Another legend, George Carlin, passed this week. I was lucky enough to see him perform in Vegas about 10 or so years ago. He was manic, bitter, and angry- and viciously funny. Some 'celebrity deaths' hit harder than others.
For those not aware, HBO is running programming the next 2 nights and all weekend of his catalogue to honour him. I just picked up the channel for the month to log some serious DVR time.
In tribute:
Hillary is hanging up her hat tomorrow, which makes me sad on several levels.
No, I don't think she should shoulder on and 'create further division' within the Democratic Party, that is not the origin of my sadness.
What has me down is just how screwed up the whole gender issue is, even now, even here, in the grand ol' US of A. Oh, I know, "But Tamsen, things are better there than they are in so many other countries. Women have even been able to vote for the last 80 years!". Yes, all true- and maybe makes things worse.
This is the top of the mountaintop, yet it has not changed that a man garners more respect than a woman, even if saying the same words. It has not changed that a strong tone from a man is considered, well, strong- commanding, a mark of leadership- and from a woman the same ball-busting and shrill. What has changed is that even women are in on the game. Instead of finding articles out in the great World Wide Web of Hillary's fortitude, her tirelessness, her political skills (hate her or not, she didn't just float on a giggle to the running), I see two sorts of vicious cattiness couched in a guise of feminism. The first is that she dared to mention sex had anything to do with how the media portrayed her (because, really, the media IS running the show, or Obama would not be on top right now as the Manchurian Candidate). The second is that she didn't use that card enough- that she's cut her hair short, that she wears pantsuits, that this is obvious male pandering and she is setting the movement back.
Well. A big "fuck you" to you, girls, because if anything was detrimental to how women are regarded, it was the stereotypical bitch-biting that didn't concentrate on any of the actual, you know, campaign issues, and instead focused on the color of Hil's jackets and whether her Slight Tearing Up was going to screw up her message.
I don't believe in a movement. I did believe in progress. Now I believe more in John Lennon nailing it, only the perpetrators are gaining size. The so-called Feminists are now like those women who insist that their daughters be circumcised because they were circumcised themselves, and the men just shrug and walk away with a, "well, if they don't care about it, what can I do" attitude- rightly so.
I can't imagine how screwed up this next generation of girls are going to be in their mid-thirties, when they are raised that being like Paris Hilton or her crew is something attainable and positive to aspire to (have ya seen the Bratz dolls? seriously?), but to be like Hillary Clinton, with all her degrees, poise, and tireless will, is to be a demon.
It certainly isn't the first- but this just makes me sad.
is finally getting the attention it deserves.
I jest- but it does give pause to consider on the mainland, indigenous people were given (token) sovereignty. 130 years later, however, is there really a movement for the same? Is it worthwhile?
I suppose it's a matter of pride, either way.
Oh where, oh where, have my Mexican and Muslim friends gone...
On the other hand, those stories of music torture are clearly overblown. Looking at the personal library...Drowning Pool? Check. Prince? Check. Don McLean? Check. Bee Gees? Check. Rage? Check. Barney?
Ok, you got me there.
[source]
And on a final note- he's back.
I think that "What if you spoke like you commented?" is very funny. Annoying. Funny. Annoying...
I think Obama is going to win over Hillary. Sigh.
I think the assholes that let girls incinerate because of missing veils and robes need to be given the same sentence they meted out in their insane religious 'interpretation of Islam'.
I think Astonishing X-Men written by Joss Whedon is bad-ass, and am only sorry that I just learned of it while browsing in the comic shop today. How that one slipped past the last four years is mystifying.
On a related note, I think one day I'm just going to go full kung-fu on the next greasy haired comic store clerk who asks me if I'm looking for a gift for someone or shopping for my boyfriend or son. Or on the next one who automatically steers me to the Manga section.
I think this comparison of Star Wars (episodes 4-6, or rather, the ones that didn't completely suck) to political figures is toothy and clever.
I think this AI app that uses art to trace chess move possibilities is very cool. I also think it makes me head hurt a little.
Ergo sum.
Update: actually included the AI chess link now.
Heath Ledger found dead in Manhattan apartment.
Someone made fun of me today for being bummed out about this (not actually 12, thanks), but he was one of the few actual young actors around (more on a Brando take) rather than just an entertainer (think Ben Affleck- entertainer vs. Matt Damon- actor).
Damn.
Someone asked me last night if I had any resolutions. Well, yes, but not any wrought by the arrival of a calendar day. However, in the interest of the spirit of the thing I came up with one bone fide NYR- to post more. To give a reason for readers to maybe stop back once in awhile. And yea, bring more 'controversial political commentary' back- since you asked for it and all.
To get the year started, I must offer up the best sum-up of what it means to be a Star Wars fan- EVER.
For those who occasionally 'google' themselves to see their web-prints, now you can see your social network trails along with those of friends. I now know my friends' Amazon wishlists going back to 2000; that's a bit creepy and stalkified if you ask me.
Have you wondered about waterboarding, what it is, what is controversial regarding it? A conservative poster on the Straight Dope takes on waterboarding trials to determine if it should be considered torture. You may be surprised.
On a somber note- no good can came from Ms Benazir Bhutto's assasination, but the fact that no one can agree on what exactly killed her is almost more disturbing than her death itself.
This is fascinating to me:
The Lakota Indians, who gave the world legendary warriors Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, have withdrawn from treaties with the United States.
"We are no longer citizens of the United States of America and all those who live in the five-state area that encompasses our country are free to join us,'' long-time Indian rights activist Russell Means said.
A delegation of Lakota leaders has delivered a message to the State Department, and said they were unilaterally withdrawing from treaties they signed with the federal government of the U.S., some of them more than 150 years old.
