The Coy Candidate, aka actor Fred Thompson, is raking in campaign contributions while avoiding campaign finance laws, thanks to the help of a lot of familiar folks in Tennessee.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel breaks down the dominant players, and includes this quote from Thompson made on talk radio:
"[Thompson] compared his current efforts to “an old duck on a pond — calm on the surface, but paddling like the dickens underneath.”
Sure sounds like he's doing more 'ducking' than duck. Maybe he'll formally announce a campaign in September, maybe he won't. The money is flowing in, the accountability is avoided. This end-run on the legal edges indicates the precise kind of problem the country does not need, as R Neal pointed out last week at Facing South:
" ... what does it tell you about Fred Thompson, the candidate? One would have to wonder about all the secrecy, the working around the margins, and the off-the-books financing through a shadow campaign finance organization. One might also wonder, haven't we had enough of that?"
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Souring Rove
Don Williams offers a letter to the soon-to-depart hatchet man from the Bush administration, urging him to seek redemption.
"The self-serving praise you heaped on George W. Bush as you announced you'd be leaving him--praise for putting the country on a military footing, for making history, for winning those stolen elections and so on--will sour the longer you utter such things."
I doubt he's ready for a confession, Don. More likely he has plans for more string-pulling and nefarious plots in his hopes of making America a nation ruled by a tarted-up fantasy.
"The self-serving praise you heaped on George W. Bush as you announced you'd be leaving him--praise for putting the country on a military footing, for making history, for winning those stolen elections and so on--will sour the longer you utter such things."
I doubt he's ready for a confession, Don. More likely he has plans for more string-pulling and nefarious plots in his hopes of making America a nation ruled by a tarted-up fantasy.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Five Question Method
Interviews are seldom dull, though they sure can be. Happily, Newscoma came up with 5 questions which I thought were most interesting. Also, I cannot help but monkey with the meme and instead offer any readers here the same chance I have. So, if you are reading this and you would like to answer these same 5 questions in the comments or on your own blog, then please feel most welcome to do so!
1.What was the thing/time in your life that set you on a path of being politically aware? Hmmm. Well, I've often thought about this and the fact that I was always paying too much attention to the world of adults when I was a wee boy. Adults and their world perplexed and fascinated me. But I think it was, more than any other time, the summer of 1968, when I was 7, that I got engaged with politics. It was impossible to escape politics then - riots and protests and assassinations were everywhere you looked. I saw the impact the murders of Martin Luther King Jr and Bobby Kennedy had on just about everyone. And then the Chicago Democrat Convention showed me images of troops and police beating the crud out of Americans. That was, I thought, not the way America was meant to be. And it showed me that a person has to take courage and speak their mind on politics, local and national, or one day I would lose my rights. Yeah, I'm a hippie. But that also means I'm hip.
2. What is something about yourself that you would not change and why? Odd but this is connected to the previous question. One thing I would not change is that I still have a child's sense of curiosity and wonder. Some say I am childish. No, no. Not true. I was old when I was younger so it makes sense to me to be younger in my thinking as I get older. Now if I only knew what I was doing, I'd be in tall cotton.
3. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one book, one movie and one song to play during your time there, what would those three things be? Why? Yeesh. Almost impossible to answer. The book is easy - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon. I find new things each time I read it and it is immensely entertaining to me. One movie? Urg. If anything would make be batty it would be to lose access to endless movies. I'm addicted to them. But having only one to watch might just be worse than having none. Could I take two books?? One song? Oh that too would likely drive me bonkers, having only one song to listen to. The best I could do would be to pick just one album and that is Miles Davis Kind of Blue.
4. What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Maybe it was the Baptist upbringing I had - aren't all pleasures guilty ones? My fave? It's my movie addiction. I can't help myself.
5. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year old self now that you are an adult? Why? I would tell me several things. Perhaps it could proceed as follows: "Joe! Start drinking coffee!! You'll love it, trust me. You can actually make it to your 8 a.m. classes. And since I have your attention, Joe, stop signing up for 8 a.m. classes. Never take a class that starts before 10 a.m. I also know you are thinking about going to work for the Peace Corps. Do it. You'll get to travel and more important in the big picture, helping people to build a clean source for water or teaching them to read and write are some of the best things anyone could accomplish. And here's some shocking info for ya, bucko -- you are going to get old. Plan accordingly. And that girl you like? She's gonna be rich one day and living in Manhattan and she would like for you to be there as the years tick past, so don't be a chickenshit. It may not last forever, but maybe it will. And you are spot on about writing, so hammer away at it even harder. What's that, Joe? You don't need or want advice from old farts like me? Well, you're an old fart now, bucko!. But, yes, the journey is more fun than either of us can know. Now then, fix me a drink and tell me what we're doing tonight."
NOTE: In response to some queries, the header on the post is a variation on The 13 Question Method.
1.What was the thing/time in your life that set you on a path of being politically aware? Hmmm. Well, I've often thought about this and the fact that I was always paying too much attention to the world of adults when I was a wee boy. Adults and their world perplexed and fascinated me. But I think it was, more than any other time, the summer of 1968, when I was 7, that I got engaged with politics. It was impossible to escape politics then - riots and protests and assassinations were everywhere you looked. I saw the impact the murders of Martin Luther King Jr and Bobby Kennedy had on just about everyone. And then the Chicago Democrat Convention showed me images of troops and police beating the crud out of Americans. That was, I thought, not the way America was meant to be. And it showed me that a person has to take courage and speak their mind on politics, local and national, or one day I would lose my rights. Yeah, I'm a hippie. But that also means I'm hip.
2. What is something about yourself that you would not change and why? Odd but this is connected to the previous question. One thing I would not change is that I still have a child's sense of curiosity and wonder. Some say I am childish. No, no. Not true. I was old when I was younger so it makes sense to me to be younger in my thinking as I get older. Now if I only knew what I was doing, I'd be in tall cotton.
3. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one book, one movie and one song to play during your time there, what would those three things be? Why? Yeesh. Almost impossible to answer. The book is easy - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon. I find new things each time I read it and it is immensely entertaining to me. One movie? Urg. If anything would make be batty it would be to lose access to endless movies. I'm addicted to them. But having only one to watch might just be worse than having none. Could I take two books?? One song? Oh that too would likely drive me bonkers, having only one song to listen to. The best I could do would be to pick just one album and that is Miles Davis Kind of Blue.
4. What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Maybe it was the Baptist upbringing I had - aren't all pleasures guilty ones? My fave? It's my movie addiction. I can't help myself.
5. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year old self now that you are an adult? Why? I would tell me several things. Perhaps it could proceed as follows: "Joe! Start drinking coffee!! You'll love it, trust me. You can actually make it to your 8 a.m. classes. And since I have your attention, Joe, stop signing up for 8 a.m. classes. Never take a class that starts before 10 a.m. I also know you are thinking about going to work for the Peace Corps. Do it. You'll get to travel and more important in the big picture, helping people to build a clean source for water or teaching them to read and write are some of the best things anyone could accomplish. And here's some shocking info for ya, bucko -- you are going to get old. Plan accordingly. And that girl you like? She's gonna be rich one day and living in Manhattan and she would like for you to be there as the years tick past, so don't be a chickenshit. It may not last forever, but maybe it will. And you are spot on about writing, so hammer away at it even harder. What's that, Joe? You don't need or want advice from old farts like me? Well, you're an old fart now, bucko!. But, yes, the journey is more fun than either of us can know. Now then, fix me a drink and tell me what we're doing tonight."
NOTE: In response to some queries, the header on the post is a variation on The 13 Question Method.
A Computer Re-Imagined
I am likely to take a ballpeen hammer to my computer today. Fix it real good.
I'm just sayin'.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Civil War Soldiers vs Dinosaurs
Not far from this corner of East Tennessee, folks can find some sights that are simply not among those you can find anywhere else. Like what, you ask?
Well, first there is Foamhenge. Yes, it is indeed Foamhenge. I saw this and immediately wondered if the guys from Spinal Tap had ever seen it.
And as an added bonus, another unique location. Dinosaur Kingdom -- the only place in the world where Civil War soldiers are attacked by the giant prehistoric reptiles. Take that, Creation Musuem! Pictures and info on both Foamhenge and Dinosaur Kingdom are here at Hillbilly Savants.
They also had another post which gave me pause, about the mysterious herbal delight called ginseng. A chunk of it just sold for $400,000!!
I do recall growing up when someone asked me if I wanted to go Ginseng Hunting. I admit I thought to myself, "what did he just say? and what word was he trying to say which has been filtered through mountain-speak?" Foolish me. It brought good money way back then and who knew one day it would be a key ingredient in a host of energy drinks and vitamins?
And that, for some reason, brings to mind the three warehouses which bear the name Elizabethton Metal and Herb Company.
Who is this Rove?
While dominating political debates and policies for years, when the history of American politics is written, Karl Rove will be a footnote, a thesis paper topic, and an example of 'what could have been'.
I'd wager that about as many average folks know Rove's name as know the legacy of President McKinley, the man Rove used as template for political ambition.
Rove's resignation from the White House staff might have made news headlines today, but most in America can tell you more about Lindsay Lohan.
What does his departure mean? I think Eugene Robinson is probably right:
"Rove's new job will be to put lipstick on Bush's hideous legacy -- and, in the process, freshen up his own."
"But let's give the man his due. Karl Rove managed to get George Walker Bush elected president of the United States, not once but twice. Okay, you're right, the first time he needed big assists from Katherine Harris (speaking of lipstick) and the U.S. Supreme Court, but still. Honesty requires the acknowledgment that Rove was very good at what he did.
"The problem, of course, is that what Rove did and how he did it were awful for the nation."
Even a dubious legacy is still a legacy.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Forum from T-FIRE Draws Concerns
State Rep. Stacey Campfield (R) spoke to a gathering of folks who see many threats to America from illegal immigrants which was held in Morristown over the weekend. The group, says one blogger, dips into some dangerously racist worldviews:
"I think allowing white supremacist concerns to slip into the immigration debate is ridiculous. Why are respected Tennesseans granting validity to this nonsense? "
The entire post from Aunt B. can be read here.
"I think allowing white supremacist concerns to slip into the immigration debate is ridiculous. Why are respected Tennesseans granting validity to this nonsense? "
The entire post from Aunt B. can be read here.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Guide To Webspeak
The ever-expanding online world, where topics and talks change moment by moment, can be a daunting and confusing world for those who want to jump into the often wild and wooly debates and discussions.
And the language itself changes just as fast, and as texting messages grows in popularity, slang becomes an even deeper and more bizarre swirling eddy of information.
I have a friend who often visits various forums and message boards about television who says the manipulation of language (or the failure of understanding what language really is) is enough to give him a brain aneurysm.
That's why the Urban Dictionary can be your friend. And whether new to the internets or a longtime player, that site is just mighty fun to read.
Some samples:
pregret
The feeling of regretting something you're about to do anyway.
cafediem
Caffeinate the day.
(NOTE: I like the definition of "seize the coffee" better and have submitted as much to the Urban Dictionary folks.
iPerbole
The media hype which surrounds the release of new Apple products.
The best advice I can offer newbies for such rapid language changes - this is a media which is being created anew every nanosecond. Someone is always going to be ahead of you, and many more will be trailing after. Relax. If it doesn't make sense to you now, it might eventually. Maybe.
