the obvious.

Benevolent Industry? I Think Not

To the argument that business has no motive to act in a non-benevolent way I have these three examples to offer.  There are many examples of what an unregulated profit driven industry will do.  These are just a few.  Some examples are mentioned more than once. 





 http://earthfirst.com/americas-top-10-worst-man-made-environmental-disasters/

http://www.businesspundit.com/the-worlds-worst-environmental-disasters-caused-by-companies/


http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1986457_1986501_1986448,00.html

National Security v. Private Enterprise

FCC to Reject LightSquared's Request to Turn on Network - WSJ.com

Is this Unlikely or what?

Affluent Foreign-Born Parents in N.Y. Prefer Public Schools - NYTimes.com

What about this? Do some people understand the desirability of a diverse exposure. Do they realize that it is the parent rather than the school that is the most important? What do you think is driving this?

Danger! Imminent Explosion.

Gingrich raises money in California, pledges to lower gas prices - latimes.com

is there anything this guy won't say? Last week it was moon bases, now he's going to solve gas prices. The guy is a walking time bomb.

The Trial

Medcalf: Kentucky is the clear title favorite - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN

The Vandy game answered a few questions. What happens when Jones is off his game and pouting? How will Davis handle a physical big man in the post? What happens when someone throws a pesky zone, in this case a 2-3, at them?

There is no doubt that Kentucky is a head above the competition when Jones is on but during the first part of the game last night he was not. Coach Cal saw that and tore him a new one while sitting him on the bench for a while. Kentucky persevered. When Jones came back in he was hungry and out for blood.

Elezi is a better big man that many give him credit for. He bodied up on Davis and shoved him out of position but Davis compensated through agility and skill. The around, under and up move to score was a thing of beauty.

The zone was a harbinger of things to come. The competition is going to force Kentucky to hit the long ball. This is why Coach Cal put Miller back in with 4 fouls and it payed off. If you can't hit the long shot then it enables the opponent to pack the zone into the paint an deny the big men the ball. Kentucky struggled with it but adjusted and finally took control of the game again after allowing Vandy to come back from 11 down.

Teague made 2 passes that were exhilarating. The first was a bounce pass between 2 defenders to Davis who was breaking for the basket. It was perfect. The other everyone saw was with him going down. Rather than losing the ball or traveling he got the ball to Jones for the score. Teague is becoming a monster at the 1 spot with his ability to direct the team.

Width the other strengths of Kidd-Gilchrist, Lamb and Miller the Cats should go deep this year. They have great poise. The difficulties will be sure to come but they seem to have what it takes to survive.

Courage

With Death Toll Soaring, What's Next In Aid To Syria? : NPR


and what good is sending a message when they are dying?

Are They That Good?

Kentucky's biggest foe at this point could be its own success - NCAA Basketball - Sporting News

these last three games have erased my earlier complaints about this team playing uninspired ball.  They have stepped up their game two or three notches.  The only weakness is freshman inexperience.  What happens when West Virginia throws a 1-1-3 zone at you?  What happens when Jared Sullinger pushes you out of the half circle?  Can Lamb and Miller knock down the threes to open it up? Precious few games against top flight opponents left.  Gators at the Swamp.  Two with Vandy.  Do they have the poise to go the distance?  Can they execute with Davis or Jones out?  We need to find out.

Just a usual fan of the Cats.  Praying for a title and worrying about everything.  These guys are good.

Alternative?

Can a nuclear Iran be deterred? - CNN.com

If Iran is determined to move to a nuclear capability then there are few options left to those who oppose it and military strikes are not one of them.  Strikes will only serve to unite the people against a common enemy.  Indefinite sanctions may have the same result.  We have only to look at North Korea for an example.  Deterrence should work.  The Iranians may not think like us but they are not crazy.  Given our history with that country we should be actively seeking a mutually acceptable diplomatic solution.  Eventually the entire world is going to have nuclear capability.  Get used to it.

Syria in the crosshairs

Clinton Calls for ‘Immense Pressure’ on Assad After UN Veto - Businessweek

using all tools at one's disposal to accomplish what many are saying is inevitable. Regime change in Syria. What the result of that may be is anyone's guess.

The People in Action

Russian embassy in Libya stormed over Syria veto - Hindustan Times

The Russians and Chinese are not used to having their decisions subject to people who can protest. We will see it this has any impact on their decisions as to Syria.

Time to Go.

NATO ministers to consider accelerated withdrawal from combat role in Afghanistan - The Washington Post

I believe that this is tacit recognition that there is no good option in Afghanistan and that a satisfactory resolution is unlikely. Disengagement in day to day combat may be the best way out.

The Benevolent Despots?

Super PACs: FEC report sheds light on powerful influence of a few big donors - CSMonitor.com

The cancer eating at our government. Can one believe these massive donors do it for the good of the country? Romney beat Gingrich in Florida with $16.5 million of Super Pac money.

Right to work is the right to be paid less.

Indiana Joins Right-to-Work Ranks, Gov. Signs Bill - ABC News


This is a sad story for worker's rights and a successful middle class. Will it take another depression for people to understand the advantages of organizing. One would think that people could look at the economic disparities and conclude that even now.

Vote/Don't Vote

Romney Rules In First Mega-State, But Warning Flags Fly Over Florida Results : It's All Politics : NPR



disturbing trend of conservative voters staying home. It this continues into the general election it could spell trouble for Romney.