The group also visited the Bolivian, Chilean, South African and Venezuelan embassies, and would continue on their diplomatic mission and take it overseas in the coming weeks and months.
Lakota country includes parts of the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.
The new country would issue its own passports and driving licences, and living there would be tax-free - provided residents renounce their U.S. citizenship, Mr Means said.
The treaties signed with the U.S. were merely "worthless words on worthless paper," the Lakota freedom activists said.
I'm especially interested in what income sources they develop in lieu of taxation. Passports, ID cards, and the like would bring some money in, but then the United States would need to recognize those as legal to make any sort of travel practical. I have no idea what the process is, but since the lands have long been considered sovereign nations (as amusing Bush speeches have re-enforced in the past years), should be a cakewalk?
If the following statistics hold water, there's work ahead to pull this off without changing significantly the day-to-day:
The U.S. "annexation'' of native American land has resulted in once proud tribes such as the Lakota becoming mere "facsimiles of white people,'' said Means.
Oppression at the hands of the U.S. government has taken its toll on the Lakota, whose men have one of the shortest life expectancies - less than 44 years - in the world.
Lakota teen suicides are 150 per cent above the norm for the U.S.; infant mortality is five times higher than the U.S. average; and unemployment is rife, according to the Lakota freedom movement's website.
[Note the subjective usage of 'oppresson'- and this from Fox News!]
One of my best friends from college is Oglala Sioux (if I remembered correctly- or he actually may Be Lakota, if not) and Shoshone. I can't wait to ask him what he thinks the impact of this will be- or should be. Will a resurgence of pride take down the severe alcoholism rates (common affliction across most American Indian tribes)- the disease a likely contributer to those cited life expectancies, suicides, and unemployment rates? Or will there even be a resurgence.
What if- Big what if, ala Marvel comics treatment here- other Indian nations follow suit?
On an interesting sidenote (which maybe makes my ponderings on taxes moot, and confirms my random, meandering approach to blogdom):
On July 23, 1980, in the case of United States v. Sioux Nations of Indians, 448 U.S. 371, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Black Hills were illegally taken and that remuneration of the initial offering price plus interest — nearly $106 million — be paid. The Lakota refused the settlement, as they wanted the return of the Black Hills instead. The money remains in an interest-bearing account which now amounts to over $757 million, and in spite of their poverty the Lakota still refuse to take the money.
I'm guessing this won't be a Capitalist nation.
An update (disappointing?) on the announcement from the Daily Kos.
Looks like a small subset wants this to happen, but the Indian suits likely aren't hearing it.
I've been in Miami, so apologies for all ten of youse that visit this humble bloggy effort. Visiting with family is wonderful...but it is funny how I'm starting to feel like I need a nap every couple of hours. Lots of activity...and arranging...and talking...and dealing with the shenanigans of a three-year old terribly off schedule- but in the end, rewarding. It's been a good distraction from the whole 'filing for divorce/getting audited because stupid accountant turned out to be shadier than a bat's belfry and got indicted' turn of events.
This is just a drive-by posting, but I did run across (from my treasured favorite site, fimoculous) these tragically amusing 'wartime emoticons'- enjoy.
:-) No new attacks reported today.
:-( New attack reported today.
=|:-)= This e-mail is being monitored by Uncle Sam for your protection.
:-x I’d rather not say in an e-mail that’s being monitored for my protection.
:-w Our current leader speaks with forked tongue.
*:o) Our current leader is a bozo.
/:-=( Our current leader in some ways resembles Adolf Hitler, at least in his disregard for civil liberties during wartime.
:-o Uh-oh, what was that?
:-@ I hear screaming.
B) Now donning protective goggles.
.-) Good Sammy Davis, Jr., movie on tonight.
<|-) Yes, the current conflict resembles Vietnam.
+<:-) Pope to make appeal for peace.
(:3 No, I am the Walrus.
:(=) Interesting Jimmy Carter piece in today’s Times.
[:-) I’m listening to my iPod.
3:-o Bovine encephalitis attack!
:-)8 Latest George Will column still doesn’t get it.
@:-[-- New Osama bin Laden message released.
8-/ Local chemical attack causing blindness.
:-# Kiss your ass goodbye. ♦
Possibly the creepiest thing I've ever seen- wasp masters/cockroach slaves. [older link, I'm late to the game]
OK- that was the light note-
This weekend, the bassist of one of my all time favorite bands (Paul Raven, of Ministry- and Pigface, and Killing Joke) died of a heart attack. He'd been a part of their most brilliant LP's- a true loss. I do honestly believe that if not for 'The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste" and NIN's "Pretty Hate Machine" that I would have had a serious breakdown or worse in (much) younger days.
Today's question for the floor- any albums that you credit in some way with saving your life- or at least your sanity?
Lastly- my version of prayers go out to all of you in SD and close right now and dealing with either the fear of losing your home or the actual reality. I lived in Cardiff a few years back, and saw today that Rancho Sante Fe- just inland- lost a lot of homes. Heartbreaking.
I recently was introduced to the hauntingly perfect sculpture of Ron Mueck, and feel obligated to share.
From Fimoculous, the Google Vanity ring. First how many myspace friends, then Facebook, and now Google hits...have we really come to a place where we now are judging our self-worth via the frequency and ranking of anonymous- and virtual- interchanges? I wonder if this makes high school easier or harder.
This one is self-titled 'best Venn diagram ever'. I think I might just have to concur. {and for those lost, an explanation of Venn diagrams]
John Cusack interviews Naomi Klein. Unsettling perspective on our layers of contracted government.