And the language itself changes just as fast, and as texting messages grows in popularity, slang becomes an even deeper and more bizarre swirling eddy of information.
I have a friend who often visits various forums and message boards about television who says the manipulation of language (or the failure of understanding what language really is) is enough to give him a brain aneurysm.
That's why the Urban Dictionary can be your friend. And whether new to the internets or a longtime player, that site is just mighty fun to read.
Some samples:
pregret
The feeling of regretting something you're about to do anyway.
cafediem
Caffeinate the day.
(NOTE: I like the definition of "seize the coffee" better and have submitted as much to the Urban Dictionary folks.
iPerbole
The media hype which surrounds the release of new Apple products.
The best advice I can offer newbies for such rapid language changes - this is a media which is being created anew every nanosecond. Someone is always going to be ahead of you, and many more will be trailing after. Relax. If it doesn't make sense to you now, it might eventually. Maybe.
Aide to Rep. Davis Caught Altering Online Bio
The online world seems to be troublesome for ET Congressman David Davis. Following the online media and traditional media criticisms for a vote he made against tougher laws on dogfighting, Davis' press secretary Tim Hill, was caught trying to eliminate info on the WikiPedia website showing King Pharmaceuticals contributions to Davis and to Tennessee State Representative Matthew Hill, Tim's brother.
Oddly, Hill says he was just trying to make information about those connections disappear because it was "hurtful" to Davis. Which is not to say the information was not accurate. It was. But Hill seems to think the facts could be damaging. The very tech savvy administrators at WikiPedia caught the meddling effort and corrected it.
The online world is not very kind to Rep. Hill. This site, which is heavily linked to Democrat causes, has tracked his legislative record extensively.
SEE ALSO: Additional information reported in the Kingsport Times-News.
Oddly, Hill says he was just trying to make information about those connections disappear because it was "hurtful" to Davis. Which is not to say the information was not accurate. It was. But Hill seems to think the facts could be damaging. The very tech savvy administrators at WikiPedia caught the meddling effort and corrected it.
The online world is not very kind to Rep. Hill. This site, which is heavily linked to Democrat causes, has tracked his legislative record extensively.
SEE ALSO: Additional information reported in the Kingsport Times-News.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Rep. David Davis Dogged Again
While the GOP faithful paid out big bucks at a fundraiser for Rep. David Davis at the Bristol Motor Speedway yesterday, protesters braved the soaring temperatures to tell Rep. Davis his vote against tougher sentencing on dogfighting was a terrible move.
The always entertaining writing of DeMarCaTionVille features the event and story in the Kingsport press. Wonder if other news agencies in the 1st District will pick up the story that has been dogging Davis?
The Editor says Rep. Davis has been nipping at her heels over the dogfighting No vote he made as well. They called her this week after tracking her blog. Davis' legislative director, Richard Vaughn, says he is eager to talk about the problem.
DeMarCaTionVille also has a hilarious bit from Jay Leno from last Friday, as Jay tears into the Johnson City minister busted for .... well, being pretty dang naughty in public.
And yes oh yes, if you are not reading DeMarCaTionVille yet - my advice is to start and make it a regular stopping place on your web travels. I sure have!
UPDATE: Michael Silence posts another news report on the protest:
"It should have been a vote against dogfighting and making it more of a felony instead of a misdemeanor,“ said Greeneville veterinarian Vickie Howell, one of the protesters. "It’s kind of a black eye for the state of Tennessee and the 1st District."
UPDATE II: Another newspaper, this one from Oak Ridge, also chastises Rep. Davis:
"The Upstate’s freshman congressman has distinguished himself as a proponent of the status quo."
Camera Obscura - Neil Gaiman, Masters of Sci-Fi, Whedon Interview
Some quick TV notes for you to start off this Friday.
All day on Turner Classic Movies is a Vincent Price marathon. Many great performances and films are presented, including the weird "The Tingler" and his version of "I Am Legend", called "The Last Man On Earth." Tonight will bring some of his best known movies, the Roger Corman adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe stories as well as "The Abominable Dr. Phibes". (Phibes was the "Saw" series of it's day.)
I also love the marketing ploy used in "The Tingler" (the first movie to feature an LSD trip scene) as random theatre seats in movie houses across the country were fitted with honest-to-Pete electric shock gizmos. At certain times during the film, your seat would buzz and vibrate with a light shock and those in the seats would usually scream and jump up, which started some truly chaotic moments in the theatres.
Yeah, you could not do that today. Lawsuits would follow. The audience always got plenty of shocks in movies from producer William Castle, who would often provide a 'nurse on duty' during his movies, or offer you free life insurance in case you died of fear during his movies. Castle was the man who coined the advertising line "Just keep telling yourself, It's Only A Movie! It's Only A Movie!!"
Another TV treat is getting a very brief lifespan on ABCs on Saturday nights at 10 pm, "Masters of Science Fiction." This week's episode is based on a story by Howard Fast ("Spartacus") and is set in the war zones of Baghdad. Terry O'Quinn stars. The next two (of only four episodes) feature dramas based on the works of Heinlein and Harlan Ellison. NPR has a fantastic review of the show.
NPR also has a tasty segment on the delicious comedy show Robot Chicken, which starts it's third season on Adult Swim on August 12th. The geek in me is always impressed by the rapid-fire pop culture assault that RC provides in 10 and 15 minute bite-sized chunks.
-----
More proof I am a geek:
A week or so ago, I got an early birthday present. It's yet another t-shirt to add to my gigantic collection of clothing from movies and television. The shirt is simply the punchline from an online comic strip, PVP, from 2005 as a father and son debate Episode 3 of the "Star Wars" saga. (click to embiggen)
And the shirt is shown here.
Speaking of Joss Whedon, a jam-packed interview from the just completed San Diego Comic Con has plenty of details about his work on Buffy and Angel and Firefly and future projects. I have always had my own tag line for the man, taken from Marvel Comics -- "Make Mine Whedon!"
-----
Comic books continue their massive influence on Hollywood with the opening this weekend of the fantasy adventure "Stardust" written by one of the most popular comics writer and novelist in many years, Neil Gaiman. It's a more intense and scary version of "Princess Bride".
The reviews are very strong for the movie. It stars Michelle Pfieffer, Robert De Niro, Peter O' Toole, Claire Danes and Ricky Gervais. Director Matthew Vaughn, whose previous movie "Layer Cake" I have mentioned many times here before, may be about to take over another comic book to movie project for marvel, Thor. Get all the details on Vaughn and "Stardust" and "Layer Cake" here.
And if you haven't read any of his work, his novel "American Gods" is a fine place to start.
Now please excuse me -- I have TV to watch and other geek habits to employ.
All day on Turner Classic Movies is a Vincent Price marathon. Many great performances and films are presented, including the weird "The Tingler" and his version of "I Am Legend", called "The Last Man On Earth." Tonight will bring some of his best known movies, the Roger Corman adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe stories as well as "The Abominable Dr. Phibes". (Phibes was the "Saw" series of it's day.)
I also love the marketing ploy used in "The Tingler" (the first movie to feature an LSD trip scene) as random theatre seats in movie houses across the country were fitted with honest-to-Pete electric shock gizmos. At certain times during the film, your seat would buzz and vibrate with a light shock and those in the seats would usually scream and jump up, which started some truly chaotic moments in the theatres.
Yeah, you could not do that today. Lawsuits would follow. The audience always got plenty of shocks in movies from producer William Castle, who would often provide a 'nurse on duty' during his movies, or offer you free life insurance in case you died of fear during his movies. Castle was the man who coined the advertising line "Just keep telling yourself, It's Only A Movie! It's Only A Movie!!"
Another TV treat is getting a very brief lifespan on ABCs on Saturday nights at 10 pm, "Masters of Science Fiction." This week's episode is based on a story by Howard Fast ("Spartacus") and is set in the war zones of Baghdad. Terry O'Quinn stars. The next two (of only four episodes) feature dramas based on the works of Heinlein and Harlan Ellison. NPR has a fantastic review of the show.
NPR also has a tasty segment on the delicious comedy show Robot Chicken, which starts it's third season on Adult Swim on August 12th. The geek in me is always impressed by the rapid-fire pop culture assault that RC provides in 10 and 15 minute bite-sized chunks.
-----
More proof I am a geek:
A week or so ago, I got an early birthday present. It's yet another t-shirt to add to my gigantic collection of clothing from movies and television. The shirt is simply the punchline from an online comic strip, PVP, from 2005 as a father and son debate Episode 3 of the "Star Wars" saga. (click to embiggen)
And the shirt is shown here.
Speaking of Joss Whedon, a jam-packed interview from the just completed San Diego Comic Con has plenty of details about his work on Buffy and Angel and Firefly and future projects. I have always had my own tag line for the man, taken from Marvel Comics -- "Make Mine Whedon!"
-----
Comic books continue their massive influence on Hollywood with the opening this weekend of the fantasy adventure "Stardust" written by one of the most popular comics writer and novelist in many years, Neil Gaiman. It's a more intense and scary version of "Princess Bride".
The reviews are very strong for the movie. It stars Michelle Pfieffer, Robert De Niro, Peter O' Toole, Claire Danes and Ricky Gervais. Director Matthew Vaughn, whose previous movie "Layer Cake" I have mentioned many times here before, may be about to take over another comic book to movie project for marvel, Thor. Get all the details on Vaughn and "Stardust" and "Layer Cake" here.
And if you haven't read any of his work, his novel "American Gods" is a fine place to start.
Now please excuse me -- I have TV to watch and other geek habits to employ.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
FISA, CSPAN and the Facts
Many of the problems with the new expansion of previously illegal warrantless surveillance are provided clearly and plainly in a discussion on CSPAN with Glenn Greenwald and former Reagan appointee Dave Rivkin. For one thing, Rivkin has that faulty memory so famous among Reganites about the cabinet-level officials indicted in the 1980s.
I saw this yesterday and was impressed with how well Greenwald lays out many key issues -- such as the new law does not require a person being 'listened to' actually be a terrorism suspect. And a point I've been hitting on too, that until this law was passed, the President and his staff have been conducting illegal surveillance. Years of breaking the law just don't seem to matter. And there is the retroactive protection of phone companies who illegally provided records to the illegal program.
It's a very intense discussion, including the call-ins. Here is a snippet, but the entire 48 minute discussion can be accessed here at CSPAN's archives and is must-see TV--
UPDATE: A very interesting article in Salon (reg. required) takes a look at the expanding technologies available for surveillance and the many ways it is used under the current administration. Check it out.
Here is a brief excerpt:
"Military, intelligence agency and police work is also coming together in numerous "fusion centers" around the country in a joint program run by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security that has received little public attention. At present, there are 43 current and planned fusion centers in the United States where information from intelligence agencies, the FBI, local police, private sector databases and anonymous tipsters is combined and analyzed by counterterrorism analysts. DHS hopes to create a wide network of such centers that would be tied into the agency's day-to-day activities, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center. The project, according to EPIC, "inculcates DHS with enormous domestic surveillance powers and evokes comparisons with the publicly condemned domestic surveillance program of COINTELPRO," the 1960s program by the FBI aimed at destroying groups on the American political left."
