EPA beseiged by pesticide interests

The Raw Story reports that

EPA scientists say agency is 'besieged' by pesticide interests

We know why as we reported earlier from the London Free Press

Pesticides may affect penis size

Dumbest Thing Ever Heard Outside the Oval Office

You can't make it up reports that she heard this on the subway.

"Whatever, that Amish boy totally lied, because he said it was a dwarf rabbit, and it grew up to be a full grown cat."

The Global War on Truth

"Fortunately, the insurgency is in its last throes." (Darth Cheney, May 31, 2005)

"A bunch of dead-enders" (Reichsmarshal Rumsfeld, November 25, 2003 )
Here is a bit of irony. That is the Bush twins' birthday. They were 22.

Tom Tomorrow sez "Abu-Ghraib -- secret prisons -- warrantless wiretaps -- torture -- these stories serve only to provide aid and comfort to the enemies -- of this administration!

Tom Tomorrow rocks! The archive is here.

Wurst President III - The Biggest Lawbreaker and Darth Cheney

Charlie Savage of the Boston Globe does it again with this report about who is behind the "signing statements" and unprecendented breaking of laws passed by Congress.

Cheney aide is screening legislation

Adviser seeks to protect Bush power

By Charlie Savage, Globe Staff | May 28, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The office of Vice President Dick Cheney routinely reviews pieces of legislation before they reach the president's desk, searching for provisions that Cheney believes would infringe on presidential power, according to former White House and Justice Department officials.

The officials said Cheney's legal adviser and chief of staff, David Addington , is the Bush administration's leading architect of the ``signing statements" the president has appended to more than 750 laws.

And so the dictatorship strengthens its grip.

previous stories:
Wurst President II - The Biggest Lawbreaker
Wurst President

Congressional Doh! boy

Wonkette rocks!

You: Arizonia congressman J.D. Hayworth.
Your goal: Get reelected.

So you send out this mass mailing:

Which is great, right?

Sure! Until your opponent sends out a press release pointing out that you are a congressman from Arizona, and this is very clearly a gigantic picture of California.

And you would be correct if you guessed that Mr. Hayworth is a Republican!

The Pillsbury Doh! boy

The Chron reports this bit of Schadenfreude from Minnesota. The bible student not only made 30+ calls to phone sex lines, he first stole his roommate's credit card.

Bible Student Charged in Phone Sex Case.
-
Tuesday, May 23, 2006

(05-23) 15:32 PDT Owatonna, Minn. (AP) --

A student at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College was charged in the theft of his roommate's debit card, which was used to pay for more than $2,300 worth of calls to phone sex lines, prosecutors allege in court papers.

Shane Erin Mack, 20, of Belt, Mont., was charged with the gross misdemeanors of identity theft and theft by false representation. He made his first court appearance on Monday. Bail was set at $2,500. He remained in jail Tuesday afternoon.

Steele County prosecutor Scott Schrener said investigators only had documentation in hand for about $500 worth of calls, but the victim reported that $2,350 worth of calls had been made. Schrener said the criminal charges could be upgraded in the future.

The calls were made from March 23 to May 13, according to court papers.

Mack allegedly told investigators he admitted taking the debit card out of his roommate's wallet and using it to make up to 30 calls to adult phone lines from public phones on campus, the criminal complaint said.

College spokesman Tom Lawson said Mack would not be allowed to return to the school when classes resume in the fall. According to the college Web site, the college offers a Christian "education program which imparts a biblical worldview."

A call to the public defender who represented Mack in court on Monday was not immediately returned.

Mack's next court appearance was scheduled for June 1.

Doh! at WaPo

I have no idea how long this headline will persist at WaPo.

House Bill Considers Pets in Disater Plans

By JIM ABRAMS

The Associated Press
Monday, May 22, 2006; 5:38 PM

WASHINGTON -- A television shot of a little boy losing his dog during Katrina rescue operations was the catalyst for a House vote Monday on legislation requiring pets to be considered in future emergency preparedness plans...