Lastly- a few pix of my boy worshipping at the alter of Chuck E. Cheese today for his 3rd birthday. A full three hours of sugar, games, and more sugar- funny how the happiness quotient evolves.
These were with my old digital. In comparison to what the iphone does (see concert photos a few posts back), pretty much concluding it's time to retire the 5 year old Kodak. If anyone has recommendations on reasonably priced ones right now (i.e., Nikon and Olympus I know are best, but probably not gonna happen), I'd appreciate hearing them!
Superior interview with former CIC Bill Clinton, by Conde Nast.
From the mailbox- "Ed in '08".
Also from mailbag, from indiemum- Vote for NeonThief , her son's best friend's band, support (semi) local music scene. Can check out why at their myspace. Plucky electronica with emo vibe.
Finally- just a happy little reminder.
A big "Thank-you" to Nico at M80 Services. I received the 10th ed. mTg cards, and will be blogging about them soon. I have an advantage, as already own most of these (from earlier editions), so will probably break out what I already know of certain cards and their strengths from the playability of the pre-made decks. I might add- 2 Icy Manipulators (!)...these I've never had, and have always been envious. My smoking Propaganda/Pacifism/Wrath of God/Howling Mines/Time Spiral/Serra Avatar deck just got 10 times more effective (and annoying).
I remember being at school when the Challenger disaster happened. We were all huddled around a set in...I think in Home Room...we watched it go up...it was uneventful in that respect, but cool. Later, in a different class, the Principal made an announcement over the PA system as to what happened. No one said a thing the rest of the class hour. The last time before that I could remember the Principal him/herself making an announcement, I was in 3rd grade and we were told that President Reagan was shot. Both times hit me full force in the solar plexus. Neither time could I explain why that was.
I really, super-sincerely, hope Endeavour fares better. Guess we're getting away from those cursed C-names, like Challenger and Columbia. With all the recent controversies and suspect QM practices, though, I will be reading up on and watching coverage with trepidation.
The last 3 weeks have been a reign of sickness and aching gums where teeth were viciously yanked and financial woes due to bad iPhone planning and a general malaise at work and a dog that chewed through a brand new irrigation system that hubby thinks he can repair thankfully and a cancelled trip to Chicago and a dead tree equalling horrible feng shui I'm blaming all this stuff on in the backyard that I get to wrangle with the landscaper on (yes, there were little buds, but they died...and then it tried again, and again they died- replace the damn tree already)...
Other than that, the month sucked.
It's a brand new one, however, and though still dealing with pain and already upside down financially (only I could get a raise and be in that position, time to refi and pay off the cards), it's a hopeful beginning. Just because it's a beginning, you see, and not already etched into suckiness.
As a kick-off to positivity via humor- never heckle a guy with- esp. Kevin Smith- a microphone.
As a secondary nod to optimism, after 16 months I finally have an internet connection faster than 256mbps, and I actually was able to watch that clip at home without feeling like a spokesperson for the Doppler Effect.
Still, events are there to temper that enthusiasm. Bridge collapses. Gut-mauling to hear about, or consider happening to your family. Local news helicopters colliding because of stupid sensationalist yellow journalism- let's keep feeding the lowest common denominator ( I don't care how erudite one thinks he may be- if you were watching OJ's Bronco, you are part of the LCD). Stories about how Gorillas in the Congo are endangered put high above stories of Humans endangered in the Congo. Yes, protect our cousins- but a little perspective, please.
Lastly, (this one's neutral, if creepy) finally the answer to the age old question "Where do dead MySpacers go?".
Okay- I lied- one non-scientific, under-rendered poll- Who are you pulling for in the next election?
For myself, since my Gore hopes seem dashed on the rocks of 'why the hell would I put myself through that again when everyone loves and is listening to me right now' logic, it looks like Hil. I hear a lot of Hillary/Obama talk, but I hope she doesn't go that direction. Gore/Obama would have worked- middle America's comfort with status quo and then a little progressivism thrown in. Experienced plus inexperience. Even barring the minority quotient involved, Hillary does not have Gore level experience yet to carry a Senator with much less tenure/exposure (in Washington circle). Edwards might be an all right choice...someone with military experience (ala Wes Clark) might be a boon...jury's certainly still out.
I've always been rather libertarian on the subject of guns...ye 'Guns don't kill people, complete bastards kill people' approach. Every time I read about another school shooting here in the U.S., however, it chips away at that theory. Even locally, just last week the middle school had a 'gun incident' (and no longer can wear the colors 'blue' and 'red', confirming any fleeting thoughts I'd ever had about my son going to a non-charter or private school). The small Yaqui Indian town by my work has a 'trade in your guns' program to curb violence. And none of the aforementioned are particularly urban. Unusually 'Compton-like'. Police patrol these areas, kids generally walk to school, and one doesn't have to check their skin colour before driving in the areas. Yet, guns...easily accessible, problematic, and yet fiercely defended because some day it's considered the 2nd Amendment will need to be invoked to raise a militia against the government. We've all seen, after all, how well it works out when citizens bear arms and build compounds on their land and the like.
Yes, reconsidering position indeed.
In less tragic news, fun if random weekend, Culinary Festival goodness and some pro-baller introductions (I took the pix, with my friend's camera phone- so not best quality ever- no judging):
Donovan McNabb
James Mungro
Nice guys...it was very much like being in an "Entourage" episode.
MSNBC's headline is the reported death of Kurt Vonnegut.
Another Great passed on.
It's been just that sort of day.
I've just read the terrible headline that Richard Jeni killed himself (they think, he shot himself in the face) last night.
I'm saddened. he was one of the 1st comedians I really got into, starting in high school.