I saw this yesterday and was impressed with how well Greenwald lays out many key issues -- such as the new law does not require a person being 'listened to' actually be a terrorism suspect. And a point I've been hitting on too, that until this law was passed, the President and his staff have been conducting illegal surveillance. Years of breaking the law just don't seem to matter. And there is the retroactive protection of phone companies who illegally provided records to the illegal program.
It's a very intense discussion, including the call-ins. Here is a snippet, but the entire 48 minute discussion can be accessed here at CSPAN's archives and is must-see TV--
UPDATE: A very interesting article in Salon (reg. required) takes a look at the expanding technologies available for surveillance and the many ways it is used under the current administration. Check it out.
Here is a brief excerpt:
"Military, intelligence agency and police work is also coming together in numerous "fusion centers" around the country in a joint program run by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security that has received little public attention. At present, there are 43 current and planned fusion centers in the United States where information from intelligence agencies, the FBI, local police, private sector databases and anonymous tipsters is combined and analyzed by counterterrorism analysts. DHS hopes to create a wide network of such centers that would be tied into the agency's day-to-day activities, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center. The project, according to EPIC, "inculcates DHS with enormous domestic surveillance powers and evokes comparisons with the publicly condemned domestic surveillance program of COINTELPRO," the 1960s program by the FBI aimed at destroying groups on the American political left."
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Internets Destroying The World, or Idiocracy Revisited
It's not just the tech -- it's the people who use it -- destroying the world with their non-sanctified, unpaid views and opinions. Well, it is more that traditional media companies -- newspapers, radio, television, recording and film companies -- are losing business and consumers of their products.
That is the core of a book, titled "The Cult of the Amateur: How the Democratization of the Digital World Is Assaulting Our Economy, Our Culture and Our Values" by one Andrew Keen.
Damn that urge for Democracy!!
A review of the book via Sports Media America says:
"... the proliferation of Web technology and its wide and easy access to any Joe or Jane has created a rudderless, authority-less media environment responsible for the following primary ills:
1. A general and alarmingly casual disregard for facts (i.e., the truth about certain things)
2. A democratized approach to learning (e.g., Wikipedia), wherein those with expert opinion (and conventional credentials) are being pushed aside by an army of amateur thinkers and journalists
3. The rapid (and continuing and probably inevitable) financial decline in traditional media such as newspapers and magazines
4. The absolute destruction of the music business as we once knew it
5. The potential destruction of the film business
6. A compromised society-wide morality (especially among the younger, cut-and-paste generations) that fails to recognize theft of intellectual property as a criminal act (Keen dubs this scene a kleptocracy)
7. An onslaught of exposure to pornography that is warping minds and further fueling an atmosphere where sexual deviance and predatory activities are fostered."
(Thanks to Sparkwood & 21 for this account of the book.)
And don't forget the Evils of learning to read, of speaking without being a hired representative, and thinking for yourself. Add in the devious unprofessional handling of music, politics and documentation .... well, here we are, in a digital handbasket in a large pipeline heading to Hell.
That is the core of a book, titled "The Cult of the Amateur: How the Democratization of the Digital World Is Assaulting Our Economy, Our Culture and Our Values" by one Andrew Keen.
Damn that urge for Democracy!!
A review of the book via Sports Media America says:
"... the proliferation of Web technology and its wide and easy access to any Joe or Jane has created a rudderless, authority-less media environment responsible for the following primary ills:
1. A general and alarmingly casual disregard for facts (i.e., the truth about certain things)
2. A democratized approach to learning (e.g., Wikipedia), wherein those with expert opinion (and conventional credentials) are being pushed aside by an army of amateur thinkers and journalists
3. The rapid (and continuing and probably inevitable) financial decline in traditional media such as newspapers and magazines
4. The absolute destruction of the music business as we once knew it
5. The potential destruction of the film business
6. A compromised society-wide morality (especially among the younger, cut-and-paste generations) that fails to recognize theft of intellectual property as a criminal act (Keen dubs this scene a kleptocracy)
7. An onslaught of exposure to pornography that is warping minds and further fueling an atmosphere where sexual deviance and predatory activities are fostered."
(Thanks to Sparkwood & 21 for this account of the book.)
And don't forget the Evils of learning to read, of speaking without being a hired representative, and thinking for yourself. Add in the devious unprofessional handling of music, politics and documentation .... well, here we are, in a digital handbasket in a large pipeline heading to Hell.
A Webwalk From The Serious to the Not So Much
So much good reading, fascinating and provocative and informative, and on a wide range of topics. A brief tour is offered herein.
Failure dogs the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Bush threatens to veto bill for assistance. (via Facing South) --
"The failure is seen everywhere: The tens of thousands of people still living in "temporary" FEMA trailers because insurance companies and the government failed to compensate homeowners. The 100+ public schools still closed in New Orleans. Lack of housing that has driven up rents 100-200% across the Gulf Coast, unaffordable to many. The lack of any meaningful effort to restore Louisiana's stunning wetlands, the best defense against future storms.
So one can only imagine the rage that is greeting this week's news that President Bush plans to veto a $21 billion bill for flood control and coastal restoration, passed 381-40 this week with broad bipartisan support in the U.S. House. The bill's programs are national but of special importance in southern Louisiana, where it would fund a 72-mile levee and floodwall system and put $1.9 billion -- a fraction of what's needed -- towards coastal restoration."
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If you're paying millions of dollars to writers and consultants to create information opposing the scientific findings related to global warming, that is not an imaginary conspiracy -- it's called paid propaganda. (via KnoxViews)
" ... learn how their propaganda campaign has successfully fooled 64% of Americans into thinking there is "a lot of scientific disagreement on climate change."
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Did you know that today is an almost formal state holiday?? Anyone? .... Bueller? Well it is and no, until I read ACK's post sharing the information, I simply did not know that today is Emancipation Day. The Greeneville Sun covers the story:
"Organizers of the event estimate that a few hundred individuals, some of whom came from out of town to attend, were on hand for the annual African-American historical celebration that marks the emancipation by then-Tennessee Military Governor Andrew Johnson of his personal slaves."
-----
Angelia reports that TriCities.com gives 1st District Congressman David Davis a 'thumbs down."
-----
Is that a monkey under your hat or are you just happy to see --- Oh My God! It is a monkey under your hat!!
-----
Um. Well. I know it's not meant to make me laugh but I, for one, am utterly helpless before the headlines and stories heralding the game that is sweeping through Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. Yes, it is a Carnival of Cornhole.
Friends in the know confirm the game has captured tons of fans. That was after I sent them some info directing them to the American Cornhole Association website. (thanks, Sysm!)
Failure dogs the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Bush threatens to veto bill for assistance. (via Facing South) --
"The failure is seen everywhere: The tens of thousands of people still living in "temporary" FEMA trailers because insurance companies and the government failed to compensate homeowners. The 100+ public schools still closed in New Orleans. Lack of housing that has driven up rents 100-200% across the Gulf Coast, unaffordable to many. The lack of any meaningful effort to restore Louisiana's stunning wetlands, the best defense against future storms.
So one can only imagine the rage that is greeting this week's news that President Bush plans to veto a $21 billion bill for flood control and coastal restoration, passed 381-40 this week with broad bipartisan support in the U.S. House. The bill's programs are national but of special importance in southern Louisiana, where it would fund a 72-mile levee and floodwall system and put $1.9 billion -- a fraction of what's needed -- towards coastal restoration."
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If you're paying millions of dollars to writers and consultants to create information opposing the scientific findings related to global warming, that is not an imaginary conspiracy -- it's called paid propaganda. (via KnoxViews)
" ... learn how their propaganda campaign has successfully fooled 64% of Americans into thinking there is "a lot of scientific disagreement on climate change."
-----
Did you know that today is an almost formal state holiday?? Anyone? .... Bueller? Well it is and no, until I read ACK's post sharing the information, I simply did not know that today is Emancipation Day. The Greeneville Sun covers the story:
"Organizers of the event estimate that a few hundred individuals, some of whom came from out of town to attend, were on hand for the annual African-American historical celebration that marks the emancipation by then-Tennessee Military Governor Andrew Johnson of his personal slaves."
-----
Angelia reports that TriCities.com gives 1st District Congressman David Davis a 'thumbs down."
-----
Is that a monkey under your hat or are you just happy to see --- Oh My God! It is a monkey under your hat!!
-----
Um. Well. I know it's not meant to make me laugh but I, for one, am utterly helpless before the headlines and stories heralding the game that is sweeping through Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. Yes, it is a Carnival of Cornhole.
Friends in the know confirm the game has captured tons of fans. That was after I sent them some info directing them to the American Cornhole Association website. (thanks, Sysm!)
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The Plot Against Chocolate
This is just wrong.
"Chocolate in its purest state - the "liquor" made from ground, processed cacao beans - must contain between 50 percent and 60 percent cocoa butter, also known as cocoa fat.
"Chocolate in its purest state - the "liquor" made from ground, processed cacao beans - must contain between 50 percent and 60 percent cocoa butter, also known as cocoa fat.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Chocolate Manufacturers Association and 10 other food industry groups want more flexibility in those rigid standards. They seek broad permission to add ingredients, use different techniques, employ new shapes and substitute ingredients - something the standards currently don't allow.
---
"Manufacturers already can use vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter - they just can't call it "chocolate." Hundreds of people have filed comments with the FDA, with the overwhelming majority seeking to keep it that way, according to an Associated Press review of the file.
"But the shift would make chocolate cheaper to produce, since cocoa butter can be four or more times the cost of shea, palm oil and other vegetable fats.
"If you're able to replace cocoa butter with another fat, even at the 5 percent level, you're saving lots and lots of money, especially if you are a major manufacturer of chocolate bars," said Bernard Pacyniak, editor in chief of Candy Industry magazine. ... But Gary Guittard, the president of California's Guittard Chocolate Co and others question that and said any change would debase the very nature of chocolate.
"This incremental degradation of foods over the years - it's a degradation that comes from wanting to make it for less money. We're always trying to make a little more money, and that I think is the problem," said Guittard."
Monday, August 06, 2007
Dude! The Party's in Iran!
An international crowd showed up for a rave just outside of Tehran, Iran -- proof enough that plenty of people will party no matter the danger or risk.
"Iran's drive to enforce Islamic morals netted revellers from Britain and Sweden after police swooped on a "satanic" concert organised over the internet.
"Most of the detainees came from rich families and included people from Iranian backgrounds who had travelled from Britain and Sweden ..."
How the heck did they get past the borders?
Of course, some say this is a U.S. plan:
"Last Wednesday's raid occurred during a government-backed "social security" campaign in which police have arrested or cautioned thousands of women whose dress or headscarves have been deemed insufficiently Islamic. While such offensives occur periodically, this year's has been carried out with unusual intensity over a prolonged period amid accusations that the US is trying to topple the Islamic regime through a "soft revolution".
If so, then this may be the best plan yet out of Washington. I mean, gosh, we all know that Culture Wars from within America are the most dire threats imaginable -- just listen to FOX News and most talk radio.
Let's appoint Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton to join an international rave cartel (based in Amsterdam) and make Iran and Iraq and the rest of the troubled middle east into a bona fide Destination Democracy where party doesn't mean nuthin' but a good time.
Leaving behind stacks of CDs, caches of liquor and drugs, and maybe some glo-stix has got to be a lot safer than losing hundreds of thousands of weapons.
