Nooooooo

Angelina Jolie as Dagny? Brad Pitt as John Galt? The horror. Of course, even worse is way down in the article where it is mentioned that Oliver Stone wanted to direct "Fountainhead."

A day late, a dollar short

Bye, bye Kelly! I had vowed to my children that if anyone BUT Kelly left, I was done with this season's AI. Kelly had a great voice when she was imitating country singers, but outside of that safety zone she flopped. With Ace and Kelly gone, I no longer have to issue threats.

A tad busy

You know, Stalin was, like, a really bad guy.

In my absence: War- does it suck or blow? Debate.

Is Blogger working today?

I had two posts disappear into the internets yesterday.

Update; They've appeared. Weird.

Eagle Eye Cam

I lack outrage today, so instead I'll share this site, sent to me by my aunt Gail.

Flea on Bush

he is a liar
and his lies have bought misery to millions of people
and bought no good to anyone except for the corporate oil
billionaires who are making huge profits
they are profiting during wartime
that is unscrupulous and terribly sad
w bush has made the world a much less safe place
before the war iraq was not a place for terrorists
saddam hussein, brutal dictator that he was was secular and had
nothing to do with al queda
and was sanctioned to death and had no power outside of his country
now it is a breeding ground for terrorism and anti-americanism is at
an all time high all over the world
and the people of iraq are no better off at all
all those people want is for the americans to leave
decent families and people like you and i who never wanted america
there in the first place
goerge w bush has sent american soldiers over there to be maimed and
killed
only to serve his selfish oil company needs and for his ego
american soldiers who are loyal to each other and who only want to
have a good job get an education and support their country are being
used for an unjust cause
i support the troops
they, like all americans are being betrayed by george w bush
he has betrayed his country he should be impeached

the administration's line that they were over there because they
wanted to spread democracy and freedom
is nothing else besides a lie
if they had any interest at all in the well being of other human beings
they would be doing what they could for people who desperately need
and would love help in africa

And - what exactly do you think Flea thinks we should do in Africa?

i pray to god that george w bush and his administration does not
invade iran
it would be a bloodbath
why dont they just leave the iranians alone
and go through the united nations
and work on making the united nations as strong and as just as possible
an invasion of iran would be the worst possible thing that could happen
i pray to god that it does not happen

Oh, the UN, right, that will solve the problem. Like they solved things in Bosnia. Besides, don't worry, Flea, the UN is taking care of things in Africa.

Kinda funny, don't you think? We should let the UN solved the Iranian issue, but we should get involved in Africa. How much do you want to bet that if we sent troops to Africa, the complaints against the president would be no different?

But, really, I don't really expect much political acumen from a man who puts a sock on his penis.

Food talk

Best dry rub for ribs ever. Of course, it has other uses too.

Visiting moonbat land

dKos can be a rather fun place to go and visit " the other side", and since Jeff wasn't yet awake to begin posting, I followed a LGF link to this discussion regarding 9/11 :

Remember, please, that this was an act of a bunch of punks. Punks that got lucky. Not the larger Islamo-Fascist monolith that some have conjurred; that may exist as a useful concept but all evidence points to punks. And frankly it's a lot easier to credit the well-grounded "punk theory," because punks behave unpredictably and slip through cracks. The US would have swatted anything larger on the worst of days.

The author's overwhelming opinion regarding 9/11 is that they are "over it."No need to worry about Islamofascism. No need for a Global War on Terror. 9/11 was the work of a few lucky punks. I, personally, will never get over it. But, I share little in common with the commenter who offered this reason for "not" getting over it:

The evidence for the Official Story is so poor, and the motives for the proponents of the Official Story  -- that is, the AmeriKills subsidiary of BushCo and the neo-cons, the people who have benefited from 9-11 -- to lie are so great, that I cannot believe it to be true.