In commeration, a couple of my favorite bits, cobbled from memory:
[In reference to being on road for so long, alone, and only thing on is old cartoons] "You know, Wilma Flintstone's got a great ass...oh, she's no Betty Rubble, but..."
[His Casey Casum -sic- impersonation] "I'm Casey Casum, and I'm sitting on a popsticle stick".
Not as funny written down, which means these will never be funny again, except in celluloid.
"Drink Liberally"- Blue State Coffee. I am so in.
Coolness from Richard Branson and Al Gore:
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and British billionaire Richard Branson announced a $25 million prize for scientists who can devise a way to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and help combat global warming.
Branson, founder of Virgin Group Ltd., will award the Virgin Earth Challenge prize money to anyone who develops technology capable of removing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases at the rate of one billion tons a year. Gore will be a member of a panel of judges that makes the award. The two made the announcement at a press conference in London.
The initiative comes a week after the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said global warming is more than 90 percent likely to have been caused by humans, and predicted temperatures are likely to rise by 1.1 to 6.4 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, with sea levels increasing by 18 to 59 centimeters (7 to 23 inches).
Emphasis my own. Solar Flares and natural Ice Age progressions surely play a hand, but to deny we're accelerating the process is exactly the kind of ignorance that is going to cost us billions- hopefully just in dollars, and not lives.
I am sort of hoping he (Al) runs again...hell, if Nixon can re-run and win, someone as intelligent and reasoned as Gore should be able to win (again). I'm not sure Barack has enough history yet, but early. Hillary I think could win, I just don't know if she can win yet. Guess she couldn't risk a Dem winning and having to wait 4-8 years if decent President wins- before another go.
Bus driver nearly fired for wearing Santa Hat while working. The issue? A little boy on the bus doesn't believe in Santa Clause, and his parents actually called and complained. Putting the "Bah" in "Bah Humbug". [from Fark]
All I want for Christmas is momma to stay locked up. How does one get the gall to appeal holding down your daughter so she can get molested so you can make $20 a 'session'? Shouldn't she have been shanked by now?
In local news- in my small-ish town, we have an online forum where people can post, lost pets and the like. Reading through the Pet forum (my dog had dug her way out from under the fence again and this is where one goes to see if the animal hospital or others have found your pet- she's happily back home), it turns out a few nights ago a family woke up about 3am to hear horrible screaming from a dog. By the time they got dressed and ran out to see what was going on (these guys were out in the country a bit, about 8 miles south of town), they sadly discovered they were too late. A greyhound dog, in a sack, dead but even worse, skinned. These bastards skinned the poor beast alive and dumped it off. The family did see a dark coloured pick up, extend cab with contractor rack, drive off, so the police have a lead. Maricopa (the city, not the county) is home to a number of Greyhound breeders, one of which has been cited in the past for killing un-needed dogs (un-performing).
It apparently isn't unusual that the dog be skinned; breeders are required by law to tattoo dogs with their brand or tag, so that is one extreme way to deal with that. The other, more common way (I've learned), is to cut the dog's ears off and dump them in the desert, dead or still living.
If the vets and others who post at this site can be believed (I haven't gone searching for statistics because I know I'll get too upset, angry), 30,000 Greyhounds are bred every year. Now I know very few who actually own these dogs so can only imagine what happens to those that aren't used for racing and those who are and turn out too slow.
I mention all this because I still meet people who don't think dog racing is evil. It shouldn't have to be, but with no checks in place for the treatment and care of these animals there's little onus for reform by those who skin dogs alive.
Some educational links from same source:
After that full speed run through son's/husband's bday (same day), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Wedding, then my birthday (celebrated more at work, but in very cool way with huge yummy cake for all and a gift cert for wedding congrats), I think I need a week of Holiday respite. I just don't have it in me to drag out the lights and various red, green, and white accoutrements. Just yet.
My father bought us a Wonderful Christmas tree (I don't believe in real ones, evil waste), which should be here around this weekend. We have these 22' ceilings in the front room, so the tree he chose is almost 9' feet tall. I cannot wait to see my son's face once we get it all done up! Yes, mom-geek moment, but 'tis the truth.
As far as World news...I'm just so bored right now. Every word Nancy Pelosi says shows her lack of experience!! Britney exposes her hoohaw- Again! Yet another GOP official- this one Rummy himself- says Iraq plan as-is can't work! As echoes his successor! Putin knocks off (allegedly, eh) a former spy! Michael Richards says the N-word- which makes him an idiot, not a criminal- being sued for being both!
While what we should be hearing more- much more, in some instances- about are the streets burning in Paris as denizens of the Religion of Peace revolt (okay, snarky snarky...stay with me). Why the Supreme Catholic Pope is praying towards Mecqa from a mosque. How the Iranian President can say whatever he wants and make repeated threats and we do...nothing. Nothing of significance.
Back to Paris- if it can happen there, it surely can happen here. Anyone else remember the news clips from Dearborn, MI of dancing in the streets after 9-11? The silence grows from the moderate Muslim community- unless you search, delve deep, really look hard for those who make outcries against the more media-covered Islamic extremists. Why? Are the networks falling down on the job, or are the stories just not there en masse? Or are the stories cherry-picked and weighted towards conveying all Muslims cut of extremist cloth to fuel war support?
At some point, silence becomes acquiescence in the Public Mind. This I fear. As a mother. As a Buddhist/Deist/Seeker (who just so happens to like pagan tree and bunny ceremonies). As an American. As someone who would like the Crusades to stay in the history books and out of the newspapers.