"Iran's drive to enforce Islamic morals netted revellers from Britain and Sweden after police swooped on a "satanic" concert organised over the internet.
"Most of the detainees came from rich families and included people from Iranian backgrounds who had travelled from Britain and Sweden ..."
How the heck did they get past the borders?
Of course, some say this is a U.S. plan:
"Last Wednesday's raid occurred during a government-backed "social security" campaign in which police have arrested or cautioned thousands of women whose dress or headscarves have been deemed insufficiently Islamic. While such offensives occur periodically, this year's has been carried out with unusual intensity over a prolonged period amid accusations that the US is trying to topple the Islamic regime through a "soft revolution".
If so, then this may be the best plan yet out of Washington. I mean, gosh, we all know that Culture Wars from within America are the most dire threats imaginable -- just listen to FOX News and most talk radio.
Let's appoint Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton to join an international rave cartel (based in Amsterdam) and make Iran and Iraq and the rest of the troubled middle east into a bona fide Destination Democracy where party doesn't mean nuthin' but a good time.
Leaving behind stacks of CDs, caches of liquor and drugs, and maybe some glo-stix has got to be a lot safer than losing hundreds of thousands of weapons.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Congress Expands Secret Spying Plans
I posted the following over at KnoxViews today, a somewhat cautious post as I was entering the group blog thing for the first time there. I was and I am seeking some other opinons on the last-minute approval of an even larger federal secret surveillance program by Congress. I am fairly disappointed by the passage, though I wonder if it's worth bringing up. So I offer the post here, to see if anyone has a comment other than Trust The President.
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UPDATE: Russ McBee has some thoughts on the passage of the bill, and more info on how it changes the spying rules is here at MetaFilter.
And one more thing to consider -- these changes in surveillance authority, would they be tolerated by Conservatives if the Attorney General was appointed by a Democrat president?
-----
I've never made a blog entry here, but this particular blog seems like the best forum to take my questions about what happened in Congress this weekend.
I'm referring to the passage, demanded by President Bush, of continuing to expand some questionable surveillance programs. I admit to having hopes they would be able to adjourn without voting on the bill, but realizing it would likely pass since this President seems to get from Congress whatever he wants or ignores them whenever he wants.
The always outspoken critic of the administration, Glenn Greenwald, writes about some of the same things the passage brought to my mind, but I have others too for your consideration.
Why was this bill not fought and debated as intently as the recent Iraq War funding debate? Was that just theatrics after all?
Why are Democrats (those who voted Yes are listed in Greenwald's article) caving to the President? Or was it caving in at all? Is this why Congress' approval ratings are so low?
I know the FISA bill has a limited lifespan, but once policies are made into law, they seldom end. I'm just not very happy with this approval and have been hoping that Congress would provide less approval, even if that means stalling the entire legislative agenda.
Not that I consider aggressive intelligence-gathering bad, far from it. But it sure seems like both the intelligence groups and the Attorney General's office have done a truly botched job in the last 6 years - so how can Congress justify expanding the roles of both groups?
And one more thing to consider -- these changes in surveillance authority, would they be tolerated by Conservatives if the Attorney General was appointed by a Democrat president?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
China Regulating Reincarnation
China's government says their approval and proper forms will be required for reincarnation. As goofy as the idea may sound, the story about their new 14-point program has a very specific goal:
"Because tulkus have a large influence in the Himalayan region, the Chinese government has frequently sought to control the process of identifying the boys.
The new regulations, which go into effect September 1, 2007, will make it illegal to identify the child reincarnation of the Dalai Lama without the approval of Chinese authorities."
In other words, China will try to make the currrent Dalai Lama the last Dalai Lama. And you thought your religious beliefs were being marginalized and removed from existence.
"Because tulkus have a large influence in the Himalayan region, the Chinese government has frequently sought to control the process of identifying the boys.
The new regulations, which go into effect September 1, 2007, will make it illegal to identify the child reincarnation of the Dalai Lama without the approval of Chinese authorities."
In other words, China will try to make the currrent Dalai Lama the last Dalai Lama. And you thought your religious beliefs were being marginalized and removed from existence.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Camera Obscura - Shooter, Watchmen, Bergman, Blow-Up
Conspiracies and secrets fill the movies on today's menu, along with generous amounts of tough guy-isms. Plus a few news items on movies coming out in The Future.
Speaking of The Future - the award for dumbest idea I've heard in a while is the project to make "Magic 8-Ball: The Movie". Yeah, the toy from the 1960s. At least it isn't a musical with John Travolta in drag (yet). Mattel and Hasbro are also pitching movies based on the board games Candy Land, Monopoly, and others. Hopefully all these ideas (like a lot of toys these days) will get recalled before they ever get rolling. Then again, if I could finish up my script for "Slinky vs Silly Putty" fast enough, I could be a major player in no time. No, you don't like that idea? Wait -- how about "Easy Bake Oven From Hell"??
A movie yet to be finished (or even started) held much of the attention at the San Diego Comic-Con which just wrapped up. The talk about the long-planned and now in pre-production movie version of Alan Moore's brilliant graphic novel "The Watchmen" was most intriguing. Director Zack Snyder, whose work has been just darn near flawless, has spoken of some terrible casting ideas in recent weeks, but the things he said in San Diego give me hope:
"One of the things I think is important about Watchmen is that it have resonance within cinematic pop culture as well as superhero culture. Because I believe there's a relationship between Rorschach and Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver."
"On running time for the film: "I don't have a time frame right now. I think it's running pretty long right now - it's about 130-140 page script, not counting "The Black Freighter". "The Black Freighter" (an essential subplot from the comic) is about 16 or 17 pages as a script."
-----
I have to give a big thank you to Les Jones, who wrote about a movie called "Shooter" out earlier this year and now on DVD. Based on action/adventure writer Stephen Hunter's book "Point of Impact," it didn't get much of a push from studios and disappeared quickly from theatres. But what Les wrote made me remember it and want to see it. Good call, Les.
Now you can watch it at home and prepare to be surprised. The story opens with a sweeping shot of burning villages in Ethiopia and the camera then tracks an oil pipeline, and by the end has covered several years and reaches deep into dark conspiracies about oil and government secrets. However the center of the story is Bob Lee Swagger, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is channeling Lee Marvin or Charles Bronson here. Swagger is a deadly sniper/marksman for the Army who is reluctantly drawn back into action when they appeal to his patriotic duty. There's enough action movie cliches here to make you pause, but don't -- this one plays out like an intense game which just gets better as it goes along.
Some key points -- never, ever mess with a guy who can shoot you from a mile away; lots of modern weapons tech and strategy play big roles; Ned Beatty does a nearly hilarious impersonation of Dick Cheney; and as Les noted, there's the scene in Athens, Tennessee - 'patron state of shootin' stuff' as Swagger calls us, where Swagger meets actor Levon Helm as a master of the history of weapons in a juicy part which Helm delivers with true style.
Wahlberg - and here's something I thought I'd never say -- is really impressive on the big screen. Contrast the steely-eyed Swagger with the nebbish and nervous hitman character he plays in the action/comedy "The Big Hit" or the soldier he plays in "Three Kings." Not to mention the small but fierce part he played in the Oscar-winning "The Departed."
-----
The Modern Tough Guy in movies was pretty much created by the pairing of director John Woo and actor Chow Yun Fat. Almost every video game shoot-em-up and most action movies that followed are all part of the Woo-Fat Pattern.
Their creation now comes full circle as a new video game for the PS3, "Stranglehold", is set for release. The game is a sequel to Woo's "Hard Boiled", where an animated Chow Yun Fat, playing a tough cop named Tequila (heh heh) will be the character you take through the continuing adventures in Hong Kong.
The action and characters and explosive action sequences have colored most U.S. and international movies made since it's release in 1992. And it still holds up very well. A new 2-disc DVD set of "Hard Boiled" is now out so I can finally retire my battered letterbox VHS copy.
From Woo to Wahlberg, the urban landscape has replaced the Monument Valley backdrop of John Ford westerns, but the themes about the nature of revenge and justice are just as vibrant today as ever.
-----
Two legends of cinema history died recently, Ingmar Bergman and Micheangelo Antonioni. They were masters of cinematic imagery.
Their influence permeated movies and directors and actors for decades and still does today. Both men discarded conventional filmmaking and searched, some would say desperately, for ways that cinema turns into expressions of our most complex emotions. No - they certainly do not make movies like that anymore.
While Bergman's works are worthy of viewing and study, it was Antonioni who had the most influence on me. "The Adventure", about a woman who vanishes during an afternoon of sailing, is almost purely metaphysical. It's as if her indifference literally makes her disappear from sight. And the response of her friends is to casually discard her disappearance as well, sealing her fate.
But for me, his movie "Blow-Up" is one of the best I've ever seen. Critics and writers have all pointed to the movie as a benchmark for the Lost Souls of 20th Century Life. And it surely does provide characters who dwell in a portable and throwaway lifestyle. But for me the story is about perception itself and how we make our own meanings about reality and life. Did the photographer played by David Hemmings witness a murder or did he imagine it? It's a plot that has been very popular ever since. Antonioni does not provide the answer - you either participate in the movie or it may just bore you to tears. I remain fascinated by the movie, though I am certain to perceive layers where others perceive little at all or nothing. I kind of think that was Antonioni's point.
See, I do watch something besides mindless action movies and zombie stories. Oddly, I have often wondered what the death-dwelling mind of Bergman would have done had he made a zombie movie.
We do know that Bergman lost the chess game. (He should have, like Bill and Ted, asked to play Clue or Battleship instead.)
Speaking of The Future - the award for dumbest idea I've heard in a while is the project to make "Magic 8-Ball: The Movie". Yeah, the toy from the 1960s. At least it isn't a musical with John Travolta in drag (yet). Mattel and Hasbro are also pitching movies based on the board games Candy Land, Monopoly, and others. Hopefully all these ideas (like a lot of toys these days) will get recalled before they ever get rolling. Then again, if I could finish up my script for "Slinky vs Silly Putty" fast enough, I could be a major player in no time. No, you don't like that idea? Wait -- how about "Easy Bake Oven From Hell"??
A movie yet to be finished (or even started) held much of the attention at the San Diego Comic-Con which just wrapped up. The talk about the long-planned and now in pre-production movie version of Alan Moore's brilliant graphic novel "The Watchmen" was most intriguing. Director Zack Snyder, whose work has been just darn near flawless, has spoken of some terrible casting ideas in recent weeks, but the things he said in San Diego give me hope:
"One of the things I think is important about Watchmen is that it have resonance within cinematic pop culture as well as superhero culture. Because I believe there's a relationship between Rorschach and Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver."
"On running time for the film: "I don't have a time frame right now. I think it's running pretty long right now - it's about 130-140 page script, not counting "The Black Freighter". "The Black Freighter" (an essential subplot from the comic) is about 16 or 17 pages as a script."
-----
I have to give a big thank you to Les Jones, who wrote about a movie called "Shooter" out earlier this year and now on DVD. Based on action/adventure writer Stephen Hunter's book "Point of Impact," it didn't get much of a push from studios and disappeared quickly from theatres. But what Les wrote made me remember it and want to see it. Good call, Les.