Are You experiencing deja écouté (Part II)?

WaPo reports that

Bush Says Iraq War at 'Turning Point'

Do you have the odd feeling that you've heard it before? So does Martini Republic.

President George W. Bush, yesterday, May 1, 2006:

A new Iraqi government represents a strategic opportunity for America — and the whole world, for that matter. . . . This is a — we believe this is a turning point for the Iraqi citizens, and it’s a new chapter in our partnership.

Vice President Dick Cheney, December 18, 2005:

It’s an Iraqi government elected by Iraqis under a constitution written by Iraqis. . . . I do believe that when we look back on this period of time, 2005 will have been the turning point . . .

President George W. Bush, December 12, 2005:

It’s a remarkable transformation for a country that has virtually no experience with democracy, and which is struggling to overcome the legacy of one of the worst tyrannies the world has known . . . . There’s still a lot of difficult work to be done in Iraq, but thanks to the courage of the Iraqi people, the year 2005 will be recorded as a turning point in the history of Iraq.

President Addresses Nation, Discusses Iraq, War on Terror, June 28, 2005:

When the history of this period is written. . . . the liberation of Iraq will be remembered as great turning points in the story of freedom.

Mrs. Bush’s Remarks at Conference of Women Leaders, March 8, 2005:

People in the Middle East and commentators around the world are beginning to wonder whether recent elections may mark a turning point as significant as the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Press Briefing by Scott McClellan, January 31, 2005:

The election is a victory for the Iraqi people. It’s a significant step forward for freedom and it is a defeat for the terrorists and their ideology. It marks a turning point in Iraq’s history and a great advance toward a brighter future for all Iraqis

President George W. Bush, January 29, 2005:

Tomorrow the world will witness a turning point in the history of Iraq, a milestone in the advance of freedom, and a crucial advance in the war on terror. The Iraqi people will make their way to polling centers across their nation.

President’s Remarks in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 30, 2004:

Saddam Hussein sits in a prison cell. America and the world are safer. . . . When it comes to fighting the threats of our world and spreading peace, we’re turning the corner and we’re not turning back.

President Bush, June 18, 2004:

A turning point will come in less than two weeks. On June the 30th, full sovereignty will be transferred to the interim government.

Remarks by the President to Military Personnel, June 16, 2004:

A turning point will come two weeks from today. On June the 30th, governing authority will be transferred to a fully sovereign interim government, the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist, an American embassy will open in Baghdad.

Remarks by the President on Operation Iraqi Freedom, March 19, 2004:

Today, as Iraqis join the free peoples of the world, we mark a turning point for the Middle East, and a crucial advance for human liberty.

President Bush Discusses Freedom in Iraq and Middle East, November 6, 2003:

We’ve reached another great turning point – and the resolve we show will shape the next stage of the world democratic movement.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, June 12, 2003:

The events of the last few months make clear that the Middle East is living through a time of great change. And despite the tragic events of the past few days, it is also a time of great hope. President Bush believes that the region is at a true turning point.

Republicans say the darndest things, or, Ken Starr's Successor Is Busted for Stalking

The New York Post reports (their headline is ever so tasteful "Stalker Rap vs. Bubba Prober")

The former prosecutor who negotiated the deal that kept President Bill Clinton from being indicted in the probe of his sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky has been charged with stalking an ex-girlfriend, a law enforcement official said.

Robert Ray surrendered to cops last night after Manhattan resident Tracy Loughlin, 40, filed a complaint.

"She tried to end it four months ago, but he kept calling her, sending her e-mails and showing up at places he knew she would be," the official said.

Ray, 46, was charged with fourth-degree stalking, given a desk-appearance ticket and freed.

Loughlin, a shapely redhead who works in magazine promotions, was in the news in January 2005 when she jumped into the East River to save her dog, Cho.

A group of concerned strangers then pitched in to help haul both to safety.

