Green Mountain Jamie

The Weekly Update

2011-04-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

The Weekly Update

Our Weekly Featured Poem is: I have less now than I had before by Karla Bardanza

Weekly Prompt #55: Ends May 11, 2011
Hypnosis

Try to imagine you attend a public hypnosis demonstration. Your friends set YOU up as the subject. We prompt you to write a poem about what then happens, using strong imagery. Be original, avoiding clichéd hypnosis acts.Let your imagination flow and have FUN writing.

Registration & Membership in Poet Share is always free! Join today and post your response to the prompt in our Forums at:
http://poetshare.forumotion.com/

Beaten, Shot, Burned, & Buried

2011-04-21T13:31:00.001-04:00

I'm all for judicious use of the death penalty, but when there are several of these creeps involved, and more than one direct witness to such a horrible, horrible, crime . . . I say burn them all alive.

When Jackson arrived Sunday afternoon, authorities said Soto told them, Bargo and the 16-year-old boy emerged from a spare bedroom and began to beat Jackson. The 16-year-old told authorities that he and Soto struck Jackson with wooden objects.
Bargo then shot Jackson several times, several defendants told investigators.
Authorities said Soto told them that when Jackson tried to escape, he struck him with an ax handle and restrained him. Investigators say Soto acknowledged helping place the victim in a bath tub, where he said Bargo beat his kneecaps and, realizing Jackson was still alive, shot him again.
Afterward, some group members hog-tied Jackson and put his body in a sleeping bag, which was placed in the backyard fire pit and burned for several hours, authorities said.
His ashes were then put into 5-gallon paint cans and disposed of, authorities said. The house was then scoured with bleach to get rid of the blood.

Jesus can forgive them if he wants to. He was always a better man than me anyway.

Follow-up

2010-08-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

I found this cartoon on McClatchy and it goes so well with what I posted the other day about Birthright Citizenship that I just had to share it with you:

How To Make A Stone Knife

2010-08-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

RIP Kevin

2010-08-24T15:24:00.001-04:00

Life is not at all fair. Not in the least, tiniest little bit. I just found out that Kevin (of KevinandPatrick Blog) passed away last week while I was on vacation.

Too young. Way too young. I don't know what else to say except he was loved and will be missed and a lot of other cliches that miss the mark.

Damn shit and hell.

Birthright Citizenship

2010-08-11T15:45:00.000-04:00

I just had to point this out for my "traditionalist" "the way it's always been" "family values" friends. From the Wall Street Journal:

Proponents of repeal argue that the 14th Amendment was passed after the Civil War to guarantee citizenship to freed slaves, and that it was never intended to grant rights to the offspring of illegal aliens. But this argument is a non sequitur. At the time of the adoption of the amendment, there was no category of "illegal alien" because immigration was unrestricted and unregulated. If you secured passage to the United States, or simply walked across the open border with Mexico or Canada, you could stay permanently as a resident alien or apply to be naturalized after a certain number of years. And if you happened to give birth while still an alien, your child was automatically a citizen—a right dating back to English common law. (Emphasis added by Jamie)

For all of your "traditionalist" yearnings for what you think the Founders believed, you might want to consider things like the harkening back to English common law cited here, the printing of the Declaration of Independence on Hemp paper, etc. Much like religion, it may suit you to pick and choose from our history what is sacred and what isn't--but that doesn't make you right. Calls to alter the US Constitution every time you don't like something (abortion, same sex marriage, immigration) serve only to demonstrate your lack of comprehension of what the word Freedom really means.

It means freedom from people like you.

When The News Is Made For Mocking

2010-06-28T13:54:00.000-04:00

Looks like Rachel Dratch should be getting a call to go back to SNL pretty soon. The resemblance is uncanny.

Have a Laugh at Lifelock

2010-05-21T07:37:00.001-04:00

Remember that guy who put his social security number on trucks and said it was safe because his company, Lifelock, made those numbers "useless" to anyone trying to use them? Major fail. From Wired:

Apparently, when you publish your Social Security number prominently on your website and billboards, people take it as an invitation to steal your identity.

LifeLock CEO Todd Davis, whose number is displayed in the company’s ubiquitous advertisements, has by now learned that lesson. He’s been a victim of identity theft at least 13 times, according to the Phoenix New Times.

Read More here

Caveat emptor, baby.

Wherein I Tell The Bigots To Go To Hell

2010-04-19T08:34:00.001-04:00

I caught this link at Towleroad and it's sticking with me like a bad hangover; I want to get the taste out of my mouth but the pain is too strong to ignore:

http://www.nclrights.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issue_caseDocket_Greene_v_County_of_Sonoma_et_al

Clay and his partner of 20 years, Harold, lived in California. Clay and Harold made diligent efforts to protect their legal rights, and had their legal paperwork in place—wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives, all naming each other. Harold was 88 years old and in frail medical condition, but still living at home with Clay, 77, who was in good health.

One evening, Harold fell down the front steps of their home and was taken to the hospital. Based on their medical directives alone, Clay should have been consulted in Harold’s care from the first moment. Tragically, county and health care workers instead refused to allow Clay to see Harold in the hospital. The county then ultimately went one step further by isolating the couple from each other, placing the men in separate nursing homes.

Ignoring Clay’s significant role in Harold’s life, the county continued to treat Harold like he had no family and went to court seeking the power to make financial decisions on his behalf. Outrageously, the county represented to the judge that Clay was merely Harold’s “roommate.” The court denied their efforts, but did grant the county limited access to one of Harold’s bank accounts to pay for his care.

What happened next is even more chilling: without authority, without determining the value of Clay and Harold’s possessions accumulated over the course of their 20 years together or making any effort to determine which items belonged to whom, the county took everything Harold and Clay owned and auctioned off all of their belongings. Adding further insult to grave injury, the county removed Clay from his home and confined him to a nursing home against his will. The county workers then terminated Clay and Harold's lease and surrendered the home they had shared for many years to the landlord.

Three months after he was hospitalized, Harold died in the nursing home. Because of the county’s actions, Clay missed the final months he should have had with his partner of 20 years. Compounding this tragedy, Clay has literally nothing left of the home he had shared with Harold or the life he was living up until the day that Harold fell, because he has been unable to recover any of his property. The only memento Clay has is a photo album that Harold painstakingly put together for Clay during the last three months of his life.

With the help of a dedicated and persistent court-appointed attorney, Anne Dennis of Santa Rosa, Clay was finally released from the nursing home. Ms. Dennis, along with Stephen O'Neill and Margaret Flynn of Tarkington, O'Neill, Barrack & Chong, now represent Clay in a lawsuit against the county, the auction company, and the nursing home, with technical assistance from NCLR. A trial date has been set for July 16, 2010 in the Superior Court for the County of Sonoma.

~~

Now I don't know what possible excuse these people have come up with to defend their actions, and I don't care. If you work for a municipality in any capacity and in the course of your official duties you decide to ignore legal documents such as these two poor men had set up ahead of time because it's "against your values," then I hope someone runs you over with a truck. Inject your morality into your own lives instead of CONSTANTLY stepping on ours.

The only way to stop these people is with the threat of actual incarceration, physical JAIL time for interfering with medical or legal directives, regardless of their "moral grounds."

Excuse me while I go kick something now.

New Symbol

2010-03-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

The New Symbol of the Republican Party:

Love That Revisionist History

2010-02-26T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here's a great article complete with handy dandy chart that covers past use of Reconciliation to get all sorts of Partisan Bullshit Bills passed.

And Rachel Maddow points out here what Republicans have said about Reconciliation in the past. Is Rachel a partisan? Of course. But she also happens to be right--video doesn't lie.

You know, it's impossible for me to respect people who talk out of both sides of their mouths.

Ringtone, Please

2010-02-18T15:57:00.002-05:00

Anybody any good at making ringtones? Specifically, about 2:01 in this clip: http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/2010/02/18/beck-barks-like-a-dog/

Wurd Uv The Dae

2010-02-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

I can't help it. People who add suffixes where they are not needed tick me off more than is probably sane. So I've got to let it out.

Todays Wurd is fascistic. The source:

The belief system of conversion therapy, that gay people aren't just ungodly and wrong but are inherently damaged and that they can be "healed" or reprogrammed constitutes a fascistic, fundamentalist ideology.

Fascist is both a noun and an adjective. The "ic" added to the end in Strudwick's quote above is unnecessary. Make a f'ing note of it. I don't care what the "online dictionaries" say, every day someone adds a new unneeded suffix to a word and pretty soon you're all going to be speaking gibberish if someone doesn't stand up and say something. Dammit.

Grrrrrr.

Quotes of Note

2010-02-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

Jefferson:

I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country.