Now you can watch it at home and prepare to be surprised. The story opens with a sweeping shot of burning villages in Ethiopia and the camera then tracks an oil pipeline, and by the end has covered several years and reaches deep into dark conspiracies about oil and government secrets. However the center of the story is Bob Lee Swagger, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is channeling Lee Marvin or Charles Bronson here. Swagger is a deadly sniper/marksman for the Army who is reluctantly drawn back into action when they appeal to his patriotic duty. There's enough action movie cliches here to make you pause, but don't -- this one plays out like an intense game which just gets better as it goes along.
Some key points -- never, ever mess with a guy who can shoot you from a mile away; lots of modern weapons tech and strategy play big roles; Ned Beatty does a nearly hilarious impersonation of Dick Cheney; and as Les noted, there's the scene in Athens, Tennessee - 'patron state of shootin' stuff' as Swagger calls us, where Swagger meets actor Levon Helm as a master of the history of weapons in a juicy part which Helm delivers with true style.
Wahlberg - and here's something I thought I'd never say -- is really impressive on the big screen. Contrast the steely-eyed Swagger with the nebbish and nervous hitman character he plays in the action/comedy "The Big Hit" or the soldier he plays in "Three Kings." Not to mention the small but fierce part he played in the Oscar-winning "The Departed."
-----
The Modern Tough Guy in movies was pretty much created by the pairing of director John Woo and actor Chow Yun Fat. Almost every video game shoot-em-up and most action movies that followed are all part of the Woo-Fat Pattern.
Their creation now comes full circle as a new video game for the PS3, "Stranglehold", is set for release. The game is a sequel to Woo's "Hard Boiled", where an animated Chow Yun Fat, playing a tough cop named Tequila (heh heh) will be the character you take through the continuing adventures in Hong Kong.
The action and characters and explosive action sequences have colored most U.S. and international movies made since it's release in 1992. And it still holds up very well. A new 2-disc DVD set of "Hard Boiled" is now out so I can finally retire my battered letterbox VHS copy.
From Woo to Wahlberg, the urban landscape has replaced the Monument Valley backdrop of John Ford westerns, but the themes about the nature of revenge and justice are just as vibrant today as ever.
-----
Two legends of cinema history died recently, Ingmar Bergman and Micheangelo Antonioni. They were masters of cinematic imagery.
Their influence permeated movies and directors and actors for decades and still does today. Both men discarded conventional filmmaking and searched, some would say desperately, for ways that cinema turns into expressions of our most complex emotions. No - they certainly do not make movies like that anymore.
While Bergman's works are worthy of viewing and study, it was Antonioni who had the most influence on me. "The Adventure", about a woman who vanishes during an afternoon of sailing, is almost purely metaphysical. It's as if her indifference literally makes her disappear from sight. And the response of her friends is to casually discard her disappearance as well, sealing her fate.
But for me, his movie "Blow-Up" is one of the best I've ever seen. Critics and writers have all pointed to the movie as a benchmark for the Lost Souls of 20th Century Life. And it surely does provide characters who dwell in a portable and throwaway lifestyle. But for me the story is about perception itself and how we make our own meanings about reality and life. Did the photographer played by David Hemmings witness a murder or did he imagine it? It's a plot that has been very popular ever since. Antonioni does not provide the answer - you either participate in the movie or it may just bore you to tears. I remain fascinated by the movie, though I am certain to perceive layers where others perceive little at all or nothing. I kind of think that was Antonioni's point.
See, I do watch something besides mindless action movies and zombie stories. Oddly, I have often wondered what the death-dwelling mind of Bergman would have done had he made a zombie movie.
We do know that Bergman lost the chess game. (He should have, like Bill and Ted, asked to play Clue or Battleship instead.)
Thursday, August 02, 2007
These Robotic Bears Can Rock
Wow. I am impressed and perhaps a little frightened by these videos.
This enterprising fellow got some of the old musical robotic bears (and a gorilla too) from an old Showbiz Pizza place, and now reprograms them to do modern rock songs, like this one from Evanescence. More videos of other songs are also provided.
He's even got a stage and curtains and some major programming skills. (via MetaFilter)
This enterprising fellow got some of the old musical robotic bears (and a gorilla too) from an old Showbiz Pizza place, and now reprograms them to do modern rock songs, like this one from Evanescence. More videos of other songs are also provided.
He's even got a stage and curtains and some major programming skills. (via MetaFilter)
Finally, Some Good News
When I read this today, it made me smile really big.
I was just talking the other night to my friend Chef Bill, who is often kind enough to call me when he is attending a game, about the slow and steady rise this season and how that fits their style so well. I say they are due and man oh man I would love to see them winners in October.
I was just talking the other night to my friend Chef Bill, who is often kind enough to call me when he is attending a game, about the slow and steady rise this season and how that fits their style so well. I say they are due and man oh man I would love to see them winners in October.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Wombats Fly Spaceships
Once or twice (maybe even three times) I have tuned in to a bizarre talk radio show hosted by one Michael Savage. He seemed to always be really angry, not just cranky "you kids get offa my lawn" angst, but somehow deeply and emotionally devoted to some goofy ideas.
But on Monday, according to this transcript, he said that the Democrat party gave Supreme Court Justice Roberts the seizure Roberts suffered this week.
"Am I to believe that there's no connection between [Senator] Charles Schumer on Friday saying that he would never appoint, or never, excuse me, approve another Bush appointment to the court, to any court? And then the chief justice suffers a so-called seizure two days later? You're telling me there's no possibility of a conspiracy by the Democrats to have caused this seizure in some manner? Tell me that it's not possible. Tell me that the stakes are not so high that the liberals -- who've finally lost the court after 50 years -- that they would stop short of anything like this. Tell me it's not possible, and I'll tell you you're a liar."
Savage's ratings are pretty high - tallied at 8 million listeners per week. So Savage's rant was heard (and likely believed) by millions of people.
I know hyperbole and media go together like peanut butter and jelly. So I am going to predict the next Big Scandal from Savage -- he will claim that Wombats Fly Spaceships. And not just yer ordinary everyday Wombat, either. These will be Liberal Democrat Wombats who seek to become the Dark Overlords of Time and Space.
But on Monday, according to this transcript, he said that the Democrat party gave Supreme Court Justice Roberts the seizure Roberts suffered this week.
"Am I to believe that there's no connection between [Senator] Charles Schumer on Friday saying that he would never appoint, or never, excuse me, approve another Bush appointment to the court, to any court? And then the chief justice suffers a so-called seizure two days later? You're telling me there's no possibility of a conspiracy by the Democrats to have caused this seizure in some manner? Tell me that it's not possible. Tell me that the stakes are not so high that the liberals -- who've finally lost the court after 50 years -- that they would stop short of anything like this. Tell me it's not possible, and I'll tell you you're a liar."
Savage's ratings are pretty high - tallied at 8 million listeners per week. So Savage's rant was heard (and likely believed) by millions of people.
I know hyperbole and media go together like peanut butter and jelly. So I am going to predict the next Big Scandal from Savage -- he will claim that Wombats Fly Spaceships. And not just yer ordinary everyday Wombat, either. These will be Liberal Democrat Wombats who seek to become the Dark Overlords of Time and Space.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Phoning It In
Is this a relatively new trend and how many other city or county governments allow for members to attend official public meetings via the telephone??
A report in the Kingsport Times News says their mayor and alderman are squabbling over whether or not it should continue to be allowed. It's been allowed since the mid-1990s.
Alderman Ken Marsh has called in at least once, but he thinks the issue is of little concern:
"I think the policy is very effective because the aldermen who are interested will call in, and an alderman who isn't interested, won't," Marsh said. "Physically being there doesn't necessarily add anything. You've got people there who've never asked a question in the history of the world.
A report in the Kingsport Times News says their mayor and alderman are squabbling over whether or not it should continue to be allowed. It's been allowed since the mid-1990s.
Alderman Ken Marsh has called in at least once, but he thinks the issue is of little concern:
"I think the policy is very effective because the aldermen who are interested will call in, and an alderman who isn't interested, won't," Marsh said. "Physically being there doesn't necessarily add anything. You've got people there who've never asked a question in the history of the world.
"Physically being there may or may not add anything to the degree of discussion or quality of the decisions."
Rep. Davis Takes Heat for Dogfighting Vote
I received a fascinating bit of email yesterday about the press spin Congressman David Davis is tyring to put on his vote against a new federal law which lowers the boom on dogfighting, which has become an enormous interstate and international criminal organization.
My views, echoed by many bloggers across the state, supported by the entire Tennessee Washington delegation, a unanimous Senate vote and President Bush, are already posted.
However, the writer of the email I received from a 1st District resident said they were unhappy with the way Davis presented his defense in a front-page story in the July 30th issue of Morristown Citizen-Tribune (links there are seldom available more than a few days without paying subscription fees so my thanks to the email writer for including a copy of the text itself).
Davis says the rising voices of dissatisfaction over his vote are the acts of "activists" in Washington. (I wonder what the difference is between a lobbyist and an activist?)
The "activist" group is the Humane Society. Other "activists" who encouraged passage of this legislation include The American Veterinary Medical Association, The National Sheriff's Association, and over 400 law enforcement agencies covering all 50 states. Rep. Davis is quoted as saying "Basically, this is nothing more than inside-Washington politics."
The email also noted there was no mention in the article of the dogfighting ring in Hamblen County which was broken up around Memorial Day of this year.
What law enforcement asked for was a change that each count of dogfighting be made a separate charge, not just a single charge, with each violation bringing as much as a 3-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. A criminal who had as few as four or five dogs used in the bloodsport would then face very long prison terms if convicted. Weak state misdemeanor or felony laws which vary state to state can make prosecution less likely. And yes, perhaps the state of Tennessee should establish some even tougher new laws as well. I know I'll be writing my state reps asking for just that.
Rep. Davis says he deplores the bloodsport and is a dog-owner as well. And he said he viewed the issue as related to "states rights". And I certainly agree that an ever-expanding federal government can bring new sets of problems -- but this law did not increase federal intervention, it created much tougher penalties for laws already on the books. And it aids states who are trying to stop these crimes from spreading into their own communities. Since these criminals have spread to establish a national and international highly organized criminal ring, it appears to me that as with many other crimes which have spread to become a national and international menaces, the federal authorities asked for and received the penalties needed to stop this ever-growing problem.
Here are some excerpts from a letter sent by the National Sheriff's Association supporting the new legislation:
"There are an estimated 40,000 professional dogfighters who sell their fighting dogs nationwide and cockfighting is multi-million dollar business. The massive, criminal network of animal fighters impacts not only the thousands of animals who are subjected to the cruelties of animal fighting, but communities nationwide and law enforcement which must address, at great cost, the crimes associated with it including illegal gambling, drug dealing and even murder.
For example, last month, two gunmen broke into the house of a known dog fighter in Cleveland, Texas and shot him, letting him bleed to death. The attackers were reportedly seeking $100,000 they thought was in the house, and the amount wagered on a single high-stakes dogfight two weeks earlier in Houston. Earlier in the year, a man was shot and killed at a cockfight in Sacramento, California.
On average, there has been a murder related to animal fighting every month this year. Moreover, the crime of animal fighting is not isolated in each of our states. For example, this year law enforcement officials arrested 30 people in connection with a cockfighting operation in Marlboro County, South Carolina. Law enforcement officials there seized guns, $3,000 in cash and marijuana. Most of those arrested were from North Carolina and they brought their fighting birds and criminal activities across state lines—illustrating perfectly why the federal law is needed.