Ray succeeded Independent Counsel Ken Starr in the probe of the Clintons' failed Whitewater real estate investment. President Clinton also had faced possible perjury and obstruction of justice charges over his affair with Lewinsky.

Ray is now in private practice and lives in Long Branch, N.J.

Republicans say the darndest things, or what's new on the Grand Old Police Blotter?

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that KY Governor Ernie Fletcher is going to be a future guest of the governor! Will he soon say that he wants to spend more time with his family? I love that phrase from Atrios, Grand Old Police Blotter. My guess is we will see the blotter grow pretty long. I like the sentiments underlying this sentence:

Those indictments cover crimes that may have occurred before Aug. 29, 2005 when Fletcher pardoned all administration officials except himself.

The article fails to mention that the governor and his pardoned pals are all Republican - but you knew that already, didn't you!

Grand jury indicts Gov. Ernie Fletcher

By Ryan Alessi
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The special grand jury that’s been investigating state government hiring practices today indicted Gov. Ernie Fletcher on three misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination.

The jury also indicted former transportation Cabinet official Sam Beverage for perjury, which is a felony. And the jury also submitted to Franklin Circuit Judge William Graham 14 more indictments that are under seal.

Those indictments cover crimes that may have occurred before Aug. 29, 2005 when Fletcher pardoned all administration officials except himself.

Owens Corning Withdraws Air Quality Permit Application

This was posted at Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today:

Owens Corning Withdraws Air Quality Permit Application for Proposed Insulation Plant in Gresham

Owens Corning has notified the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that it is withdrawing its air quality permit application for a proposed polystyrene foam board insulation plant at 18456 NE Wilkes Road in Gresham.

The permit application was for a plant that would use and emit HCFC-142b, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon blowing agent classified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an ozone-depleting substance and a greenhouse gas.

In the notification letter DEQ received, Owens Corning states that the company is not interested in constructing the facility as described in the air quality permit application at this time.

“If Owens Corning reapplies, DEQ will provide a public review process for that new application,” said DEQ NW Region Administrator Dick Pedersen.

HCFC-142b is regulated under Title VI of the federal Clean Air Act. EPA regulations prohibit construction of new equipment that will emit HCFC-142b and prohibit manufacturing and importing HCFC-142b after Jan., 1, 2010.

A word about Texas cuisine from Tom Tomorrow

Tom Tomorrow nails it! (archived version is HERE)

More British Pissheads

I keep picking on them, but I kid the British.

The latest news is that 10 players for Tottenham Hotspur, a football club, were laid ill following a meal at their Canary Wharf hotel over the weekend. This caused them to lose badly to West Ham (the team featured in Green Street Hooligans) yesterday. This is big, as it potentially means the team could be denied a spot in the Champions League. As this article details, negotiations between the team and the league were frantic, with the team trying to get the game pushed back 24 hours. 2 hours was the best the league said they could do. The reason?

Frantic negotiations took place between league officials, Tottenham's management and medical staff and the police. The latter said the kick-off could be delayed until 5pm, but no later, because of concerns about public order if fans had been drinking all day.

God bless English fans.

I am shocked, shocked to find that boffing is going on in here!

This LA Times headline could appear only in BushWorld.

Many Youths Disregard Their Virginity Pledges, Harvard Study Says

Let's see. There's Sleepy, Sneezy, Armand, Luis, Dopey, Angel... Who am I Missing?

The Malaya News reports

Judge who says he has dwarves for pals sacked
BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

A MALABON regional trial court judge who claims to have psychic powers and dwarves as friends has been relieved by the Supreme Court for being mentally unfit.

In a 72-page decision penned by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, the tribunal unanimously found Judge Florentino Floro, presiding judge of Malabon RTC-branch 73, guilty of seven of 13 administrative charges lodged by the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA)...

Floro admitted he believes in "psychic visions" of foreseeing the future and confessed to having made a covenant with his "dwarf friends" whom he named as "Armand," "Luis," and "Angel," the OCA said.

