chuck kottke

The Iraqi constitution appears fundamentally flawed, and I hope the Iraqi people can fix it! But getting a broader perspective, it looks more the case that violence in Iraq is a direct result of the occupation. looking at what Foreign Policy In Focus has to say about this, leaves me with that impression (see www.fpif.org)

I'm sorry to hear that "peachy" is lost... do you have an animal shelter there, where your dog may have ended up?? :cry: I know here, quite a few lost dogs wind up in shelters. Wish I could help.

Answers! Great!! Glad you have a prof who's showing how it can be done by actually doing it!! Yes, to have it done by service professionals it costs bucks, but glad there's a program for it!! But D.I.Y., and save a mint.;) PS - I did remodel one house here, and it's the tightest house in the state. The blower door guy from the state thought his instruments were stuck, as there was no pressure loss! (Mike added a heat-exchanger, thankfully!) Hmm.. specifics! Well, the most effective thing I've done was to seal up all the big leaks in the house. Using expanding foam insulation (Great Stuff, DAP foam, etc. - U pik it.:)) I went along the sill (where the wall framing sits on the joists) and filled all of the gaps and mouse holes I could find (and there were some dueseys!). Basically, run a bead of foam along both edges after carefully cleaning the surface. You can use caulk as well - whatever seals tight and holds up over time. Also, I foamed the point where all the wires come into the house from the electrical box on the porch. There were silver-dollar sized holes there, letting in enough cold air to fill a blimp.;) Next, I laid down plastic sheeting in the crawl space, carefully stapling it to the end joists, and sealing off the ground from the space. (it's important to keep the air space in a crawl space connected to the air space in the home, to prevent condensation and rotting, etc. - ours is connected to the full basement side by a short wall section) Then, I added a layer of polyethylene foamboard to the basement walls. There are some safe foamboard glues for caulk guns that work well to do this; an occasional concrete screw and fender washer helps hold it well too. Then cover with drywall. (we have a very dry basement - for wet walls, I'm not the expert, but perhaps seal the wall from the outside first (ugh - digging!), and then just fit the foam-board tight, with a few concrete anchors to hold it in place).. Better ask the experts on that one. And in the attic, I stapled up some proffer vents between the old rafters, and put another layer of R19 fiberglass (go with the white stuff - no formaldehyde in it, or use cellulose or ground up old bluejeans), giving us around R50 up there. Finally, I used these window insulator kits to cover the windows. They shrink to fit, and look nice once on; I leave them up all year long, and replace them every fall - helps to cut summer cooling costs too. And lastly, I tried to get the old French doors to seal better using some foam tape and corner foam pieces made for doors. (also, if you haven't done so, the outlet insulators work wonders too..) There's still plenty of fresh air coming in - our basement windows leak around the edges a little, and there's another fresh-air vent that opens when the furnace draws air, so it's not "too tight", but much better! In the near future I plan on adding an air-to-air heat exchanger to take care of the fresh air without the heat losses. Oh, and the interior walls - I'm going to try and put up some insulation board and then another interior material (paneling, drywall, etc) to get the R value up. Our walls are insulated, but it's blown-in beads (don't ever want to open that up!), and so that's one option. Hope this helps give you some ideas Briggins!! Happy Insulating:cool4: & keep Canada Efficient!;)

possible/probable :laugh3:Anything's possible - but Bush sprouting a brain? Hmm - now there's a long shot!:dozey: Legacy Students - that's the term I had forgotten - those are the ones who's daddy's are rich, and they get passed through Yale and other Ivy League Schools regardless of how bad they are as students.. Anyhow, at the end of one of those Guns N' Roses songs, didn't the lyrics go something like "It takes a little patience... ya, yah, oh yaahh" with Axle wining with his usual melodic one-too-many cups of coffee voice..?:P Oh, those were the days.. Anyhow, I kinda like their music.. it's pure, unrestrained releases of exuberant emotion; the wild, nihilistic memories of many a party gone by..:)