No wonder I find myself reading 'Pink is the New Blog' more than MSNBC/CNN/BBC lately. I look forward to the newest catty sobriquet of the hour with an enthusiasm which twists when reading yet another dire outlook from the 'real' news. I, for one, look forward to our new Shallow overlords.
If this were a stage, I believe I'd be "hooked" right about now.
Strategic Internment Camp Plan.
Chew on this while you're imagining the possibilities:
Prominent among the secret planners of this program in the 1980s were then-Congressman Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, who at the time was in private business as CEO of the drug company G.D. Searle.
The principal desk officer for the program was Oliver North, until he was forced to resign in 1986 over Iran-Contra.
Crooked, crooked, crooked, crooked.
Pres. Bush declassifies an intelligence report on Iraq in efforts to bolster election year Red State blues.
Thank-you, Mr. President, for confirming fears on both sides of the fence and showing Clinton was as dead-on as ever in his assessments.
Politics in general could use a whole lot less 'try' and a whole lot more 'do'.
Local Hat Tip-
Need a compelling reason to vote Pederson? Or Kyl, for that matter? AZCongresswatch has thoughtfully been blogging all that I wish I had (there's so much happening nationally, globally, I have to constantly play catch up at home).
Latest 'Get Your War On' goodness. Bet he never figured on 5 years worth of material. As Bob would say, "Jihadsploitation!".
For no damn good reason other than I'm a real mood for kvetching, I present to you my Top Ten Things That Currently Bug Me:
First it was 'birthing pains of Democracy' (I don't remember my son's birth hurting like the deaths of 50-100 civilians a DAY does). Now, unbeknownst to anyone with a pulse (or is that a brain scan), New Orleans is experiencing a spectacular 'Rebirth'. Really. Was it the 800.00 a month insurance costs for a 500k home (private, most insurers won't cover now), the 65% debris and sludge yet to be cleaned up, or the mass exodus of citizens with few who have returned that is the tip-off of such a grand re-awakening? Or did the bodies still being recovered do it for him?
2. Daily American soldier and civilian Iraqi deaths not even making front page news anymore.
Either the liberal conspiring media is asleep at the wheel, or something a bit more true is at work- the apathy of Amer-ih-cuhns is so damn complete even War doesn't sell.
3. Media Standards.
Cite point 2 above, add a dose of Karr and a dash of washroom conversation and you'll see what I mean.
4. Hawaiian shirt Fridays.
If you're wardrobe is so stricken by golf shirts and other business casual ware that wearing a shirt with flowers or palm trees breaks the monotony and makes you feel like you have a voice again, more power to you. Don't just all of you do it on the same damn day. Kinda negates the originality and fun factor, folks.
[What, you thought this was just going to be about hurricanes and cluster bombs?]
5. Sanctimonious Assholes.
So, sure, given, right? Recent example: I take my toddler on my own to Village Inn, figuring a meltdown there would be less invasive than say, establishments with table cloths and linen napkins. As it happens, said toddler does indeed meltdown, when after a madcap and zany episode of crayon, sugar packet, and jelly tossing, he is punished by having his cherished Binky ("Bink-KHEE" in toddler) taken away. This results in a rash of wails, so we take a trip for a moment to the outside atrium so he could fully appreciate the gravity of the situation. As I am carrying him away, a lady at an adjacent table murmurs to husband and 3-4yr old, "What is she doing to her kid?"
Backstory: 10 minutes before, this mom and dad were asking their daughter if she wanted Fruit, or FRENCH FRIES. I emphasize this way because that is exactly how this little girl was pitched. One- sell up the fruit. Two- even better, how about You decide what's best for your child to eat instead of dreamily expecting them to make these decisions and not end up with problems?
So, I seethed, and now I release to you, dear readers, secure in my own sanctimonious knowledge that discipline trumps nutrition-threatening lassitude.
6. Stolen Applause.
Just that. Those who deserve tributes should receive. Those that receive should acknowledge. Just sayin'.
7. Public Gymnasiums.
I began the trek back to physical fitness last night, dusting off the old membership and joining forces with a friend. It was fine, I feel good- but the dread is there. The 'oh boy, there are only 20 treadmills and 19 are occupied and I see 3 others heading in the same direction and do I be nice or do I throw a shoulder into it' internal dialogues that start with treadmills, move on to ellipticals, show again at leg machines, and finally ease off with a completely clear stretching/ab mat. Bleh.
8. Okay, back to what you'd expect- Civil War Denials.
Allawi- "Stage one of Civil War". CIA Analysts, allegedly, Civil War. Sen. John Warner, chairman of Armed Services Committee, "all out Civil War". Gen. John Abizaid, Head of Central Command, "I believe that the sectarian violence is probably as bad as I've seen it, in Baghdad in particular, and that if not stopped it is possible that Iraq could move toward civil war".
So, what part of 'sitting ducks in crossfire' is confusing to our leaders?
9. Qwest.
This company makes the list due to the dazzling 250mbps download speed they provide. No, nix that- this makes the list due to the fact that when I lived two blocks over I had a 1.5mbps download speed...for $10 less a month. I am told I should 'check back monthly' for service area statuses.
So if you ever wondered why I never viewed those videos you sent, or why I, unlike the rest of web-enlightened peers, have not caught YouTube fever- now you know.
10. Religious Nut-bags.
Don't think that one requires any elaboration.
What's bothering You these days?
We've all heard- largely from our friends in Red- how immigrants are stealing jobs that decent hard-working Americans would flip over backwards to fill. Over and over. Haven't you locals yourself noticed on a nice Arizona drive (no one walks here, would be singed to ash within mere minutes) all the mixed faces at the Labor Ready stops?
Yes, just one American after another, filling up those field jobs...