Lincoln:

The money powers prey upon the nation in times of peace and conspire against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than a monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, and more selfish than bureaucracy. It denounces as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw light upon its crimes. I have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the Bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe.. corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money powers of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in the hands of a few, and the Republic is destroyed.

Corporation To Run For Congress

2010-01-29T11:51:00.002-05:00

Ha Ha Ha.

Case In Point

2010-01-25T08:32:00.000-05:00

Some have become so enamored of their blatent partisanship that not only do they refer to the Democratic Party as the "Democrat" party, but Jim DeMint has apparently excised the word "democratic" (small 'd') from his lexicon entirely--listen to him in this clip.

"Democrat" process? My point is proven once again. Sorry Patrick. I'm no partisan--remember how early and often I criticized a certain now-elected candidate.

Idiots are idiots, regardless of their political agenda.

Hey Morons

2010-01-07T08:30:00.002-05:00

I'm tired of hearing the words "Democrat Party." Learn the english language and parts of speech instead of following Limbaugh's cues, would you? It's very straightforward, English 101.

Democrat is a noun. Democratic is an adjective. Party is a noun. To describe the party of Democrats, you would properly call it the Democratic Party, or Party of Democrats. "Democrat Party" just makes you look like a fool, no matter how you think you can justify it. If you have a valid point to make against the party of Democrats, you are pretty much alienating any critical thinker who may have otherwise listened to your point before they read the words "Democrat Party."

"Republican" is both a noun and an adjective, therefore there is no such confusion. Luckily for you.

Oh, and while we're at it, could everyone in the world please stop saying "Make No Mistake" before you spout an opinion? Jesus Christ, try some critical thinking for a change.

Despite the Fact

2009-12-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

That I wash my hands about 20 times a day . . .

Created by Oatmeal

NASTINESS!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-23T09:03:00.002-05:00

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

Howard Dean On Fire

2009-12-17T08:12:00.002-05:00

The American taxpayer is about to be fleeced with a bailout in a situation that dwarfs even what happened at AIG

This is the reason we elected him so many times. Knowledgeable and passionate and not easily bullied by those in his own party. Yet the media, and my conservative friends, painted him as a maniac for "the scream." God forbid we have a politician out there with both knowledge and passion.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/16/dean-landrieu-matthews-hardball_n_395137.html

He's right; this isn't a "Health Care" bill, it's a "Health Insurance" bill. Listen carefully to the politicians and you'll hear them slip and call it that once in a while (I've caught them twice but have no links, sorry). Medicare for all would've been far simpler to implement, and equitable across the board. Right now it looks like they're going to force us to buy health insurance--when the people without it can't afford it in the first place. Re-freaking-tarded.

UPDATE: Just noticed his Op-Ed today in the Washington Post. He gets to the nuts and bolts of it immediately:

Any measure that expands private insurers' monopoly over health care and transfers millions of taxpayer dollars to private corporations is not real health-care reform. Real reform would insert competition into insurance markets, force insurers to cut unnecessary administrative expenses and spend health-care dollars caring for people. Real reform would significantly lower costs, improve the delivery of health care and give all Americans a meaningful choice of coverage. The current Senate bill accomplishes none of these.

Listen to the Doctor. Whose wife is also a Doctor, btw, so you can be damned sure they've discussed this ad nauseum.

And then check the comments on Americablog as well.

Think before you speak. Don't say "That's So Gay."

2009-12-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

Think before you speak. Don't say "That's So Gay."

Poet Share Updates!

2009-11-06T10:28:00.003-05:00

As you may or may not know by now, I'm not posting much--if at all--here anymore because my time is gradually becoming more consumed by moderating at The Poet Sanctuary and running my own set of Poetry Forums at Poet Share. With over 60 members and 10,000 posts now, Poet Share (with accompanying Poet Share Blog) is shaping up as a full-time project, so I don't foresee posting much here anymore, except perhaps to update on the site.

If you're at all interested in reading or writing poetry, come check us out! We have writing prompts that change each week, and numerous boards that appeal to different aspects of our community. Like the Kitchen board where we swap recipes, the Fun Stuff board with games and jokes, or the Meeting House where all sorts of revelry goes on. There are even writing contests that members get to vote on, and December will be our 2nd Bi-Annual cross-board competition.

I encourage you to stop by Poet Share Blog to get the scoop, and Poet Share Forums to join in the fun!

Matt Drudge Lies

2009-09-25T08:43:00.004-04:00

To me, this is plainly crossing the line between sensationalism and outright fabrication. The pic and caption from TheDrudgeReport:

And the text of the WashingtonPost article the above picture links to:

President Obama will call attention to the existence of the underground facility in an early-morning statement to reporters here before the opening of the G-20 economic summit, and will say that Western intelligence agencies have been tracking the facility for years. U.S. officials said Obama decided to disclose the program's existence after learning that Iran had become aware that it was no longer a secret.

So who, exactly, was caught by surprise?

Portia De Rossi Is A Man?

2009-09-24T09:01:00.003-04:00

Gotta love that Huffington Post. :)

Computer Stuff

2009-09-24T08:48:00.003-04:00

I got my new Dell Mini last week (and one for Norm as well) and they are freakin' great! 2.6 lbs, 160 GB (that's 3x what my other laptop had) and perfect for what I need. Mostly web-browsing and writing poetry. :)

I had to share this with you as well: the prototype for Microsoft's new tablet. They ought to have the bugs worked out by the time I can afford one . . . in ten years. lol

New Definition

2009-08-25T14:01:00.000-04:00

So, yeah, this gives new meaning to "wash your bush."

I Can Die Happy

2009-07-13T08:52:00.002-04:00

My favorite childhood superhero is coming to the big screen. And he's to be played by someone with a body meant for superhero tights.

Variety:

Ryan Reynolds has landed the coveted role of "Green Lantern," getting the starring role in Warner Bros.' live-action film based on the DC Comics hero

Legacy (For Michael Jackson)

2009-06-28T17:20:00.002-04:00

Start music to "I Want You Back (Jackson 5)"

Starling child, standing tall,
Center of attention,
You who moved more hearts and minds
Than most would care to mention

As a boy you gave your voice
And smiled for all to see
Bringing beats and rhythmic choice
Easy as ABC.

Then you grew from boy to man,
You stormed the music biz,
Showed the world a bolder plan,
A charismatic wiz.

Then when Thriller topped the charts,
We really came around,
You found those places in our hearts
And to them music bound.

Now you're just a legacy,
A legend gone too soon.
Linger in supremacy--
You walked upon the moon.

You're the one who showed us dance,
How souls that rock will move
Though you're now beyond all chance,
We won't forget the groove.

And when the groove is dead and gone, yeah
You know that love survives
So we can rock forever
On . . . (Rock With You, Michael Jackson)

Poetshare Forums Now Open To Public

2009-06-24T15:06:00.002-04:00

Well, after a two-month successful trial run with limited members I've decided to open the Poetshare Forums to the general public. If you like reading or writing poetry, stop on by and say hi!

And don't forget that TPS (thepoetsanctuary) is the first place to go to nurture your poetic talents! (I moderate there as well.)

Forget Iraq. Forget Iran. The Real Concern Is Pakistan

2009-06-23T15:26:00.005-04:00

Just yesterday we heard, once again, that the Taliban relishes the idea of obtaining Pakistan's nuclear arsenal . . . and using it against the United States:

"By God's will, the Americans will not seize the Muslims' nuclear weapons and we pray that the Muslims will have these weapons and they will be used
against the Americans," he said in an exclusive interview.

While I'm reticent to believe the "an enemy of my enemy is my friend" scenario, this does seem to make the concern all the more immediate:

Qari Zainuddin, the sole leader to emerge from Mehsud's clan to resist him openly, was shot as he slept at his headquarters Tuesday morning in Dera Ismail Khan, a town on the edge of the extremist-controlled South Waziristan region, close to the Afghan border. He was killed by one of his own guards, who almost certainly was working for Mehsud, according to Baaz Muhammad, a follower of Zainuddin who was with him when he was shot and also was wounded in the attack.

Those Pakistanis who were willing to stand up to the Taliban have just been shown they are not safe anywhere.

VT Senate President Boycotts Dem Fundraiser

2009-06-18T18:16:00.005-04:00

In a show of solidarity with the LGBT community, Vermont State Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin, who was to receive an award at the fundraising banquet, has decided not to go, accoding to GreenMountainDaily.

Shumlin's full letter:

Dear Andy,
Further our recent telephone conversation, I was looking forward to seeing
you next week in DC for the DNC event with Vice President Joe Biden, but
after learning how the Administration and the Department of Justice is
choosing to defend DOMA, I am writing to let you know that I am canceling my
participation in the upcoming event.