Concrete help begins with many things, but a vibrant economy will help matters enormously in Palestine. No Sweat Apparel has a factory on Virgin Mary Street in Bethlehem, where Palestinian garment workers make nice cotton T-shirts from organic cotton! All they need is a chance to keep things going, and if you would like to help, vote for them to get some extra funding they very much need at: http://www.ideablob.com/ideas To see what the business is all about, and take a look at it, visit: www.youtube.com/nosweatapparel. And Nosweat sells these T-shirts, so pick one up, and vote with your cash for a better world!! Sincerely, -Chuck. PS - Please post any other economic measures that will help the Palestinian people. This is about all I've got right now - but the best way to help is to empower people to help themselves. I'm interested in what else can improve their economy - the cure for much of the strife in the world is a descent wage and descent conditions for people everywhere.

Is the order in the universe? Yes, but it's never quite the same outcome every time.. Glad someone's trying to make sense of this - I'd go quite insane doing so.

Well, if by saying it's a circle, do you mean that it's a circle of violence that never ends? I would hope, given that peace was achieved here after the revolutionary war and after the civil war, it's possible even in an area with religious divisions and holy sites that define who's who. We were pretty close not too long ago to seeing peace in the Middle East (oh, those were the days!)...

To all things, a time of correction is at hand. When we get some reform measures with teeth, the kickback schemes will be drastically reduced; it has to happen, or else the economy will suffer even more set-backs. One thing to remember - when an economy slumps, questions get asked, and reforms take shape. Only so many wild schemes can be supported when this happens. I'm betting there will be a period of revolt, as there was in the late 60's and early 70's, as we all get fed up with the BS and lies we're fed by the media, and the fuel prices continue to soar.

True, but the chips are stacked differently amongst the candidates, and that does matter. If you want an analysis of who's buying what, check out the non-partisan site opensecrets.org. I'm betting Barack is a bit less tainted based on the money, though a lot has flowed into his coffers all of a sudden, and that might not be so good. Kucinich threw his support behind Barack, and so has Richardson, so that seems to indicate greater honesty as well. But true, ultimately, we need real reform measures to stem the flow of big money into the campaigns. Something with teeth, and a watch-dog that's on our side..:policeman::bobby::bandana:

How about we take back the 1.2 Trillion dollars we'll be spending on the war in Iraq, and with that buy up all the land in the Amazon, and pay the good people down there lavishly to work as caretakers of the rainforest, and as tour guides in the tropics. With the 1/2 Trillion left, we could clean up all the oceans on three planets! Best bet might be to change the way in which elections work in the US - end the corrupt practices of kickbacks, and get a hold of honest government to bring things back into balance. Maybe then we could clean up the oceans, and end the practices of allowing massive runoff into the rivers, and end the use of toxic plastics. And, keep on reducing our use of fossil fuels as well - the hidden demons of that dependence are multiple.

..Because Canadians have no patience!:P:P:P 15 years is hardly a blink in Geological time scales!:laugh3: I predict the CD will be released from the pipeline, but then be put back in it's cage, lest it eat any other small furry mammals..

Let's see... 78,078 - 19,523 makes us only about 58,555 websites away from overtaking U2.com!:laugh3::P Let's hope we can gain on them, and give U2 a little bit of a chase for it..:guitarist:

Since Achtung! is German for Attention!, the new Coldplay release would have to be named in German as well to be similar:laugh3:... Well, maybe - who knows - it's a Eno production...

Well, we shall see. I am hopeful that at least one of them will be wise enough to steer things in a better direction. It seems to me that to really support Israel means to reducing the threat of violence that it's people must face. Doing that requires a better foreign policy than the one we've got, and moving towards improving the conditions for Palestinians and for a more stable from of government in Iraq seems crucial in changing the situation there. There are those right-wing extremists in the Israel camp who see everything in terms of military attacks and security, but root causes need to be addressed. I'll see what I can do with my connections in Washington.;) (and I put more faith in President Obama making the smart choices than the rest.)