Oh wait, I'm sorry, that was my Republican fantasy land.
We need more secure borders (I know, we'll build a freakin' wall!). That said, aren't there exchange programs for schools and other programs? Doesn't Mexico have something we could use in exchange for a seasonal workforce usage?
[Thanks to Skippy the Bush Kanga for the link]
Well, blimey, it must be so now- Pat Roberston a 'Global Warming convert'. Glad to have ya on board, Pat. Just the right note of credibility we were lacking up to now.
In other news from the World of D'uh, top generals admit Civil War in Iraq is a definite possibility. Uh, exactly how many daily suicide bombings and other Sunni on Shi'ite on Sunni on Shi'ite killings have to occur before that reality is official to them?
Israel is currently (and, yes, in my eyes, rightly) going to town on Lebanon.
Iraq is in the throes of a Civil War (as Cheney himself recently referred to the situation).
Iran...well, Iran is playing that they are backing off the whole nuclear weapons production push, and touting a diplomatic end to the current conflict between Lebanon and Israel. Whilst providing arms and soldiers to Lebanon, so words as yet perhaps suspect.
NK...batshit crazy as ever...threatening force, as usual. To bad 'face' doesn't extend to 'stop starving your people' in their case.
Syria...allied with Iran...
Afghanistan...the Taliban rears another head...
Somalia...the wrong guys take over...
England, Canada, the United States, Spain, India...terrorist attacks or narrowly thwarted plans keep ebbing and flowing.
Most of these scenes share a common thread- yes, Islam, but a an even higher level, one of Religion.
My God Good. Your God/Sect/Version Bad. This makes as an extension You and Your dirt Bad. I kill you, bless dirt, and this is Good. I am now more Good than before.
It's lunacy. We are all players- Christians, Muslims, active ones, others- well, proxy's a bitch. It's the Race for God, the Fatwa of them all. Who can kill the most heathens? It's not even a question of conversion, is it? Young, old, male, female, with child- no sin too small to be washed away by murder.
Is it the starting engines of World War III we hear?
If not- should it be. Is that what Peace in the Middle East needs- a final thrashing out of ideas unti the last one standing takes the Crazy prize and we can all move about (in our newly glowing hovels) with what's left of our lives.
Or will 'those with the Oil' finally tamp down their henchmen in the realization that without demand, there really isn't much worth fighting- or dying- for.
The Truth is- and has been- out there. [from Scoobie Davis]
Yet so many will dismiss it, just fake 'talking points'. Intelligent, reasoned people- until you put a Bush in front of them.
Yep- we devious- and now Superhuman- liberals got into our little time-machines, and we planted these news releases on the U.N. website, on Newsmax, and on the SWIFT site itself. We made sure to include the same details that a NYT story would later include, a couple years or so later.
Damn, we're good.
At what point do these smear artists get tried and convicted for libel and slander anyway?
Speaking of- looks like some newspapers are choosing to get out of that game themselves. Fired by Conservatives. Damn shame to alienate your base, when no one else around will catch you except the truly rabid and useless. Sadly, a lot more feral chaff exists than need be, so will be time still to deal with her malicious gossip column.
About time someone held her publicly in the same regard as she holds others.
It seems to me, lowly armchair strategist that I am, that giving over some of your most important shipping ports to the hands of the country that bred 2 of the 9/11 hijackers is gross folly indeed.
That's all right- for they have your safety foremost on their minds.
Okay, not really:
P&O has said it is unperturbed by the political opposition to its takeover...the security of its U.S. ports was ultimately in the hands of the U.S. Coast Guard, regardless of who owns P&O...
[thanks to Skippy the Bush Kangaroo for the link/highlighted quote]
Uh, shouldn't this be where all political sides come together and agree that only 'Americuhns' should have anything to do with the security and stability of our ports of entry? Singapore? Invested by, but not Singapore-run. But the UAE and P&O? Not singing the same tune.
"Look, we're not going to buy as much oil from you guys anymore. We think nukular energy and corn ethanol is the wave of the future. However, as a concession, how 'bout we hand over a significant element of our National Security- that sound fair?"
Some days you just have to shake your noggin furiously, reciting, "Seriously??? I mean, seriously???" until the Bush cobwebs dissipate. At the same time envisioning a big ol' shoe coming down upon the spiders of industry and propaganda.
Well...
At least the big stupid spider in the CIC's head that gave a free pass to an ally of our enemies to possibly infiltrate, smuggle, and coordinate terror attacks on U.S. soil.
I'd be interested in hearing counter-points from those who actually support this move. There must be better rationale than what has been published so far. I just bought a house, I'd hate to have to high-tail it to Canada (also more vulnerable through this) just now- so the reassurance would be welcome.
Okay, it's been 2 weeks since an update, so that pretty much means I've lost all my (paltry, but thank-you those of you that make up that number for stopping by every so often!) 'readership'.
Some months life just comes barreling after you like a crazed Dick Cheney with a hunting rifle, and you have to try alternatively hiding and then giving up and facing it head-on with your bright orange bullet-proof vest.
Some days you're the bullet, some days the failing heart.
Speaking of 'hearts'- my sweetie and I got engaged last night. Now that's a good Valentine's gift! Yea, okay, sappy, ptooey, but simple...and good. Unlike rogue VPs, new Iraqi abuse pictures (and new atrocity information, effing Hell), Iran enriching Uranium, Taiwan's sad new attempt to break free of China's 'communist regime', tying Latvia (seriously?) in Hockey and losing all your big Olympic Gold hopefuls in the 1st round of Games, learning that toilet water is cleaner than fast food drink ice, and people losing their marbles and killing everyone over a fucking cartoon.