As an early and strong supporter of Barack Obama I am shocked and
disappointed at the level of insensitivity that the Department of Justice
has shown towards gay and lesbian couples and their families. By defending
DOMA and making reference to horribly inaccurate and deeply hurtful
stereotypes about gay and lesbian Americans, the Administration has chosen
discriminate against a minority group that we all have a responsibility to
be more courageous in defending. This action will only serve to sow the
seeds for further hatred and division against the only minority group left
in America that politicians can publicly discriminate against and see their
approval ratings rise. My disappointment in this has led me to the
regrettable decision not to be a participant in the DNC event.

I am proud Vermont made history in how we enacted marriage equality - not
through a court order but through legislative action. The tides of history,
love and justice came together in Vermont and I look forward to witnessing
this movement swell across the nation as all of America's citizens are
granted equal rights. It is my hope that the Obama Administration will
actively support what we did in Vermont - grant marriage equality to all
under the law - nothing more and nothing less.

Andy, I appreciate your hard work on behalf of the DNC and I make this
decision with regret.

My Best,

Peter Shumlin

Good on you, Peter. Thanks for your support and solidarity with us.

Quickie Cartoonie

2009-06-17T08:43:00.001-04:00

Found this cartoon at McClatchy:

Federal Benefits

2009-06-16T21:39:00.004-04:00

Breaking on MSNBC's Rachael Maddow right now: President Obama will extend health care benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees tomorrow.

What about DOMA?

Robbie says it's a fig leaf, and I agree, but my favorite words on this come from Huffington Post, in an unusual divergence from mediocrity:

Well, I hate to be the one to explain a rights struggle to the first Black President, but the equality movement is not a grab bag of rights. You don't get to reach in and see which prize you've won. Each of the rights discussed above - the right to benefits for your partner, the right to serve openly in the military and the right to access the same tax breaks and immigration privileges given to heterosexual couples - should be granted. Immediately. Granting one does not absolve trespass over the other rights.

Obama PWN'D. (Is that how the kids type it?)

And fucking eh right--Immediately.

Resurrecting The Lede

2009-06-16T20:30:00.004-04:00

This article, A Fight For Religious Freedom In The Classroom, from OneNewsNow goes on to praise and praise a schoolteacher for preaching in the public classroom, and begins with the words:

A Christian teacher in a public school is being hailed as "a hero of the faith."

The article builds and builds on portraying him as a hero until it seems these people are proud of him for what he's accused of:

In firing Freshwater, the Mount Vernon school board cited an internal investigation that found he had preached his Christian beliefs in class. Freshwater, a teacher for 24 years, was also accused of using a scientific device to burn a cross image onto a student's arm and of keeping a Bible on his desk.

Well, I can tell you one thing. That's not what Jesus would do. Mm-nm, nope. Hero of the faith? Maybe if you're Charles Manson.

On Palin

2009-06-16T09:06:00.004-04:00

Okay, I've held my tongue long enough.

The apparently brain-dead governor of Alaska (see interview with Matt Lauer here where she has several d'oh! moments) is milking a joke about her told by David Letterman for all it's worth and then some, and people are letting her get away with it. Let's get some facts straight, shall we?

1) SNL joked about INCEST in the Palin family, and the good governor still saw fit to appear on SNL after that. Clearly her indignance level is selective at best.

2) Jay Leno made a similar joke to Letterman's and he wasn't called on it either. Because that's what comedians do.

3) Letterman has apologized twice--no one else ever has for their jokes about the Palins. And it's not like they don't supply plenty of fodder for the comedians.

4) Letterman in no way made allusion to Todd and Sarah Palin's 14-year old daughter. They are the ones bringing her into this and shame on them for it.

5) If Governor Airhead hadn't embraced "abstinence only" and had instead talked to her children about birth control, perhaps she wouldn't have had an UNWED TEENAGE DAUGHTER. Truth hurts, doesn't it?

If the Republican party is pinning its hopes on this grotesquerie of a politician, then start buying your funereal bouquets now. Only the most hardcore idiots are still backing her. And yes, I do mean idiots. Sorry, gaypatriot, but it's the truth. If you're sooooo intent on being partisan and supporting Sarah Palin just because she's a "conservative"--if you can't see through this veneer of bullshit--then try some Visine. Because it's all over but the cryin'.

(And kudos to Matt Lauer for taking her to task.)

And AS FOR YOU, gay men and women who seem so surprised that Obama's not all he said he was: you should've listened to me.

Not Easy Bein' Green

2009-06-15T13:08:00.002-04:00

Iran's Green Party, that is. Best place I've found for updates that's not twitter is here.

Daily Dose Of Irony

2009-06-11T07:32:00.002-04:00

Hand-Sanitizer full of bacteria:

Analyses of several samples of over-the-counter topical antimicrobial skin sanitizer and hand protectant products revealed high levels of various bacteria, including some associated with unsanitary conditions.

Some of these bacteria can cause opportunistic infections of the skin and underlying tissues. Such infections may need medical or surgical attention, and may result in permanent damage.

FDA finds the inspection results particularly concerning because the products are promoted as antimicrobial agents that claim to treat open wounds, damaged skin, and protect against various infectious diseases.

The inspection uncovered serious deviations from FDA’s requirements.

Fun With Bigots

2009-06-10T09:05:00.003-04:00

(Warning, no dirty pics to follow but you may not want this on your computer at work):

1) Type nationalorganizationformarriage.com into your browser and click "Go."

2) Go thank Jeremy at GoodAsYou for the heads up. ;)

Graham, Lieberman Don't Care About The Troops

2009-06-09T15:55:00.002-04:00

By turns sober and furious, the two senators vowed again Tuesday to vote against -- and, if possible, filibuster -- the troop-funding bill and all other legislation until they get their way. (emphasis mine)

I can't tell you how many times the same tactic was taken by Democrats in the last Congress and my conservative associates lambasted the Dems taking such action as "unpatriotic," saying they were putting their own interests ahead of funding our troops. Today, without looking, I bet those same associates are calling Graham a hero for his actions.

It's a ridiculous argument either way, but the point about partisanship needs to be made.

(h/t Huffpo)

The Mexican Mess

2009-06-09T07:28:00.005-04:00

Now this is what you call ballsy:

Gunmen launched grenades and opened fire in near simultaneous attacks on two police stations in Acapulco Monday, killing three officers in violence that broke out less than 48 hours after a gunbattle in the resort left 17 dead. . .

Gunmen fatally shot two officers sitting in a patrol car parked outside one police station. A few minutes later, assailants attacked a second station, about two miles (three kilometers) away, wounding two officers, according to the Guerrero state police department. One of the officers later died.

Serious stuff on our southern border, it's an all-out war that our media is underplaying. The cartels are trying to get a foothold anywhere they can in order to bulwark their efforts:

Twice before, the anti-drug agents had gotten a tip about a load of cocaine at the hulking industrial park on this dreary stretch of highway half an hour outside Guatemala City. Twice before, a U.S. official said, they had found nothing.

On their third visit, they found a firing squad. . .

During the last year and a half, the Zetas have carved a bloody trail across Guatemala's northern and eastern provinces. More than 6,000 people were slain in Guatemala in 2008. Police say most of the killings were linked to the drug trade.

As the recent blood bath shows, the violence is now threatening the capital, deep in the interior.

Hell, the cartels are even in office, though they may be slowly losing their grip:

Severed heads tossed in front of a car dealership. Bodies hurled off a bridge. Extortion threats against shop owners. It was no secret that this town popular with tourists for its monarch butterfly nesting grounds was in the grip of Mexico's drug trade.

But even the most jaded were stunned when Zitacuaro's young, charismatic mayor was arrested this week in Mexico's biggest sweep ever against politicians with alleged cartel ties.

The swift and secretive operation by federal forces netted 10 mayors and 18 other top officials in Michoacan state, escalating President Felipe Calderon's battle against cartels ahead of the July 5 national elections.

What bothers me is that I heard not one peep from the news networks yesterday about the attack on the police station. Because it's escalating, even 2 1/2 years after Calderon's renewed offensive. And it will spill toward us next.

El Presidente

2009-06-08T10:58:00.002-04:00

No, not Barack Obama--ME! I was just elected President of our local (and new) Friends of the Library Association. What does that mean? Basically I'll be in charge of setting up and running events for our new non-profit (tax exempt) FOTL association, publicity, etc.

Anyone know how to get free books? If you've got books to get rid of, you can always send them to the Friends of the Highgate Library Association, c/o little old me. :)

NOT On My Summer Reading List:

2009-06-08T09:07:00.002-04:00

Finding Suzie

DARPA Watch: Mesomatter

2009-06-08T08:51:00.004-04:00

Via Engadget:

Dr. Mitchell R. Zakin is hopeful they can one day build a container that
looks like a paint can and will form universal spare parts or tools such as
hammers and wrenches based on the soldiers' needs, using a building material
they call "mesomatter" that range anywhere from one hundred microns to a
centimeter in size.

