Totally agreed... they'll never go away.

I know, I know.

It's been way, way, way too long since I've posted. I was a bit obsessive and had to give something a break so I could actually get some other things done.

Please email me suggestions/interesting things as you come across them!

Sarah Palin's Fadebook Page

Just received this; it's a little on the dated-subject side; but still entertaining.

Ok, so it's been a week. Not that there haven't been a zillion things going on I'd have loved to have had time to get in to; but with one of the hot topics of the last week being interest rates; I've had no time to do anything but try to run figures and get things going for as many people as possible. But, this was worth taking a break for; I have some more things to get posted; so hopefully by Friday night.

Treasury's Plan for Mortgage Rates Could Be Costly- TIME

EXCELLENT article, with several links to other valuable information. As I've been telling people since this 4.5% talk started yesterday; we want rates to go down for EVERYONE, not only specific people that individual banks deem worthy; and the Fed will only purchase securities backing loans with rates 1% under what the average rate is (now 5.5%). And only for purchases; not for refinances, and only for qualifying borrowers. What I see that doing is #1. not helping many of the average purchasers, #2, obviously doing nothing for the tons of people needing to refi, especially those with adjustable rates, and #3, if the deal is 1% under the average market rate, then it could actually result in "regular" rates staying high. But check out the article for a more expert opinion. I'd love rates to go down another percent; but it needs to be done in a way that everyone can benefit.

More Diversions

#1. TIMELINE OF A COFFEE DRINKER.

http://www.bspcn.com/2008/12/04/timeline-of-a-coffee-drinker/

WANT SOME GEEKY, ECONOMIC OPTIMISM??

Yes, this is the kind of thing that I dig. But really; it makes sense; it has precedence, and it is positive.

In Italy, Feminism Out, Women As Sex Symbols In

I heard this report Wednesday morning by NPR's Sylvia Poggioli. Could not believe some of the statistics.
An excerpt of the whole transcript:

Sexism In Italy

Today, Italy has the lowest percentage of working women in Europe. Only 2 percent of top management positions are held by women — that's even behind Kuwait — and only 17 percent of the members of parliament are women — less than in Rwanda and Burundi.

Television has become women's prime showcase.

"To sell your body for a calendar, for a career, is not considered now so bad for many young women," says social scientist Elisa Manna, who has studied this issue's impact on Italian society. "This kind of attitude is connected to television, because they have this kind of model in every hour of the day."

CAN Hillary Clinton legally be Secretary of State?

Interesting.

Wal Mart Stampede: A unique take

Rachel Maddow, not so "Unlikely"

More (fresh) skeletons in Lieberman's closet

Jeff Merkley, one of the senators-elect who gave a "spirit of reconciliation" speech in support of retaining Lieberman's position in the Democratic Caucus, was unaware that Lieberman's PAC, Reuniting Our Country, had donated $5000 to Merkley's Republican opponent. He also contributed, spoke, and wrote op-ed pieces supporting several other Repulican candidates.

10 REASONS WE'RE DOOMED: Black Friday Edition

Sorry it's been so long between posts. No excuses, just slacked off for a bit. I will try to make sure there's something new at least every other day; if not every day.

This is thanks to brother-in-law David Turner; very appropriate for today!

Our First Geek President

Credit: Ta-Nehisi.

Any post that references Green Lantern, Bruce Campbell, Picard, MST3k, and Boba Fett...

Sarah Palin does TV interview while turkeys are slaughtered in the background.

"Some videos you just have to see to believe. On Thursday, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin appeared in Wasilla in order to pardon a local turkey in anticipation of Thanksgiving. This proved to be a slightly absurd but ultimately unremarkable event. But what came next was positively surreal. After the pardon Palin proceeded to do an interview with a local TV station while the turkeys were being BEHEADED in the background!! Seemingly oblivious to the slaughter going on over her shoulder, she carries on talking for over three minutes! Was no one there to tell her how bad this looked? Watch the video below to see for yourself. Be warned, it's kind of gruesome.

Watch the video."

Maru: The-cat-who-likes-to-get-stuck-in-things

Flickr: Election Night Photo Album

Thanks Ande for sending this to Brook. You can feel the tension and the anticipation. What a beautiful family, what an amazing night.

Heads up; Zogby releasing what Nate Silver calls a likely "Push Poll" tomorrow to discredit Obama voters

PRINCE is "anti-gay"????????

...So here’s how it is: you’ve got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to this.” He pointed to a Bible. “But there’s the problem of interpretation, and you’ve got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn’t. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you’ve got blue, you’ve got the Democrats, and they’re, like, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right.”

When asked about his perspective on social issues—gay marriage, abortion—Prince tapped his Bible and said, “God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, ‘Enough.’ ”

The origins of "meh"

Thanks Ta-Nehisi.