Briggins, I think you're on the right path! Hopefully, we can disengage from our dependence on fossil fuels soon - there is just too many associated problems with them, and they are limited resources, prone to disruptions, spills, ecological disasters, etc. Here in the US, it's mountain-top removal to get coal, and mercury from the rain after it's burnt. Sure, we sell lots of it to China - and they in turn burn it to create cheap goods - but that's all relative - the buck stops here. Canada has a sizable issue regarding oil-sands, if I'm not mistaken?? Well, anywhere you go today, it's really an extraction-based economy.. My main contention is that we're collectively missing the point. Individually we can do it right, but the broad majority still sees efficiency as some sort of Puritanical punishment. I think it's just so simple, that we haven't really all that much to do to save 90-95% of the energy demands right at home. Sure makes it easier to get the remaining 5-10%, and there's actually a much improved comfort level - it's better in every sense. Even simple measures, like adding better doors, or getting that insulation and ventilation right, has an enormous effect. So far, I've managed this heating season with about 1/10th of the fuel oil of last season, and the house is quite comfortable! Well anyhow, solar is the best thing hitting the earth. As the Beatles would say, Here Comes the Sun!:sunny: Global Cooling, Global Warming - as the Boy-Scouts always say, "Be Prepared".

Connections I get the impression that any nation or group so equipped, and with no equal opposition, will eventually succumb to its own collective hubris that it is right about everything, and then try to push the rest of the world into conforming to it's way of thinking. So, this looks to be the case here in the US - given recent history, I have little doubt of that. What seems to be in error is the way in which best to change things for stability around the globe. The way I see it, one can only lead by example, offer assistance when popular support needs it, and encourage governments that protect individual and group rights against a tyranny of the majority, by requiring a broad consensus of support for passage of laws. In cases where there is no singular religion, or no singular philosophy that is accepted by all members of that nation-state, it seems only wise to separate government from religion, and allow citizens the freedom to choose their religious affiliation based on their own beliefs, rather than codifying a particular religion's teachings into law. I am convinced there are certain common-sense rights all humans share, and this common morality is enough to provide a guide for structuring wise governments. One great concern I have at present is the manner and structure in which the government of Iraq has been set up. Just reading the Iraqi constitution's preamble gives me reason to pause and ponder the effects of allowing one group to dominate over another. Knowing a bit of American history, our nation would not have existed nor survived if one particular religious state had held sway over the rest. (imagine endless civil war)..and there appears to be this fundamental flaw in the Iraqi constitution. I am reminded that here, the separation of Church and State, or Religion and Government, was intended to protect equally if not more so the various religions from state or other religious intervention, as it was intended to protect the whole nation-state from domination by one or more religions. George Bush's attempt to use his "simple majority rule" to dominate all other voices is one good example of why a broader consensus is needed to govern, be it here, there, or anywhere! And so, to build a lasting peace requires that respect for common rights be established, and to ensure that the minority is never trampled upon by a majority, there needs to be very broad consensus established before governing can move forward. In terms of the extremist actions taken in the Middle East against Israeli citizens, yes, there are those few committed extremists who train from an early age young people to be martyrs, just as there are religious extremists here who do the same for other purposes. But underlying the process are conditions that can lead people down this path. If there is discrimination, as is the case in the treatment of Palestinians, be it by Israelis, Israel, the US Government, or neighboring Arab states, anyone so treated can be swayed into supporting extreme measures against those who are discriminating; Extremists gain popularity when there are economic problems, massive unemployment, clear discrimination, unchecked propaganda (a biased media), and a culture of violence that has been propagated for a long time. Brainwashing requires a willing populace, and it takes a lot of hard times to convince someone to become radicalized. And it's a small percentage, but enough to cause real harm. So, to diffuse the matter, I think will require excellent measures to ensure equality, major economic improvements for the Palestinians, and a level of basic respect for the religious choices those Palestinians make. A sharing of religious sites, if they find common grounding in several faiths. The will of the individual, guided by whatever belief or divine spirit may be guiding them, should allow those individuals to choose their path, as others are allowed to do the same in kind. But first must come the realization that drying up the root causes of terrorism means eliminating the arguments for the support of terrorists. Respect for others, economic improvements, fair play, and basic needs being met comes first. Any that persist after honest changes have occurred are simply the radicalized elements who have "drunk the cool-aid", and need to be dealt with more though police arrests and honest trials by impartial jurors, than by military interventions, as the latter is extreme, and often creates more terrorists than it eliminates. So, I am hopeful that with a new president, we can begin to work collectively to diffuse the problems that create terrorists, and reduce the tragic events of open-market bombings, reprisal attacks, kidnappings, and the like.