I don't know about a "paint can" necessarily, but imagine the possibilities of being able to transform some innocuous material into something you need? What about the applications for building homes in the future? Or prostheses? Go-go-gadget legs!! ;)

Now that's just too cool for words. DARPA rules!

Test

2009-06-07T19:20:00.002-04:00

Comment capability test

Time For The Next Phase

2009-06-07T19:11:00.002-04:00

Life is a work in progress, right? Time to pare down the blog and put things in order. I spend a lot of time on poetry these days, but that doesn't mean I'm not up for some other chatter. I bet the page loads faster now, too.

Let me know if you have problems viewing the page.

Robbie Returns!!

2009-06-07T17:22:00.002-04:00

And blog updates are in the sidebar here.

Now go smack him for not having a link to me. ;)

Who Killed Bill?

2009-06-04T13:26:00.001-04:00

David Carradine found hanged in Bangkok apartment, suspected suicide: (via Huffpo)

Actor David Carradine, star of the 1970s TV series "Kung Fu" who also had a
wide-ranging career in the movies, has been found dead in the Thai capital,
Bangkok. A news report said he was found hanged in his hotel room and was
believed to have committed suicide.

One Shining Moment

2009-05-20T22:24:00.001-04:00

O' Shine, that glance which stole my soul
When blue eyes amber flashed.
A lifetime in an instant told,
All prior plans lay dashed.

Clever, testing conversations
Led us to this moment--
I stood in anticipation
Tiptoe on the pavement

O'Time, what chance should fain bestow
Upon this lonely boy,
With sunset's final golden glow
There dawned a life of joy:

We met as planned, at daylight's end
Your magic rent my husk--
One shining moment souls could blend,
A blue and amber dusk.

Valueless Proxies

2009-05-19T11:59:00.003-04:00

This article in todays NYTimes is nothing new, but it is chilling. Even with medical proxies, living will, etc, gay couples in states without protections face potential disaster, and can't visit their partners or be with them at the end. And that's what the lawsuits end up being about.

However, and I don't think this question is asked enough, if the hospital doesn't care enough about the patients to allow their loved ones in the room with them at the end, why would we expect that those same patients are receiving the proper care? The best care? If the doctors are shunning the lesbian partner, why do we automatically assume that the patient is getting any better treatment?

Yeah, I know . . .

2009-05-15T13:17:00.002-04:00

It's been a month since my last post, but the poetry has kept me fairly busy of late. However I just had to show you this ridiculous teaser for this preposterous movie starring . . . wait for it . . . Debbie Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas:

Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus (That's really the name, folks)

Public Enemies

2009-04-16T09:02:00.001-04:00

Hubba Hubba. Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Channing Tatum in one movie? That's a whole lotta ego for one screen!

What's In Their Tea?

2009-04-13T07:42:00.002-04:00

Though I'm not really fond of the "Tea Party" phenomenon occurring right now across the nation--I feel it's a pale mockery of the real Boston Tea Party; just a lack of substantive ideas on how we should fund programs and balance the budget--I can at least try to understand the frustration with all of the proposed higher taxes. Hell, we can't afford the taxes we pay now!

This, however, takes the proverbial cake:

"Burn the books!" she yells from off-camera. The surprised camera man asks if she's serious, and which books she'd burn. "The ones in college, the brainwashing books, like the evolution crap."

Yes, that evolution "crap." That so obviously skipped over your family, idiot.

Calling All Vermont Poets

2009-04-10T07:55:00.003-04:00

Hi all. I'm starting up a new set of forums exclusively for poets and their (our) poetry. Since I don't know many Vermont poets, I thought perhaps this post would encourage us to all gather in one place to share our work and get opinions if we so desire. It'd be nice to meet some local folks who also submit to the muse! ;)

The forums aren't just for Vermont poets, however. I encourage everyone to come visit and post some poetry (this means YOU, QJ!)

If you're interested, please click here. You must register to see the forums. It helps keep out the spammers. :)

KAMEHAMEHA

2009-04-09T13:28:00.002-04:00

Too Freakin' Awesome. (I'm such a kid at heart)

FINALLY

2009-04-07T11:39:00.001-04:00

Vermont Overrides Governor's Veto To Pass Gay Marriage!!!

Asking For Your Help

2009-04-02T07:35:00.002-04:00

"As part of its $250,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation, Betty Crocker is granting 12 wishes in 12 weeks." Make-A-Wish is probably my favorite charity, giving smiles to those who really need them. Please click on the link above and vote for the Vermont chapter, or one close to you, to help grant some wishes. You have to register to vote (I know, it's a pain) but it's worth it to some poor child with cancer.

Thanks so much.

Jamie

No Foolin: Queerty's Menstruating

2009-04-01T12:48:00.003-04:00

Queerty, that bastion of suckiness, has evidently become tired of my comments telling them they're worthless. Actually, I like Japhy's stuff pretty much, it's David Hauslaib who I like to tell off for his asenine, immature, pedantic, lowest-common-denominator postings.

Well, not only was my comment unceremoniously deleted this morning, but now, evidently, my comments are moderated and pending approval.

SO, first, I shall unceremoniously remove their link.

Now, I will put out a plea: Will someone PLEASE go fuck David Hauslaib. I know, I know, that's alot to ask, but take one for the team, will ya? Evidently he needs it, if he can't handle some witty criticism.

*kisses, bitches*

Howdy Y'all

2009-03-31T08:05:00.003-04:00

So I've created yet another blog (I know, I know) solely for the purpose of housing my poetry: Clickity here if'n yer interested.

Okay, well, I didn't really just create it. I've got a few blognames that I've held for a while now, and decided this was the least ridiculous one to use for the poems. I've been transferring my poetry from TPS so I have a backup copy of everything. 49 poems so far, probably as many to go. They're not all gems, but they don't all suck, either, so maybe give it a go?

Game, Set, and Match

2009-03-26T10:39:00.002-04:00

David Schuster points out the hypocrisy of the current (R) objections to "budget reconciliation."

(I just stopped the video when Olbermensch came on)

This Just Looks So Cool

2009-03-26T07:55:00.001-04:00

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer

Letter To My Legislators

2009-03-25T15:33:00.003-04:00

Here is the text of the letter I just sent to my legislators (My last name is obviously redacted here):

Good afternoon.

I realize that some of you have voted against the same-sex marriage bill currently underway in the Vermont State House. As a lifelong resident of Vermont--born here, no flatlander--and as someone who moved to Franklin County from Chittenden county a few years ago, I have always expressed myself politically at the polls, never before contacting my legislators. I tend to vote a split ticket, voting for fiscally conservative yet socially moderate candidates and incumbents. However this bill is extremely important to me and my family. Since I have to work two jobs to pay the bills, I didn't have time to visit the statehouse for the hearings on this subject. So let me tell you my feelings as succinctly as possible.

I ask you to PASS this bill. The Governor has stated he intends to veto it, and I ask you to OVERRIDE his veto. Now, I could go through all of the scholarly arguments about marriage and the constitution, and try to assuage your religious objections, but I don't need to. I grew up in a very religious home and am still close to God. I also have had the same partner--the only person I've ever been in love with and dedicated to--for fifteen years. Since I was 20 years old, we have been a loving, monogamous couple who've worked alongside our fellow Vermonters, trying to demonstrate that we are just people in love, that's it. We have seen so many of our heterosexual friends get married and divorced (sometimes twice) in the years we've been together--yet for some reason there is doubt as to whether what we have qualifies as "love" in your eyes, or the eys of society. Let me put it to you straight: I am as worthy as anyone else to call the man I love my Husband, and I intend to decide my future votes on this singular issue until same sex marriage is passed in Vermont.

For those of you who think passing this bill would somehow effect your own marriage, I think that says more about the inherent strength of your marriage, and the reasons you're in it, than anything about me or my love. We don't dress in women's clothing. We don't parade halfway naked down the street. We are your neighbors, vibrant and vital to your community.

I designed the new website last year for the Highgate library because I wanted to contribute more to my community. Norm gives horseback lessons to disabled children. We are involved with our Nieces and Nephews in their 4H groups and I have personally met each and every one of you, yet you never had a clue that I am gay. I am asking you to please, please rethink the attitudes you may have towards us.

Quite simply, my future, and my future vote, depends upon it.