There are arrests of animal fighters every week, and this increase in enforcement action reflects a growing recognition on the part of law enforcement and others that animal fighting should not be tolerated, and is a hub for other criminal activity. The National Sheriffs’ Association sincerely believes that felony penalties are necessary to address the interstate criminal industry of animal fighting and to end this criminal and violent activity."
UPDATE: Another East TN blogger DeMarCaTionVille did her own survey of 1st District residents about Rep. Davis' vote on this issue. The results? Folks hereabouts sure can be fickle and how they respond to issues depends much on what they know (and don't know).
My views, echoed by many bloggers across the state, supported by the entire Tennessee Washington delegation, a unanimous Senate vote and President Bush, are already posted.
However, the writer of the email I received from a 1st District resident said they were unhappy with the way Davis presented his defense in a front-page story in the July 30th issue of Morristown Citizen-Tribune (links there are seldom available more than a few days without paying subscription fees so my thanks to the email writer for including a copy of the text itself).
Davis says the rising voices of dissatisfaction over his vote are the acts of "activists" in Washington. (I wonder what the difference is between a lobbyist and an activist?)
The "activist" group is the Humane Society. Other "activists" who encouraged passage of this legislation include The American Veterinary Medical Association, The National Sheriff's Association, and over 400 law enforcement agencies covering all 50 states. Rep. Davis is quoted as saying "Basically, this is nothing more than inside-Washington politics."
The email also noted there was no mention in the article of the dogfighting ring in Hamblen County which was broken up around Memorial Day of this year.
What law enforcement asked for was a change that each count of dogfighting be made a separate charge, not just a single charge, with each violation bringing as much as a 3-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. A criminal who had as few as four or five dogs used in the bloodsport would then face very long prison terms if convicted. Weak state misdemeanor or felony laws which vary state to state can make prosecution less likely. And yes, perhaps the state of Tennessee should establish some even tougher new laws as well. I know I'll be writing my state reps asking for just that.
Rep. Davis says he deplores the bloodsport and is a dog-owner as well. And he said he viewed the issue as related to "states rights". And I certainly agree that an ever-expanding federal government can bring new sets of problems -- but this law did not increase federal intervention, it created much tougher penalties for laws already on the books. And it aids states who are trying to stop these crimes from spreading into their own communities. Since these criminals have spread to establish a national and international highly organized criminal ring, it appears to me that as with many other crimes which have spread to become a national and international menaces, the federal authorities asked for and received the penalties needed to stop this ever-growing problem.
Here are some excerpts from a letter sent by the National Sheriff's Association supporting the new legislation:
"There are an estimated 40,000 professional dogfighters who sell their fighting dogs nationwide and cockfighting is multi-million dollar business. The massive, criminal network of animal fighters impacts not only the thousands of animals who are subjected to the cruelties of animal fighting, but communities nationwide and law enforcement which must address, at great cost, the crimes associated with it including illegal gambling, drug dealing and even murder.
For example, last month, two gunmen broke into the house of a known dog fighter in Cleveland, Texas and shot him, letting him bleed to death. The attackers were reportedly seeking $100,000 they thought was in the house, and the amount wagered on a single high-stakes dogfight two weeks earlier in Houston. Earlier in the year, a man was shot and killed at a cockfight in Sacramento, California.
On average, there has been a murder related to animal fighting every month this year. Moreover, the crime of animal fighting is not isolated in each of our states. For example, this year law enforcement officials arrested 30 people in connection with a cockfighting operation in Marlboro County, South Carolina. Law enforcement officials there seized guns, $3,000 in cash and marijuana. Most of those arrested were from North Carolina and they brought their fighting birds and criminal activities across state lines—illustrating perfectly why the federal law is needed.
There are arrests of animal fighters every week, and this increase in enforcement action reflects a growing recognition on the part of law enforcement and others that animal fighting should not be tolerated, and is a hub for other criminal activity. The National Sheriffs’ Association sincerely believes that felony penalties are necessary to address the interstate criminal industry of animal fighting and to end this criminal and violent activity."
UPDATE: Another East TN blogger DeMarCaTionVille did her own survey of 1st District residents about Rep. Davis' vote on this issue. The results? Folks hereabouts sure can be fickle and how they respond to issues depends much on what they know (and don't know).
Monday, July 30, 2007
Five-Question Inverview
Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.” I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don't have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
I first saw this mini-meme at Tit's List, and being more than a little egotistical I asked to be interviewed. And if you wish me to create five questions for you -- just say so in the comments on this post.
1) How hard was it to maintain eye contact with Dolly Parton when you interviewed her? Well she is a wee little thing, standing five feet tall. So much of my eyesight was directed in a downward direction, except for those times when we were sitting and talking. But I'm dancing about the question, huh? It was next to impossible not to glance away from her pretty eyes to take in that massive chest. And I mean massive. Real or enhanced, it draws the eyes of any and all who gain some proximity. Plus. I'm male. And dang, they're massive. So ... yeah, I looked away from her eyes often.
2) If we were fighting off zombies, what form would you, 'Coma, and I take to defeat them? An excellent and useful question! As we (Tits, 'Coma and I) are Wonder Triplets, I considered a few options: fire-based weapons, machine guns, 3 giant robotic nail guns, etc etc, But based on all the movies I've seen and books I've read on the zombie menace, I think we should break it down into 3 things -- a shotgun, an expert marksman, and a never-empty giant-assed box of shotgun shells.
3) What is unforgivable? Due to recent events here at our home, breaking in to steal our pit bull easily falls into that category!! Cruel and brutal acts to children by parents/guardians/adults are pretty much unforgivable, meaning they should both be criminally punished and never allowed to have a moment's contact with said children. The remakes of certain movies are unforgivable acts of stupidity, no doubt. The optimist in me says almost anyone can attain some redemption for the wrongs they have done -- but the realist says sometimes behavior crosses a line and trust is forever gone. Oh, and a steadfastly closed mind. And one more thing - relentless greed which deprives the humanity of others is something I cannot bear. It's one of the worst evils.
4) If you could only watch one movie ever again, which would it be? For a few days this question has had me locked up like a trick question from Cap'n Kirk to some out of control computer. I can give you a list of 5 or 10 movies I must have if deserted on some island ... but the question asks for just one. Hell, the list I did make had 20 movies as potential answers. But I must go with a movie which has always inspired my imagination and wonder, has fascinated my brain with the ideas of just how the movie was made and it's story creation on film, it's ideas always make me ponder on the depth and breadth of who we are as humans and what we can accomplish and it's a movie that stretches from the Dawn of Man to Jupiter and Beyond. So my choice is "2001: A Space Odyssey". It was the first VHS tape I owned, even when I did not have a VCR. (The only downside to this movie, it doesn't really have much imagery of the female form, and I would hate to think of a live lived without that. As a side note, the one movie the hero watched endlessly in the apocalyptic movie "The Omega Man," was the concert movie "Woodstock", which is a mini-documentary of some amazing everyday people and some fantastic music.) Very tough question.
5) Would you like to come over for dinner sometime? Abso-friggin'-lutely. I mean, have you seen Tit's Food Blog? Not just recipes, but pictures aplenty!! She recently sent me some baklava she made and I swooned with delight at each morsel. And my money says the conversations at that dinner would be just as delicious!!
I first saw this mini-meme at Tit's List, and being more than a little egotistical I asked to be interviewed. And if you wish me to create five questions for you -- just say so in the comments on this post.
1) How hard was it to maintain eye contact with Dolly Parton when you interviewed her? Well she is a wee little thing, standing five feet tall. So much of my eyesight was directed in a downward direction, except for those times when we were sitting and talking. But I'm dancing about the question, huh? It was next to impossible not to glance away from her pretty eyes to take in that massive chest. And I mean massive. Real or enhanced, it draws the eyes of any and all who gain some proximity. Plus. I'm male. And dang, they're massive. So ... yeah, I looked away from her eyes often.
2) If we were fighting off zombies, what form would you, 'Coma, and I take to defeat them? An excellent and useful question! As we (Tits, 'Coma and I) are Wonder Triplets, I considered a few options: fire-based weapons, machine guns, 3 giant robotic nail guns, etc etc, But based on all the movies I've seen and books I've read on the zombie menace, I think we should break it down into 3 things -- a shotgun, an expert marksman, and a never-empty giant-assed box of shotgun shells.
3) What is unforgivable? Due to recent events here at our home, breaking in to steal our pit bull easily falls into that category!! Cruel and brutal acts to children by parents/guardians/adults are pretty much unforgivable, meaning they should both be criminally punished and never allowed to have a moment's contact with said children. The remakes of certain movies are unforgivable acts of stupidity, no doubt. The optimist in me says almost anyone can attain some redemption for the wrongs they have done -- but the realist says sometimes behavior crosses a line and trust is forever gone. Oh, and a steadfastly closed mind. And one more thing - relentless greed which deprives the humanity of others is something I cannot bear. It's one of the worst evils.
4) If you could only watch one movie ever again, which would it be? For a few days this question has had me locked up like a trick question from Cap'n Kirk to some out of control computer. I can give you a list of 5 or 10 movies I must have if deserted on some island ... but the question asks for just one. Hell, the list I did make had 20 movies as potential answers. But I must go with a movie which has always inspired my imagination and wonder, has fascinated my brain with the ideas of just how the movie was made and it's story creation on film, it's ideas always make me ponder on the depth and breadth of who we are as humans and what we can accomplish and it's a movie that stretches from the Dawn of Man to Jupiter and Beyond. So my choice is "2001: A Space Odyssey". It was the first VHS tape I owned, even when I did not have a VCR. (The only downside to this movie, it doesn't really have much imagery of the female form, and I would hate to think of a live lived without that. As a side note, the one movie the hero watched endlessly in the apocalyptic movie "The Omega Man," was the concert movie "Woodstock", which is a mini-documentary of some amazing everyday people and some fantastic music.) Very tough question.
5) Would you like to come over for dinner sometime? Abso-friggin'-lutely. I mean, have you seen Tit's Food Blog? Not just recipes, but pictures aplenty!! She recently sent me some baklava she made and I swooned with delight at each morsel. And my money says the conversations at that dinner would be just as delicious!!
Suit Filed Over Morristown Rally
A civil lawsuit has been filed against the city of Morristown, Hamblen County, numerous police and deputies and other officials in U.S. District Court in Greeneville by Teddy Ray Mitchell, a disabled vet who is claiming various violations of his civil rights and for injuries he claims he received when he attempted to carry an American flag and a lawn chair into the location of an anti-immigration rally held last June in Morristown.
noe4accountability has the contents of the suit at her website.
I wrote previously about the event here and here, and about the massive presence of at least 100 law enforcement officers who surrounded the very small group of protesters who had a permit for the rally to take place.
Mitchell claims he was tasered, taken down to the ground and arrested. His complaint also states:
"Citizens were encouraged to attend and to bring American flags. Mr. Mitchell brought along with him a lawn chair and an American flag to attend the rally. He also wore around his neck a picture of himself in his Navy uniform from the 1960's. Mr. Mitchell was not a member of any group or organization. He simply wanted to attend a pro-America rally.
