Monday, January 31, 2005
The Bad News
From Whatreallyhappened.com The Bad News
Let's get a few things straight
From visiting Whatreallyhappened.com, I found this article from Armageddon Online.
Let's get a few things straight
...I had another question : They had "millions of voters" in just a few hours right? Then im sure they had to stand in line for 8 hours like some places in the US.
Were there any reports, in war-torn hellish Iraq, where there was a line of Iraqi citizens, having to wait 6 to 8 hours to vote like in the democratic America? Last night, on CNN, they had two reporters at polling stations. One was in Basra, and the other in the Kurdish northern region. The reporter in Basra nearly let out a laugh when asked about the turnout. The elections officials were still a noshow over an hour after the polls opened. Some places never DID open.
Well, now that I think about it, I heard on my TV that all the places opened and there was no mention of huge lines. They did show a bunch with purple fingers, though.
Let's get a few things straight
...I had another question : They had "millions of voters" in just a few hours right? Then im sure they had to stand in line for 8 hours like some places in the US.
Were there any reports, in war-torn hellish Iraq, where there was a line of Iraqi citizens, having to wait 6 to 8 hours to vote like in the democratic America? Last night, on CNN, they had two reporters at polling stations. One was in Basra, and the other in the Kurdish northern region. The reporter in Basra nearly let out a laugh when asked about the turnout. The elections officials were still a noshow over an hour after the polls opened. Some places never DID open.
Well, now that I think about it, I heard on my TV that all the places opened and there was no mention of huge lines. They did show a bunch with purple fingers, though.
Informed Comment - Juan Cole
A Mixed Story
Professor Cole is upset about the cheerleading tone of the US MEDIA in regard to the Iraqi elections.
...Moreover, as Swopa rightly reminds us all, the Bush administration opposed one-person, one-vote elections of this sort. First they were going to turn Iraq over to Chalabi within six months. Then Bremer was going to be MacArthur in Baghdad for years. Then on November 15, 2003, Bremer announced a plan to have council-based elections in May of 2004. The US and the UK had somehow massaged into being provincial and municipal governing councils, the members of which were pro-American. Bremer was going to restrict the electorate to this small, elite group.
...
Very interesting reading.
Professor Cole is upset about the cheerleading tone of the US MEDIA in regard to the Iraqi elections.
...Moreover, as Swopa rightly reminds us all, the Bush administration opposed one-person, one-vote elections of this sort. First they were going to turn Iraq over to Chalabi within six months. Then Bremer was going to be MacArthur in Baghdad for years. Then on November 15, 2003, Bremer announced a plan to have council-based elections in May of 2004. The US and the UK had somehow massaged into being provincial and municipal governing councils, the members of which were pro-American. Bremer was going to restrict the electorate to this small, elite group.
...
Very interesting reading.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Who's Dying in Our War
Who's Dying in Our War? By Rone Tempest - Times Staff Writer
...Exactly one month after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, McCaffrey joined a National Guard unit with a mission statement that emphasizes its engineering support role to "provide mobility, counter-mobility and survivability support to a combat arms brigade" as well as "providing manpower and engineering expertise" during stateside crises...
But as the U.S. campaign in Iraq bogged down in the summer of 2003, the Pentagon turned to its legions of "citizen soldiers," serving mostly weekend duty in crumbling state armories, and ordered them to relieve exhausted regular Army units in Iraq and Afghanistan....
McCaffrey's moves are documented in this article. It's sad and moving to read the article, and angering to think of the events that are the root cause. Ultimately, McCaffrey ends up inside one of the flag draped coffins to return home.
...Exactly one month after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, McCaffrey joined a National Guard unit with a mission statement that emphasizes its engineering support role to "provide mobility, counter-mobility and survivability support to a combat arms brigade" as well as "providing manpower and engineering expertise" during stateside crises...
But as the U.S. campaign in Iraq bogged down in the summer of 2003, the Pentagon turned to its legions of "citizen soldiers," serving mostly weekend duty in crumbling state armories, and ordered them to relieve exhausted regular Army units in Iraq and Afghanistan....
McCaffrey's moves are documented in this article. It's sad and moving to read the article, and angering to think of the events that are the root cause. Ultimately, McCaffrey ends up inside one of the flag draped coffins to return home.
an article about the Iraqi elections from Robert Fisk
This Election Will Change the World. But Not in the Way the Americans Imagined By Robert Fisk - The Independent U.K.
Shias are about to inherit Iraq, but the election tomorrow that will bring them to power is creating deep fears among the Arab kings and dictators of the Middle East that their Sunni leadership is under threat...
The Americans originally feared that parliamentary elections in Iraq would create a Shia Islamic republic and made inevitable - and unnecessary - warnings to Iran not to interfere in Iraq. But now they are far more frightened that without elections the 60 per cent Shia community would join the Sunni insurgency...
Few in Iraq believe that these elections will end the insurgency, let alone bring peace and stability. By holding the poll now - when the Shias, who are not fighting the Americans, are voting while the Sunnis, who are fighting the Americans, are not -the elections can only sharpen the divisions between the country's two largest communities...
Depending on who you listen to, you can hear anything you want. I think our leaders are in over their heads. According to Fisk, they have to have the election now, because of the mess they made and to keep the Shias from joining the Sunnis in fighting the occupiers. The repercussions in the Middle East will certainly be seen in the near future.
Shias are about to inherit Iraq, but the election tomorrow that will bring them to power is creating deep fears among the Arab kings and dictators of the Middle East that their Sunni leadership is under threat...
The Americans originally feared that parliamentary elections in Iraq would create a Shia Islamic republic and made inevitable - and unnecessary - warnings to Iran not to interfere in Iraq. But now they are far more frightened that without elections the 60 per cent Shia community would join the Sunni insurgency...
Few in Iraq believe that these elections will end the insurgency, let alone bring peace and stability. By holding the poll now - when the Shias, who are not fighting the Americans, are voting while the Sunnis, who are fighting the Americans, are not -the elections can only sharpen the divisions between the country's two largest communities...
Depending on who you listen to, you can hear anything you want. I think our leaders are in over their heads. According to Fisk, they have to have the election now, because of the mess they made and to keep the Shias from joining the Sunnis in fighting the occupiers. The repercussions in the Middle East will certainly be seen in the near future.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Look how small he was back in April 2003. 
Guess who?
Friday, January 28, 2005
The Children of Iraq
Whatreallyhappened.com had a link to this site The Children of Iraq
Looking at those pictures makes me want to cry. Especially, the ones at the bottom.
Looking at those pictures makes me want to cry. Especially, the ones at the bottom.
Weird Quotient test
ok, ok, I went over to that funny test site again and took another quiz. This was for Weird Quotent...
Thanks for taking the Weird Quotient test
Your score is:
86
Of all the weird test takers:
82% are more weird,
8% are just as weird, and
10% are more normal than you!
Thanks for taking the Weird Quotient test
Your score is:
86
Of all the weird test takers:
82% are more weird,
8% are just as weird, and
10% are more normal than you!
'Mad cow" disease found in goat
'Mad cow' disease found in goat
Goat meat is subject to the same strict controls as beef
A French goat has tested positive for mad cow disease - the first animal in the world other than a cow to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Damn it all, anyway! According to the article More than 100 people in the UK have died from vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), the human form of BSE, after eating tainted beef.
I had not realized there were so many cases that were actually pegged as vCJD. In the US, there are some suspect Alzheimers cases, but I wonder if they even bother to do the testing because they don't want the American public to quit eating beef.
Goat meat is subject to the same strict controls as beef
A French goat has tested positive for mad cow disease - the first animal in the world other than a cow to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Damn it all, anyway! According to the article More than 100 people in the UK have died from vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), the human form of BSE, after eating tainted beef.
I had not realized there were so many cases that were actually pegged as vCJD. In the US, there are some suspect Alzheimers cases, but I wonder if they even bother to do the testing because they don't want the American public to quit eating beef.
Who said rightwingers didn't have a sense of humor?
Rice says she'll use diplomacy to oppose terror, champion liberty...Rice pronounced herself "ready to serve" the nation "and the cause of freedom for which it stands." She says America seeks a world that's not just free of terrorism, but where the aspirations of its people triumph.
... Uh, yeah, riiiiight... that's real believable and your nose is growing.
... Uh, yeah, riiiiight... that's real believable and your nose is growing.
Suspect faces court over deadly train crash as cleanup begins
Suspect faces court over deadly train crash as cleanup begins
...Police say Juan Manuel Alvarez wanted to kill himself when he parked his S-U-V on the tracks, but got out just before the train hit....
Alvarez is expected to face eleven murder counts with the special circumstance of murder by train derailment, which makes him eligible for the death penalty....
Hmmm.. I was listening to this on the radio. I know this was a horrible thing to do. It sounds like Alvarez really wants to kill himself. I just thought that line about eligible for the death penalty was odd.
...Police say Juan Manuel Alvarez wanted to kill himself when he parked his S-U-V on the tracks, but got out just before the train hit....
Alvarez is expected to face eleven murder counts with the special circumstance of murder by train derailment, which makes him eligible for the death penalty....
Hmmm.. I was listening to this on the radio. I know this was a horrible thing to do. It sounds like Alvarez really wants to kill himself. I just thought that line about eligible for the death penalty was odd.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Who next?
US staff sacked over smoking ban
Weyco says it is proud of its stance on smoking
Four workers in the United States have been sacked after refusing to take a test to determine if they were smokers.
They were employees of Michigan-based healthcare firm Weyco, which introduced a policy banning its staff from smoking - even away from the workplace.
The firm says it is to keep health costs down and has helped 14 staff to stop smoking, but opponents say the move is a violation of workers' rights.
If the firm survives a potential legal challenge, it could set a precedent.
Weyco gave its staff a stark ultimatum at the end of last year - either stop smoking completely on 1 January or leave their jobs.
A job well done... now they need to go after the drinkers, the over the counter or legal prescription druggies, the folks who like to sleep around, the over-eaters, the folks who tend to speed/run lights... and it goes on and on and on ...
Smoking causes cancer. Drugs have all sorts of side effects which create a need for other drugs. Drinking causes lots of things from liver cancer, hepatitis, crabs, STDs to tickets, divorces, etc... Sleeping around causes all sorts of diseases and if one's married, causes some possible lethal problems. Over-eaters are slowly killing themselves. Speed/light runners are taking their life and other lives in their own hands.... Tell me, what isn't a health risk?
Weyco says it is proud of its stance on smoking
Four workers in the United States have been sacked after refusing to take a test to determine if they were smokers.
They were employees of Michigan-based healthcare firm Weyco, which introduced a policy banning its staff from smoking - even away from the workplace.
The firm says it is to keep health costs down and has helped 14 staff to stop smoking, but opponents say the move is a violation of workers' rights.
If the firm survives a potential legal challenge, it could set a precedent.
Weyco gave its staff a stark ultimatum at the end of last year - either stop smoking completely on 1 January or leave their jobs.
A job well done... now they need to go after the drinkers, the over the counter or legal prescription druggies, the folks who like to sleep around, the over-eaters, the folks who tend to speed/run lights... and it goes on and on and on ...
Smoking causes cancer. Drugs have all sorts of side effects which create a need for other drugs. Drinking causes lots of things from liver cancer, hepatitis, crabs, STDs to tickets, divorces, etc... Sleeping around causes all sorts of diseases and if one's married, causes some possible lethal problems. Over-eaters are slowly killing themselves. Speed/light runners are taking their life and other lives in their own hands.... Tell me, what isn't a health risk?
We sanction what we used to condemn
Reality Based Nation posted this article We sanction what we used to condemn By Bob Cesca
The image to right is a propaganda poster issued by the U.S. government in 1942 (National Archives page) to publicize the realities of Nazi brutality.
Yes, that poster from 1942 does look familiar.
The image to right is a propaganda poster issued by the U.S. government in 1942 (National Archives page) to publicize the realities of Nazi brutality.
Yes, that poster from 1942 does look familiar.
another "family reason" resignation?
Doug Feith's reasons for resigning are unclear, but Pentagon sources say the undersecretary will offer "family reasons" as his explanation. His last day will come at some point in the summer, the sources said.
I guess the GOP really is the "family values" party. Everyone resigns so they can "spend more time with my family".
I guess the GOP really is the "family values" party. Everyone resigns so they can "spend more time with my family".
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
How much of a loser are you?
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Cat herding
Remember the EDS "Catherding" advertisement from a couple years ago? It can be viewed HERE.
I love watching it.
I love watching it.
The Quagmire Parable
The Quagmire Parable
by Robert Rowley
Everybody on our block agreed that the people living next door to me were a threat to the neighborhood. It was common knowledge that Mr. X was a tyrant in his own house; consequently, his two teenaged boys were menaces. They sped recklessly around our streets in their EuroRacers, blasting loud music from their boomboxes at all hours. When they were younger I once saw one of them carrying a switchblade, and a few years ago they shot a hole in my mailbox with a pellet gun. I called the cops on them for that, but the cops did nothing. ...
I really enjoyed reading this article, because it says the same things I was thinking when miserable failure's administration was war-drumming at Iraq. Rowley has placed (on a small scale so we can relate) the same type circumstances in his neighborhood with the "evildoers" on one side and the rest of the neighborhood on the other.
by Robert Rowley
Everybody on our block agreed that the people living next door to me were a threat to the neighborhood. It was common knowledge that Mr. X was a tyrant in his own house; consequently, his two teenaged boys were menaces. They sped recklessly around our streets in their EuroRacers, blasting loud music from their boomboxes at all hours. When they were younger I once saw one of them carrying a switchblade, and a few years ago they shot a hole in my mailbox with a pellet gun. I called the cops on them for that, but the cops did nothing. ...
I really enjoyed reading this article, because it says the same things I was thinking when miserable failure's administration was war-drumming at Iraq. Rowley has placed (on a small scale so we can relate) the same type circumstances in his neighborhood with the "evildoers" on one side and the rest of the neighborhood on the other.
After Guantanamo
After Guantanamo By Brendan O'Neill
Two of the British prisoners who have returned to the UK from Guantanamo Bay reportedly spent 18 months in solitary confinement. What impact does being locked up all day, away from any other human beings, have on an individual's mind?...
I had not paid attention to the impact of this type incarceration on people. I just knew it was not a good situation.
More from the article:
...They concluded that: "Indefinite detention is linked to deterioration in mental health and fluctuations in mental state are related to the prisoner regime and to the vagaries of the appeal system."
Prof Haney says that health problems can be more acute when prisoners are unsure of why they are being held and when they will be released - such as those at Guantanamo, which has been described by some as a kind of "legal limbo"...
A lot of times, when I try to decide whether a situation is intolerable, I put myself in their shoes. I ask myself: How would I feel? How would I react? Is this something that seems right? or wrong? I can't understand the people who think these type of horrors are okay. Don't they have empathy, or even sympathy, for other human beings?
Two of the British prisoners who have returned to the UK from Guantanamo Bay reportedly spent 18 months in solitary confinement. What impact does being locked up all day, away from any other human beings, have on an individual's mind?...
I had not paid attention to the impact of this type incarceration on people. I just knew it was not a good situation.
More from the article:
...They concluded that: "Indefinite detention is linked to deterioration in mental health and fluctuations in mental state are related to the prisoner regime and to the vagaries of the appeal system."
Prof Haney says that health problems can be more acute when prisoners are unsure of why they are being held and when they will be released - such as those at Guantanamo, which has been described by some as a kind of "legal limbo"...
A lot of times, when I try to decide whether a situation is intolerable, I put myself in their shoes. I ask myself: How would I feel? How would I react? Is this something that seems right? or wrong? I can't understand the people who think these type of horrors are okay. Don't they have empathy, or even sympathy, for other human beings?
Robert Scheer
No matter his electoral victory, Bush will never be absolved of sending young people to kill and be killed in a war without moral justification.
Pomp and Improper Circumstance
I really like reading Robert Scheer!
Pomp and Improper Circumstance
I really like reading Robert Scheer!
Riverbend
The Baghdad Burning book
Riverbend's posts will be made in a book The book is due out in March 2005.
Totally Awesome!
Riverbend's posts will be made in a book The book is due out in March 2005.
Totally Awesome!
Bird flu can be caught by cats
Bird Flu Caught by Cats Expert Comment: "There was no mutation in the virus. This has probably been happening to cats for years and nobody bothered to look." (Susan McLellan, MD, tropical medicine and infectious diseases, Tulane University)
Always so tired.
Monday, January 24, 2005
What a pisser!
So I was adding a link Crooks and Liars to the blog and saved it. For some reason Blogger had a hard time and only saved the first couple lines of the template. I have to go back and make updates to the things I had added. How very annoying. I do have a copy of the template, but it is not real current. I may have accidentally dropped you off my blogroll links, if so, please let me know so I can add back in.
William Rivers Pitt FYI from Truthout
On wimps and Washington DC
This is an interesting look at the inauguration. WRP has postings as he walks the parade route. He discusses both the protesters and W supporters he encounters.
This is an interesting look at the inauguration. WRP has postings as he walks the parade route. He discusses both the protesters and W supporters he encounters.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Celebrity Ranker - Just plain fun!
I was visiting Scaramoucheblog
and one of the posts there was on ranking of celebrities Celebrity Ranker Scaramouche posts: I just found out that I, Scaramouche, am not as popular as Atrios but I'm way sexier. I thought that was pretty cool, so I had to run my name through:
Oldwhitelady ranks the...
5274th most sexy
7476th most popular
...out of the 9956 celebrities on this site.
Popularity = 2.428
(where 7=super popular, 1=not popular)
Sexiness = 3.7313%
(the percentage of web pages that think Oldwhitelady is sexy)
Then I decided to see just what "oldwhitelady" googled would bring up. Nine pages...wow! I guess I've made a lot of comments on a lot of blogs. So, I decided to check "trailertrash" (I use "trailertrash" to upload the pictures through Hello). Well, I found a porn site! Urk!!! I was scandalized. Oh, well..
and one of the posts there was on ranking of celebrities Celebrity Ranker Scaramouche posts: I just found out that I, Scaramouche, am not as popular as Atrios but I'm way sexier. I thought that was pretty cool, so I had to run my name through:
Oldwhitelady ranks the...
5274th most sexy
7476th most popular
...out of the 9956 celebrities on this site.
Popularity = 2.428
(where 7=super popular, 1=not popular)
Sexiness = 3.7313%
(the percentage of web pages that think Oldwhitelady is sexy)
Then I decided to see just what "oldwhitelady" googled would bring up. Nine pages...wow! I guess I've made a lot of comments on a lot of blogs. So, I decided to check "trailertrash" (I use "trailertrash" to upload the pictures through Hello). Well, I found a porn site! Urk!!! I was scandalized. Oh, well..
Sunday cat blogging. Saddie loves his froggie.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Amnesty International
Faramin at HUMAN first, then a proud IRANIAN links to this letter from Amnesty International to George W. Bush on the occasion of his re-inauguration. Human rights not hollow words An appeal to President George W. Bush on the occasion of his re-inauguration...Into your administration’s "war on terror" detention policy has been added a pattern of dangerous public commentary about detainees by yourself and other officials. For example, repeated assertions that the detainees in Guantánamo are "terrorists", "killers" and "bad people" – has not only undermined the presumption of innocence, but has fuelled the notion that these are people for whom the basic rules of humanity and legality do not apply...
Wow! I wonder if anyone at the Whitehouse will read it. I think everyone needs to print it out and send it to their daily newspapers and ask them to run a story about it. I'm going to. By the way, has everyone read Riverbend's Jan. 22 post about no water for 6 days. I think that ties in perfectly with Geneva Conventions.
Wow! I wonder if anyone at the Whitehouse will read it. I think everyone needs to print it out and send it to their daily newspapers and ask them to run a story about it. I'm going to. By the way, has everyone read Riverbend's Jan. 22 post about no water for 6 days. I think that ties in perfectly with Geneva Conventions.
Really good blog post
JRH at Upon Further Review has a great review of the Iraq War, the lies that led up to the war, and the possible ramifications of same:
My Review of the Iraq War (so far)
My Review of the Iraq War (so far)
I'm outraged and cannot understand why more people are not
I was listening to Jim Bohanan this morning. He made a statement that he didn't think it was a good idea to indiscriminately kill people. He sure thought that was a good idea when we started warring with Iraq. Since no WMDs were found, I have several questions,
First question with several small questions included: To all those people who called for the US to "NUKE IRAQ", what are your thoughts, now? Do you still think it was a good idea for us to bomb hell out of Iraq? Iraq did NOT kick the inspectors out of the country, the UN pulled them out so that when we bombed, the inspectors would not be harmed. Remember, Iraq did give UN the weapons manifesto. Remember how the UN representatives (US included) blacked out a major part of the manifesto?
Second question: Since Saddam is being held accountable for what his military did to the Iraqi people, shouldn't our leaders be held accountable for what our military did (includes bombing, home invasion, torture, dead innocents, and all the affects from water, sewer, electric problems) to the Iraqis?
Third question: Remember the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Does this mean that 51 percent of our country would be ok with their children and themselves being bombed, tortured, (everything that was done to the Iraqi people by our military) etc.?
Final question: We attacked a country based on "WMD" and "Al Quaida ties", which have proved to be false. Where's the outrage?
First question with several small questions included: To all those people who called for the US to "NUKE IRAQ", what are your thoughts, now? Do you still think it was a good idea for us to bomb hell out of Iraq? Iraq did NOT kick the inspectors out of the country, the UN pulled them out so that when we bombed, the inspectors would not be harmed. Remember, Iraq did give UN the weapons manifesto. Remember how the UN representatives (US included) blacked out a major part of the manifesto?
Second question: Since Saddam is being held accountable for what his military did to the Iraqi people, shouldn't our leaders be held accountable for what our military did (includes bombing, home invasion, torture, dead innocents, and all the affects from water, sewer, electric problems) to the Iraqis?
Third question: Remember the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Does this mean that 51 percent of our country would be ok with their children and themselves being bombed, tortured, (everything that was done to the Iraqi people by our military) etc.?
Final question: We attacked a country based on "WMD" and "Al Quaida ties", which have proved to be false. Where's the outrage?
Friday, January 21, 2005
Bill just smoke, lawmakers say
(sarcasm)This is what I like...our state representatives not caring that the law was democratically approved by the voters.(/sarcasm)
Bill just smoke, lawmakers say
This past year, Columbia, Missouri, actually passed a law making marijuana possession (small amounts) a small time crime. Because Columbia has several colleges, this is a good thing, what with all the grants and loans that look at your record. Before the passing of this laws, If you get caught with pot, you're SOL. Anyway, apparently this :
Sen. Chuck Gross, R-St. Charles, introduced a measure that would prohibit any public K-12 schools from participating in sporting events in cities that allow medicinal marijuana or limit penalties to $250 for misdemeanor possession offenses.
Bill just smoke, lawmakers say
This past year, Columbia, Missouri, actually passed a law making marijuana possession (small amounts) a small time crime. Because Columbia has several colleges, this is a good thing, what with all the grants and loans that look at your record. Before the passing of this laws, If you get caught with pot, you're SOL. Anyway, apparently this :
Sen. Chuck Gross, R-St. Charles, introduced a measure that would prohibit any public K-12 schools from participating in sporting events in cities that allow medicinal marijuana or limit penalties to $250 for misdemeanor possession offenses.
Iran tops US 'trouble-spots' list
Thump Thump Thumpety Thump Thump Thump Thumpety Thump...
War drum is a-thumping... Who shall it be? I was thinking Syria would be the one they would start drumming against in 2005. Of course, this may be the ole slight of hand trick, too.
War drum is a-thumping... Who shall it be? I was thinking Syria would be the one they would start drumming against in 2005. Of course, this may be the ole slight of hand trick, too.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
To Drink or Not to Drink?
To Drink or Not to Drink?A week after a study revealed that drinking could lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study indicates that drinking can help prevent mental decline, especially in women. Have we reached a point where there is no safe answer on the question of the medicinal benefits of alcohol?
Flatbranch carries a beer called "green chili beer" which I love! My sister got me started drinking that stuff. They sell it in a large bottle (a growler) that once you empty it, you can bring it back and have them refill it for a little more than half the cost of the original growler. Luckily, one of the girls I work with, brought in 2 empty growlers for me. I gave one to my sister and kept one. Yes, we have filled them a couple times:) Soon, mine will be filled again! Probably this weekend...
Flatbranch carries a beer called "green chili beer" which I love! My sister got me started drinking that stuff. They sell it in a large bottle (a growler) that once you empty it, you can bring it back and have them refill it for a little more than half the cost of the original growler. Luckily, one of the girls I work with, brought in 2 empty growlers for me. I gave one to my sister and kept one. Yes, we have filled them a couple times:) Soon, mine will be filled again! Probably this weekend...
Cheney Thought Iraq Would Recover Quickly
This is so funny... actually it's pretty sad...Cheney Thought Iraq Would Recover Quickly
WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney (news - web sites) said Thursday that he overestimated the pace of Iraq (news - web sites)'s recovery from the U.S.-led invasion because he didn't realize the lasting devastation wrought by Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) on his people after the first Gulf War (news - web sites).
Yeah, and we'll blame it ALL on Saddam. We can't take the blame for the bombed WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS, even though we broke Geneva Conventions when we DID BOMB them during the first Gulf War, causing WATERBORN DISEASES to run rampantly through the country and then with our SANCTIONS, forbade many needed MEDICINES. Oh, yeah, Dick Cheney, your nose is growing.
WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney (news - web sites) said Thursday that he overestimated the pace of Iraq (news - web sites)'s recovery from the U.S.-led invasion because he didn't realize the lasting devastation wrought by Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) on his people after the first Gulf War (news - web sites).
Yeah, and we'll blame it ALL on Saddam. We can't take the blame for the bombed WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS, even though we broke Geneva Conventions when we DID BOMB them during the first Gulf War, causing WATERBORN DISEASES to run rampantly through the country and then with our SANCTIONS, forbade many needed MEDICINES. Oh, yeah, Dick Cheney, your nose is growing.
Sad day for USA
I wore black today. I did my needed shopping, yesterday. There's a place in town called "The Peace Nook" and they have festivities planned tonite. Too bad I have to work. I think they're having an inaugeration ball (free) and they have 4 speakers lined up. People attending are supposed to bring a dish and a can of food for the local food pantry. I bet a good time will be had by all:)
Now for the not so cheerful news. You knew it would be something like that, right?
Now for the not so cheerful news. You knew it would be something like that, right?
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Dahr Jamail's Iraq Dispatches Jan 18, 2005
Dahr Jamail's Iraq Dispatches.
...In addition, many of his friends have told him that the military brought in water tanker trucks to power blast the streets, although he hadn’t seen this himself.
“They went around to every house and have shot the water tanks,” he continued, “As if they are trying to hide the evidence of chemical weapons in the water, but they only did this in some areas, such as Julan and in the souk (market) there as well.”
He first saw this having been done after December 20th.
Again, this is reflective of stories I’ve been told by several refugees from Fallujah.
Just last December, a 35 year-old merchant from Fallujah, Abu Hammad, told me what he’d experienced when he was still in the city during the siege.
“The American warplanes came continuously through the night and bombed everywhere in Fallujah! It did not stop even for a moment! If the American forces did not find a target to bomb, they used sound bombs just to terrorize the people and children. The city stayed in fear; I cannot give a picture of how panicked everyone was.”
“In the mornings I found Fallujah empty, as if nobody lives in it,” he’d said, “Even poisonous gases have been used in Fallujah-they used everything-tanks, artillery, infantry, poison gas. Fallujah has been bombed to the ground. Nothing is left.”...
...In addition, many of his friends have told him that the military brought in water tanker trucks to power blast the streets, although he hadn’t seen this himself.
“They went around to every house and have shot the water tanks,” he continued, “As if they are trying to hide the evidence of chemical weapons in the water, but they only did this in some areas, such as Julan and in the souk (market) there as well.”
He first saw this having been done after December 20th.
Again, this is reflective of stories I’ve been told by several refugees from Fallujah.
Just last December, a 35 year-old merchant from Fallujah, Abu Hammad, told me what he’d experienced when he was still in the city during the siege.
“The American warplanes came continuously through the night and bombed everywhere in Fallujah! It did not stop even for a moment! If the American forces did not find a target to bomb, they used sound bombs just to terrorize the people and children. The city stayed in fear; I cannot give a picture of how panicked everyone was.”
“In the mornings I found Fallujah empty, as if nobody lives in it,” he’d said, “Even poisonous gases have been used in Fallujah-they used everything-tanks, artillery, infantry, poison gas. Fallujah has been bombed to the ground. Nothing is left.”...
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
women have less "innate ability" at science and maths than men
Harvard row over sex and scienceThe president of Harvard University has caused a stir among academics by suggesting women have less "innate ability" at science and maths than men.
Former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers argued one group outperformed the other because of genetics, not just experience, the Boston Globe said.
This does not sit well with me. I've met lots of people, both sexes, that are sharp as tacks. I've met members of both sex who are dense as rocks. My sister, the RN, can run rings around most men and women in the brain department, in my opinion. I think that if someone has decided to dedicate their learning to a certain area, if it's important to them and they have the ability to learn the material, there would be nothing that should stop them of accomplishing their goal.
Later in the article, Summers indicated that what he said was misconstrued. Too bad he put it the way he did.
Former US Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers argued one group outperformed the other because of genetics, not just experience, the Boston Globe said.
This does not sit well with me. I've met lots of people, both sexes, that are sharp as tacks. I've met members of both sex who are dense as rocks. My sister, the RN, can run rings around most men and women in the brain department, in my opinion. I think that if someone has decided to dedicate their learning to a certain area, if it's important to them and they have the ability to learn the material, there would be nothing that should stop them of accomplishing their goal.
Later in the article, Summers indicated that what he said was misconstrued. Too bad he put it the way he did.
Paul Krugman is the MAN!
That Magic Moment - by Paul Krugman
A charming man courts a woman, telling her that he's a wealthy independent businessman. Just after the wedding, however, she learns that he has been cooking the books, several employees have accused him of sexual harassment and his company is about to file for bankruptcy. She accuses him of deception. "The accountability moment is behind us," he replies.
That's how Paul Krugman starts out his article about Bush telling us that, since the voters voted for him, they voted that the war in Iraq was the right thing to do... Great article...
A charming man courts a woman, telling her that he's a wealthy independent businessman. Just after the wedding, however, she learns that he has been cooking the books, several employees have accused him of sexual harassment and his company is about to file for bankruptcy. She accuses him of deception. "The accountability moment is behind us," he replies.
That's how Paul Krugman starts out his article about Bush telling us that, since the voters voted for him, they voted that the war in Iraq was the right thing to do... Great article...
Fable vs .Truth
A televisual fairyland
The US media is disciplined by corporate America into promoting the Republican cause - George Monbiot - Tuesday January 18, 2005 -
On Thursday, the fairy king of fairyland will be recrowned. He was elected on a platform suspended in midair by the power of imagination. He is the leader of a band of men who walk through ghostly realms unvisited by reality. And he remains the most powerful person on earth.
This article goes on to cover CBS and the documents about Bush's military record and Armstrong Williams. Monbiot said (to paraphrase) that both of these things helped Bush (true) and that the Republicans take the fable that helps their side instead of the reality that is the truth.
"doing less could lengthen your life" (exercise-wise)
This is exactly the type of article I need to read. Quite frankly, I don't care if the lazyness is ok, I definitely DO need to get back into shape and start jogging again. I have gained 60 lbs in the last 7 years. It is really miserable because I (still) have some jeans from the time I started to gain. I've thought about getting back into them, but haven't worked at it. Guess what? It's time. I bought some jeans this weekend and they are a size smaller than what I've recently been wearing. I did not try them on, just bought them and took them home. My plan was that if I didn't fit into them within 2 weeks, I would take them back... No need. Yesterday I wore one pair. Today, I am wearing another. Yes, I can take off 2 sizes and get back to where I was 7 years ago!Want to live longer? Then drop the fitness regime and put your feet up By Roya Nikkhah
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Riverbend has a new post up
Baghdad Burning
Regarding the declaration that US is ending its search for WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) - I know most people know what the WMD stands for, but when talking about WMD, I have people who ask me what it means. Riverbend says...Why does this not surprise me? Does it surprise anyone? I always had the feeling that the only people who actually believed this war was about weapons of mass destruction were either paranoid Americans or deluded expatriate Iraqis- or a combination of both. I wonder now, after hundreds and hundreds of Americans actually died on Iraqi soil and over a hundred-thousand Iraqis are dead, how Americans view the current situation.
...
Over here, it's not really "news" in the sense that it's not new. We've been expecting a statement like this for the last two years. While we were aware the whole WMD farce was just a badly produced black comedy, it's still upsetting to hear Bush's declaration that he was wrong. It's upsetting because it just confirms the worst: right-wing Americans don't care about justifying this war. They don't care about right or wrong or innocents dead and more to die. They were somewhat ahead of the game. When they saw their idiotic president wasn't going to find weapons anywhere in Iraq, they decided it would be about mass graves. It wasn't long before the very people who came to 'liberate' a sovereign country soon began burying more Iraqis in mass graves. The smart weapons began to stupidly kill 'possibly innocent' civilians (they are only 'definitely innocent' if they are working with the current Iraqi security forces or American troops). It went once more from protecting poor Iraqis from themselves to protecting Americans from 'terrorists'. Zarqawi very conveniently entered the picture.
She also has a link to an Iraqi Nuclear Scientist's blog (Imad Khadduri).
Regarding the declaration that US is ending its search for WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) - I know most people know what the WMD stands for, but when talking about WMD, I have people who ask me what it means. Riverbend says...Why does this not surprise me? Does it surprise anyone? I always had the feeling that the only people who actually believed this war was about weapons of mass destruction were either paranoid Americans or deluded expatriate Iraqis- or a combination of both. I wonder now, after hundreds and hundreds of Americans actually died on Iraqi soil and over a hundred-thousand Iraqis are dead, how Americans view the current situation.
...
Over here, it's not really "news" in the sense that it's not new. We've been expecting a statement like this for the last two years. While we were aware the whole WMD farce was just a badly produced black comedy, it's still upsetting to hear Bush's declaration that he was wrong. It's upsetting because it just confirms the worst: right-wing Americans don't care about justifying this war. They don't care about right or wrong or innocents dead and more to die. They were somewhat ahead of the game. When they saw their idiotic president wasn't going to find weapons anywhere in Iraq, they decided it would be about mass graves. It wasn't long before the very people who came to 'liberate' a sovereign country soon began burying more Iraqis in mass graves. The smart weapons began to stupidly kill 'possibly innocent' civilians (they are only 'definitely innocent' if they are working with the current Iraqi security forces or American troops). It went once more from protecting poor Iraqis from themselves to protecting Americans from 'terrorists'. Zarqawi very conveniently entered the picture.
She also has a link to an Iraqi Nuclear Scientist's blog (Imad Khadduri).
Annals of Outrage
Annals of Outrage
by Katrina vanden Heuvel She countdowns her list of the 10 most outrageous scandals during the Bush administration, so far. I think she could have written 20 most outrageous scandals... but, maybe she didn't have the space. During the past 4 years, there has been a lot of scandalous lying and manipulating going on... starting with the 2000 election!
by Katrina vanden Heuvel She countdowns her list of the 10 most outrageous scandals during the Bush administration, so far. I think she could have written 20 most outrageous scandals... but, maybe she didn't have the space. During the past 4 years, there has been a lot of scandalous lying and manipulating going on... starting with the 2000 election!
Bob from Accounting
bobfromaccounting.com I was reading Dear Debby, Advice to the lovelorn. It was so funny. I highly recommend it:) - Ask Yu is great, too!
Website I came across
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Pictures from Iraq
Rense.com has some pictures that are pretty graphic. You can see them at US Losses - Photos Hidden By US News Media From Abolkhaseb.net
Taking the cats to the vet
During the week, I made an appointment for the kitties to go to the vet, today. Cotton and Saddie needed their vaccinations, and I was worried about Sgt Mango's health - too much water intake and almost liquid stool. I bought a new pet taxi because the other one would only hold 2 kitties and the 2 are still not really friendly with Sgt Mango. The 2 were excited about the pet taxi after it was put together. They took turns getting into it and laying down. This morning was a different situation, though. When we got home from the vet, I had 2 1/2 pissed off kitties. 1/2 is Saddie, because he didn't like the shots, but he still likes me. The other 2 kitties took off and disappeared. $154.50 for the kitties, but they're worth it!
Sargent Mango Goldstein coming out from his shell
Cotton actually facing the camera
Saddie trying out the new pet taxi
Friday, January 14, 2005
Ha ha - this one's funny..
Watchdog investigates anti-ageing teacher advert
From what I gather from the article, the UK had an advertisement that more or less said that teaching in a classroom helps keep the teacher looking youthful. This was an attempt to encourage more people to become teachers. In my years of going to school - both basic education and college, I have come to the conclusion that teaching is a rough and stressful job. I think it has worsened as children have become mouthier and less obedient. Good teachers are worth their weight in gold.
From what I gather from the article, the UK had an advertisement that more or less said that teaching in a classroom helps keep the teacher looking youthful. This was an attempt to encourage more people to become teachers. In my years of going to school - both basic education and college, I have come to the conclusion that teaching is a rough and stressful job. I think it has worsened as children have become mouthier and less obedient. Good teachers are worth their weight in gold.
Shorter days...
Indian Ocean quake shifted North Pole an inch
The Earthquake and Tsunami made some changes to the earth as we know it. According to the article, it shifted the North Pole (about an inch) made the earth rounder and made the day shorter. All earthquakes have an effect on the rotation, but because this one had such a huge impact, there were noticeable changes.
- Scientists also calculate the quake made the Earth slightly rounder, and made the day shorter by 2.68 millionths of a second. They admitted, though, that the calculated changes may be too small to measure.
The Earthquake and Tsunami made some changes to the earth as we know it. According to the article, it shifted the North Pole (about an inch) made the earth rounder and made the day shorter. All earthquakes have an effect on the rotation, but because this one had such a huge impact, there were noticeable changes.
Iraq prisoner abuse 'encouraged'
An ex-US military policewoman has told a court martial she was asked by intelligence officers at Iraq's Abu Ghraib jail to mock naked detainees.
Spc Graner's trial regarding the prisoner abuse scandel. Graner pleaded "not guilty".
Spc Graner's trial regarding the prisoner abuse scandel. Graner pleaded "not guilty".
- He has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including maltreating prisoners by administering beatings, stacking inmates in a pyramid shape and attaching detainees to a leash.
Some Now Question Cost of Inauguration
Some Now Question Cost of Inauguration
$40 million of it is, hopefully, from private donations, but this article shows some of the things that could be bought with this money. Though, we might also say that spending it on the inaugueration will put the money into the economy.
$40 million of it is, hopefully, from private donations, but this article shows some of the things that could be bought with this money. Though, we might also say that spending it on the inaugueration will put the money into the economy.
More like this, please
Limbaugh dumped for liberal show By DANIEL BARLOW Southern Vermont Bureau
Now, we're talking! WKVT-AM 1490 in Brattleboro, Vermont is replacing Rush Limbaugh (can everyone say "Hillbilly Heroin") show with Air America.
There's a lot more air that needs clearing, but this is a darned good start.
Now, we're talking! WKVT-AM 1490 in Brattleboro, Vermont is replacing Rush Limbaugh (can everyone say "Hillbilly Heroin") show with Air America.
- Added to WKVT's lineup Monday will be "Unfiltered," hosted by Rachel Maddow, Lizz Winstead and Chuck D; the "Al Franken Show;" the "Randi Rhodes Show;" and the "Majority Report," hosted by Garofalo and Sam Seider.
The Air America programs will replace daily radio shows hosted by Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Howie Carr and Joy Brown, Case said.
"This is the 'clearing the air' campaign," Case said. "These new shows will be a better fit for the area."
There's a lot more air that needs clearing, but this is a darned good start.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
You've gotta be kidding me!
NH Woman Loses Insurance Coverage for Her Politics
...The Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Co. sent her a letter last month notifying her it is not renewing her $1 million umbrella policy next month because of "the political positions the insured holds."
"If she was just a retired doctor, it wouldn't be an issue," said Dale Groves, vice president for underwriting for the Providence, R.I., company.
Johnston is vice chairwoman of her town's Democratic committee and a member of the Hillsborough County Democratic Committee. She helps campaigns by distributing posters and making calls, and she held a get-out-the-vote session for Howard Dean at her house. ...
How can they do this? To put pressure on this lady because of her politics is crazy. Isn't this a FREE country? I guess it's free for the insurance company to tell this lady what politics she needs to hold.
...The Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Co. sent her a letter last month notifying her it is not renewing her $1 million umbrella policy next month because of "the political positions the insured holds."
"If she was just a retired doctor, it wouldn't be an issue," said Dale Groves, vice president for underwriting for the Providence, R.I., company.
Johnston is vice chairwoman of her town's Democratic committee and a member of the Hillsborough County Democratic Committee. She helps campaigns by distributing posters and making calls, and she held a get-out-the-vote session for Howard Dean at her house. ...
How can they do this? To put pressure on this lady because of her politics is crazy. Isn't this a FREE country? I guess it's free for the insurance company to tell this lady what politics she needs to hold.
It's not rocket science....
Rembember when the Ephedra was banned because of health concerns? Then what is the following all about? Excuse me, but I believe Rocket Fuel is dangerous by the fact of what it is.
Dangers of Rocket Fuel Chemical Downplayed
Dangers of Rocket Fuel Chemical Downplayed
- ...The health concerns prompted the EPA to begin drafting the first national standard for safe levels, and in 2002 the agency concluded in a draft assessment that perchlorate levels in drinking water should be no higher than 1 part per billion. That prompted protests from the Defense Department and defense contractors, which face potentially billions of dollars in cleanup costs.
They maintained that the substance posed no danger even at levels several hundred times as high.
...The committee said it concluded that perchlorate was much less likely to cause thyroid tumors in humans than the EPA had determined because humans are much less susceptible to disruption of thyroid functions and formation of thyroid tumors than are rats, the subjects of earlier studies. ...
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Iraqi Victim Says U.S. Torture Worse That Saddam
Well, here you go All these people running around defending our invasion of Iraq by saying that at least Saddam isn't torturing them any more. I still want to know the TRUE count of how many he tortured. I know he caused a lot to die by invading Iran and Kuwait, I've read accounts where he killed his son-in-law and I believe he has been responsible for quite a few...but, look what we did to that entire country.. We bombed it with DU-tipped shells which leaves the DU particles in the air to be breathed in. When it settled(s), it's in the water and earth as well as on humans, animals, plants, and stationary objects. We dropped lots of cluster bombs on them and other horrible weapons. We shot up their homes and their relatives, etc...
Of course, there are the people that will say, "Oh, that is just ONE person who would prefer to be tortured by Saddam." To that person, I don't have the time or the inclination to even look at you - go on and watch your FOX tv and continue your delusion. You're not worth saving from your delusion. We know the people don't want to be tortured by Saddam, but they sure AS HELL don't want to be tortured by their "Liberators".
Of course, there are the people that will say, "Oh, that is just ONE person who would prefer to be tortured by Saddam." To that person, I don't have the time or the inclination to even look at you - go on and watch your FOX tv and continue your delusion. You're not worth saving from your delusion. We know the people don't want to be tortured by Saddam, but they sure AS HELL don't want to be tortured by their "Liberators".
A.G. Sues Jewelry Company for Fraud
A.G. Sues Jewelry Company for Fraud
Here
Apparently, the company requested that their low income patrons buy insurance on their jewelry. They neglected to tell the suckers* that the insurance was optional.
I thought that when you bought diamonds, you helped support terrorism, just like with the drugs.
*I don't think of them as suckers, but that company probably does.
Here
Apparently, the company requested that their low income patrons buy insurance on their jewelry. They neglected to tell the suckers* that the insurance was optional.
I thought that when you bought diamonds, you helped support terrorism, just like with the drugs.
*I don't think of them as suckers, but that company probably does.
Search for Banned Arms In Iraq Ended Last Month
Search for Banned Arms In Iraq Ended Last Month
Atrios has a link to this article and so does Whatreallyhappened.com.
Well, it sure is interesting. I had co-workers insisting there were WMD and we HAD to invade to protect ourselves. Well, hell, think about all those poor people we killed with bombs and other horrible war shit devices. Don't they have a right to protect themselves???
Atrios has a link to this article and so does Whatreallyhappened.com.
Well, it sure is interesting. I had co-workers insisting there were WMD and we HAD to invade to protect ourselves. Well, hell, think about all those poor people we killed with bombs and other horrible war shit devices. Don't they have a right to protect themselves???
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Howard Dean
Howard Dean Enters DNC Race Seeks Chairmanship Of Democratic Party
Jan 11, 2005 11:33 am US/Eastern
WASHINGTON (AP) Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, once the early front-runner for the Democratic nomination whose candidacy stumbled, has decided to seek the party’s chairmanship, several Democrats said Tuesday.
Dean’s entry into the race raises questions about whether the former Vermont governor will make another bid for the presidency in 2008. The chairman’s job carries a four-year term and many Democratic National Committee members have said they prefer a chairman who would devote all his energy to serving a full term.
This is good news to me. I like Howard Dean. I thought he was the best of the Democrats running for president. I liked Kerry, Kucinich, and Sharpton, too, but thought Dean was the better choice. I thought Dean really had the good of the people (not just the rich, either) in mind with everything he did. He wanted to fix the mess that Bush made. I thought the media smeared Dean, unmercifully, by playing the "yell" over and over. They poked fun at him and made insinuations about his temperament - Leno was constantly doing so. Funny, how they don't care that Dick Cheney told someone to "go fuck yourself" and it's ok for Bush and his daddy to talk nasty about people.
Jan 11, 2005 11:33 am US/Eastern
WASHINGTON (AP) Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, once the early front-runner for the Democratic nomination whose candidacy stumbled, has decided to seek the party’s chairmanship, several Democrats said Tuesday.
Dean’s entry into the race raises questions about whether the former Vermont governor will make another bid for the presidency in 2008. The chairman’s job carries a four-year term and many Democratic National Committee members have said they prefer a chairman who would devote all his energy to serving a full term.
This is good news to me. I like Howard Dean. I thought he was the best of the Democrats running for president. I liked Kerry, Kucinich, and Sharpton, too, but thought Dean was the better choice. I thought Dean really had the good of the people (not just the rich, either) in mind with everything he did. He wanted to fix the mess that Bush made. I thought the media smeared Dean, unmercifully, by playing the "yell" over and over. They poked fun at him and made insinuations about his temperament - Leno was constantly doing so. Funny, how they don't care that Dick Cheney told someone to "go fuck yourself" and it's ok for Bush and his daddy to talk nasty about people.
Cop, Gunman Dead
I found this at Drudge Report.
Cop, Gunman DeadBy PATRICK GIBLIN BEE STAFF WRITER
A marine had a shoot out in Ceres, CA, with 2 police officers, killing one and wounding the other. The marine did not come out of it alive. According to the article, the marine, Andras Raya, had spent 7 months in Iraq and still had 2.5 years to serve.
Cop, Gunman DeadBy PATRICK GIBLIN BEE STAFF WRITER
A marine had a shoot out in Ceres, CA, with 2 police officers, killing one and wounding the other. The marine did not come out of it alive. According to the article, the marine, Andras Raya, had spent 7 months in Iraq and still had 2.5 years to serve.
- Ceres Police Chief Art De Werk said investigators are not ruling out other motives or accomplices, but believe that Raya, a Marine who had served seven months in Iraq, was concerned about the possibility of going back into combat.
City of ghosts
City of ghosts
The US military destroyed Falluja, but simply spread the fighters out around the country. They also increased the chance of civil war in Iraq by using their new national guard of Shias to suppress Sunnis. Once, when a foreign journalist, an Irish guy, asked me whether I was Shia or Sunni - the way the Irish do because they have that thing about the IRA - I said I was Sushi. My father is Sunni and my mother is Shia. I never cared about these things. Now, after Falluja, it matters.
Whatreallyhappened.com had the link to this.
Yes, this is one reason why I think the US should get out of Iraq and cut their losses. The Iraqis aren't animals. They're not children and not stupid, either. We treat them as though they are not quite human. Notice how they never have been reined in? That takes intelligence. When you consider that Iraq is a third world country and the US has all the latest in bombs, yet US has gotten bogged down in Iraq, you realize there is a lot of brain power, there. The Iraqis can and will get along with each other if/when they need to.
The US military destroyed Falluja, but simply spread the fighters out around the country. They also increased the chance of civil war in Iraq by using their new national guard of Shias to suppress Sunnis. Once, when a foreign journalist, an Irish guy, asked me whether I was Shia or Sunni - the way the Irish do because they have that thing about the IRA - I said I was Sushi. My father is Sunni and my mother is Shia. I never cared about these things. Now, after Falluja, it matters.
Whatreallyhappened.com had the link to this.
Yes, this is one reason why I think the US should get out of Iraq and cut their losses. The Iraqis aren't animals. They're not children and not stupid, either. We treat them as though they are not quite human. Notice how they never have been reined in? That takes intelligence. When you consider that Iraq is a third world country and the US has all the latest in bombs, yet US has gotten bogged down in Iraq, you realize there is a lot of brain power, there. The Iraqis can and will get along with each other if/when they need to.
Who else has been Armstronged?
Atrios at Eschaton points to Tapped article entitled WHO AMONG US?
No one has even attempted to give me any money!
I noticed earlier that Mustang Bobby at Bark Bark Woof Woof already took the pledge, too.
- I swear that I have never taken money -- neither directly nor indirectly -- from any political campaign or government agency -- whether federal, state, or local -- in exchange for any service performed in my job as a journalist (or commentator, or blogger, or whatever you think I should be called).
No one has even attempted to give me any money!
I noticed earlier that Mustang Bobby at Bark Bark Woof Woof already took the pledge, too.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Earth 'ringing like a bell'
10.01.05
CANBERRA - Areas of Asia are still vibrating almost two weeks after the earthquake that caused the Boxing Day tsunami.
Australian National University scientists said much of the planet was still ringing like a bell...
I wonder what this means. I wonder if this year will have as many hurricanes and storms as last year - or more? What about volcanoes? I wish I had paid closer attention in geology class.
Coble suggests pullout in Iraq
Coble suggests pullout in Iraq By Stan Swofford, Staff Writer News & Record
U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, dean of the state's congressional delegation and an avowedly strong supporter of President Bush, says it's time for the United States to consider withdrawing from war-ravaged Iraq.
Coble, a Republican from Greensboro, is one of the first members of Congress -- Republican or Democrat -- to say publicly that the United States should consider a pullout...
I think that is a good idea. We are not bettering Iraq in the least. I was looking at the pictures in Dahr Jamail's blog and they are not encouraging. When you think of how the Iraqis have to live in perpetual fear (of bombs and being shot or kidnapped) you realize that a horrible thing has been done to the Iraqis. Liberation? I don't think people should have to live like that if they are "liberated". Their houses and buildings have been bombed and shattered. Some of their friends and relatives are either dead, dying, wounded, or ill. Their water is disease ridden. Food is not getting to everyone that needs it. Medical care is not getting to everyone that needs it.
Electricity, gas, medical supplies, food, & drinkable water are not always available to most of the people. Other horrors, besides, affect the Iraqi people.
Our military lives in the fear of getting blown up by roadside bombs, or shot by "insurgents". They have learned to kill. They have to look past the humanitarian feelings they have when they are trying to save their own lives. That cannot be good for their mental health. All in all, it is not a good situation for either side. I agree with Howard Coble that we need to pull out of Iraq. However, I don't agree with Coble that we should've gone to war with Iraq.
U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, dean of the state's congressional delegation and an avowedly strong supporter of President Bush, says it's time for the United States to consider withdrawing from war-ravaged Iraq.
Coble, a Republican from Greensboro, is one of the first members of Congress -- Republican or Democrat -- to say publicly that the United States should consider a pullout...
I think that is a good idea. We are not bettering Iraq in the least. I was looking at the pictures in Dahr Jamail's blog and they are not encouraging. When you think of how the Iraqis have to live in perpetual fear (of bombs and being shot or kidnapped) you realize that a horrible thing has been done to the Iraqis. Liberation? I don't think people should have to live like that if they are "liberated". Their houses and buildings have been bombed and shattered. Some of their friends and relatives are either dead, dying, wounded, or ill. Their water is disease ridden. Food is not getting to everyone that needs it. Medical care is not getting to everyone that needs it.
Electricity, gas, medical supplies, food, & drinkable water are not always available to most of the people. Other horrors, besides, affect the Iraqi people.
Our military lives in the fear of getting blown up by roadside bombs, or shot by "insurgents". They have learned to kill. They have to look past the humanitarian feelings they have when they are trying to save their own lives. That cannot be good for their mental health. All in all, it is not a good situation for either side. I agree with Howard Coble that we need to pull out of Iraq. However, I don't agree with Coble that we should've gone to war with Iraq.
I Love my Blog!
I wish I would have started a blog a lot sooner. I spend so much time on my computer when I'm home and for the last couple of years, I wished I had a blog. Well, now I do and I'm happy! There are so many interesting articles on the web and not every blog covers every article that merits attention. It's pretty funny that on the comment threads at some blogs (Eschaton, mainly) a commenter might tell another commenter "if you want someone to blog about that, why don't you start your own blog?" Exactly! Yesterday at Toyblog Weblog, Weblackey posted a link for the LGBT Blogs awards. Since I'm not gay, I don't usually visit gay oriented blogs. I checked out a couple of those blogs and have to say that the ones I read were quite amusing, interesting, and were almost as good as a really good book. A really good book can be held in your hands and you can read it anywhere whereas a blog has to be read on a computer:)
Let me state once again, I love my blog. Along with that, I love my readers & commenters. Thank you all (my friends - I may not know you, personally, but you are my friends, just the same) for commenting and letting me know what you think!
Let me state once again, I love my blog. Along with that, I love my readers & commenters. Thank you all (my friends - I may not know you, personally, but you are my friends, just the same) for commenting and letting me know what you think!
Iraq: The Devastation
I meant to post this yesterday. Incredible first hand commentary by Dahr Jamail who has worked in Iraq 7 of the last 12 months.
Iraq: The Devastation
by Dahr Jamail
After reading this online, I had to print it out for further perusal. The hard copy came to 6 pages. Jamail explains where he went and discusses what he saw and heard. He adds commentary from some of the people affected. Each incident could be enough fuel for an article, but he blends it all into a very effective overall picture of the horrible situation that is now in Iraq.
Iraq: The Devastation
by Dahr Jamail
After reading this online, I had to print it out for further perusal. The hard copy came to 6 pages. Jamail explains where he went and discusses what he saw and heard. He adds commentary from some of the people affected. Each incident could be enough fuel for an article, but he blends it all into a very effective overall picture of the horrible situation that is now in Iraq.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
The 'tsunami' victims that we don't count
Powell said of the tsunami, "The power of the wave to destroy bridges, to destroy factories, to destroy homes, to destroy crops, to destroy everything in its path is amazing." He said, "I have never seen anything like it in my experience."
Yes, he has. It was in Iraq. The tsunami was us.
The 'tsunami' victims that we don't count
By Derrick Z. Jackson
I love Derrick's comment about Powell's comment. Attaturk linked to this article in the comment section of one of Eschaton's threads. There is so much pain and suffering in this world, we certainly don't need to be the cause. Unfortunately, the government feels differently. Apparently 51% of our population doesn't give a rat's ass about the blood on our hands, either.
Yes, he has. It was in Iraq. The tsunami was us.
The 'tsunami' victims that we don't count
By Derrick Z. Jackson
I love Derrick's comment about Powell's comment. Attaturk linked to this article in the comment section of one of Eschaton's threads. There is so much pain and suffering in this world, we certainly don't need to be the cause. Unfortunately, the government feels differently. Apparently 51% of our population doesn't give a rat's ass about the blood on our hands, either.
The Mad, Mad World of God’s People on Earth
The Mad, Mad World of God’s People on Earth
There is something wrong when religious faiths can be shaken to the core by natural disasters but seem able to reconcile themselves with events such as the war on Iraq which are the result of human folly by Muriel Gray
Muriel wrote that one newspaper correspondent writes about how God answers our prayers ...One such newspaper correspondent pleaded, with unintentional black humor, that “God regularly answers our prayers, including recently saving our son’s marriage when it went through a rocky patch, yet He ignores the pleas of thousands who scream for their loved ones lost to the waves. We are in turmoil”.
Presumably the author of the letter has never previously considered that while their God was busy divinely intervening to stop their son breaking wind under the duvet without apologizing to his wife, He must also, by implication, have been deaf to the prayers from thousands all over the world, screaming mercy for loved ones blown up by bombs, dying of famine, run down by cars, killed by robbers, fires, disease or poverty. The turmoil the letter writer should be experiencing is how he arrived at being so terminally self-centered and unutterably stupid not to have noticed pain and suffering until it came to his attention in the form of a headline-grabbing tsunami.
...But of course I just invented that. Sadly, evidence would strongly suggest that no deity exists to care a toss whether we send $2 million missiles to blow up children in their homes while they sleep, or whether we pour money into plastic buckets in supermarkets to help those who suffered in a natural disaster.
Muriel tells it like it is!
There is something wrong when religious faiths can be shaken to the core by natural disasters but seem able to reconcile themselves with events such as the war on Iraq which are the result of human folly by Muriel Gray
Muriel wrote that one newspaper correspondent writes about how God answers our prayers ...One such newspaper correspondent pleaded, with unintentional black humor, that “God regularly answers our prayers, including recently saving our son’s marriage when it went through a rocky patch, yet He ignores the pleas of thousands who scream for their loved ones lost to the waves. We are in turmoil”.
Presumably the author of the letter has never previously considered that while their God was busy divinely intervening to stop their son breaking wind under the duvet without apologizing to his wife, He must also, by implication, have been deaf to the prayers from thousands all over the world, screaming mercy for loved ones blown up by bombs, dying of famine, run down by cars, killed by robbers, fires, disease or poverty. The turmoil the letter writer should be experiencing is how he arrived at being so terminally self-centered and unutterably stupid not to have noticed pain and suffering until it came to his attention in the form of a headline-grabbing tsunami.
...But of course I just invented that. Sadly, evidence would strongly suggest that no deity exists to care a toss whether we send $2 million missiles to blow up children in their homes while they sleep, or whether we pour money into plastic buckets in supermarkets to help those who suffered in a natural disaster.
Muriel tells it like it is!
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Great article benchmarks GWB comments during Iraq occupation
Illusions in Iraq by Ari Berman
Ari's article points out various benchmarks in the Iraqi occupation and miserable failure's comments on how the situation is getting better(starting with his mission accomplished May 2003, to December 2004 where he's extolling how much better things will be after the election)
A section taken from Bush's 12/2004 press release :
"We have a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq. You see, free societies do not export terror. Free governments respect the aspirations of their citizens and serve their hopes for a better life. Free nations are peaceful nations. And free nations in the heart of the Middle East will show what is possible to others who want to live in a free society."
Too bad he doesn't tell us the truth about our "vital interest in the success of a free Iraq". Oil, oil, enough oil to keep our SUVs on the road and keep the SUV dealerships in the ready cash! Of course, there is also our "need" to have our military posts in the middle of Middle East to help protect our interests. I would also guess we are there to help protect Isreal, too... and so on.
Ari's article points out various benchmarks in the Iraqi occupation and miserable failure's comments on how the situation is getting better(starting with his mission accomplished May 2003, to December 2004 where he's extolling how much better things will be after the election)
A section taken from Bush's 12/2004 press release :
"We have a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq. You see, free societies do not export terror. Free governments respect the aspirations of their citizens and serve their hopes for a better life. Free nations are peaceful nations. And free nations in the heart of the Middle East will show what is possible to others who want to live in a free society."
Too bad he doesn't tell us the truth about our "vital interest in the success of a free Iraq". Oil, oil, enough oil to keep our SUVs on the road and keep the SUV dealerships in the ready cash! Of course, there is also our "need" to have our military posts in the middle of Middle East to help protect our interests. I would also guess we are there to help protect Isreal, too... and so on.
Here's your pony, NTodd... actually, this is Jeremiah. He is part Morgan. He's not yet 2 in this picture from July 2004.
"Dragon Lady"
Darleen Druyun is heading for prison for 16 months. She was an Air Force official who took personal favors for her family from the Boeing Company. The Boeing company received billions of US tax money during the ten years of doing business with the "Dragon Lady". The "Dragon Lady" nickname was given to her because she refused to be pushed around and she believed she was in charge - even toward her bosses.
For a decade, Darleen Druyun was in charge of deciding how much to pay for bombers, fighters and missiles used by the Air Force. Cashing In For Profit?
In all, Druyun’s taxpayer credit card racked up $30 billion in charges every year. She had a bigger budget than the Department of Homeland Security or the Justice Department.
In 2000, there was a $4 billion contract coming due for Boeing. During the time they worked out the deal, Druyun also got jobs through Boeing for her daughter and her daughter's fiancee'. Boeing got their contract. Boeing then wanted to lease 100 767s as tankers to the Air Force for 23.5 billion.
Sen. John McCain, who uncovered the Emails in an investigation of the tanker deal, had this to say: "Her job was to get the best possible price of the product for the American taxpayer. Instead, obviously she drove the price up to get the best possible deal for Boeing Corporation."
Druyun was going to retire from the Air Force so her daughter more or less worked out a deal for her to get a job with Boeing. She took the job in 2002. "Darleen Druyun understood the rules of the game, and that this discussion about employment was gonna violate the rules of the game," says Paul McNulty, the U.S. attorney in charge of prosecuting crime at the Pentagon. He told 60 Minutes Wednesday that while getting jobs for Druyun’s family isn’t against the law, getting a job for herself is a felony -- a violation of conflict of interest laws.
For a decade, Darleen Druyun was in charge of deciding how much to pay for bombers, fighters and missiles used by the Air Force. Cashing In For Profit?
In all, Druyun’s taxpayer credit card racked up $30 billion in charges every year. She had a bigger budget than the Department of Homeland Security or the Justice Department.
In 2000, there was a $4 billion contract coming due for Boeing. During the time they worked out the deal, Druyun also got jobs through Boeing for her daughter and her daughter's fiancee'. Boeing got their contract. Boeing then wanted to lease 100 767s as tankers to the Air Force for 23.5 billion.
Sen. John McCain, who uncovered the Emails in an investigation of the tanker deal, had this to say: "Her job was to get the best possible price of the product for the American taxpayer. Instead, obviously she drove the price up to get the best possible deal for Boeing Corporation."
Druyun was going to retire from the Air Force so her daughter more or less worked out a deal for her to get a job with Boeing. She took the job in 2002. "Darleen Druyun understood the rules of the game, and that this discussion about employment was gonna violate the rules of the game," says Paul McNulty, the U.S. attorney in charge of prosecuting crime at the Pentagon. He told 60 Minutes Wednesday that while getting jobs for Druyun’s family isn’t against the law, getting a job for herself is a felony -- a violation of conflict of interest laws.
Cannas and Roses of Sharon in my front yard this past year. The Humming Birds loved them.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Bush team scolded for disguised TV report
Bush team scolded for disguised TV report
Scolded? Scolded? I think they need a cattle prod used on them....at least!
...Ok, really, I was being sarcastic and snarky about the cattle prod, but I think scolding is just not enough.
Scolded? Scolded? I think they need a cattle prod used on them....at least!
...Ok, really, I was being sarcastic and snarky about the cattle prod, but I think scolding is just not enough.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
For the good of the children
Jack Dalton brings up a good point with his question:
What about the Children of Iraq? He points out that while it is great everyone is rallying forth to help the homeless and orphans from the Earthquake/Tsunami natural disaster...My question is simply this, where is the worlds concern for the tens of thousands of Iraq's children that have been so completely decimated by the U.S. invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq?
In the 12 years of U.S. sanctions on Iraq prior to the invasion, over 500,000 children died--as a direct result of those sanctions. Where was the care and concern of the world then? Where were the so-called “compassionate conservatives” of the U.S. then? Oops! Forgot for a moment, they are the ones supporting the Iraq war.
Currently in Iraq over 100,000 (and the number is growing rapidly) Iraqi's have been killed by U.S. bombs, "smart" bombs--that keep going to the wrong address and killing more children--and hand held weapons for up close and personal killing. It has been estimated that well over half of that number have been children.
The "collateral damage" the U.S. keeps referring to, that's the Iraqi children, in large part. Where is the compassion for them? Or is it that they deserve to die simply because they are the children of Iraq?...
What about the Children of Iraq? He points out that while it is great everyone is rallying forth to help the homeless and orphans from the Earthquake/Tsunami natural disaster...My question is simply this, where is the worlds concern for the tens of thousands of Iraq's children that have been so completely decimated by the U.S. invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq?
In the 12 years of U.S. sanctions on Iraq prior to the invasion, over 500,000 children died--as a direct result of those sanctions. Where was the care and concern of the world then? Where were the so-called “compassionate conservatives” of the U.S. then? Oops! Forgot for a moment, they are the ones supporting the Iraq war.
Currently in Iraq over 100,000 (and the number is growing rapidly) Iraqi's have been killed by U.S. bombs, "smart" bombs--that keep going to the wrong address and killing more children--and hand held weapons for up close and personal killing. It has been estimated that well over half of that number have been children.
The "collateral damage" the U.S. keeps referring to, that's the Iraqi children, in large part. Where is the compassion for them? Or is it that they deserve to die simply because they are the children of Iraq?...
Another reason to think Ann Coulter has a mental problem
George Gurley interviewed Ann Coulter Coulter 2005.
I can't read the whole thing. It makes me ill... however, here's a part of the text... you can see what I mean ...I’m getting a little fed up with hearing about, oh, civilian casualties. I think we ought to nuke North Korea right now just to give the rest of the world a warning." I think the woman is critically sick. Who in their right mind would think it would be "fun" to nuke anyone?
North Korea...They’re a major threat. I just think it would be fun to nuke them and have it be a warning to the rest of the world."
I can't read the whole thing. It makes me ill... however, here's a part of the text... you can see what I mean ...I’m getting a little fed up with hearing about, oh, civilian casualties. I think we ought to nuke North Korea right now just to give the rest of the world a warning." I think the woman is critically sick. Who in their right mind would think it would be "fun" to nuke anyone?
North Korea...They’re a major threat. I just think it would be fun to nuke them and have it be a warning to the rest of the world."
Bush: No bad news
Bush: No bad news
In the article from Antiwar.com, tex posted this partial quote from Josh Marshall's blog There is rising concern amongst senior officials that President Bush does not grasp the increasingly grim reality of the security situation in Iraq because he refuses to listen to that type of information. Our sources say that attempts to brief Bush on various grim realities have been personally rebuffed by the President, who actually says that he does not want to hear “bad news.”
I thought we already knew that? Wasn't there some concern during, his first administration as president of the USA, about how he didn't read and his advisors told him what was going on in the world?
Isn't it frightening that even though he is uncurious, he was elected in 2004? What type of president doesn't want to know everything - both good news and bad news?
In the article from Antiwar.com, tex posted this partial quote from Josh Marshall's blog There is rising concern amongst senior officials that President Bush does not grasp the increasingly grim reality of the security situation in Iraq because he refuses to listen to that type of information. Our sources say that attempts to brief Bush on various grim realities have been personally rebuffed by the President, who actually says that he does not want to hear “bad news.”
I thought we already knew that? Wasn't there some concern during, his first administration as president of the USA, about how he didn't read and his advisors told him what was going on in the world?
Isn't it frightening that even though he is uncurious, he was elected in 2004? What type of president doesn't want to know everything - both good news and bad news?
Jobless Claims Surge Unexpectedly
Jobless Claims Surge UnexpectedlyWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Initial U.S. jobless claims surged unexpectedly last week by 43,000, taking claims to their highest level since late September, a government report showed on Thursday -- but an official noted there were seasonal adjustment difficulties.
Bush gives 10,000 dollars to tsunami relief
Bush gives 10,000 dollars to tsunami relief - Yeah, but how many of us have money to give? Sure, the rich do, but they also have tax shelters to keep from paying taxes on a lot of the money they have/make. I am sure you can itemize the donations when completing the federal tax forms, but you have to also have money to live/pay rent/buy food/gas/and other necessities. What was it we learned in Sociology? First, you have to worry about food/shelter/clothing. Basic needs, right? Once those are taken care of, you can start expanding your thoughts to less immediate needs... ah yes, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
Meanwhile, Back in Iraq
The Tsunami natural disaster that killed upwards of 150,000 people has kept the worlds attention for the past 10 days or so. It has been on the front pages of the newspapers and the TV news. Because of the major attention there, Iraq has taken the back seat. The article linked here, gives a rundown of the deteriorating situation in Iraq. Meanwhile, Back in Iraq
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Dollars against Bush
I heard about this in one of the comment threads over at Eschaton, but it is worth stating here, too. January 20th, 2005, is no-shopping day/inauguration day. Get your groceries on the 19th, get your cat food, litter, gas, cigarettes, booze, etc., before the 20th and join our no spend day.
Dollars Against Bush
Dollars Against Bush
Haunting?
Many years ago, I bought a Crystler Lebaron (used) from a car dealership. It was white with burgandy interior. It was lovely. I got it home and during the next few days, noticed a bad smell eminating inside. (I thought it must be cigar smoke) I left the windows open all summer long and the smell went away. I had some small auto problems like we all have now and again. I cleaned out the car and under/in/around the seats and found bits of glass, like if the windshield had broken. Several months, maybe even a year, into owning the vehicle, I was driving home from college at night. I was heading up a hill when smoke started pouring into the car from the vents in the dashboard. I stopped the car, turned off the ignition, got out, lifted the hood. The car then started up and off, up and off. The lights were flashing on and off on and off and the horn was beep beep beep. I slammed down the hood and ran back to try and turn the car off. I was so scared - I had seen Christine years before and that is what flitted through my mind. Luckily, an old gent came along and took the battery cable from the battery which stopped the noises and the lights. The wiring did need replacing, but as there was a bit of flame, the insurance covered it.
The dealer called me up some months later asking how I liked my car. I told him "If I had a gun, I would shoot it!" He told me to come on down to the car lot and they would give me a good deal. Oh, yeah, I found a beautiful stick shift Grand Am. I didn't know how to drive a stick shift car, however, I have a motorcyle license so it was easy to learn.
After thinking about that Lebaron, I think someone must have died in it. I think the car was haunted. I wonder where it is now?
The dealer called me up some months later asking how I liked my car. I told him "If I had a gun, I would shoot it!" He told me to come on down to the car lot and they would give me a good deal. Oh, yeah, I found a beautiful stick shift Grand Am. I didn't know how to drive a stick shift car, however, I have a motorcyle license so it was easy to learn.
After thinking about that Lebaron, I think someone must have died in it. I think the car was haunted. I wonder where it is now?
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
From Alternet: 25 Dumbest quotes of 2004
The 25 Dumbest Quotes of 2004
By Daniel Kurtzman, AlterNet. Posted December 30, 2004.
Is Donald Rumsfield's quote, "You go to war with the army you have..." in it?
You bet it is... however, Dean's speach right before his yell is also there:(
By Daniel Kurtzman, AlterNet. Posted December 30, 2004.
Is Donald Rumsfield's quote, "You go to war with the army you have..." in it?
You bet it is... however, Dean's speach right before his yell is also there:(
Blog readership increased drastically in 2004
JupiterWeb Network :Blog Readership Surged 58 Percent in 2004
Computerworld :Pew study: Blogs busted out in 2004 Blog readership jumped 58% between February and November
Gosh, how long has it been since I was asking a co-worker what a blog was? It seems like I've been reading them for several years. It is a good thing that blogs and blog readership are increasing. Maybe, the media will realize that lying to the public makes readers go to the internet for the real story. If the newspapers do not carry the information the readers want to know about, once again, the readers will hit the internet. People really aren't as stupid as the media would like to think.
Computerworld :Pew study: Blogs busted out in 2004 Blog readership jumped 58% between February and November
Gosh, how long has it been since I was asking a co-worker what a blog was? It seems like I've been reading them for several years. It is a good thing that blogs and blog readership are increasing. Maybe, the media will realize that lying to the public makes readers go to the internet for the real story. If the newspapers do not carry the information the readers want to know about, once again, the readers will hit the internet. People really aren't as stupid as the media would like to think.
Conyers to object to Ohio vote count, certification
Date: Tuesday, January 04, 2005
By: Michael H. Cottman
Here: Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the ranking minority member of the House Judiciary
Committee, said Monday that he plans to formally "object to the counting of the Ohio votes" in the 2004 presidential race when a joint session of Congress meets Thursday to ratify November's election results.
I don't know if it will do any good or not, but I do like reading this.
Date: Tuesday, January 04, 2005
By: Michael H. Cottman
Here: Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the ranking minority member of the House Judiciary
Committee, said Monday that he plans to formally "object to the counting of the Ohio votes" in the 2004 presidential race when a joint session of Congress meets Thursday to ratify November's election results.
I don't know if it will do any good or not, but I do like reading this.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Can we only cover one disaster at a time?
Armageddon Online asks this question.
Why is it that when one story of importance breaks (and the tsunamis are a tragedy) they shift 75% of their focus and resources to it, and blow off or put every other story as a footnote? Maybe no one taught them the fine art if multi-tasking? We are bombarded daily with all forms of mass media - and every single time it seems we only get 1/2 the story, 1/2 the coverage, and 1/2 of the truth... and extended coverage on things like "michael jackson" and "scott peterson" which more people probably know about than the situation in Iraq.
The last week - Iraq Who?
This is a blessing in disguise for the Bush Administration - sad as it tmay be. Take the heat off the mess in Iraq - once again, out of sight, out of mind. The country saw a surge of massively important political developments and deadly attacks that could cripple elections set for the 30th, and none of them saw fit to cover nearly any of it. For instance, on Monday, insurgents tried to assassinate Abdul Aziz alHakim, a Shi'ite leader who is among the candidates for the election. (Any idea what that would do to a US election if somone tried to kill a candidate one month before elections?) The same day, the leading Sunni Arab party withdrew from the race, which is going to push the legitimacy even farther off track.
The last 4 days of the week, insurgents mounted a campaign of violence that used shocking new tactics. One was to lure police into booby trapped or rigged buildings and another was to target an American bases with squad-sized units and attempt to used simultaneous car bombs. Now I know the US claim is that these are all tactics of "desperation" - but look at the toll it's taking all across the country. Dozens of Iraqis, many of them police, and 4 US servicemen were killed this week alone. This after the deadliest last few months in Iraq for the US.
-=> Last half of 2004 deadliest ever for US troops in Iraq
-=> Car bomb attack kills 19 Iraqis
-=> Iraq Ushers in 2005 With Deadly Attacks
-=> Threats from insurgents intent on forcing Iraq's January 30 poll into chaos.
-=> Iraq's election officials resign fearing reprisals
I flipped on CNN this morning. They did their normal lead in which they don't give ANY news - just a headline, then they broke away to more 24/7 tsunami coverage.
A friend of mine asked me "Isn't mass media the one responsible for destroying the war effort?"
-=> U.S. media still hiding bad news from Americans
I have heard Tsunami reports constantly. It's on the front page of the newspapers. Yes, we do see some about Iraq on the inside pages, but it isn't much and it does take the eye off the Iraq situation, because most people look at the front of the paper and skip through the rest. If something catches their eye, they might stop and read it, but if it is not out there blaring at them, it is pretty well ignored. Some people read the newspaper thoroughly, but the biggest share who do get a paper don't seem to have a lot of time to read it.
Why is it that when one story of importance breaks (and the tsunamis are a tragedy) they shift 75% of their focus and resources to it, and blow off or put every other story as a footnote? Maybe no one taught them the fine art if multi-tasking? We are bombarded daily with all forms of mass media - and every single time it seems we only get 1/2 the story, 1/2 the coverage, and 1/2 of the truth... and extended coverage on things like "michael jackson" and "scott peterson" which more people probably know about than the situation in Iraq.
The last week - Iraq Who?
This is a blessing in disguise for the Bush Administration - sad as it tmay be. Take the heat off the mess in Iraq - once again, out of sight, out of mind. The country saw a surge of massively important political developments and deadly attacks that could cripple elections set for the 30th, and none of them saw fit to cover nearly any of it. For instance, on Monday, insurgents tried to assassinate Abdul Aziz alHakim, a Shi'ite leader who is among the candidates for the election. (Any idea what that would do to a US election if somone tried to kill a candidate one month before elections?) The same day, the leading Sunni Arab party withdrew from the race, which is going to push the legitimacy even farther off track.
The last 4 days of the week, insurgents mounted a campaign of violence that used shocking new tactics. One was to lure police into booby trapped or rigged buildings and another was to target an American bases with squad-sized units and attempt to used simultaneous car bombs. Now I know the US claim is that these are all tactics of "desperation" - but look at the toll it's taking all across the country. Dozens of Iraqis, many of them police, and 4 US servicemen were killed this week alone. This after the deadliest last few months in Iraq for the US.
-=> Last half of 2004 deadliest ever for US troops in Iraq
-=> Car bomb attack kills 19 Iraqis
-=> Iraq Ushers in 2005 With Deadly Attacks
-=> Threats from insurgents intent on forcing Iraq's January 30 poll into chaos.
-=> Iraq's election officials resign fearing reprisals
I flipped on CNN this morning. They did their normal lead in which they don't give ANY news - just a headline, then they broke away to more 24/7 tsunami coverage.
A friend of mine asked me "Isn't mass media the one responsible for destroying the war effort?"
-=> U.S. media still hiding bad news from Americans
I have heard Tsunami reports constantly. It's on the front page of the newspapers. Yes, we do see some about Iraq on the inside pages, but it isn't much and it does take the eye off the Iraq situation, because most people look at the front of the paper and skip through the rest. If something catches their eye, they might stop and read it, but if it is not out there blaring at them, it is pretty well ignored. Some people read the newspaper thoroughly, but the biggest share who do get a paper don't seem to have a lot of time to read it.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Just some thoughts
I was listening to KOPN radio station, yesterday, in the car. The host, Morgan, was playing songs from several countries of Africa. It was an enjoyable show.
I keep meaning to go to a record store and pick up some more music from other countries. I especially love the Jamaican sound.
This is where I want to go for vacation.
If I ever win the powerball... or maybe I should stow away $20 per check for vacation. Sure, it will take awhile, but it does add up.
Weblacky at Toyblog made a comment that I should put up the recipe for home-made egg noodles for chicken soup. Just a little note -I only make the noodles when I have the chicken soup cooking. This time, I bought a whole chicken, washed it thoroughly, cut it in half, put it in a large (4 quart?) cooking pot covering it with water (about 6 cups) put the pot lid on and turned the burner to high. When it reached a boil, turned it down to 4 (I have an electric range) and went to bed. I set the alarm for 2 hours. When I got up, the chicken was falling off the bones. I took out the bones, skin, veins, and anything that didn't look like chicken meat. Put the bones in a plastic bag and threw them into the trash, put the skin & veins in the dog's dish. She was thrilled. 3 potatoes(medium sized) washed, cut into small pieces (larger than diced) were thrown into the broth. A tablespoon of diced garlic from the jar - though fresh garlic would have been great.
I wished for a large onion and some celery, but I didn't have any. Salt(1 t.) and pepper(1/4 t.), brought it up to a boil again, then took 3 eggs and enough flour (about a cup and a half) mixed in to make a dough firm enough to roll out on a layer of flour. Roll pretty thin, cut strips and throw them in the pot. Depending on the counter space for rolling, you might have to do this several times. My mother always made sure there was enough flour on top of the rolled out dough, then she actually rolled it like a rug and sliced it - unrolled the slices, allowed the excess flour to fall off, and threw them in the pot. Though to do that, the dough has to be a little thicker than I like - otherwise, they break. I just take a pizza cutter and cut the strips into 1/4 in. thick, 2 to 3 in. lengths. When back at a boil, bring temp down to simmer and put in the cooked chicken. Let simmer for about 8-10 minutes. I usually find the time flies at this point because I'm busy cleaning up the flour and the bowl, fork, rolling pin, & counter space from making the dough.
Some friends of mine like to just make the noodles so they get the canned chicken broth with some water and milk then put the noodles in the boiling broth.
Ymmmm.. Make some drop biscuits and maybe a salad.. good eating.
I keep meaning to go to a record store and pick up some more music from other countries. I especially love the Jamaican sound.
This is where I want to go for vacation.
If I ever win the powerball... or maybe I should stow away $20 per check for vacation. Sure, it will take awhile, but it does add up.
Weblacky at Toyblog made a comment that I should put up the recipe for home-made egg noodles for chicken soup. Just a little note -I only make the noodles when I have the chicken soup cooking. This time, I bought a whole chicken, washed it thoroughly, cut it in half, put it in a large (4 quart?) cooking pot covering it with water (about 6 cups) put the pot lid on and turned the burner to high. When it reached a boil, turned it down to 4 (I have an electric range) and went to bed. I set the alarm for 2 hours. When I got up, the chicken was falling off the bones. I took out the bones, skin, veins, and anything that didn't look like chicken meat. Put the bones in a plastic bag and threw them into the trash, put the skin & veins in the dog's dish. She was thrilled. 3 potatoes(medium sized) washed, cut into small pieces (larger than diced) were thrown into the broth. A tablespoon of diced garlic from the jar - though fresh garlic would have been great.
I wished for a large onion and some celery, but I didn't have any. Salt(1 t.) and pepper(1/4 t.), brought it up to a boil again, then took 3 eggs and enough flour (about a cup and a half) mixed in to make a dough firm enough to roll out on a layer of flour. Roll pretty thin, cut strips and throw them in the pot. Depending on the counter space for rolling, you might have to do this several times. My mother always made sure there was enough flour on top of the rolled out dough, then she actually rolled it like a rug and sliced it - unrolled the slices, allowed the excess flour to fall off, and threw them in the pot. Though to do that, the dough has to be a little thicker than I like - otherwise, they break. I just take a pizza cutter and cut the strips into 1/4 in. thick, 2 to 3 in. lengths. When back at a boil, bring temp down to simmer and put in the cooked chicken. Let simmer for about 8-10 minutes. I usually find the time flies at this point because I'm busy cleaning up the flour and the bowl, fork, rolling pin, & counter space from making the dough.
Some friends of mine like to just make the noodles so they get the canned chicken broth with some water and milk then put the noodles in the boiling broth.
Ymmmm.. Make some drop biscuits and maybe a salad.. good eating.
Saddie taking a rest under the computer desk. At least he's not sitting on the keyboard like he does sometimes.
Cotton, actually looking toward me when getting his picture taken. Usually, he looks the other way as soon as the button has been pushed.
Sgt Mango Goldstein slinking from the hallway to the living room. It looks as though the bookcase next to him needs a good vacuuming.
Chicken Soup
My brain isn't functioning as well as it should, but at least I didn't wake up with a sore throat this morning. Yesterday, I bought a chicken at the store, boiled it, took the meat from the bones and made chicken soup with homemade egg noodles. It was good...no, not just good, it was delicious! Chicken soup is supposed to be good for colds. I highly recommend it:)
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Depleted Uranium is not a good thing when used in weaponry
HOW DEPLETED URANIUM WEAPONS ARE KILLING OUR TROOPS *PIC*
THREE EFFECTS OF DEPLETED URANIUM INTERNAL EXPOSURE
Chemical, Radiological, & Particulate - Sometimes commenters (usually Trolls) at Eschaton make noises about how DU is not dangerous. They claim to be scientists or biologists and/or have other experience in this field. I believe that DU causes some horrible health problems. There are lots of articles to back up that claim, but not NATO. NATO "Although a very large body of existing scientific and medical research clearly established that such a link between Depleted Uranium ammunition and the reported illnesses was extremely unlikely, NATO Secretary General George Robertson immediately established an Ad Hoc Committee on Depleted Uranium to serve as a clearing house for information to be shared among interested nations." Here's a goody from 2002 Fact Sheet on the Health Effects of Depleted Uranium This "fact sheet" says that DU poses no serious health risks, has not effected the health of Gulf War veterans, and does not cause birth defects. If I wanted to get rid of my arsenal of DU covered warheads, I would say that, too.
The thing is, who are you to believe? Those veterans are experiencing some sort of illness. Those birth defects are caused by something. The amounts of defects shot up after the Gulf War. How come? Or is it one of those things that we're not supposed to question? Two very interesting articles:
Radiation experts warn in unpublished report that DU weapons used by Allies in Gulf war pose long-term health risk By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor WHO ‘suppressed’ scientific study into depleted uranium cancer fears in Iraq
and written by Dr. Rosalie Bertell who makes the comment "Desert Storm veterans along with the people of Iraq and Kuwait were victims of one of the latest military experiments on human beings. I believe that the ignorance was culpable and criminal." Gulf War Syndrome, Depleted Uranium and the Dangers of Low-Level Radiation
THREE EFFECTS OF DEPLETED URANIUM INTERNAL EXPOSURE
Chemical, Radiological, & Particulate - Sometimes commenters (usually Trolls) at Eschaton make noises about how DU is not dangerous. They claim to be scientists or biologists and/or have other experience in this field. I believe that DU causes some horrible health problems. There are lots of articles to back up that claim, but not NATO. NATO "Although a very large body of existing scientific and medical research clearly established that such a link between Depleted Uranium ammunition and the reported illnesses was extremely unlikely, NATO Secretary General George Robertson immediately established an Ad Hoc Committee on Depleted Uranium to serve as a clearing house for information to be shared among interested nations." Here's a goody from 2002 Fact Sheet on the Health Effects of Depleted Uranium This "fact sheet" says that DU poses no serious health risks, has not effected the health of Gulf War veterans, and does not cause birth defects. If I wanted to get rid of my arsenal of DU covered warheads, I would say that, too.
The thing is, who are you to believe? Those veterans are experiencing some sort of illness. Those birth defects are caused by something. The amounts of defects shot up after the Gulf War. How come? Or is it one of those things that we're not supposed to question? Two very interesting articles:
Radiation experts warn in unpublished report that DU weapons used by Allies in Gulf war pose long-term health risk By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor WHO ‘suppressed’ scientific study into depleted uranium cancer fears in Iraq
and written by Dr. Rosalie Bertell who makes the comment "Desert Storm veterans along with the people of Iraq and Kuwait were victims of one of the latest military experiments on human beings. I believe that the ignorance was culpable and criminal." Gulf War Syndrome, Depleted Uranium and the Dangers of Low-Level Radiation
Top Ten War Profiteers of 2004
Top Ten War Profiteers of 2004
I found this link through WhatReallyHappened.com. The article is written by www.guerrillanews.com. They have an enlightening write-up on each of these companies as they count them down.
1) Aegis
2) BearingPoint
3) Bechtel
4) BKSH & Associates
5) CACI and Titan
6) Custer Battles
7) Halliburton
8) Lockheed Martin
9) Loral Satellite
10) Qualcomm
This report was compiled by the Center for Corporate Responsibility, a non-profit, non-partisan public interest organization working to curb corporate abuses and make corporations publicly accountable.
I found this link through WhatReallyHappened.com. The article is written by www.guerrillanews.com. They have an enlightening write-up on each of these companies as they count them down.
1) Aegis
2) BearingPoint
3) Bechtel
4) BKSH & Associates
5) CACI and Titan
6) Custer Battles
7) Halliburton
8) Lockheed Martin
9) Loral Satellite
10) Qualcomm
This report was compiled by the Center for Corporate Responsibility, a non-profit, non-partisan public interest organization working to curb corporate abuses and make corporations publicly accountable.
Boondocks revisited, again
Friday's paper came out with 17 Tribtalk comments. Ten were about the Tribune removing "The Boondocks" from the paper. All ten were complaints. Robertson replied: "Hey that's not funny! I've been called a weasel before, but never a ferret. That cuts to the bone. Oh, and to the previous caller, consider "Mallard" a dead duck. He's gone."
As a lead-in to the Tribtalk comments, he wrote "...But there's room for all kinds of opinions in the Tribune, even about the comics, and we truly do listen to them and sometimes learn.
That doesn't mean "The Boondocks" or "Mallard Fillmore" will be back. I brought both those strips to the Tribune, and I've defended them both over the years.
Vocal "Mallard" readers find "The Boondocks" racist and offensive, and readers of "The Boondocks" feel the same about "Mallard". I've eventually come to the conclusion that either both responses are right, or both are wrong..."
None of the ten Tribtalk comments, this time, were mine. Of the last ones - I think it was last week's Tribtalk, the first one was mine. Obviously, there are quite a few people who feel strongly about this.
As a lead-in to the Tribtalk comments, he wrote "...But there's room for all kinds of opinions in the Tribune, even about the comics, and we truly do listen to them and sometimes learn.
That doesn't mean "The Boondocks" or "Mallard Fillmore" will be back. I brought both those strips to the Tribune, and I've defended them both over the years.
Vocal "Mallard" readers find "The Boondocks" racist and offensive, and readers of "The Boondocks" feel the same about "Mallard". I've eventually come to the conclusion that either both responses are right, or both are wrong..."
None of the ten Tribtalk comments, this time, were mine. Of the last ones - I think it was last week's Tribtalk, the first one was mine. Obviously, there are quite a few people who feel strongly about this.