Yours,

James X
Highgate, VT

Catch Us On The Rebound

2009-03-23T14:01:00.003-04:00

There's a response today to a recent BFP editorial on gay marriage that brought a tear to my eye. The response is written by the former editor of the Burlington Free Press. Here's a sample:

Once again religious conservatives are saying equality would be a mistake. They cannot influence this decision though, because they have damaged their authority through self-inflicted wounds. Our Catholic bishop, though I respect him, cannot lecture Vermonters on sexual matters while he continues to go to court denying the diocese’s complicity in sexual abuse of boys. Too many national evangelical leaders, meanwhile, have been revealed to be homosexuals themselves, or adulterers, patrons of prostitutes, or in one celebrated case, a crystal meth addict.
While churches earned these lurid headlines, thousands of Vermonters quietly demonstrated their love and commitment by entering into civil unions. They lived in our neighborhoods, worked beside us in our jobs, and raised their children just like us. And none of the consequences opponents had feared – not one – came to pass. . .

If I may share the perspective of a person who spent a decade knowing his compromising was wrong, I would offer the governor just three words: Stand for something.

Please, go read the whole thing, and spread it around.

Gee, Thanks A Lot, FARB!!

2009-03-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid Disorder:	Low
Schizoid Disorder:	Low
Schizotypal Disorder:	Moderate
Antisocial Disorder:	Low
Borderline Disorder:	Low
Histrionic Disorder:	High
Narcissistic Disorder:	High
Avoidant Disorder:	Low
Dependent Disorder:	Moderate
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:	High
-- Personality Disorder Test - Take It! -- -- Personality Disorders --

Great. I already knew about the OCD, but now I have Schizotypal Disorder to obsess over!

h/t FARB

Quickies: End O' Winter Edition

2009-03-19T09:25:00.003-04:00

I have to say I'm excited for this movie:

The Pope says Condoms endanger public health--which gives me serious doubts as to his knowledge of how they actually work. Perhaps he thinks they're usually thrown at people once they're full, like water balloons? That's the only explanation I can think of to make such a preposterous statemtent.

NYTimes covers the Vermont marriage debate. (Local coverage linked in my post below)

Evidently rapists are less detrimental to "unit cohesion" than gays in the military.

Flying cars just across the Lake from me, in Plattsburgh. Hmm, haven't seen 'em yet. I'll keep an eye out.

Vt Marriage Hearings--Comprehensive Links

2009-03-19T08:09:00.004-04:00

Major Kudos to the Burlington Free Press for liveblogging and livestreaming last night's hearings. BFP reports 1,000 people showed up about evenly divided pro and con. The wingnuts were out in full force--and they're their own worst enemy. As of right now, BFP's liveblog from last night is still readable here, along with this morning's article covering the hearing. Other coverage:

WCAX--local CBS affiliate: Gay Marriage Hearing Draws Hundreds

A total of 115 people signed up to speak in support of gay marriage -- 82
signed up to speak against it.

WPTZ--local NBC affiliate: (1)Religious Leaders Split On Marriage Bill
(2)Vermonters Swarm Statehouse Over Gay Marriage

GMD--Green Mountain Daily coverage

VPR--Vermont Public Radio coverage

VTFreetomarry.org coverage

It Has Begun

2009-03-16T07:23:00.003-04:00

Heard the first radio commercial against gay marriage in Vermont this morning while listening to the Charlie & Ernie show on WVMT (am620). The narrator kept opining on how it's wasting lawmakers' time when there is "so much other" stuff for the legislature to worry about-- as if the legislature can only do one thing at a time. The narrator is sporadically interspersed with voices of children asking about two mommies or two daddies with tremulous voices, and the final line of the commercial is a child saying "I want a mommy and a daddy." Overall the whole thing was deplorable and desperate. If I can find a link to the commercial audio I'll post it.

A Few Poems:

2009-03-11T10:46:00.002-04:00

Here are some of my more recent poems if you're interested.

Witness

So sweet the face betrayed by saddened eyes--
Such melancholy time has etched indelibly,
Even written unto sleep.

Do fattened dreams lie supine in your mind,
Exorcised from expectations,
Seldom seen again, save in times of pondered whimsy?

I, entranced by such subtle sleeping form, and sighs,
Would weep, intent to fathom visions hidden deep.
Does such a soul that treads the day with trepid steps
Still dare to dream in slumber--
Or do I witness Circadian surrender?

If this should be the last those eyes should flutter,
I pray your dreams fly free in final whimsy.

Choice

We all feel life and love and loss,
The good and bad, the dreck and dross--
To wear it like an albatross
Would seem to be a choice.

I still recall my Grampa’s words
The final sounds of his I heard,
To you, perhaps, it seems absurd,
But I still hear his voice.

I still recall when Gramma died
How Mommy’s eyes were red and wide
How I returned to child inside
When she said, “We was robbed.”

I’ll never forget Charlie’s face
Or how his smile warmed up the place
His clumsy, oafish charm and grace;
How, when he died, I sobbed.

Yet I have been a lucky man,
Been granted gifts from which I ran,
Been let to glimpse the master plan
Of which we all are part.

No, I do not believe in fate
But rather I can demonstrate
No matter what, it’s ne’er too late
To fix a broken heart.

When I was younger, so naïve
I thought I knew what I believed
‘Til innocence was found deceived--
My conscience lost its ground.

I found myself surrendering,
Foul cynicism tendering
My inner voices rendering
With tempting succor sound.

Oh I was once consumed by fear
That all would crumble should I near--
Then I found one who held me dear
And never let me go.

So this I’d like to share with you
If you can spare a blink or two
There are a few things you must do
For life is one big show:

Prepare for strife as best you can,
Invest yourself in fellow man,
Uplift, enjoy, and play your hand
As if the bad has stalled,

‘Cause bad will happen, this is true
To everyone, including you,
What matters now is what you do
Until your curtain’s called.

Yet while preparing, still be glad
That days remaining to be had
Are yours to fashion, good or bad--
Alone, they're only time.

To strip it bare and parse it out
We make our choices hedging doubt
If that must be what life's about
Then make each choice sublime.

For as I wrote when I began,
I have one life to live as man,
To live each day as best I can
And speak with earnest voice,

And all this life and love and loss,
The good and bad, the dreck and dross--
To wear it like an albatross
Would seem the weaker choice.

Air of Anticipation

Sunlight breaks the sullen sky
Catching bare limbs unawares,
Blinding brilliance bites the eye,
Stabbing back from winter's wares.

Breathe in deep the crisping breath,
Cleansing, quickened, born of dawn,
Nascent spring tells winter’s death,
Nature's cycle moving on.

Extend the exhalation
Purging winter's cold and dark,
Glimpse nascent animation:
Restless rustling ‘mid the stark.

Winter’s pall disturbs the scene,
Shadow cast by cloud in glide,
Creatures twitter hardly seen
Eager for the season spied.

Gay Ol' Time In The North Country

2009-03-05T14:33:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, the dreadful Phelps clan is due to protest a Plattsburgh high school production of The Laramie Project. I'll add video from one of the news outlets after their visit if I can find it.

Today, VTFreedomToMarry sent out the following:

The time has arrived!
Today Senate leader Peter Shumlin and House Speaker Shap Smith confirmed that they intend to take up, and pass, a bill to ensure equal access to civil marriage. THIS IS IT! The pieces are in place, and it's up to us to make our case!

Sen. Shumlin and Rep. Smith outlined the General Assembly's extensive work to stimulate the economy and create jobs, as well as its groundbreaking legislation to ensure that Vermont has the country's toughest and most thoughtful laws governing sex offenders. Laying out their agenda for the second half of the session, they concluded that the legislature can and should pass a bill ensuring the equal right to marry. The Senate Judiciary Committee will start the work on S.115, "An Act to Protect Religious Freedom and Promote Equality in Civil Marriage," sponsored by Senate leaders Peter Shumlin, John Campbell, and Claire Ayer, on Monday, March 16, when legislators return from the Town Meeting break.

Governor Douglas, a Republican, has said that he "doesn't see the need" for a marriage bill right now considering how well civil unions have worked out, but it remains up for grabs whether he'd sign a marriage bill or not. Stay tuned . . .

Epic Conscience Fail

2009-03-04T13:56:00.002-05:00

Ironically, this instance shows why abortions should only be performed by licensed doctors and no one else.

Note: This piece should in no way construe my support or opposition to abortion, but rather horror at the cavalier attitude with which the patient(s) were treated.

Friday Quickies

2009-02-27T08:46:00.003-05:00

Sacrilege! Clue, much like, well, any Tim Curry movie ever made, should NEVER be subjected to a remake. Can you imagine anyone else playing Tim's part in any of these movies:

Oscar
The Hunt For Red October
It
Clue
Rocky Horror Picture Show

I mean, really. Some things simply aren't done! (h/t Popnography)

If you aren't mad about the government buying shares in banks and credit card companies, you should be, you proud soon-to-be new Citi shareholder, you.