Ah, I hear the cries of cultural insensitivity. Look, when a belief system causes its believers to lose all moral sensibilities (any defintion of 'moral') to a degree where here they have to take Life because they are so primitive in their understanding of right and wrong, they are lost and deservedly so.
Yup- I said 'primitive'. These are the same groups that think female castration is groovy and keeping your women in tarps and socially inferior is a right of the religion- if they aren't locked into some caveman world-view, then that means they're simply evil (in any sense of that word), and hopefully they'll destroy enough of each other that westerners won't have to bother and lose their own people to the lunacy.
They lose my sympathy on the issue. Some believe taking a picture removes the soul, but you don't see them burning down completely disassociated buildings and killing everyone that owns a camera.
If that makes me an arrogant American, then I'll wear that Mohammed shirt proudly.
CNN free to mis-report in Iran again.
IRNA reported Monday that the Iranian government banned CNN journalists from working in the country after a translation error broadcast by CNN mistakenly quoted Iran's president as saying his nation has the right to build nuclear weapons.
CNN was not informed directly by the Iranian government that it was banned from the country.
The dispute arises from a moment of simultaneous translation Saturday.
As Ahmadinejad was speaking, an interpreter working for a translation company hired by CNN misquoted him as having said Iran has the right to build nuclear weapons. In fact, he said Iran has the right to nuclear energy, and that "a nation that has civilization does not need nuclear weapons." He added, "our nation does not need them."
Report what I say, not what I mean, eh?
What a week!
Fan geek warning-
Firstly, saw Bauhaus at a smaller venue (outdoors) in Mesa this past week, and some observations:
Zooming out to World news- A good week for non-GOP members...so many things to choose- CA defeat, East Coast wins, 2008 is looking better and better, Dems are making at least a show of having a backbone, Alaska's future is in better shape, and the GOP is learning about Ethics.
Poor bastards- what are they going to do after they learn not to believe their own bullshit?
At least, that's what I thought last night when this picture was taken. However, somehow these guys managed to lock themselves in the bathroom while I was away at work today...and I opened the door to much fur, limping, and traces of blood. Sigh.
I should rename them 'Democrat' and 'Republican'...the white cat (Fang, Gandalf, whatever) the one with the claws and the bulk who is unwilling to fight would be the Dem, and Jester- the one who attacks without logic and refuses to face the reality of clawlessness yet continues to batter on- the Republican.
Been too busy to play around with this site, so apologize for the handful of you readers who keep coming back to find no updates.
My son turns one Wednesday, and his (and my guy's) birthday party was Saturday.
I think this says it all. :)
You didn't have enough to worry about...
Avian (Bird) Flu+America= Certain Disaster.
With that, I just don't know if I can support that bringing the Spanish Flu back to life is as much as medical marvel as a serious biological weapon just ripe for picking.
And where did the Spanish flu that killed up to 50mil or 20mil (American news 20mil, the rest 50mil, little media quirk there) come from?
"Bush Accepts Responsibility".
"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government," Bush said at joint White House news conference with the president of Iraq.
"To the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," Bush said
Wow...Brown resigns, now this? There may be hope for this country yet.
Too naive, huh.
And before the attacks begin- yes, I agree, as far as the Blame Game, it runs from small Chief to Big Chief.
It's just that Big Chief should have bigger artillery. Apparently sometimes there's no attempt to to make sure there's something under the hood. Time for a change, eh?
Taking a deeper dive into the recent history of disaster relief, FEMA's positioning, and just down-right funding...
Fingers begin to point Right.
Articles like this citing Homeland Security's CTO makes one wonder- just where has all the money funneled to that department gone? Telecommunications were not a priority? No one could Easily foresee that it should be? Going into other areas of responsibility- are the Borders safer? Not really? Why Is that? What do these people do other than create useless color code charts to play upon public anxieties without managing to provide any real, useable value?
How does one become the head of one of the most important areas post-9/11 (although you wouldn't know it, as it was degraded from a cabinet-level role by...Guess...) when managing Horse Shows proved too much responsibility to handle?
Yes, I am pissed, as many are, having to watch the degradation of a people (that's not actually a race comment- a good chunk of Southern culture just washed out to sea) while simply not enough was done in good time...when Pres. Bush himself calls an effort unacceptable- a man who never ever calls out his fold- you know things are sorry.
However, in some way, does he really have himself to blame? Look at this FEMA and flood control project track record under his tenure. Telling.
And not all on the Red Congress and CIC- Blanco is continuing her weak leadership streak with the Nagin-ordered mandatory evacuation of NO. Is she mad? Just what would be a credible disease threat to this woman- here's a thought: if she is so damn confident the waters are just fine, well why doesn't she have a great big gulp of sewage-ridden, rotting cadaver-laden water, throw out her penicillin, and let's see what happens. An open question remains as to when she called in the Guard- if this timeline is to be believed (from Sullivan, deliberately chose a conservative link) she may have actually agreed to their presence before the storm hit and Washington held it up.
But yet again, to belabor a point- past Presidents have taken over in emergencies (last I believe was Hurrican Betsy), commandeering all relief efforts through Federal resources with engagement of local as needed. Meaning one doesn't wait for a lower official to give the okay to send in the Cavalry- you ride.
What does all this mean?
That's all I got. I'm sure my conservative readers have literal guns cocked to shoot a few holes- but I'm also reasonably sure that we agree on the underlying issue, in that it is time for our house to be put in order from Top to Bottom and get everyone on the same damn page.
It gets worse. and worse. And this use of Craiglist (found on Digg) tears me up (it's a good use).