He also admitted conducting healing sessions in his chamber during his break time, while boasting of his ability to write while in a trance and to be in two places at the same time, which he claimed can be attested to by some people.

Driving in Tokyo

Somehow nobody was injured yesterday when a car rolled down the stairs of a subway exit in Tokyo. My favorite bit: "The driver of the car was intoxicated, according to police."

Republicans say the darndest things, or, Did Porter Get his Pecker caught In Pokergate?

georgia10 has the word at Kos. georgia10 rocks!

CIA Director Porter Goss Resigns

by georgia10

Fri May 05, 2006 at 11:11:16 AM PDT

This isn't part of some White House shake-up. This is a scandal-plagued Bush appointee resigning just as an investigation into another Republican corruption scandal hits too close to home.

Former Republican lawmaker and current CIA Director Porter Goss's name has surfaced time and time again in the Republican bribe scheme, which began with a focus on disgraced Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham and his Republican lobbyists (hmm, do I think I mentioned "Republican" enough in that sentence?).

It is Goss's hand-picked #3 man at the CIA, Kyle "Dusty" Foggo who is under serious investigation in connection with a massive bribery scheme that touches on sweetheart deals, million dollar contracts, and yes, even hookers.

I want to read that Porter Goss "wants to spend more time with his family".

An excellent question: who is that asshat driving?

Heather B. reports

Well last evening, I drove home from work because I had to babysit. And while I was driving I happened upon a very nice convertible Lexus, attempting to parallel park in a very tiny spot, in which said Lexus wouldn’t have fit in the first place, but whatever. The driver hit the car in front and then the car behind multiple times over. While this was happening, I laughed and watched in awe and then lamented on the fact that there are so many brilliant people in DC and they all drive for shit (present company included). As I get closer to the offending Lexus, I spot a 'Harris for Senate' bumper sticker on the back, which caused more eye rolling (it just happens, I swear.) And when I went past the car and turned to see who the asshat driving?

Wonkette reveals the answer.

I want to hear "Why me? Why me?"

WaPo reports "breaking news":

Skating Scandal Made Into Opera

By JIMMY GOLEN

The Associated Press
Tuesday, May 2, 2006; 10:09 AM

MEDFORD, Mass. -- When Tufts music student Abigail Al-Doory sought inspiration for her opera, she looked not to Wagner's "Ring" cycle but to the Olympic rings, where themes like power, envy and greed are plentiful.

In "Tonya and Nancy: The Opera," Al-Doory provides 18 movements on the scandal that turned the once-dainty sport of figure skating into a soap opera of whacking, wailing and time spent in jail... (more at the Post)

This will turn most Republicans into environmentalists

From the London Free Press

Pesticides may affect penis size

A renowned U.S. scientist supports a ban on the chemicals for cosmetic purposes.
By JOHN MINER, FREE PRESS HEALTH REPORTER

A renowned U.S. scientist who has documented fertility and sex changes -- including decreasing penis size -- due to environmental contamination says he wouldn't apply pesticides on his own lawn.

Delivering a special series of lectures this week at the University of Western Ontario, Louis Guillette has been drawn into London's lawn-care debate during question periods and talk-show interviews.

"The use of these compounds just for cosmetic reasons, just because you don't want to make dandelion wine from your yard or whatever, I think is inappropriate," Guillette, who is associate dean for research at the University of Florida, said in a lecture yesterday at UWO's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Based on his own scientific investigations, Guillette said there's enough evidence pesticides put children, wildlife and the ecosystem at risk.

"Just because you can go buy them at the local stores doesn't meant that is appropriate use," he said.

A zoologist, Guillette has spent the last decade studying the influence of environmental contaminants on fetal development and reproductive systems of wildlife and humans, including the differences between alligators living in contaminated Florida lakes and those in cleaner ones.

He found abnormalities in sex organs, dramatic differences in egg-hatching rates and hormone levels.