And
"The officers forcefully demanded that he would not be able to take his flag into the rally. Mr. Mitchell objected to this. He asked if a Mexican flag would be allowed and was told by one of the defendant officers that, yes, a Mexican flag could go in. The officers then did forcefully try to take the flag from him and grabbed Mr. Mitchell and forced him to the ground. At the same time, they stunned and/or tasered him.
Intense emotions, including some fearfulness on behalf of law enforcement, were on obvious display at this rally. Much confusion has likewise colored the event and it's aftermath. Mitchell is also seeking $100,000 in damages as well. I can't help but be a bit surprised it has taken this long for the suit to be filed, but I've been informed that quite a few behind the scenes meetings took place to resolve the conflicts and prevent any court action.
noe4accountability has the contents of the suit at her website.
I wrote previously about the event here and here, and about the massive presence of at least 100 law enforcement officers who surrounded the very small group of protesters who had a permit for the rally to take place.
Mitchell claims he was tasered, taken down to the ground and arrested. His complaint also states:
"Citizens were encouraged to attend and to bring American flags. Mr. Mitchell brought along with him a lawn chair and an American flag to attend the rally. He also wore around his neck a picture of himself in his Navy uniform from the 1960's. Mr. Mitchell was not a member of any group or organization. He simply wanted to attend a pro-America rally.
And
"The officers forcefully demanded that he would not be able to take his flag into the rally. Mr. Mitchell objected to this. He asked if a Mexican flag would be allowed and was told by one of the defendant officers that, yes, a Mexican flag could go in. The officers then did forcefully try to take the flag from him and grabbed Mr. Mitchell and forced him to the ground. At the same time, they stunned and/or tasered him.
Intense emotions, including some fearfulness on behalf of law enforcement, were on obvious display at this rally. Much confusion has likewise colored the event and it's aftermath. Mitchell is also seeking $100,000 in damages as well. I can't help but be a bit surprised it has taken this long for the suit to be filed, but I've been informed that quite a few behind the scenes meetings took place to resolve the conflicts and prevent any court action.
GOP To Boycott YouTube Debate?
Why is it the GOP candidates for President are unwilling to participate in the YouTube/CNN debate?
Despite some claims that it was a failed experiment, the facts show that viewership was quite large among the 18-34 age group -- the highest ever since audience measurements began in 1992.
Details about YouTube also show that a larger percentage of users who express a preference are Republicans -- some 3.5 million self-identified Republicans, 3.1 million self-identified Democrats, and about 5 million who call themselves Independent. This via techPresident, who goes on to write:
"Seriously, I really haven't noticed a hugely disproportionate difference between the number of liberals and the number of conservatives on YouTube... I really haven't seen evidence that one is far and away more present than the other.
"Above all else, this is a show. CNN is in this for ratings. They’re not going to turn over the all-important questions to these candidates to a bunch of dingbats who don’t know what they’re doing. ... The YouTube business is nothing more than the latest attempt by the Democrats and the media to extend the youth vote to the Democrat Party.
Yeah, how evil to expand awareness and engage younger voters.It must be a Satanic Liberal Conspiracy.
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow says President Bush isn't "big on YouTube debates." What does that matter since he isn't a candidate? Does he just want to issue some marching orders to GOP candidates?
Talks are underway to perhaps reschedule the GOP event. But the Florida state Republicans are adamant to have the event take place:
"It is also evidence of Florida's growing and prominent role in the 2008 presidential election cycle, and we are excited to partner with the campaigns, CNN, and YouTube to bring the Republican presidential candidates to viewers across America."
I think if only two candidates, Sen. John McCain and Ron Paul, both who say they'd participate, are the only ones who show up, then I say go ahead and air the debate. Those who avoid it will speak volumes by their silence.
Despite some claims that it was a failed experiment, the facts show that viewership was quite large among the 18-34 age group -- the highest ever since audience measurements began in 1992.
Details about YouTube also show that a larger percentage of users who express a preference are Republicans -- some 3.5 million self-identified Republicans, 3.1 million self-identified Democrats, and about 5 million who call themselves Independent. This via techPresident, who goes on to write:
"Seriously, I really haven't noticed a hugely disproportionate difference between the number of liberals and the number of conservatives on YouTube... I really haven't seen evidence that one is far and away more present than the other.
As a side note, who wants to join me in predicting that the Republican debate will get more video question submissions than the Democratic debate did? The Dem one attracted 2989 submissions. The GOP one already has 149 entries and they only opened it up on Tuesday. And they have until September. Now that people saw how neat the Dem one is, there are sure to be plenty more people uploading videos for the Republican one, although I'm not sure about whether or not this would be an indication of there necessarily being more people on YouTube who are Republican than Democrat-- probably more an indication of the greater exposure this format has attracted.
Also as an aside, I'm willing to bet that a significant chunk of the questions submitted are submitted by people who aren't YouTube users. That is, people who signed up for an account just so they could participate but haven't been active on YouTube before, for instance the Reverend who asked the gay marriage question in the Democratic debate only signed up for an account after a member of his congregation heard about the debate and thought it'd be a good opportunity. The majority of question-askers are undoubtedly regular YouTube users, but there's probably also a substantial chunk of submitters that are using the site for the first time.
There's no doubt that CNN was using YouTube to show off how CNN is kinda hip and tech savvy. But both the users and viewers of YouTube gained much in the process too. Hard core negativists, like Rush Limbaugh offered his view (via Beltway Blogroll):"Above all else, this is a show. CNN is in this for ratings. They’re not going to turn over the all-important questions to these candidates to a bunch of dingbats who don’t know what they’re doing. ... The YouTube business is nothing more than the latest attempt by the Democrats and the media to extend the youth vote to the Democrat Party.
Yeah, how evil to expand awareness and engage younger voters.It must be a Satanic Liberal Conspiracy.
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow says President Bush isn't "big on YouTube debates." What does that matter since he isn't a candidate? Does he just want to issue some marching orders to GOP candidates?
Talks are underway to perhaps reschedule the GOP event. But the Florida state Republicans are adamant to have the event take place:
"It is also evidence of Florida's growing and prominent role in the 2008 presidential election cycle, and we are excited to partner with the campaigns, CNN, and YouTube to bring the Republican presidential candidates to viewers across America."
I think if only two candidates, Sen. John McCain and Ron Paul, both who say they'd participate, are the only ones who show up, then I say go ahead and air the debate. Those who avoid it will speak volumes by their silence.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Rep. Davis Says U.S. Media Airs Bogus Iraq News
I've been trying to get a handle on the views and ideas promoted by our ET congressman, David Davis, and I will confess I just can't follow his logic. (Note: no, this post isn't about his vote protecting the criminals who promote dogfighting). And more than once on these pages, I have expressed grave concern that Rep. Davis tends to echo the talking points from the White House, even though he's had to tour the country in an armored vehicle. wearing personal armor, and touring via helicopter.
The big picture here is about Iraq and how the U.S. is either making achievements or failing to make them. I was prompted to post this today after reading Rep. Davis comments on the war as published in the Sevier County Mountain Press newspaper:
"Additionally, Davis blames "the national media and the Congress" for convincing a large majority of Americans the war is not going as well as it appears to be on the ground. He says television networks are using old footage that distorts the truth of the situation, while some in Congress are twisting the conflict to look worse than it does for political gain."
Truly odd to me that a scattered and highly disorganized Iraq Parliament, the daily attacks from insurgents, the spreading civil war among a wide group of Iraqi militias, and rising confusion in the diplomatic realm -- none of these are the keys to the problems. Nope, it's the media and their bogus news.
This despite some documented evidence that safety is at dubious levels.
-- Rare availability of electrical power: "Before the war, Baghdad residents received 16-24 average hours of electricity each day. But on July 19, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said that residents of Baghdad are now receiving just one or two hours of electricity each day — the lowest level of the war." "the State Department, which prepares a weekly ’status report’ for Congress on conditions in Iraq, stopped estimating in May how many hours of electricity Baghdad residents typically receive each day.” Instead, the State Department is just reporting electricity levels nationwide, which “does not indicate how much power Iraqis in Baghdad or elsewhere actually receive.” Crocker’s excuse that it’s “the middle of the summer” is not an explanation for the abysmally low electricity levels. Last year in July — before Bush’s surge — Baghdad received seven hours/day
-- Iraq's PM considering asking for the removal of Gen. Petraeus from leadership in Iraq: "A key aide says Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s relations with U.S. commander Gen. David Petraeus are so poor the Iraqi leader may ask Washington the withdraw the well-regarded U.S. military leader from duty here.
-- Reconstruction projects in Iraq refused, abandoned by Iraqis: "A report, released Friday by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, details how only 435 projects out of a total of 2,797, at a cost of $5.8 billion, were accepted by the Iraqi government, resulting in many projects being effectively abandoned or inoperative despite the United States declaring them "successfully completed".
-- President Bush's recent assessment of the situation in Iraq, where attacks have been intensifying makes no mention of the impact of U.S. news reports on the battles raging across Iraq: "Effective steps toward national reconciliation will require national leadership from all communities and expression of a common national political will, or 'vision,' that has so far been lacking. The consensus nature of Iraqi politics, and the checks and balances built into the Iraqi governance structure, inhibit Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ability to govern effectively -- and would pose obstacles to any prime minister
-- At least, some good news for Iraq -- they won the soccer Asian Cup, despite outbreaks of some violence (well, it is soccer after all) -- Iraqis welcomed the victory as a chance to show the world they can come together and expressed frustration that their politicians couldn't do the same.
It is worth noting, in my opinion that the situation in Iraq -- both good and miserable -- can be connected to many, many factors. But the reporting by the media has nothing to do with the situation in Iraq.
The big picture here is about Iraq and how the U.S. is either making achievements or failing to make them. I was prompted to post this today after reading Rep. Davis comments on the war as published in the Sevier County Mountain Press newspaper:
"Additionally, Davis blames "the national media and the Congress" for convincing a large majority of Americans the war is not going as well as it appears to be on the ground. He says television networks are using old footage that distorts the truth of the situation, while some in Congress are twisting the conflict to look worse than it does for political gain."
Truly odd to me that a scattered and highly disorganized Iraq Parliament, the daily attacks from insurgents, the spreading civil war among a wide group of Iraqi militias, and rising confusion in the diplomatic realm -- none of these are the keys to the problems. Nope, it's the media and their bogus news.
This despite some documented evidence that safety is at dubious levels.
-- Rare availability of electrical power: "Before the war, Baghdad residents received 16-24 average hours of electricity each day. But on July 19, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said that residents of Baghdad are now receiving just one or two hours of electricity each day — the lowest level of the war." "the State Department, which prepares a weekly ’status report’ for Congress on conditions in Iraq, stopped estimating in May how many hours of electricity Baghdad residents typically receive each day.” Instead, the State Department is just reporting electricity levels nationwide, which “does not indicate how much power Iraqis in Baghdad or elsewhere actually receive.” Crocker’s excuse that it’s “the middle of the summer” is not an explanation for the abysmally low electricity levels. Last year in July — before Bush’s surge — Baghdad received seven hours/day
-- Iraq's PM considering asking for the removal of Gen. Petraeus from leadership in Iraq: "A key aide says Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s relations with U.S. commander Gen. David Petraeus are so poor the Iraqi leader may ask Washington the withdraw the well-regarded U.S. military leader from duty here.