Check out the slideshow on the MSN link, and other pictures of New Orleans right now on the news feeds; any one else noticing that more and more show the water getting increasingly iridescent? Some fires have already erupted- if the 'lake' that is now NO catches...well, the Quarter is still around despite it all (beyond some looting) now, but that may just be the final nail.
I just keep imagining a family with a baby and a school-age child, either in the Superdome or one that fled early, now possibly jobless, most certainly homeless...
Well, for those of you that get paid soon and have the means, from FEMA:
Here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers.
Donate cash to:
American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 SpanishAmerica’s Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171Catholic Charities, USA
703 549-1390Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818Church World Service
1-800-297-1516Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583
Anyone who pooh-poohs global warming and related Doomsday scenarios should be really frickin' quiet for awhile. All those warnings by scientists suddenly are gaining more merit by the hour.
Not solely because the second largest Hurricane on record is threatening to level one of my favorite cities (although, since my Dad is in FL, there is small comfort he at least is unaffected other than some power outages), but because this is the day I turn on a new typepad feature.
That feature? You can post your comments, but now they are going through an approval process before getting published. Not because of actual comments left by anyone- other than a couple incidents, overall a pretty respectful crew- but because of this:
The guru behind SEO Book Aaron Wall (who for the record is also advertising here with BlogAds) is being sued by Traffic-Power.com in relation to comments left on his blog by other people.
Ugh.
Pat Robertson yesterday declared a Jihad on the Venezuelan President, but it's all right, he apologized:
Conservative U.S. evangelist Pat Robertson, who called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, said on Wednesday he was misinterpreted and there were a number of ways to "take him out" including kidnapping.
"I said our special forces could take him out. Take him out could be a number of things including kidnapping," Robertson said on his "The 700 Club" television program.
"There are a number of ways of taking out a dictator from power besides killing him. I was misinterpreted," Robertson added.
See, the way to apologize is to replace the initial threat with another, slightly less dire, one. Like, "I am not going to divorce you, I'm just going to start fucking around on you. There- don't you feel better?".
Robertson always has had a way with words. Ignorance is not only bliss, it's homophobic, misogynistic, devolving, hate-mongering Heaven.
Since I haven't posted in a week- from the mailbag:
Why George & Dragon is the place to be in Phoenix on Thursday nights.
Please welcome kindly LeftyBlogs to the web space. I'm flattered- of 600 sites indexed, my humble effort is included (under Arizona).
My new 'few minutes a week' hobby. Note the flag, selah.
If this New London story doesn't send you into outrage you may want to check your pulse.
I can't get my head around this...
Also linked within article, but bears repetition- from Maxspeak, the contact info for these...these...okay, I'll use the non-vulgar HST phrase, "Greedheads" (although 'pig-fuckers' seems just as apropos):
CEO of the New London Development Corporation is David Goebel (Phone: (860) 447-8011 -- Fax: (860) 447-3833; davemg@nldc.org).
Officers of the Board of Directors :
Michael W. Joplin, President (860-526-0006). AME Development.
Ronald W. Nossek, (860) 678-6000, Treasurer. Kostin Ruffkess & Company, LLC.
Karl-Erik Sternlof, Esq., 1st Vice President. ksternlof@brownjacobson.com, (860) 889-3321. Brown Jacobson.
Samayla D. Deutch, Esq., Second Vice President, (212) 629-3981. Open Space Institute, Inc.
Give 'em Hell, wouldja?
If you thought the Iran election had a scary outcome because the people (presuming a legit election) voted in an extreme theocrat (if that's not a word, it should be), what do you think now that we find out he's a bone fide Terrorist, too?
So, will there be enough resources to cover this while mopping up Iraq and trying to keep Afghanistan from becoming even more of a drug state?
Or does the U.S. appease ill-thought out Democratic leadership pushes to pull out of Iraq while it's in its current state of chaos (bad, BAD idea- we made a situation, accelerated it, and if we leave now...well, kiss your children), and bring us to WW3 in order to try and fulfil an Armageddon/Salvation fantasy? Has the benefit of blaming liberals for bringing it on themselves, sure they'll like that while their hair is smoking and their dying bodies leave ash shadows on concrete stairwells.
Ever feel like Sarah Connor? Fuck gun control, time to stock up and learn how to use the damn things.
If this is going to be deemed an effective method, why not go back to an institutionalized exile system for certain crimes?
SANFORD - A sheriff has proposed banning sex offenders and predators from public hurricane shelters in his county.
Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger said sex offenders should be evacuated to a separate shelter where they can be monitored.
Eslinger told the Orlando Sentinel that he has proposed using a 50-bed work release center at the Seminole County Jail in Sanford as an emergency shelter for sex offenders.
Deputy sheriffs would be sent to the home of each known offender who fails to report to the shelter, Eslinger told the newspaper.
Unless they are home or in another approved location, they would face arrest for violating their probation, he said.
The state Department of Corrections handles evacuations of sex offenders on a case-by-case basis, spokesman Robby Cunningham said.
By the way- I'm not actually against such a system, especially for sex offense crimes. Logistically a pickle, and can't help but have "Escape from NY" visions, but separating such threats from 'regular society' (Hah!) has merit. Trouble is- where do you stop with that kind of methodology, especially if the definition of criminal activity doesn't quite match up with the populace's idea (think 'sodomy' and homosexuality).
To the same point on the sex crime tip, appreciate the existence of sites like the National Alert Registry (7 in my area, yippee).
I'm sure this has a bit to do with having an infant son and worrying about all the perils that could befall him. If he were to be the victim of something like a sex crime...
Well, something about vigilante justice suddenly has a gleam of appeal.