I am utterly convinced that the Official Story is a transparent hoax, and that it is virtually certain that, at least, BushCo LIHOP and indeed far more likely that, perhaps with the aid of Pakistani and/or Saudi secret services, an element of the government (including Cheney and Rumsfeld, among others) actually sponsored and planned the attacks.

So, and having been born in Manhattan and having been in the City (albeit not near the WTC) on that morning, I take it personally, and I will not be getting over it.


Oh, and despite my self-deprecating moniker, I am a construction lawyer, which is to say that, although not an engineer, I know enough about buildings to feel certain that the "pancake theory" is bogus.  As a litigation attorney with 20 years' experience, I make a decent living proving and disproving facts.

OF COURSE it has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Cheney and the boys did 9-11.  But the Official Story is fragrant horseshit (really, if you believe that one please send me your check for the Brooklyn Bridge) and, that being so, it's only natural to see as the prime suspects those who (1) have controlled the crime scene; (2) thwarted any investigation other than the risible Kean-Zelikow "Oil Investor, CIA, CFR and Coverup Maven Whitewash;" (3) stated in writing that the nation's future pretty much required a "catalyzing and catastrophic event -- a New Pearl Harbor;" (4) had the motive, means and the oppportunity to carry out the attacks; and (5) have been the primary beneficiaries, politically but also in cold cash.

If you get over it, well God bless you, you're a huge part of the problem.

This isn't the first time I've come across this special type of tin-foil- hat wearer, but what I found remarkable, frightening, and perhaps predicable was the lack of debate (or ridicule) for such idiocy. Try posing a similar argument on Ace's blog, and such conspiracy mongers are taken to task. But, it is right at home among what is arguably one of the most-read "Lefty" blogs.

Bird Flu Hits South Florida

Be afraid, be very afraid.

h/t File it Under

y?

y du u
rit lik my
8 er old?

y?
y?

words typed
short
curt
disjointed iz
not po-e-try

it's just dum

Oh, the Irony

i went
to read
rosie's site
to see
amid unpunctuated,
uncapitalized
"poetry"-
a tribute
to proof

oh, the
irony
anti-gun zealot
gives tribute
to a man that
shot (and killed)
another as he
lay on the ground

Ace or Picker?

I say, PICK PICKLER!

A nice arse should only take you so far ...

It's been nice knowing ya

A comet is heading right for us, and it's all Bush's fault! We've got until May 25th.

Julien argues that the kinetic energy of even a 'car sized' fragment will impact the Earth with devastating effect. He concludes the May 25 event is tied in to the Bush administration's policy of preemptive use of nuclear weapons against . Iran, and the effect of nuclear weapons on the realms of higher intelligences. Regarding its importance, Julien declares: "we have to save lives when we have such information to share with the public". He further claims it important "to preserve all data, historical artifacts and precious material in the event of such a collision." Julien predicts that the comet collision will occur in the Atlantic Ocean between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer, and generates 200 meter waves.

So, the comet is going to preemptively attack us for our plan to preemptively nuke Iran? If this isn't a case of pot/kettle I don't know what is.

My Chemical Romance, Helena

Pop-goth the musical.

Some liberals I can support (at least as a worthy advasary)

It is with a sigh of relief that I read this, for it means that not all Liberals are devoid of rational thought. While the document hints at a Socialist agenda (but still critical of Stalin and Mao), I liked the following :

The founding supporters of this statement took different views on the military intervention in Iraq, both for and against. We recognize that it was possible reasonably to disagree about the justification for the intervention, the manner in which it was carried through, the planning (or lack of it) for the aftermath, and the prospects for the successful implementation of democratic change. We are, however, united in our view about the reactionary, semi-fascist and murderous character of the Baathist regime in Iraq, and we recognize its overthrow as a liberation of the Iraqi people. We are also united in the view that, since the day on which this occurred, the proper concern of genuine liberals and members of the Left should have been the battle to put in place in Iraq a democratic political order and to rebuild the country's infrastructure, to create after decades of the most brutal oppression a life for Iraqis which those living in democratic countries take for granted — rather than picking through the rubble of the arguments over intervention.