Penis size of the animals from the polluted lake was smaller than animals from the less-polluted lake.

"This is important because it is not just an alligator story. It is not just a lake story. We know there has been a dramatic increase in penile and genital abnormalities in baby boys," Guillette said.

A followup study by another scientist involving healthy couples with 5,000 healthy babies also found reduced penis size with higher contamination levels.

"Are (their penises) so small they are actually having problems? We don't know. These are baby boys," he said.

But rodent studies have indicated more difficulty with fertility and other aspects later on, he said.

The researchers also found the alligators from contaminated water had abnormal ovaries. Some of the abnormalities were traced to chemical compounds with estrogen, a sex hormone. Estrogenic-type compounds are found in some pesticides, including atrazine, mostly widely used in North America for weed control.

Guillette said he doesn't support a total pesticide ban, saying their use is proper for public health and probably in agriculture. But when people can reduce their exposure they should, he said.

My Bare Lady to open in West End

HuffingtonPost reports

A new West End reality show will test porn stars' acting skills.

'My Bare Lady', co-produced by ZigZag Productions and Fox Reality, will cast four of America's favourite porn stars in a classic piece of drama.

The ladies will perform before a shrewd British audience in London's world famous theatre district.

General Manager of Fox Reality, David Lyle said: "It's a wonderful tale of redemption. Do they want lines that are a little more challenging than 'Oh, here's the pool guy'. We will have to see what happens?'

The trials and tribulations of the X-rated stars will be aired in the US in autumn.

Lyle added: "If they can move a London theatre to applause, then they will have done pretty well."

Some of you may know that I have been preparing a "treatment" of a porn flick, "You c*nt, take it with you!" I have a quartet of porn stars as well

• Mona Lott
• Angie Dickisin
• Urethra Franklin
• Swoozie Squirtz

and the male lead is, of course, Peter Toole.

Wurst President II - The Biggest Lawbreaker

Charles Savage of the Boston Globe has written an analysis of Bush's "signing statements". These "statements" are, in essence, nothing more than the declaration by the President that the administration intends to flaunt the legislation just signed! There is an insidious history to these "signing statements". Try to read this passage without snickering:

Since the early 19th century, American presidents have occasionally signed a large bill while declaring that they would not enforce a specific provision they believed was unconstitutional. On rare occasions, historians say, presidents also issued signing statements interpreting a law and explaining any concerns about it.

But it was not until the mid-1980s, midway through the tenure of President Reagan, that it became common for the president to issue signing statements. The change came about after then-Attorney General Edwin Meese decided that signing statements could be used to increase the power of the president.

When interpreting an ambiguous law, courts often look at the statute's legislative history, debate and testimony, to see what Congress intended it to mean. Meese realized that recording what the president thought the law meant in a signing statement might increase a president's influence over future court rulings.

Under Meese's direction in 1986, a young Justice Department lawyer named Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote a strategy memo about signing statements. It came to light in late 2005, after Bush named Alito to the Supreme Court.

In the memo, Alito predicted that Congress would resent the president's attempt to grab some of its power by seizing ''the last word on questions of interpretation." He suggested that Reagan's legal team should ''concentrate on points of true ambiguity, rather than issuing interpretations that may seem to conflict with those of Congress.

Wurst President

Three years ago His Idiocy hotdogged across the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln and announced "Mission Accomplished."

Here is his legacy:






From ThinkProgress:

	May 1, 2003	Today
U.S. Troops Wounded	542	17,469
U.S. Troops Killed	139	2,400
Size of U.S. Forces	150,000	132,000
Size of Iraqi Security Forces	7,000-9000	250,500
Number of Insurgents	5,000	15,000-20,000
Insurgent Attacks Per Day	8	75
Cost to U.S. Taxpayers	$79 billion	$320 billion
Approval of Bush’s Handling of Iraq	75%	37%
Percentage of Americans who Believe The Iraq War Was “Worth Fighting”	70%	41%
Bush’s Overall Job Approval	71%	38%