So, from Mrcool, it's a hopeless mess and an endless war for as long as humanity exists on the planet (or until one side wipes out the other), and from Bart, should he be elected supreme leader of the planet for life, has the magic potion to end all wars! Hmm.. Bart, you got my vote!:)

Will someday rule all of Germany!:crown:

I'm thinking: Are we doomed to a planet run by morons, or is there hope? Will the next president, whomever he or she might be, have the wisdom to carefully diffuse the mess we've made of the Middle East, and set the best circumstances for peace there, or will they stumble ahead as was the case in the past?? Has the Iraqi government been set up in a manner destine for failure, or will it prove a lasting design? Is it too late to change; could it survive change? And can we reduce the friction between Israel and Palestine enough to prevent further bloodshed? These are matters we all ought to consider - given the fact that the current president & administration here has messed things up so badly, we're going to be left with the mess to deal with... I'm betting that most of us know better than most of the so-called leaders, and would be willing to advance some common-sense policy choices coming from perspectives that are not the usual belt-way Bullshit - namely, the will of the people.

Looking at the nature of politicians, I really hope Obama gets the nomination, though I would support Hillary over McCain, if it came down to the general and somehow she won the nomination. Basically, politics here is about investment payoffs, and Hillary is pretty crass looking to me; McCain's worse in some ways. Obama isn't quite so taken by the money, but the influence pedaling is everywhere. Better to bet on someone who gets numerous small contributions, and the endorsement of honest candidates like Kucinich, I think at least then we, the people, have a chance with Obama. Otherwise, its a choice that requires one to hold one's nose while selecting.. This business with Obama's minister may be causing a temporary stir, but I really feel that the voters are wise enough to want change over "experience", and see the light when it comes to selecting someone who works for them, and not the special interests primarily.

Alright, enough bickering! Consider this: In a few months the US will have a new President. Probably Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, as odds on favorites. Now, looking at the Middle East, what do you think would help create lasting peace in the region? It's a complex equation, but based on what makes sense, what constructive role can the US play to really improve the situation, if at all possible. I'm not an interventionist, and it's clear that the future requires the US to disengage in Iraq. What advice would you offer to American policy makers to steer things in a better fashion, to improve the odds of better outcomes?

I think the reason some churches preach the hatred of homosexuals (I recall a certain televangelist who like to preach fire-and-brimstone sermons on the subject..) is because of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Now, the Old Testament isn't the New Testament, but there's the excuse they use. I personally feel that homosexuality, while it sometimes creates confusion among us who are strait, is not a sin; simply because for some, it is a matter of hormonal biology, and for others, it's patterning that developed at an early age. This would be like blaming a Holstein cow for having both black and white patches on it's hide:laugh3:..