Hooray for this storeowner, and boo for the DA charging him with assault for defending himself.

Now, from Sweden:

A student association in southern Sweden is on the lookout for a thief with a preference for extra large condoms after fifty commodious rubbers went missing on Monday night.

There has apparently been a groundswell of volunteers to perform the identification. :)

Hopefully the thief will be jailed in the same cell with this idiot, who turned the dryer on with his 1 year old son inside.

Hope you enjoyed the quickies. Have a weekend. :

Scientific American Gaydar

2009-02-25T14:21:00.001-05:00

Now here's a source that I didn't expect a study on gaydar from: Tufts University.

Surprisingly, all participants (both men and women) scored above chance on this gaydar task, correctly identifying the gay faces. Even more surprisingly, accuracy rate was just as good when the images were exposed at a rapid rate of only 50 milliseconds, which offered participants no opportunity to consciously process the photo.

Quotable

2009-02-23T09:59:00.002-05:00

I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when
there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us
30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out
there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by
the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures
of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you

--Dustin Lance Black, accepting his Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Milk.

Gay kids can't ever hear that God loves them too often.

Quickies: 'Cause I'm Busy Edition

2009-02-19T07:25:00.005-05:00

I think I've already found my brother's Christmas present for next year.
(h/t Gay Guy/ Straight Guy)
This guy's an ass, but it helps if you imagine him speaking with the voice of the "other" Butters. I bet he knows how to eat with his butt, too.
Canada on UFO's:
… it is difficult to reconcile this performance with the capabilities of our technology, and unless the technology of some terrestrial nation is much more advanced than is generally known, we are forced to the conclusion that the vehicles are probably extra-terrestrial, in spite of our prejudices to the contrary."
Have conspiracy theories and coverups jumped the shark yet?
Ricky Braddy got screwed. Hopefully he gets a wildcard slot. Hopefully Tatiana doesn't, that drama queen.
That Chinese woman who threw a louie in the airport? Yeah, can you imagine being on the "later flight to LA" that they managed to get her on?

Never Leave The House

2009-02-12T07:44:00.001-05:00

NSFW but dear lord . . .

Primal Scream

2009-02-11T15:16:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry. I don't usually swear too much here, unless I'm really, really pissed off. But this motherfuckin' shit is ridiculous:

Two Wall Street firms that received at least $60 billion in government bailout funds will be rewarding their financial advisers with controversial retention payments, the terms of which one senior executive described as "very generous" in audio obtained by the Huffington Post.

Yes, I expect you to go to the Huffington Post and read it, listen to it, then get on the horn to your congressperson and senators and rip them a new asshole big enough to fit Perez Hilton's fat ass into headfirst. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!

On Recruiting

2009-02-11T09:47:00.002-05:00

Waynesboro, PA senior high school now has a gay-straight-alliance club (Yay for them!), but only after a lawsuit and a period of intense public comment:

After weeks of controversy and three hours of debate the Waynesboro Area School District school board has voted to approve the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at Waynesboro Area Senior High School.

(Video at link)

Now, the idiot money quote of the day (emphasis mine):

"I understand the, per se, bullying that they may experience, which I do not agree with," said Waynesboro resident Amos Miller. "But whenever they come into the school system and have a club now they are permitted to hand out materials and recruit people and it's an awful young age."

Ridiculous as this may seem to those of us who are GLBT, the idea that we "recruit" and "entice" young people into a "lifestyle" is a pervasive stereotype that we must deal with.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I was in school there were no college aged gay-men offering free blowjobs to the first fifty people to sign up. Trust me, that's something I'd have remembered, and frustrated, shallow little queen that I was, I'd have jumped on it. Pun intended. There were no discount coupons for sex-toys, no seminars on fashion advice (which I could have used, believe you me!), no hairstyling tips, nothing to entice me to join this club of --gasp!-- queers. And yet somehow, some way, public perception continues to be that we have some sort of magical brainwashing device that makes buff jocks want cocks. (Who hasn't dreamed of such a device at one time or another in their adolescence? *snicker*)

Really, people, time to wake up the public. And start recruiting for real.

Missing The Point

2009-02-05T09:26:00.002-05:00

From Raw Replay (Click for video):

Fox host Gretchen Carlson is concerned that President Obama’s plan to limit pay for executives whose companies take federal bailout money could lead to socialism.

Um, no, Gretchen, the companies taking the bailout money in the first place is what leads to socialism, but we're told we must give it to them or the economy will fail. Which is all a bunch of horsefeathers in my opinion.

Remember This?

2009-02-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

“Norm Coleman will never ever serve [again] in the Senate,” Reid told Politico’s Manu Raju. “He lost the election. He can stall things, but he'll never serve in the Senate.”

(Source)

Flash forward to today's news:

In a ruling that keeps alive Republican Norm Coleman's chances of overturning Minnesota's U.S. Senate recount, a three-judge panel on Tuesday allowed him to bring evidence to trial that as many as 4,800 absentee ballots were wrongly rejected and should now be counted.

I don't hear a fat lady yet, Harry.

To Quote Mister Giles

2009-02-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

"Oh, for a different phrasing."

Blogcabin.net: A New GOP Chairman Is Change We Can Get Behind

Now, if only the article was actually there, I'd have something more to say. For now, I'll stay with being snarky.

Love That Facebook!

2009-01-30T07:52:00.006-05:00

*Note sarcasm.

Ah, the "Heterosexual Voice," not unlike "White Power": (h/t towleroad)

The thing that seemed to trigger the whole group forming around that same time,
in October, was straight kids were feeling like their ‘rights’ to call people fags were being infringed upon.”

Let's not forget the Facebook Killer: (h/t gawker)

Shortly before he went out that evening, he wrote on Facebook:

I'm twisted at home. My head's up my —--. I feel like killin some1 need to stay off the hard stuff ha —-- it it's Saturday ha

So he went out and killed someone. And he's not the first to do so.

Not that any of this is Facebook's fault. But I have little use for myspacefacebooketc, as they're about the most inane high-schoolish websites available. I don't even know my facebook account sign-in anymore.

**On a side note, Ashton Kutcher might want to be careful what he twitters. "I'm gonna kill my neighbor" just might be considered a threat.

Saving The Best For Last

2009-01-29T11:17:00.002-05:00

Wow. I thought, you know, that prostitutes were supposed to be pretty. Like in Pretty Woman. Consider me disabused of THAT notion. Via smoking gun, I present the WOOF squad.

Howard Cosell, From The Box On Mount Parnassus:

2009-01-29T08:22:00.001-05:00

There's a Poetry Tournament Challenge underway at TPS, and, though I've been posting the poetry to the forums, I thought it would be fun to share this one here.

Howard Cosell, From The Box On Mount Parnassus:

Come one and come all, see the poets do battle!
Their quills finely sharpened, as fine as their wits!
The boldest of verses shall triumph o’er prattle,
As authors of lesser works shiver with fits!

Can words fiercely forged in some purest emotion--
In love, mayhap enmity, meant to amuse--
Portray these combatants’ own surest devotion:
The finery writ at the hand of the muse?

Now watch as their quills, they do quiver intently,
As each poet drips ardent sweat off his brow,
With bodies betraying the words rendered gently,
Their eyes lost in wondering, “Is it enow?”

Whilst I sit and watch, a mere maker of mentions,
Commenting upon what I know naught about
With (may I assure you) the noblest intentions,
Describing these scribes ‘til the last is cast out.

A Question

2009-01-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

So here's the deal. I live in Vermont, and Vermont made products are always popular because you city slickers are suckers for leaves changing colors and souvenirs. So . . .

I write poetry. Not all of it's the best, but enough people have told me I'm good that I'm thinking maybe I can make myself some money.

What you may not know is that I like to take pictures as well. I tape and photograph all of the horse shows we attend and like to take scenic pictures as well just for the art's sake. I just don't bother uploading any of them to the net, since I've got them stored or printed.

What I'm thinking is that I could start my own line of Vermont-made greeting cards and framed scenes with verse captions and sell them to the tourists. I've even got my own little trademark stamp already cut, and plan to hand-stamp the back of everything. I have a couple of stores already lined up to test-market the product, based solely on a couple of snapshots and some verse I showed them.

So here's the question:

Am I out of my mind or what? You can comment here or in the forums, and/or click the poll.

Does It Sound Like A Sweeney Todd or Oklahoma?

2009-01-22T11:52:00.002-05:00

You know the ol' waterboarding, it's-a----shutting down!

Thanks for the Alert, AFA! Assholes.

2009-01-22T08:01:00.003-05:00

From my email set up specifically to recieve this kind of crap from these jokers:

Obama acts quickly, lays out his abortion and gay agenda

One of his first moves pushes social issues to the top.

