There is one thing I would really like to clear up. They do have motorcycles in Israel, right? I mean, is it really a bad thing to do? Wait a minute, they must have scooters, I know they have scooters.

You know, there was a Moslem MotoGP rider featured in Cycle World this month. Does Israel have MotoGP?

in any territory available. do you see any?

Gee, considering how much all these people hate us, do you think it is wise for the Jewish State to be so dependent on the Goyim of America for support? Seems like a bad bet.

And gosh, if they hate us so much, do you think it's wise to throw it in their faces like that? You must be awful brave, sugar, to stand up to them like that.

Yes, as you say, William, I can often be found with a gardenia in my hair, looking moodily pensive while I hum "God Bless the Child".

Actually, I sure would love to play like Mal Waldron, her pianist.

Thanks to all who responded, I should have said "good night".

Thank you so much for that story about John "Wet Start" McCain.

I, too, am a firm believer in the "wet start" technique.You would not believe how mad some Democrats get (at least that's what they claim) when you bring this "wet start" up.

If you've got a mind to, go to the Wikidedia entry on this incident, than come back and tell us what you think of it. I thought it was a ridiculous explanation- the fire was caused by locking type electrical connectors which were blown disengaged by the wind on the flight deck(!) and started a fire.

Another reason the little conflagoration was cleaned up is: the bombs which were "cooked off" by McCains "wet start" were 1000lb. models which were known to be unstable, and were not supposed to be used. So everybody had a reason to cover up.

The affair is noted in Wiki as the genesis of the Navy's shipboard fire-fighting prowess!

But then again, we've got the "Turner Joy"(!) proudly restored and moored in the harbor as a tourist atraction! $8.oo a tour. See a boat with a proud fighting history!

He'll always be John "Wet Start" McCain to me, on the "Wet Start Express"!

compared to whom a chalk on blackboard is the music of the spheres,

I'd watch that "music of the spheres" stuff. The way ID exponents are making headway in education, we might have to strike some kind of compromise with them, again.

... to all who responded last night after I left. I read you comments this morning. Thanks again.

Will HRC or Obama be able to attach this to every bill they sign too?

That shrieking sound you hear is the entire Republican party, turning on their ideological bootlegger's dime.

They'll be growing their hair, carrying "peace" signs and kvetching constantly about Executive chutzpah.

We have been through this before.

It's my opinion that if Obama wins, the War On Iraq will be declared, by all those "military experts" we've read about, all won and done, and every day Obama keeps our soldiers there will be called tantamont to murder.

We've seen this before, and I am expecting a complete ideological turn-around by the Republican party if Obama wins.

Just my opinion. Others say the government is so devoted to the War On Iraq that they will try to continue even if handicapped by a Democratic President. I don't know, I think they'll be about ready for a half-time in the big game. And if we attack Iran, than all bets are off.

Would that mean that McCain is responsible for more United States aircraft losses in one day than any other person or state in the past 50 years?

I never thought about it like that! And isn't he a "reverse ace", too?

Bu, I gotta tell ya, rupert, that "Wet Start" story makes people very, very mad. They say it's all swiftboating, and promulgating it will hurt the Democrats. Don't expect a friendly reception for it. It'll get you persona-non-grata'ed in a hurry at even the most "liberal site.

I think it would be totally cool if McCain got Google-bombed with "wet Start". But that is an awful thing to think.

...but I've noticed in the comments here discussion of the possibility that Osama Bin Laden is dead, and has been for a while. I'm curious to know about the source of this notion. What's the best evidence for or against this?

-- vercingetorix

He might as well be dead. He never calls me anymore. And after all we've been through, too.

I just noticed that a post of Mr. Greenwalds is next to one of mine. I'd just as soon not be noticed, if you please. Must go to family function, bye.

Oh, and rupert_c, check out what a Hornet Driver does for a living before you ask stupid questions.

Whatever the hell a "hornet" does, it sure hasn't helped us with any of those things you complained about.

Are you trying to tell us you are employed in the Iraq debacle?

Well, thanks a lot for all you've done. It's been a brilliant campaign.

Thanks for helping out with the "Wet Start"-John McCain Google bomb. Every little bit helps.

C'mon, man, you could have worked "Wet Start" into that post at least 20 more times! Google Bombs away!

Seriously tho, wasn't there a question of the unstable 1000lb. bombs on the 500lb rated mounts, or hangers, or pins or whatever the hell they hang on?

But as the brave sailors of the US Navy know ever since the devastating cruise of the "Wasp" in 1814(?) to the acrobatics of the S-5 in 1915, there is unlimited opportunity for glory at sea in an American warship!