Bits and Pieces for the Week of June 17 - 23

Risk your life for your country, come home and we'll take care of you. Freakin' liars, "...1.8 million U.S. veterans under age 65 lack even basic health insurance or access to care at Veterans Affairs hospitals...". (7 of 6)

*sigh* 14 more soldiers die in Iraq in the last 2 days. The bad news just keeps on coming. (7 of 6)

I find this article by Bill Dedman on campaign contributions by journalists a bit disingenuous. Did Bill fully investigate all republi-con journalist contributions? I think not. (7 of 6)

This speech by Digby (who knew she was a woman!) really does say it all. (Mike)

Why we shouldn't be flippant about global warming. (Mike)

Underwater "Grand Canyon" explored off the coast of Portugal. (7 of 6)

I have to admit, this story from an Iraqi children's orphanage made me teary-eyed when I saw it. These are the kind of missions I want to see more of! (7 of 6)

On Friday, the VA announced they were extending hours at its Medical Centers. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the VA staff. (7 of 6)

Marines drank water laced with dry-cleaning fluid for 30 years. (Mike)

"I think it's just a reality that I can campaign anyplace in America." Dang Edwards, why don't you just come out and say, "Vote for me, I'm a White, Christian male and Clinton, Obama and Richardson are not". (7 of 6)

This screw-up could possibly end Giuliani's bid for the presidency. (Mike)

Turn, Turn, Turn - by Cindy Sheehan (7 of 6)

Tree-hugging-leftie/commie-dirty-rotten-liberal fact source Wikipedia now has a fundagelical competitor: Conservapedia.com. (Mike)

Bottled water: better than tap water? (Mike)

Last week, I went camping for the first time in a few years, and the first thing I noticed was the lack of birds chirping in the forest. I'm sure everyone is familiar with "the canary in the coal mine", right? (7 of 6)

It was just 10 years ago that forecasters were skeptical about predicting online shopping reaching $1 billion per year. My, how times have changed... (and that was two years ago!) (Mike)

Want to join all the techno sheep who are going to buy the iPhone in a couple of weeks when it debuts? Be smart and wait for the first upgrade (when a lot of the kinks are worked out), or, if you just can't wait, at least read up on the pros/cons such as this review. (Mike)

The U.N. team that was responsible for finding WMDs in Iraq is finally closing down. Result? One: No weapons found. Two: In spite of number one, we invaded Iraq and slaughtered over 650,000-and-counting innocent Iraqis. Way to go, America! We're Number One! (At fucking over the planet.) (Mike)

"A company called Planktos is about to dump tons of iron particles over thousands of square miles of ocean near the Galapagos." Go here to help stop this hare-brained scheme. (Mike)

I personally would love to see Valerie Plame Wilson reappear before Congress. It brings intelligence and beauty to a place completely lacking in both. (7 of 6)

An accident still waiting to happen. (7 of 6)

I'm sure this will make Lou Dobbs very happy. (7 of 6)

Back from a couple of busy months, Citizen Boo is back with her humor and wit. I certainly can use all the laughs I can get. (7 of 6)