January 21, 2009

Dear Friend,

It didn't take long for President Barack Hussein Obama to move his social issues to the top of his to-do list. His agenda can be found here, taken directly from the White House home page.

This is only the beginning of Obama's plans to reshape society. His view is that unborn babies aren't worth protecting and that homosexuals deserve special rights.

Now, not later, is the time to let President Obama know that you oppose his efforts. People like you who oppose taking the life of the unborn and who oppose giving special rights to those who practice of perverted sex need to take action now!

It is time to ask your friends and family who have not been engaged to get involved. This is not the time to quit. It is a time to act! Our children and grandchildren are counting on us!

First of all, "practice" for perverted sex is called "masturbation," which, I know, is distasteful to you folks, but deal with it. After fifteen years together I think we're done practicing. And, once again, assuming that pro-gay means pro-abortion just shows how monochromatic your view of the world is.

Currently, the only "special rights" are those granted to heterosexual couples, who are able to receive preferential tax treatment at most state, and all federal, levels because of who you "choose" to have sex with.

Now that just sounds stupid, doesn't it? Now you know how we feel.

Currently, churches that would recognize gay marriage are prohibited from issuing legal documents to reflect said marriages. How would you feel if your church was unable to issue your marriage document to the state? Like your 1st amendment rights were being violated? Thought so.

Your assumption that there is a "choice" in homosexuality is flatly wrong. To tell us not to "act on our sins" is to tell us to live celibate lives, and that can only be based on your religious beliefs.

Your religion is not condoned by MY God. So keep your religion off my rights and I'll keep my dick out of your face. Deal?

Ricky Rears His Head

2009-01-16T08:33:00.003-05:00

Santorum throws McCain under the bus, runs him over, backs up over him, and runs him over again:

In McCain's mind, however, losing the presidency will not be the final chapter of his life story. He knows the path to "Big Media" redemption. Working with the man who vanquished him in November will show them all the real McCain again.
Remember, it was this onetime prisoner of war who led the charge to open diplomatic relations with Vietnam. If that past is prologue, and McCain's legislative record is any guide, he will not just join with Obama but lead the charge in Congress on global warming, immigration "reform," the closing of Guantanamo, federal funding for embryonic-stem-cell research, and importation of prescription drugs.

But li'l Ricky isn't one for consistency himself, is he? While he has certainly been critical of McCain throughout the last year, consider this, from the Weekly Standard:

More interesting, perhaps, is Santorum's own history with McCain. While he has little use for McCain today, the same was not true back in 2006, when Santorum was campaigning for reelection. The Pennsylvania conservative asked McCain to visit Pennsylvania on his behalf and used footage from the event on his campaign website.
According to an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, when Santorum listed "key events" of his campaign in 2005, the name of George W. Bush was nowhere to be found. What was? According to the Inquirer:
"First on the list? An endorsement from Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.). Click over to the multimedia section, and you'll find video footage of McCain at a Santorum fund-raiser. Might popularity have something to do with it? McCain's approval ratings tip the mid-60s. Bush hovers in the high 30s."

Glass houses, baby. Glaaaaaasss houses. Get a real job.

What Can Brown Do For You?

2009-01-16T08:02:00.000-05:00

They can bring in the green.

Seeking Your Input

2009-01-13T10:53:00.003-05:00

Hey, all. I know, it's nigh on impossible to get folks to participate in new forums without a "hook," but I like having them anyway. I'm switching the forums to proboards, and am seeking input into just what y'all would like to see there for categories, abilities, etc.

You may be asking, "Why forums?" Because I'd rather be talking with you, than at you, and I believe a forum format is more conducive to conversation. And, if you don't want to go to the trouble of having your own blog, but occasionally have something to say, or interesting articles or games to point out, then this makes it easy for you. Ideally I'd like to move away from blogging and back to a forum based site, but that takes other folks willing to join the conversation. So it's all up to you folks.

Leave your suggestions in the comments.

:)

So Much Material

2009-01-12T08:12:00.004-05:00

I couldn't decide what to call this: perhaps "Jeff Stryker Still Being Big Pain In Ass," or "Still-boyish 46?" Really, I mean, which do you believe: the pictures of Jeff Stryker in suit and tie playing the responsible citizen, or this:

He says that Peyton frequently retaliates by blasting much louder dance music during performances, from speakers placed at the walls between the two storefronts, and that he has urinated on Kulak’s truck.
The club owner also alleges, more darkly, that Peyton often lurks in the alley he shares with the Woodshed, whispering threats to Kulak from the shadows and intimidating his patrons — when he is not on the front sidewalk, kicking a martial-arts mannequin a few feet from the folkies.
“He constantly reminds me he’s a firearms expert,” Kulak says, “and will hide behind his back door when I dump the trash. Once, he started making mechanical gun clicks. I could see he had a pistol in his hand as he was dry-firing it.”

Yeah, that sounds more like it. Luckily, there's humor to be found here:

And look at the incoherent website Stryker has. Even if his complaints are legitimate (and I have doubts), do people really take this man seriously? Who thinks he can actually write a whole book by himself?

h/t towleroad

Reid My Lips

2009-01-07T11:15:00.002-05:00

It seems that Senate Majority Leader Reid can tell the future. With pending lawsuits in the Coleman/Franken case that will ultimately decide the matter, the honorable senator from Nevada has proclaimed:

“Norm Coleman will never ever serve [again] in the Senate,” Reid told
Politico’s Manu Raju. “He lost the election. He can stall things, but he'll
never serve in the Senate.”

Really? Never ever? I wonder if he stomped his feet and said "Nuh-uh" afterward. How about not commenting on pending litigation, boss? Geez.

Again I Ask, Where Does It Stop?

2009-01-07T11:01:00.003-05:00

The arguments for the financial bailouts can be twisted for any industry, as I've said before. And, evidently, I'm not the only one to believe so:

An article in next month's Atlantic asks, "Is porn recession proof?" According to porn magnate Larry Flynt and "Girls Gone Wild" king Joe Francis, the answer is no.
TMZ reports that the pornographer pair is heading to Washington to ask for a $5 billion porn bailout.

And I don't know where Huffpo got that picture of Joe Francis, but he should use it as his publicity photo. It's the only one I've found where he's not completely hideous.

Just sayin'. ;)

Quickies: Kids Edition!

2009-01-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

9 Year Old Boy Stops Pit Bull Attack: "Heredia held the dog in the chokehold until an animal control officer arrived." Kid's got a great future in babysitting.
Tough Luv: ""You'll find big, ugly, hairy strong men (in jail) who've got faces only a mother could love that will pay a lot of attention to you -- and your anatomy," said Magistrate Brian Maloney."
But it worked in Sound of Music . . .Three German children aged five, six and seven who said they were fed up with cold weather at home set off on a voyage to Africa but only got as far as the local train station, police said on Monday.
6 Year Old Misses Bus, Takes Family Car To School: Lewis said the youth, a resident of Wicomico Church, felt so bad about missing the school bus yesterday morning that he took the keys to the family's 2005 Ford Taurus while his mother was sleeping and drove toward school. (And he almost made it!)

Laughing Would Be Wrong . . .

2009-01-06T15:41:00.001-05:00

Right?

JANUARY 6--In a bizarre incident that will surely lead to litigation (or an
out-of-court settlement), a skier at Colorado's ritzy Vail resort was left
dangling upside down and pantsless from a chairlift last Thursday morning.

Oh, yes, there are pictures. :)

Rerun: Stretch That Grocery Dollar!

2009-01-06T09:25:00.002-05:00

Originally posted by me at IMBD. Thought it would be helpful to newer readers, especially in this economy:

And now: A Hausfrau Moment

As I paid for my groceries the other night, the woman in line behind me let out a gasp.

“How on EARTH did you manage to get all of that for $100?” she asked. As the cashier handed me my receipt, I answered the woman succinctly, “Practice and coupons.”

Let’s face it: these days we’re all trying to save as much as we can, wherever we can. That especially includes grocery shopping. Even I was amazed at how much I had managed to purchase, a teeming cartful of food, for $97 and change. Even at my best, the bill is usually around $200. But as my gas cost keeps rising, I’ve been forced to search out many new ways to save wherever I can. Maybe some of these tips can help you save some dough as well.

Armed with her coupons and sale fliers, Janice Greenfield hit two supermarkets Friday afternoon in Londonderry. First, she bought a carriage full of groceries at Market Basket. Then she headed to Shaw’s with a flier that already had a bunch of coupons attached to it.

“I’ve always been a sales-oriented shopper,” Greenfield said. “I stock up on sale items and I use coupons.”

As it so happens, I also shopped at Shaw’s the other day–because that’s where the items I needed were on sale. I don’t often shop there anymore since we bought the house, because it’s not very convenient unless I’m already in that town.