I think we lost one chance for peace a while back, because Arafat just couldn't come to terms with peace himself - he was a revolutionist, used to hunkering down and surviving attacks - it was his only way of perceiving the world..so he had a hard time allowing peace to take hold.. Well, the Palestinians deserve better, that's for sure! And so do the Israelis - for the most part, I think neither group really wants conflict; it's usually the extreme camps in either that cause trouble. If the Israeli government were to treat everyone as equals - Palestinian and Israeli alike - when it comes to attacks, I think this would lessen some of the anger. Instead of a military campaign that winds up blowing up an entire building to get one suspect, I think it would be better to use international law and police actions to bring suspects to trial. And the same is true from the Palestinian perspective - if I were living in Palestine, I would want justice for attacks that killed innocent by-standards. As far as Palestinians not being welcomed elsewhere, I think this may be somewhat true - politics is afoot, and the Palestinians were used as pawns at one time to keep pressure on Israel. But, it seems to me they have become the de-facto work force in the whole region - building the pipelines, plants, and even the wall that keeps them out of Israel. Using people who are disadvantaged to do all the labor may lead to a sort of permanent servitude, which may well be the case here in the US as well - Mexicans often do the jobs no-body else wants, and they are kept in legal limbo-land. One thing that keeps me wondering about we fortunate ones who have reliable electricity, water, etc. is how we loose touch with those who do not. I can feel for the Palestinians, and how the Israeli government uses extreme measures to try and force political change through depriving them of essential services. Howard Zinn said this about "Precision Daylight Bombing" over Germany during WWII: In short, 'it got rid of the resistance against the NAZIS, and unified the German people against the allies'. Another way of saying that is that when you inflict harm to a population, they usually rally against you, instead of supporting your cause. And when you deprive people of stability and a descent standard of living through economic disruption, this leads to further radicalization, and more and more angry, unemployed young people turn toward the extreme as an outlet for their frustration. So, I think Israel's government's policy to disrupt power, and disregard the economic needs of the Palestinians actually creates more problems in the end, as frustrated people slide then further to the extreme. As far as the rocket attacks coming out of Gaza, and the support by radical elements in Egypt and elsewhere, that's another matter, which perhaps should be dealt with by the international community, and certainly stopping an attack requires immediate action, but the nature of the action and the method of dealing with the crime should be a matter of justice, and given the heated nature of the two sides, I would rather see the international community hold trial on the combatants and participants, rather than allow an escalation of violence to occur. Of course, there is the matter of Iran's support of Hammas in the attacks as well - something the international courts should go through, and reduce the false assertions made by either side - in essence, to get to the bottom of what's really going on. I've been watching the Frontline special "Bush's War" - episode 1 started tonight. After seeing the BS our current administration cooked up to justify the war in Iraq, against the sound advice of many in the Pentagon and elsewhere, I have my doubts about assertions by any government claiming to have proof positive justifying military actions. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfawitz, Libbey, and a host of others should be put on trial in the Hague as well!! One final note - no attacks on innocent human beings can be justified. Suicide bombers, rocket launchers, and the military planners that decide to pound a building to rubble all have committed grave errors against their fellow man. Anyhow, I'll get off my soap-box now.:)

:policeman::biker::pirate::bandana::bobby: Well, you just can never tell, can you?!:laugh3:

I've been to hell and back several times!:bandana::bandana::laugh3: It's really not that bad a place - a lot of nice people have been condemned to hell by the church, and they're nice to chat with.. Really though - the story of Jesus turning water to wine at a wedding. I mean, that's another one of those 1 in a zillion zillion probability things. God gave us a universe that makes sense, and this is, in all likelihood, an exaggeration. So, perhaps Jesus switched the water with some wine he brought along. Yes, probably so everyone could get a little tipsy - maybe even a little drunk! Loosens up a stiff crowd a bit; no harm in that! And did Jesus say he was the only way, or did one of the authors add that?? I'm betting it was the latter. But even so, that's ridiculous as well. That assumes all the other cultures of the world, and all the other beliefs are 100% wrong, and they're all condemned to hades for it. Which, I think is a big mistake, and with extremism you get extremism in return. I'll opt for a common-sense approach to life, thank you kindly, Xxfrodo.:smug2::pleased: