Fukushima Japan: No More Headlines & Half-Life Headaches
Nearly 3 months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck, the reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant are still spewing radiation. The plant's operator, Tepco, has now confirmed that three of their reactors likely suffered meltdowns.
(Sigh.)
But, wait...
There is... well, maybe not "Hope", but... there's definitely "Inspiration", and then some...
Enter: A tough, tried and tested team of Unassuming & Unexpected Heroes: The Skilled Veterans Corps.
Who are they?
They are a group of 200+ Japanese pensioners - mostly retired engineers and other professionals, all of them over the age of 60 - who have volunteered to tackle the nuclear crisis - and replace the younger workers presently at the site and those whom the crisis would, eventually, require to have available to work there.
Michio, a former primary school teacher who is spending his retirement helping out at a cafe that offers work experience to people with learning difficulties, had this to say...
"I don't think I'm particularly special," he says. "Most Japanese have this feeling in their heart. The question is whether you step forward, or you stay behind and watch."
Check out the inspirational story via the link below:
Japan pensioners volunteer to tackle nuclear crisis
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
World Health Organization: Cell phones/Mobiles 'May Cause Brain Cancer'
Hello? Mom? Dad? Bro? (Other Bro?)...
See! I told you guys that I wasn't a Conspiracy Theorist.
* I simply happen to be Waaay Ahead of my Time.
And no, don't worry... I won't say "I told you so".
But... (Argh! It's soo tempting!)
Please tell me that you guys all remember back when I was posting all of those "Cell Phone Use & Brain Cancer" flyers all around town and I was telling everyone I knew about the possible cell/mobile phone - brain damage/cancer link and about that one cell-phone industry-hired scientist (poor guy. was just doing his job. with Integrity) who had been - for all intents and purposes - blackballed after it had been revealed that the very research the cell-phone industry had paid him - quite handsomely - to carry out had produced - not their intended cell phones-are-harmless-to-the-brain results - but that, instead, pointed to the likelihood that long-term/repeated cell phone use might lead to brain damage and, possibly cancer?
It was years ago. Before I even had my own handy-dandy cell phone.
What? How many years?
Oh... Um, I'm really not sure. It's been quite a while, though, of that I'm sure.
And, I gotta tell ya something - I've been noticing that my memory's gotten kinda sketchy... over the last few years... Since I've had my cell phone... Hmmm.
How 'bout You?
Don't Forget To...
Check out the latest on the cell phone-brain cancer link story (based upon an evidence review by the World Health Organization) at the BBC:
Cell phones/Mobiles 'May Cause Brain Cancer'
See! I told you guys that I wasn't a Conspiracy Theorist.
* I simply happen to be Waaay Ahead of my Time.
And no, don't worry... I won't say "I told you so".
But... (Argh! It's soo tempting!)
Please tell me that you guys all remember back when I was posting all of those "Cell Phone Use & Brain Cancer" flyers all around town and I was telling everyone I knew about the possible cell/mobile phone - brain damage/cancer link and about that one cell-phone industry-hired scientist (poor guy. was just doing his job. with Integrity) who had been - for all intents and purposes - blackballed after it had been revealed that the very research the cell-phone industry had paid him - quite handsomely - to carry out had produced - not their intended cell phones-are-harmless-to-the-brain results - but that, instead, pointed to the likelihood that long-term/repeated cell phone use might lead to brain damage and, possibly cancer?
It was years ago. Before I even had my own handy-dandy cell phone.
What? How many years?
Oh... Um, I'm really not sure. It's been quite a while, though, of that I'm sure.
And, I gotta tell ya something - I've been noticing that my memory's gotten kinda sketchy... over the last few years... Since I've had my cell phone... Hmmm.
How 'bout You?
Don't Forget To...
Check out the latest on the cell phone-brain cancer link story (based upon an evidence review by the World Health Organization) at the BBC:
Cell phones/Mobiles 'May Cause Brain Cancer'
BBC: Blackpool Shale Gas Drilling (Fracking) Suspended After Quake
Fracking: It's not just about flame-throwing faucets, anymore...
(As if anyone could possibly need more reason than that to bring it the whole "Boom-ing" business to a grinding halt, bringing in Independent scientists/environmentalists and oversight and... take things S-L-O-W-L-Y.)
Apparently, the movie "Gasland" hasn't had it's needed impact in the ol' U.K.... yet.
Nope. Fire from our faucets isn't a cause celebre over yonder... But, having two very similar small earthquakes occurring in two month in the vicinity of the gas drilling seems to have gotten their attention.
Umm, Hello?... Commons Energy Select Committee Members?
Do you all honestly believe that whole '"tight regulation and good industry practice" will ensure safety' line you're running with?
Uh, you can't be serious?!
Your committee is actually putting your faith, trust and - not just the health - but, the very lives of your friends, neighbors and loved ones to...
To what - Bottom Line - amounts to nothing more than the Corporate Honor System?
"C'mon. You can Trust us. Just look at our Bottom Line."
The Corporate Honor System... Really?
(I dunno how you're able to sleep at night and/or look at yourselves in the mirror.)
Oh, I know what it is: You must be High.
Check out the latest on gas-fracking quakes from: BBC News:
Blackpool Shale Gas drilling suspended after quake
(As if anyone could possibly need more reason than that to bring it the whole "Boom-ing" business to a grinding halt, bringing in Independent scientists/environmentalists and oversight and... take things S-L-O-W-L-Y.)
Apparently, the movie "Gasland" hasn't had it's needed impact in the ol' U.K.... yet.
Nope. Fire from our faucets isn't a cause celebre over yonder... But, having two very similar small earthquakes occurring in two month in the vicinity of the gas drilling seems to have gotten their attention.
Umm, Hello?... Commons Energy Select Committee Members?
Do you all honestly believe that whole '"tight regulation and good industry practice" will ensure safety' line you're running with?
Uh, you can't be serious?!
Your committee is actually putting your faith, trust and - not just the health - but, the very lives of your friends, neighbors and loved ones to...
To what - Bottom Line - amounts to nothing more than the Corporate Honor System?
"C'mon. You can Trust us. Just look at our Bottom Line."
The Corporate Honor System... Really?
(I dunno how you're able to sleep at night and/or look at yourselves in the mirror.)
Oh, I know what it is: You must be High.
Check out the latest on gas-fracking quakes from: BBC News:
Blackpool Shale Gas drilling suspended after quake
Monday, May 30, 2011
Top Scientologist Charged With Coaching Sex Abuse Victim To Lie About Abuse
And this group campaigns against psychiatry??...
Eastgate is the international president of the Citizen's Commission on Human Rights, an organisation founded by the Church of Scientology that campaigns against psychiatry.
She was awarded the church's freedom medal for promoting human rights in 1988.
Police allege Eastgate threatened and intimidated Carmen Rainer when she was 11 into providing false statements to police about the sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather."
Well... Truth be told, Jan Eastgate doesn't need a shrink, she needs to go to prison.
You can read the whole ABC News article on this breaking story by clicking on the following link:
L.
"One of the Church of Scientology's most senior figures, Jan Eastgate, has been arrested and charged in Sydney. She has been charged with perverting the course of justice in relation to allegations she coached an 11-year-old girl to lie to police and community services about the sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather who was a member of the Church of Scientology.
She was awarded the church's freedom medal for promoting human rights in 1988.
Police allege Eastgate threatened and intimidated Carmen Rainer when she was 11 into providing false statements to police about the sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather."
Well... Truth be told, Jan Eastgate doesn't need a shrink, she needs to go to prison.
You can read the whole ABC News article on this breaking story by clicking on the following link:
Top Scientologist accused of coaching witness
Peace,L.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Senate's LBJ Room: The Sistine Chapel Of The West It's Not. From TRMS
The Sistine Chapel Of The West It's Not...
In the 1850s, in what is presently the Senate's LBJ Room but what- at that time- was to be a library, the decorating decision-makers planned on showcasing four library-relevant-themed Neoclassic fresco-style paintings.
The four themes were to be: 1.) History 2.) Geography 3.) Philosophy and 4.) Print.
The first two paintings had been finished when, in the 1860s, the library plan was shelved (no pun intended - initially) and the room was, instead, to be made into a Post Office.
With the change of purpose, the latter two of the four themes were changed.
The four themes became: History, Geography, Physics and... The Telegraph.
I'm sure that the decorators/painters felt that their vision for the themes - particularly the last two paintings - showed reverence and respect for the exceptional painters/works from history... with a few upgrades.
End result? America is (metaphorically-speaking) depicted as the pinnacle of Health, Vitality and - as evidenced by the inclusion of a steamship and a train in the background of the "Physics" painting and the placement of a telegraph line in the hand of a cherub and placement of a telegraph pole in the background of the "Telegraph" painting - Modernity.
Hey! Look up... What's that? Oh, I know... It's Lady Liberty... and - whoa! - She's Hangin' Ten... and doing so noplace other than atop the crest of the latest wave of technological advancement!
I kid you not.
It's kinda weird - not that there's anything wrong with this variety of "weird" - but, in a trippy/quircky American History sort-of-way.
Check it out in the brief clip from TRMS that you'll find below.
Enjoy!
Peace,
L. :)
In the 1850s, in what is presently the Senate's LBJ Room but what- at that time- was to be a library, the decorating decision-makers planned on showcasing four library-relevant-themed Neoclassic fresco-style paintings.
The four themes were to be: 1.) History 2.) Geography 3.) Philosophy and 4.) Print.
The first two paintings had been finished when, in the 1860s, the library plan was shelved (no pun intended - initially) and the room was, instead, to be made into a Post Office.
With the change of purpose, the latter two of the four themes were changed.
The four themes became: History, Geography, Physics and... The Telegraph.
I'm sure that the decorators/painters felt that their vision for the themes - particularly the last two paintings - showed reverence and respect for the exceptional painters/works from history... with a few upgrades.
End result? America is (metaphorically-speaking) depicted as the pinnacle of Health, Vitality and - as evidenced by the inclusion of a steamship and a train in the background of the "Physics" painting and the placement of a telegraph line in the hand of a cherub and placement of a telegraph pole in the background of the "Telegraph" painting - Modernity.
Hey! Look up... What's that? Oh, I know... It's Lady Liberty... and - whoa! - She's Hangin' Ten... and doing so noplace other than atop the crest of the latest wave of technological advancement!
I kid you not.
It's kinda weird - not that there's anything wrong with this variety of "weird" - but, in a trippy/quircky American History sort-of-way.
Check it out in the brief clip from TRMS that you'll find below.
Enjoy!
Peace,
L. :)
Medicare Medicare Medicare Key To Dem Win In NY House Race
You're all familiar with the chant of "location, location, location", right?
Well, in yesterday's Special Election held in New York's 26th Congressional District, "location" certainly has special significance: Historically, NY26 has always been a Red oasis in the Great and predominantly Blue State of New York (they're so Red, they voted for Palladino...).
But, oh... The times... They are a'changin'.
The highly-noteworthy (for it's potential value as a "Coming Attractions" vehicle for upcoming national elections) Deal-Maker/Deal-Breaker in this instance was, in all likelihood, this variation: "Medicare, Medicare, Medicare".
Congratulations, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul!
And, Thanks, to the Great People of NY 26 and the Great State Of New York!
From: the AP NewsWire via NPR... Enjoy!
Well, in yesterday's Special Election held in New York's 26th Congressional District, "location" certainly has special significance: Historically, NY26 has always been a Red oasis in the Great and predominantly Blue State of New York (they're so Red, they voted for Palladino...).
But, oh... The times... They are a'changin'.
The highly-noteworthy (for it's potential value as a "Coming Attractions" vehicle for upcoming national elections) Deal-Maker/Deal-Breaker in this instance was, in all likelihood, this variation: "Medicare, Medicare, Medicare".
Congratulations, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul!
And, Thanks, to the Great People of NY 26 and the Great State Of New York!
From: the AP NewsWire via NPR... Enjoy!
Medicare Key To Shocking Dem Win In NY House Race
Friday, May 20, 2011
When Aliens Attack Interactive Survival Guide- National Geographic Channel
Hey Boys & Girls (And Aliens):
I just stumbled across this fun and interactive (and Informative) Survival Guide from the National Geographic Channel that helps to prepare you for when Aliens (or Republican Presidential Wanna-bes) Attack.
Several helpful games included.
Whatcha waiting for? Check it out!
Enjoy!
When Aliens Attack Interactive Survival Guide- National Geographic Channel
I just stumbled across this fun and interactive (and Informative) Survival Guide from the National Geographic Channel that helps to prepare you for when Aliens (or Republican Presidential Wanna-bes) Attack.
Several helpful games included.
Whatcha waiting for? Check it out!
Enjoy!
When Aliens Attack Interactive Survival Guide- National Geographic Channel
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
McCain: Torture Ineffective. Santorum: McCain Doesn't Understand Torture. Dumb-De-Dumb-Dumb
Both Senator John McCain & the Director of the CIA (who would definitely know) publicly refuted last week's rampant GOP claims which gave credit to the use of torture ("enhanced interrogation") in bringing about the death of Bin Laden.
Decidedly Un-Presidential candidate, Senator Rick Santorum's reply to McCain:
"McCain is wrong. He doesn't understand how enhanced interrogation works..."
Oh, is that so, Mr. Santorum? You have a Guinness-record-setting amount of hubris (and completely-dead/necrotic gray matter) to make the declaration that a man who - unlike yourself - has actually experienced being tortured (he endured 5 yrs. of torture when he was held as a POW in Vietnam) "... doesn't understand" torture.
Mr. Santorum's personal experience with torture: None. Unless you count how he tortures us everytime he opens his mouth.
"For pure, blind stupidity. nobody beats Santorum. In my 20 years in the Senate, I never met a dumber member." - Mark Salter - McCain Senior Staffer - 20yrs in Senate.
Please enjoy this brief clip on this remarkable story from last night's The Rachel Maddow Show:
Decidedly Un-Presidential candidate, Senator Rick Santorum's reply to McCain:
"McCain is wrong. He doesn't understand how enhanced interrogation works..."
Oh, is that so, Mr. Santorum? You have a Guinness-record-setting amount of hubris (and completely-dead/necrotic gray matter) to make the declaration that a man who - unlike yourself - has actually experienced being tortured (he endured 5 yrs. of torture when he was held as a POW in Vietnam) "... doesn't understand" torture.
Mr. Santorum's personal experience with torture: None. Unless you count how he tortures us everytime he opens his mouth.
"For pure, blind stupidity. nobody beats Santorum. In my 20 years in the Senate, I never met a dumber member." - Mark Salter - McCain Senior Staffer - 20yrs in Senate.
Please enjoy this brief clip on this remarkable story from last night's The Rachel Maddow Show:
GOP Senators Vote To Keep Greasing The Palms Of Big Oil - With $21 Billion In Taxpayer Subsidies
GOP Deficit Reduction Ideas:
Liquidate Fort Knox?
(This was satirical suggestion which appeared in The Onion about 3 weeks ago. And, it has actually been a suggestion offererd by some conservative politicians)
Sell Off Utah?
(The Federal government owns about 70% of the state. Armed with this little fun-fact, one conservative congress member, Dennis Ross (FL), voiced his opinion that we should liquidate Utah,)
Well... How 'bout this:
Let's end the ludicrous $21 Billion in taxpayer subsidies given to enormously profitable oil & gas companies?
* 74% of Americans say "End the subsidies.".
* Several GOP Congress members even said, on the record, that they supported ending the subsidies.
So...Why, then, did those same GOP Senators vote (only yesterday) to keep those ridiculous oil & gas subsidies in place?
Those very same elected GOP members of Congress who most recently voted in support of Paul Ryan's Budget Plan and it's plan to End Medi-Care... those same GOP members who want to make the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent... have now refused to end $21 Billion (with a "B") in taxpayer-paid subsidies which have - for no conceivable reason - been given to two of the most profitable industries on the planet.
But, it's perfectly reasonable to them to begin liquidating the gold bouillon in Fort Knox and to start placing federally-held parcels of Utah on the auction-block?
Uh, yeah... Riiiiight.
Please enjoy this funny & informative clip from last nights Rachel Maddow Show:
Liquidate Fort Knox?
(This was satirical suggestion which appeared in The Onion about 3 weeks ago. And, it has actually been a suggestion offererd by some conservative politicians)
Sell Off Utah?
(The Federal government owns about 70% of the state. Armed with this little fun-fact, one conservative congress member, Dennis Ross (FL), voiced his opinion that we should liquidate Utah,)
Well... How 'bout this:
Let's end the ludicrous $21 Billion in taxpayer subsidies given to enormously profitable oil & gas companies?
* 74% of Americans say "End the subsidies.".
* Several GOP Congress members even said, on the record, that they supported ending the subsidies.
So...Why, then, did those same GOP Senators vote (only yesterday) to keep those ridiculous oil & gas subsidies in place?
Those very same elected GOP members of Congress who most recently voted in support of Paul Ryan's Budget Plan and it's plan to End Medi-Care... those same GOP members who want to make the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent... have now refused to end $21 Billion (with a "B") in taxpayer-paid subsidies which have - for no conceivable reason - been given to two of the most profitable industries on the planet.
But, it's perfectly reasonable to them to begin liquidating the gold bouillon in Fort Knox and to start placing federally-held parcels of Utah on the auction-block?
Uh, yeah... Riiiiight.
Please enjoy this funny & informative clip from last nights Rachel Maddow Show:
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
From: J. Smooth. A Brief Note On Not Feeding The Trolls. (Troll: trump,d.)
If you're unfamiliar with J. Smooth or "Ill Doctrine.com"...
Please check out this brief video.
It's a hip, clear, concise & to the point 'teaching moment' on...
The 24-Hr Cable News-Created Cult of Personality:
Subject: trump, d. (Small-case lettering is Intentional.)
Enjoy! (I did.)
(Thanks to The Rachel Maddow show for bringing J. Smooth and Ill Doctrine.com to my attention.)
Please check out this brief video.
It's a hip, clear, concise & to the point 'teaching moment' on...
The 24-Hr Cable News-Created Cult of Personality:
Subject: trump, d. (Small-case lettering is Intentional.)
Enjoy! (I did.)
(Thanks to The Rachel Maddow show for bringing J. Smooth and Ill Doctrine.com to my attention.)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wasilla High School Choir fights intolerance to perform Queen song at graduation
Wasilla's (Yes, that Wasilla) High School symphonic jazz choir has been rehearsing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" for their upcoming graduation all year.
Then, Principal Dwight Probasco yanked the classic hit from the playlist.
Why?
Because, allegedly, a parent (intolerant twit) had made multiple complaints of inappropriateness since Queen's phenomenal late lead singer, Freddie Mercury, was gay.
... People... people... people... (sighs and shakes head in mournful disappointment).
P.S.~ This Sad, But True story doesn't have what I'd describe as a "Happy Enlightened Ending" but... it does improve, somewhat.
Peace,
L.
Here's the link to the story:
Local News : WHS choir, school caught in landslide over Queen song - Frontiersman
Then, Principal Dwight Probasco yanked the classic hit from the playlist.
Why?
Because, allegedly, a parent (intolerant twit) had made multiple complaints of inappropriateness since Queen's phenomenal late lead singer, Freddie Mercury, was gay.
... People... people... people... (sighs and shakes head in mournful disappointment).
P.S.~ This Sad, But True story doesn't have what I'd describe as a "Happy Enlightened Ending" but... it does improve, somewhat.
Peace,
L.
Here's the link to the story:
Local News : WHS choir, school caught in landslide over Queen song - Frontiersman
We Only Have Your 'Asbestos' Interests In Mind, Eh?
"We Only Have Your 'Asbestos' Interests In Mind, Eh?..."
You might find this shocking, if you still live under the delusion that Canadians are harmless:
Asbestos, Quebec - a blue-collar Canadian mining town - is proudly selling 400,000 tons of chrysotile fiber (asbestos) a year to India. Not only that, they are also actively promoting greater use of the slow-hacking-death-inducing stuff elsewhere... Specifically targeting those places, like India, where its use has not (yet) been banned despite being known to cause mesothelioma (lung cancer) - killing 100,000 people each year.
The more cynical among us might say, "Well, that's one way to reduce the world's unsustainable (over)population.".
And although that's true, personally, I consider doing such business - whilst, all the while, knowing of the painful, slow deaths that will come as a result - is wrong.
If any for-profit business wants to beat the rush and be among the first to promote the undeniably Enlightened goal of humanity maintaining a sustainable human population...
Human beings actively promote and enforce population control of every other prolific and not-so-prolific species... So why won't they actively control their own resource-decimating numbers?
... Then, produce and promote condoms and birth control... Not chrysotile or other carcinogens.
Peace,
L.
Enjoy this brief, funny and very informative clip from from The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, with correspondent Aasif Mandvi (5/12/11):
You might find this shocking, if you still live under the delusion that Canadians are harmless:
Asbestos, Quebec - a blue-collar Canadian mining town - is proudly selling 400,000 tons of chrysotile fiber (asbestos) a year to India. Not only that, they are also actively promoting greater use of the slow-hacking-death-inducing stuff elsewhere... Specifically targeting those places, like India, where its use has not (yet) been banned despite being known to cause mesothelioma (lung cancer) - killing 100,000 people each year.
The more cynical among us might say, "Well, that's one way to reduce the world's unsustainable (over)population.".
And although that's true, personally, I consider doing such business - whilst, all the while, knowing of the painful, slow deaths that will come as a result - is wrong.
If any for-profit business wants to beat the rush and be among the first to promote the undeniably Enlightened goal of humanity maintaining a sustainable human population...
Human beings actively promote and enforce population control of every other prolific and not-so-prolific species... So why won't they actively control their own resource-decimating numbers?
... Then, produce and promote condoms and birth control... Not chrysotile or other carcinogens.
Peace,
L.
Enjoy this brief, funny and very informative clip from from The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, with correspondent Aasif Mandvi (5/12/11):
Saturday, April 30, 2011
"William And Kate's Big, Fat Anglican Wedding" - Or - "Let Them Eat (Wedding) Cake!"
Re: The "Royal Wedding" of KaWill (or is it Willate?)...
* Here's a little Non-British Bonus:
Those of us who live outside of Great Britain may enjoy watching the shiny shindig (or not) from a distance...
Smiling throughout as we gaze at the happy couple, admire the exquisite dresses, sit slack-jawed gaping at the ornate carriages and - depending upon the camera angles - possibly notice the higher level of security and the number security personnel present (some of whom, I learned only yesterday, were soldiers serving overseas who were unexpectedly called back from/pulled out of Afghanistan to work the wedding).
Perhaps we'll have enjoyed the festivities just a little more than many of our fellow Royal-revelers whom actually live in Great Britain, because we can take comfort in the knowledge that- and feel genuine relief that - our taxes aren't being siphoned off to pay for half of the, undoubtedly, expensive and pretty pomp and circumstance.
I do feel sympathetic outrage for Britain's citizenry, especially since I learned that they are being forced to pay for half of the undoubtedly exorbitant costs (taken out of taxes collected) as well as having to face and deal with recently passed severe austerity measures scheduled to go into effect shortly
What's wrong with this picture?
Uh... Hello? Unless the Crown Jewels have been stolen (amongst other treasures) or something and the Royals are simply keeping up appearances and being tight-lipped about suddenly becoming destit...
(Nah, who'm I kidding?)
... dropping a few notches on the Forbes List, or whatever -
Well, isn't the Royal Family... uh, Rich?
I mean, it would be beyond utterly ridiculous for anyone to suggest - with any seriousness - that any amount of American tax monies collected should be put aside to pay for any sitting President's offspring's nuptials... Right?
I could be misunderstanding the situation - although I doubt it - but. it looks to me like the land-owning, upper-crusty, genuine gems & countless carat-wearing lords/ladies/dukes and duchesses have all been invited to and are attending a dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime, wedding spectacular... which is being bankrolled - under duress - by Britain's hard working working-class.
It seems very unfair and so very "... let them eat cake."-ish to me.
What do you think?
Peace.
L.
* Here's a little Non-British Bonus:
Those of us who live outside of Great Britain may enjoy watching the shiny shindig (or not) from a distance...
Smiling throughout as we gaze at the happy couple, admire the exquisite dresses, sit slack-jawed gaping at the ornate carriages and - depending upon the camera angles - possibly notice the higher level of security and the number security personnel present (some of whom, I learned only yesterday, were soldiers serving overseas who were unexpectedly called back from/pulled out of Afghanistan to work the wedding).
Perhaps we'll have enjoyed the festivities just a little more than many of our fellow Royal-revelers whom actually live in Great Britain, because we can take comfort in the knowledge that- and feel genuine relief that - our taxes aren't being siphoned off to pay for half of the, undoubtedly, expensive and pretty pomp and circumstance.
I do feel sympathetic outrage for Britain's citizenry, especially since I learned that they are being forced to pay for half of the undoubtedly exorbitant costs (taken out of taxes collected) as well as having to face and deal with recently passed severe austerity measures scheduled to go into effect shortly
What's wrong with this picture?
Uh... Hello? Unless the Crown Jewels have been stolen (amongst other treasures) or something and the Royals are simply keeping up appearances and being tight-lipped about suddenly becoming destit...
(Nah, who'm I kidding?)
... dropping a few notches on the Forbes List, or whatever -
Well, isn't the Royal Family... uh, Rich?
I mean, it would be beyond utterly ridiculous for anyone to suggest - with any seriousness - that any amount of American tax monies collected should be put aside to pay for any sitting President's offspring's nuptials... Right?
I could be misunderstanding the situation - although I doubt it - but. it looks to me like the land-owning, upper-crusty, genuine gems & countless carat-wearing lords/ladies/dukes and duchesses have all been invited to and are attending a dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime, wedding spectacular... which is being bankrolled - under duress - by Britain's hard working working-class.
It seems very unfair and so very "... let them eat cake."-ish to me.
What do you think?
Peace.
L.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Daily Show: Friends Without Benefits. GOP Sen. Stearns Says FU To 1st Responders...
Off all the Bone-Headed, Idiotic & Infinitely-Offensive Congressional Amendments shoved into a bill before they'd begrudgingly approve it...
As if Congress's taking 9 yrs. just to pass a Healthcare Bill that would assist our 9/11 First Responders in paying for their medical expenses - paying for treatment of the cancers and the respiratory diseases they've developed after sifting through the World Trade Center Tower rubble (for weeks on end) - tirelessly searching through the still-smouldering devastation, dust and blood for remains so that those still missing could, finally, be identified and their families could, eventually, have some sort of closure... As if that wasn't enough ...
Nope, apparently not...
In an "Insult To Injury" Amendment added by Senator Cliff Stearns (R.FL)...
America's 9/11 First Responders (the ones who haven't already Died from injuries sustained doing those heroic duties) who submit a claim so that they can pay for their medical treatment, must first undergo a background check/be checked against the Terrorist Watch List before receiving money for their chemotherapy.
Ugh!... sometimes I Really Dislike human beings.
(From last night's The Daily Show.)
* I'd encourage you to watch the segment - in its entirety - as broadcast in the whole episode (It's the first segment in the episode). For some reason, Comedy Central chopped it into two pieces and "the whole is more than the sum of its parts" - as some wise person once said.
First clip (3:36)
Second clip (5:20)
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart (April 26, 2011)
Enjoy!
Peace.
L.
As if Congress's taking 9 yrs. just to pass a Healthcare Bill that would assist our 9/11 First Responders in paying for their medical expenses - paying for treatment of the cancers and the respiratory diseases they've developed after sifting through the World Trade Center Tower rubble (for weeks on end) - tirelessly searching through the still-smouldering devastation, dust and blood for remains so that those still missing could, finally, be identified and their families could, eventually, have some sort of closure... As if that wasn't enough ...
Nope, apparently not...
In an "Insult To Injury" Amendment added by Senator Cliff Stearns (R.FL)...
America's 9/11 First Responders (the ones who haven't already Died from injuries sustained doing those heroic duties) who submit a claim so that they can pay for their medical treatment, must first undergo a background check/be checked against the Terrorist Watch List before receiving money for their chemotherapy.
Ugh!... sometimes I Really Dislike human beings.
(From last night's The Daily Show.)
* I'd encourage you to watch the segment - in its entirety - as broadcast in the whole episode (It's the first segment in the episode). For some reason, Comedy Central chopped it into two pieces and "the whole is more than the sum of its parts" - as some wise person once said.
First clip (3:36)
Second clip (5:20)
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart (April 26, 2011)
Enjoy!
Peace.
L.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
11-Year Old Texas Girl Gang-Raped By 18+ Men & Boys. Community Expresses Concerns For... Her Rapists!
Rape is a Crime of Violence. {Period.}
Regardless of Appearance/Manner of Dress - No One "Asks for it" or "Deserves it". {Period.}
And yet, despite this - somehow - the practice of victim-blaming continues... even in respected media outlets... even when the rape victims are children.
In a Just World, during the trials of rapists, details on such minutiae as: the victim's make-up application/style of dress; the kind of shoes worn; and discussing whether the rape victim had been drinking/was intoxicated would all be considered Inadmissible in the courtroom.
Why?
Because such details and others like them are Irrelevant. Period.
Why?
(Please refer to the first line of this Blog.)
Last November in Cleveland, Texas, an 11-yr. old girl was brutally gang-raped in a trash-filled and abandoned trailer by at least 18 men & boys - several of whom felt the grueling assault was a significant enough event as to be worth recording - so they filmed it on their cell-phones and later showed the films to friends of theirs.
(That's Strange... I suddenly feel an inexplicable urge to gather a tool-kit - just like the one Dexter Morgan uses for his extra-curricular activities - and take a trip to Texas. I say "Inexplicable", because I've never had any urge to/interest in going to Texas before.)
The details of the heinous crime are bad enough... Yet, that's not the end of the story.
Also Bad (very bad): Many of Cleveland,Texas' residents made statements which indicated that their primary concern was in regards to the possible long-term negative effects the upcoming trials and likely convictions would have on...
(I kid you not) the rapists.
Making A Bad Bad Situation Significantly Worse: Both the Houston Chronicle newspaper and the Houston Bureau Chief of the New York Times, James C. McKinley Jr., proceeded to sink so low - as in "Fox News" low - as to be compelled to go beyond simply reporting the facts: They made a point to heartily stoke the already-smoldering fires of the practice "victim-blaming" by printing several statements made by various members of the community - all of whom indicated that they were placing the blame for the 18-man gang-rape on either: A.) the 11-yr. old victim or B.) the victim's Mother (As in the outraged, "Where was her Mother?!" and "What kind of Mother lets her 11-year old child wander around like that?". To which I would respond with an opposing - and more pertinent question... like: "What kind of Mother doesn't teach her sons not to rape?")
In the 21st Century, such misplaced sympathy, ludicrous questions & callous insensitivity - dare I say misogyny - and an utterly indefensible refusal to hold men responsible & accountable for brutally and forcibly violating other human beings is not just beyond Disgusting... It is beyond Comprehension.
To offer you the best means to decide for yourself via various perspectives on this stunning story...
Here's the initial Ms. Magazine article which caught my eye and from which I gleaned the links to the New York Times And Houston Chronicle articles (found below):
I hope the young girl - who is in a new school (in Gifted classes) and has, since the attack, been placed into foster care because local authorities are concerned for her safety - and her Mother, sisters and brother (who have also had to move to another town out of the same concern for their safety) - continue to heal, receive all the support they needs and that they are able to enjoy safe, happy and fulfilling lives.
As for the 18-20+ men and boys who threatened, kidnapped, gang-raped, taped the rapes and then did a show-and-tell with the videos as well as uploading them onto the internet AND have threatened her and her family since the arrests began... I'll simply say this, "May each and every one of you receive all that you deserve - and may it be a good lesson to you."
Peace.
L.
*Thanks to One Million Pissed Off Women for bringing this story to my attention!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Show: Tales of Principled Behavior- Obama Birth Cert. Mystery, Or Bill O'Reilly Just Blew My Mind
If anyone at any moment throughout my Life had ever suggested to me that I would be expressing the following sentiment, I would have been either: A.) rendered completely helpless for a good five minutes (at least) due to convulsing into hysterical fits of laughter or... B.) suggested that they had - in that very instant - simply become irrevocably insane.
The words that I never (in a million-trillion years) would have ever believed I would ever utter (not even in jest) are these:
Pappa Bear Bill O'Reilly has accomplished something which I would have previously considered Impossible - if I had ever ventured to consider such an unlikely act coming from the man behind The O'Reilly Factor (on Fox). A feat which, when I first watched the tape, left me momentarily stunned & speechless and one which I willingly admit is deserving of our respect and is the kind of use of time and resources for which I would encourage him to engage in more often.
What did O'Reilly do?
He spent some of his On-Air time during The O'Reilly Factor reviewing some of the most pervasive online myths regarding President Obama and then stating to his (inexplicably) wide audience that they are, indeed, False claims and then exposing the Truth Behind The Lie/Myth.
To say I was stunned to see the historically right-wing and non fact-checking Mr. O'Reilly's participating in Truth-Seeking and Myth-Busting - especially when it concerns our Democratic President and especially on-the-record and On-The-Air during his own program... is the epitome of understatement.
First, he Trumped ridiculous Wanna-Be Republican Candidate for President, Donald Trump, following the D-oh-nald's laughable attempt to lend credence to the already-busted and now simply delusional "Birther" myth/belief that President Obama wasn't born in Hawaii/America.
And that was just for starters.
Uh... Way to go, Bill! And, umm.... Keep up the great work!
(F.Y.I. ~ Hell has just frozen over.)
Here's the clip that blew my mind and... restored my faith in hum... (Nah...) restored my belief that Anything's Possible:
(From Wednesday, April 13, 2011's The Daily Show)
Daily Show: Tales of Principled Behavior - Obama Birth Certificate Mystery
The words that I never (in a million-trillion years) would have ever believed I would ever utter (not even in jest) are these:
Pappa Bear Bill O'Reilly has accomplished something which I would have previously considered Impossible - if I had ever ventured to consider such an unlikely act coming from the man behind The O'Reilly Factor (on Fox). A feat which, when I first watched the tape, left me momentarily stunned & speechless and one which I willingly admit is deserving of our respect and is the kind of use of time and resources for which I would encourage him to engage in more often.
What did O'Reilly do?
He spent some of his On-Air time during The O'Reilly Factor reviewing some of the most pervasive online myths regarding President Obama and then stating to his (inexplicably) wide audience that they are, indeed, False claims and then exposing the Truth Behind The Lie/Myth.
To say I was stunned to see the historically right-wing and non fact-checking Mr. O'Reilly's participating in Truth-Seeking and Myth-Busting - especially when it concerns our Democratic President and especially on-the-record and On-The-Air during his own program... is the epitome of understatement.
First, he Trumped ridiculous Wanna-Be Republican Candidate for President, Donald Trump, following the D-oh-nald's laughable attempt to lend credence to the already-busted and now simply delusional "Birther" myth/belief that President Obama wasn't born in Hawaii/America.
And that was just for starters.
Uh... Way to go, Bill! And, umm.... Keep up the great work!
(F.Y.I. ~ Hell has just frozen over.)
Here's the clip that blew my mind and... restored my faith in hum... (Nah...) restored my belief that Anything's Possible:
(From Wednesday, April 13, 2011's The Daily Show)
Daily Show: Tales of Principled Behavior - Obama Birth Certificate Mystery
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Inquiring Minds Wanted To Know: Was Sarah Palin's Pregnancy A Hoax?
P.S.~ This is not a case of "going after someone's children", although that's what the first outraged defenders of Palin will, undoubtedly, cry out - with much gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes..
What it Is: A case of then-Alaska governor and candidate for Vice President of the U.S.A., Palin, and untold numbers of helpers attempting to - well, no... they did put one over on all of America.
And I, for one, think that their bunko behavior Sucks.
I also think that all of the people who were instrumental/complicit in perpetrating this hoax need to be exposed, publicly, as the Liars, Deceivers & Frauds that they work so hard to be and truly are.
Enjoy!
Peace,
L.Thursday, April 07, 2011
Versace 2011: That's Mighty White Of Them...
"That's Mighty White Of Them..."
Umm...
I must say that, after having perused Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection runway fashion show images, that I'm... Wow... Well, I'm...
I guess "Stunned" would be a good word.
Mind you, I don't mean "Stunned" in good way.
"Why?", you might ask... (Please Ask.)
Because every single runway model - in both Versace's men's & women's collections - is... oh... Uber-Caucasian.
In fact... (personally) I found the men extremely Aryan-looking and not all that physically-attractive - for my own tastes, anyway. As I looked at them, I kept seeing Prince Charles, for some reason...
And, in the spirit of "full-disclosure", to be honest: looking at high-end European facist... (oops!)... I meant fashion... show models is something that I never do, usually.
Like you, I have infinitely more important things to do taking up so called "time" in my life - like watching grass grow - but I had to grit my teeth and do a little slumming while doing research for one of my upcoming eBay listings.
So, I have yet to compare Versace's dismal, pasty-faced parade to the diversity (or lack thereof) found at other fashion power-houses...
But, now that Versace's glaring lack of color - not to mention evolution - has gotten my ire up...
What can I say?
It's a dirty job... but, somebody's gotta do it. And, as is often the case in such situations, I pick... Me.
So, in the coming days, I'll be going undercover... I'll become a "Pretender".
The "Pretend": I'll become a style-conscious Fashionista... getting a line on all the glamour-gossip... rubbing virtual shoulders with the chi-chi and the (eww!) trendy...
(Sigh...)
And then, after I've taken a very long, very hot shower (or three) and scrubbed all of the over-the-top superficiality off of me... I'll let you know what I've uncovered.
Peace,
L.
*The House of Versace has been run by sister Donatella since Gianni was murdered in the 1990's.
P.S. ~ Check out the photos for yourselves and let me know what You think:
Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Women's Collection.
Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Men's Collection.
Umm...
I must say that, after having perused Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection runway fashion show images, that I'm... Wow... Well, I'm...
I guess "Stunned" would be a good word.
Mind you, I don't mean "Stunned" in good way.
"Why?", you might ask... (Please Ask.)
Because every single runway model - in both Versace's men's & women's collections - is... oh... Uber-Caucasian.
In fact... (personally) I found the men extremely Aryan-looking and not all that physically-attractive - for my own tastes, anyway. As I looked at them, I kept seeing Prince Charles, for some reason...
And, in the spirit of "full-disclosure", to be honest: looking at high-end European facist... (oops!)... I meant fashion... show models is something that I never do, usually.
Like you, I have infinitely more important things to do taking up so called "time" in my life - like watching grass grow - but I had to grit my teeth and do a little slumming while doing research for one of my upcoming eBay listings.
So, I have yet to compare Versace's dismal, pasty-faced parade to the diversity (or lack thereof) found at other fashion power-houses...
But, now that Versace's glaring lack of color - not to mention evolution - has gotten my ire up...
What can I say?
It's a dirty job... but, somebody's gotta do it. And, as is often the case in such situations, I pick... Me.
So, in the coming days, I'll be going undercover... I'll become a "Pretender".
The "Pretend": I'll become a style-conscious Fashionista... getting a line on all the glamour-gossip... rubbing virtual shoulders with the chi-chi and the (eww!) trendy...
(Sigh...)
And then, after I've taken a very long, very hot shower (or three) and scrubbed all of the over-the-top superficiality off of me... I'll let you know what I've uncovered.
Peace,
L.
*The House of Versace has been run by sister Donatella since Gianni was murdered in the 1990's.
P.S. ~ Check out the photos for yourselves and let me know what You think:
Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Women's Collection.
Versace's Fall/Winter 2011 Men's Collection.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)