Tip1 is “make a list.” I can’t tell you how important this first part is. By making a list, I don’t just mean make a short list of what you’re out of or think you want. Think about what meals you’re going to prepare at home in the next couple of weeks or so, and how many times you’re going to need the more costly items, like meat and fresh produce. Meal planning is step one in paring down your grocery bill considerably. It doesn’t need to necessarily be formal meal planning, but at least have a general idea of what you’re actually going to use this grocery cycle. We all know the cliché: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Well, in this case it’s not just a cliché, it’s a truism. If you want to take the route of “formal” meal planning, you can try this link, which has a printable meal planner and shopping list. These charts are invaluable to me. (OrganizedHome is a very helpful site for we, the anal-retentive, lol.)

Tip2: “use coupons.” Oh, stop groaning. How much would you have to save by using coupons in order to consider it “worth it?” $5? $25? I usually save about $15-$20 just by using coupons that take me perhaps 10 minutes to print and cut out. That’s like paying myself $90-120 an hour for those ten minutes. Do you make that? If so, get the hell off my webpage, you rich bastard! Just kidding. Kinda.

You can find coupons all over the place. They come in the mail, in packaging of items you buy, on the back of last week’s grocery receipt, in fliers in the newspapers, in the Valpak (although come to think of it, I’ve not seen one of those in a few years . . .). But today, more importantly, coupons abound on the internet. Try Smartsource, Coupons.com, and even your local grocery store. Often they have coupons on their website. In addition, Price Chopper often has 4 “triple coupons” in their weekly flier, allowing you to save 3 times the amount of 4 separate coupons, as long as the original is under $1.00 and does not say “may not be doubled.” I’ve gotten some free, yes, free, stuff this way. Cha-CHING!

If you’re still tepid about coupons, click here to read about “mastering coupons without being a coupon nut.” And take note of what one of their commenters said: Frequently manufacturers will run coupons for a sales push, and the stores time a sales push about two to four weeks later, when most people have already spent those coupons. I save coupons and stock up during those sales, and often find items that, with coupons, are priced about 60% below regular retail. Very true, and very useful as a tip.

A warning about coupons: don’t let the “perceived value” of the coupon entice you into buying something you don’t need or wouldn’t normally buy. I only clip coupons for the brands and items I already use, or sometimes for a treat, like Drumstiks. But it makes no sense to clip coupons for more expensive brands than you normally use, because the actual value of your savings often is negated by a higher original purchase price. WATCH YOUR UNIT PRICE. I cannot say that enough. Unit Price is what makes your Bottom Line.

Tip3 is “don’t be a slave to the idea of shopping at the same store all of the time.” Many people, myself included, tend to like one grocery store over another–but that preference can be costly, and unless we’re talking about produce, the quality of the goods is generally the same. I don’t usually shop at Shaw’s anymore, because it’s quite a bit farther from home than the Price Chopper and Hannaford Bros. supermarkets I normally shop at, but it is on the way home from work, and if the deals are good enough, and I plan well, the side-trip is worth it.

Tip4: if there are two grocery stores close to each other, compare their fliers. I’m lucky enough to have two competing grocery stores directly across the street from one another, so splitting my grocery list to take advantage of both sales on the same day often saves me an extra $20-$30. That’s almost a whole gallon of gas! :)

But how, you ask, can you get refrigerated or frozen items at one store and then go to another? It’s called “bring a cooler with you.” Depending on how far from home the stores are, you don’t even need ice in it. An hour or half hour in the cooler will do your frozen/refrigerated foods just fine.

Tip5: buy in bulk whenever possible. You may think this doesn’t apply to you if you’re single or only buying for the two of you, but that’s what God made freezers for. And items like granola bars, popcorn, and other dry goods can be purchased at Costco or Sam’s Club for a fraction of the price, and will last you 6 months or more. The advantage of buying in bulk, obviously, is that you reduce your unit price. So you’re paying 20 cents for that bag of Orville Reddenbacher movie theatre butter microwave popcorn instead of 40 cents per bag. If you keep your eye on your unit price, you will save money.

If you have a good-sized freezer you can also save money. Buying meat in the larger packages saves you an average of 30-50 cents per pound, and that’s not even when it’s “on sale.” I tend to buy ground beef and chicken in large family-sized packages, then divide the packages separately when I get home, and freeze them. There’s another $20-30 off the bill right there.

Keeping your eye on your unit price also feeds into tip 6: stock up on sale items, like the lady in the quote above said to do. When peanut butter (Peter Pan, if you must know) went on sale a couple of months ago for $1 a jar, I bought the maximum of 12 jars. Do we eat that a lot? No, but sometimes, and it keeps for a long time. Considering that those same jars are now $2.29 @, I saved $15.48 on just peanut butter in the long run. I like Swanson Pot Pies for a snack sometimes, and I tend to store a couple at work for when I don’t have time for a real lunch, but they normally cost $1.29. A month ago they were on sale at 2/$1.00. I bought twenty of them. (Yes, we have a big freezer. It’s the only way to go.)

Tip7: don’t be afraid of “Store Brand” products. I can honestly tell you that the Shaw’s brand of “Honey Bunches Of Oats with Almonds” tastes no different, as far as I can tell, from the Post brand of the same cereal. Except the Post box will cost you $1.50 more. For the friggin box? Getouddahere.

Tip 8: Leave the spouse at home. The last thing you need is him putting anything and everything he wants in the cart because he thinks “we need it.” In five minutes your spouse can easily offset all the savings and effort of your meal planning, coupon clipping, etc., just by throwing whatever he likes into the cart. Hey, I don’t eat shrimp. You want to spend $10 per lb, go ahead, but not out of my grocery budget. I’m saving money here, pal.

So there it is. You can take my advice, or you can do this. Your choice.

Helpful articles & websites:

Synergizing the Shopping List and the Coupon Box
Zen and the art of the grocery list
Organized Home

Epic WIN!

2009-01-05T16:05:00.002-05:00

In case you missed the Twitter Hackery today:

Now that shit's funny.

h/t Huffpo via JMG

The Year The Blogs Died

2009-01-05T13:00:00.003-05:00

Well, well. When it rains, it pours. The bloom is off the rose, all that's old is new again, and (insert cliche here). What am I talking about? The seeming trend, lately, for bloggers to either quit altogether or vow to redouble their efforts. Viva la trend:

Scott-O-Rama went defunct last year.
Longtime blog-pal Malcontent's blog has been down for a couple of months now, with no word or explanation from the boys.
Brian of In Repair has recently decided to forego blogging for now.
BoiFromTroy will no longer be blogging as of yesterday.

Why I bothered to include links, even I don't know. :)

The point is that what all of these had in common were their fairly unique viewpoints on life, each one defying, in one way or another, the mythic stereotypes of homosexuals. That individuality will be missed, at least for a time.

Of course, QJ, as one of his resolutions this year, has vowed to increase his readership. Ah, the lovable gay, cursing, quaker, never was he much for trends. I submit that the pageviews are there to be had--if he can take up the challenge. And stop swearing so damned much. ;)

Any other newly defunct blogs I should know about? And are there any other commonalities among these blogs that I'm missing?

Ugh

2009-01-05T08:53:00.001-05:00

Your results:
You are Chekov

Brash and nasty, but everyone loves you.

Chekov		80%
James T. Kirk (Captain)		70%
Mr. Scott		70%
Geordi LaForge		70%
Deanna Troi		70%
Uhura		65%
Beverly Crusher		60%
Worf		60%
Data		56%
Jean-Luc Picard		55%
Will Riker		55%
Spock		52%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		50%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		45%
Mr. Sulu		35%

Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test

Seriously, Checkov?

h/t NDT

Paliban?

2009-01-02T11:12:00.002-05:00

Hee Hee. Some things speak for themselves.

Under the definition: Gall

2008-12-31T11:48:00.004-05:00

Is it possible to put two pictures next to a word definition in the dictionary? Because, you know, these two even kinda look alike, and they sure fit the definition of sheer, unmitigated gall:

Number one!

“For some reason, I am portrayed as the one who is evil in formulating policies that people disagree with,” Gonzales said. “I consider myself a casualty, one of the many casualties of the war on terror.”

Number two!

In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced that he had chosen former Ill. Attorney General to take Barack Obama’s Senate seat.

Believe it.

Matt Dillon Smiles For Locals

2008-12-31T11:44:00.003-05:00

In his MUG SHOT, that is:

Dillon was charged with excessive speed after he was pulled over by a trooper on Interstate 91 in Newbury on Tuesday night. The 44-year-old actor was allegedly traveling at a speed of 106 miles per hour. The posted speed limit is 65 miles per hour.

Oh, those crazy celebrities rushing to Montreal for the New Year celebrations . . .