The Iraqi foreign minister calls the relationship “difficult.”
-- Reconstruction projects in Iraq refused, abandoned by Iraqis: "A report, released Friday by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, details how only 435 projects out of a total of 2,797, at a cost of $5.8 billion, were accepted by the Iraqi government, resulting in many projects being effectively abandoned or inoperative despite the United States declaring them "successfully completed".
-- President Bush's recent assessment of the situation in Iraq, where attacks have been intensifying makes no mention of the impact of U.S. news reports on the battles raging across Iraq: "Effective steps toward national reconciliation will require national leadership from all communities and expression of a common national political will, or 'vision,' that has so far been lacking. The consensus nature of Iraqi politics, and the checks and balances built into the Iraqi governance structure, inhibit Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ability to govern effectively -- and would pose obstacles to any prime minister
-- At least, some good news for Iraq -- they won the soccer Asian Cup, despite outbreaks of some violence (well, it is soccer after all) -- Iraqis welcomed the victory as a chance to show the world they can come together and expressed frustration that their politicians couldn't do the same.
It is worth noting, in my opinion that the situation in Iraq -- both good and miserable -- can be connected to many, many factors. But the reporting by the media has nothing to do with the situation in Iraq.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Camera Obscura (part 1) -- Woo Hoo!! Simpsons!!
I've spent the week teaching an acting class for students aged 9 to 14 this week at the local arts center, The Rose Center. It's been great fun, but has slowed the writing here this week. And it has been a bit odd having the children of people who are my friends and peers -- how the heck can people work and stuff and still have time for kids and family? It is a mystery which I cannot solve.
But all the kids are very smart, very articulate, unafraid of a challenge and eager to learn. So yes, very inspiring for me and still strange for me to be The Old Guy.
One common touchstone for everyone in the class has been the animated comedy show, "The Simpsons," and we all agree that we must go see the new movie of the Simpson gang opening today. The show has also been a source of much education about comedy and irony and sheer joy and laughter. And man, there are a LOT of characters in The Simpsons: (click to embiggen)
Some fine Simpsons quotes:
Nelson: Shoplifting is a victimless crime. Like punching someone in the dark."
Troy McClure: Hi. I’m Troy McClure. You may remember me from such self-help tapes as “Smoke Yourself Thin” and “Get Some Confidence, Stupid!”
Ralph: Me fail English? That’s unpossible.
Cinematical has a great review:
"...you'll probably ...want to thank Matt Groening and his clan for reminding you just how much fun it was growing up with The Simpsons. Just how many laughs you've had at the expense of Homer and his goofy pals. Because as much as you might or might not want to admit it, this animated family has changed our world. And our lives. D'oh!"
More movie news later today, once the final class is done.
But all the kids are very smart, very articulate, unafraid of a challenge and eager to learn. So yes, very inspiring for me and still strange for me to be The Old Guy.
One common touchstone for everyone in the class has been the animated comedy show, "The Simpsons," and we all agree that we must go see the new movie of the Simpson gang opening today. The show has also been a source of much education about comedy and irony and sheer joy and laughter. And man, there are a LOT of characters in The Simpsons: (click to embiggen)
Some fine Simpsons quotes:
Nelson: Shoplifting is a victimless crime. Like punching someone in the dark."
Troy McClure: Hi. I’m Troy McClure. You may remember me from such self-help tapes as “Smoke Yourself Thin” and “Get Some Confidence, Stupid!”
Ralph: Me fail English? That’s unpossible.
- Lisa: Dad, why is the world such a cesspool of corruption?
- Homer: (sighs, sets Lisa on his knee) All right, what makes you say that?
- Lisa: Well, in Sunday School, we learned that stealing is a sin.
- Homer: Well, duh!
- Lisa: But everybody does it! I mean, we're stealing cable as we speak.
- Homer: Well...let me put it this way: when you had breakfast this morning, did you pay for it?
- Lisa: No.
- Homer: And did you pay for those clothes you're wearing?
- Lisa: No, I didn't.
- Homer: Well, run for the hills, Ma Barker! Before I call the Feds!
- Lisa: Dad, I think that's pretty spurious.
- Homer: Thanks, honey!
Cinematical has a great review:
"...you'll probably ...want to thank Matt Groening and his clan for reminding you just how much fun it was growing up with The Simpsons. Just how many laughs you've had at the expense of Homer and his goofy pals. Because as much as you might or might not want to admit it, this animated family has changed our world. And our lives. D'oh!"
More movie news later today, once the final class is done.
Dogfighting Ring Nabbed In Hamblen County
Kleinheider at Volunteer Voters featured my post yesterday shaming 1st District Congressman David Davis for failing to support the tougher federal laws on the multi-state crimes against these bloodthirsty sadists who create and promote dogfighting. In the comments some truly oddball remarks came forth.
I should know better than to pay attention to Terry Franks' comment on the post, whose views seldom approach comprehension. But it was East TN blogger David Oatney who took the prize for defending criminals with a "hey, that's just the way things are in East TN" perspective:
"I agree that what Vick did was horrible, but it is a double standard that the Left sees the wrong in this, but not the wrong in aborticide.
And yes, WBIR-TV featured a story last night that a dogfighting club was uncovered by law enforcement here in my home county, Hamblen County, during Memorial Day weekend. And Jefferson County officials told me last weekend they too have had numerous reports of dog thefts from residences related to an apparent dogfighting operation there too.
And yes, more topics will be offered today on this page other than this dogfighting insanity, and I hope WBIR and reporter Brittany Bailey will follow up on these events with some more detail.
UPDATE:
Some other bloggers and commenters share their views on the topic --
Aunt B. at Tiny Cat Pants
Rachel at Music City Bloggers
More at Volunteer Voters
David O. responds as well
I should know better than to pay attention to Terry Franks' comment on the post, whose views seldom approach comprehension. But it was East TN blogger David Oatney who took the prize for defending criminals with a "hey, that's just the way things are in East TN" perspective:
"I agree that what Vick did was horrible, but it is a double standard that the Left sees the wrong in this, but not the wrong in aborticide.
As for Davis: I don’t agree with his position on dogfighting, but he has been consistent. He voted against making cockfighting a felony (I agreed with that vote), and I understand his motus here. This is Upper East Tennessee we are talking about. There are people around here who still run moonshine because it makes a good living, for crying out loud.
If Joe P. lives here, he would not need to wonder why Davis takes a position like this. Visit Erwin sometime, you’ll get it."
And yes, WBIR-TV featured a story last night that a dogfighting club was uncovered by law enforcement here in my home county, Hamblen County, during Memorial Day weekend. And Jefferson County officials told me last weekend they too have had numerous reports of dog thefts from residences related to an apparent dogfighting operation there too.
And yes, more topics will be offered today on this page other than this dogfighting insanity, and I hope WBIR and reporter Brittany Bailey will follow up on these events with some more detail.
UPDATE:
Some other bloggers and commenters share their views on the topic --
Aunt B. at Tiny Cat Pants
Rachel at Music City Bloggers
More at Volunteer Voters
David O. responds as well
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Congressman Davis Votes Against Tougher Laws on Dogfighting
A law approved by Congress, the Senate and signed by President Bush added some new Federal teeth to the law to punish those who engage and earn money from illegal dogfighting was not something Tennessee Congressman David Davis supported. He was the only member to the Tennessee delegation of lawmakers who voted against the measure to combat this blood sport.
His vote is now drawing the ire of the Humane Society, and from me too. (NOTE/UPDATE: Let me be more blunt and plain here -- You blew it, Congressman Davis. You failed to act to stop the multi-state, nationwide sick and depraved acts of ruthless, brutal, psychotic criminals. You failed to protect the homes and lifestyles of your own constituents, whose homes are invaded by dangerous criminals and whose lives are threatened by unhinged madmen. If you did not know what a real and constant threat your district endures and did not know how widespread these bloodthirsty groups are, then you should spend more time in the 1st District and less in the comfortable halls of the state and federal legislature. You have no credibility as a concerned or informed representative.)
The Kingsport Times News reports:
"The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week — participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities,” HSLF President Michael Markarian said in a prepared release. “Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass.”
"The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week - participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities," said Michael Markarian, president of HSLF. "Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass." (Via KPT)
Contact Rep. Davis:
Office Located in Kingsport
320 West Center Street
P.O Box 769
Kingsport, TN 37660
phone -- 423-247-8161
fax -- 423-247-1834
District Office Hours
8 AM - 4:30 PM
Office Located in Morristown
1609 College Park Drive, Suite 4
Morristown, TN 37813
423-317-7459
fax: 423-317-7562
His vote is now drawing the ire of the Humane Society, and from me too. (NOTE/UPDATE: Let me be more blunt and plain here -- You blew it, Congressman Davis. You failed to act to stop the multi-state, nationwide sick and depraved acts of ruthless, brutal, psychotic criminals. You failed to protect the homes and lifestyles of your own constituents, whose homes are invaded by dangerous criminals and whose lives are threatened by unhinged madmen. If you did not know what a real and constant threat your district endures and did not know how widespread these bloodthirsty groups are, then you should spend more time in the 1st District and less in the comfortable halls of the state and federal legislature. You have no credibility as a concerned or informed representative.)
The Kingsport Times News reports:
"The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week — participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities,” HSLF President Michael Markarian said in a prepared release. “Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass.”
Davis responded by indicating that the Humane Society is using Vick’s situation to advance its political agenda.
“The reality is dogfighting and cockfighting are illegal in Tennessee and will continue to be illegal in Tennessee,” Davis said. “I don’t feel like you need a new federal law. You have state laws in place. It has nothing to do about my feelings for or against animals. I wish they could look at my vet bill for my dog that passed away about three months ago.”
Through its Web site (www.hsus.org), the Humane Society has started a campaign encouraging people to “tell Nike to drop Michael Vick” and is asking for donations to “help end dogfighting.”
After the seizure of more than 60 dogs following the raid on Vick’s property by local law enforcement officers, the Humane Society said it initially provided “several thousand dollars in financial assistance” to Surry County, Va., for the animals’ treatment and care.
“We sought funds to help defray the anticipated costs of sheltering 52 pit bulls among these dogs for an indefinite interval. After a federal grand jury indicted Vick and three others, the costs of caring for them became a federal responsibility. We’ve offered to provide continuing assistance, but the federal government has decided to shoulder the burden on its own from this point forward,” a Humane Society release said.
HSLF said federal prosecutors charged Vick with a felony by invoking the federal Travel Act and conspiracy on one charge, but noted Vick escaped more charges because the animal fighting allegations against him preceded the new federal law."
One key point Rep. Davis seems to miss here is that even with laws against these barbaric clubs and their barbaric operators, such vile and cruel groups who delight in bloody conflict as entertainment remain active. That would be a clear sign to me that the law needed tougher language and tougher penalties."The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week - participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities," said Michael Markarian, president of HSLF. "Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass." (Via KPT)
Contact Rep. Davis:
Office Located in Kingsport
320 West Center Street
P.O Box 769
Kingsport, TN 37660
phone -- 423-247-8161
fax -- 423-247-1834
District Office Hours
8 AM - 4:30 PM
Office Located in Morristown
1609 College Park Drive, Suite 4
Morristown, TN 37813
423-317-7459
fax: 423-317-7562
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