This opposes us not only to those on the Left who have actively spoken in support of the gangs of jihadist and Baathist thugs of the Iraqi so-called resistance, but also to others who manage to find a way of situating themselves between such forces and those trying to bring a new democratic life to the country. We have no truck, either, with the tendency to pay lip service to these ends, while devoting most of one's energy to criticism of political opponents at home (supposedly responsible for every difficulty in Iraq), and observing a tactful silence or near silence about the ugly forces of the Iraqi "insurgency". The many left opponents of regime change in Iraq who have been unable to understand the considerations that led others on the Left to support it, dishing out anathema and excommunication, more lately demanding apology or repentance, betray the democratic values they profess.

More here

Tagged by Gail

To name four neat things about my hometown- Detroit.

Thinking ...

1) The "Hummer" was invented here. No, not that Hummer, but an ice cream drink with rum and Kahlua. They are delicious, but I think I made about 500,000 of them in my bartending career, and the mere thought of 'em now gives me nightmares.

2) Detroit is, actually, NORTH of Canada. Or, at least a little bit of Canada.

3) Detroit has HUNDREDS of Coney Island restaurants. Some really suck (mostly the chain-owned ones), but the best and most famous are a pair that sit right next to each other in downtown Detroit. Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island were opened by brothers 70 years ago, and are still both family owned. True Detroiters will claim loyalty to one or the other (Lafayette for me.) Don't go here if you're hungary for images of the side-by-side legends in addition to the gastronomic delight that is the coney dog.

4)


Ok, I'll have to think up another good one. River Rat , help a girl out ...

So- I tag anyone reading this.

UPDATE

Yes, River Rat came up with a #4 for me - Saturday trips to Eastern Market. Practically downtown (across a major street or two) sits Eastern Market, which fills with vendors from Spring through Fall. You can get great deals as the day passes, since no one wants to load stuff back into their trucks.) And, in a few weeks, it will be FLOWER DAY! Last year, my sister and mom went, and brought me back that praying mantis pod (remember, I posted a picture of one of my little babies?) But, mostly it is just one of those unique experiences of Detroit. Surrounding the vendor's hall are other Detroit Gems. Rafal's is a spice store- where you can get everything imaginable in just the quantities you desire. Two teaspoons of paprika? Fine by them. I grew up just a short walk from this market. Thanks for the suggestion, RR.

(Eastern Market link fixed)

Quick, someone find me a public school

"Uncle."

Hating America

Since 9/11, the left has been involved in a debate legitimizing why the rest of the world supposedly hates us. Kerry was to be our Savior, he was going to mend the rifts in international politics. But, cowboy Bush one, so we are still "hated."

But consider this:

In a lengthy explanation of why he hates Americans, Moussaoui said Islam requires Muslims to be the world's superpower as he flipped through a copy of the Quran searching for verses to support his assertion. He said one verse requires Muslims "to fight against all who believe not in Allah."

"We have an obligation to be the superpower. You have to be subdued," Moussaoui said. "America is a superpower and you want to eradicate Islam."

So, radical, fascist, Islamics hate us because we stand in their way of becoming the World's superpower, which would surely bring Sharia to a neighborhood nears yours. Call me crazy, but I see preventing them from becoming a power of any for, super or otherwise, as a good thing. Certainly even the more liberal among us can agree that fundamental Islam would certainly be more repressive than occasionally hearing "Silent Night" in one of the few stories brave enough to still play Christmas tunes. And, if your think your abortion rights are being challenged NOW, just wait until you're wearing a Burka.

The US is singled out, as enemy one of these forces, because we are the only ones "cowboy" enough to stand in their way. That is why "they" hate us. Which leads to the question, why they don't view any one else as such a threat to their future plans?

Encouraged by Bob

I found this little nugget at one of the links River Rat sent me the other day :

In Los Angeles, 95 percent of all outstanding homicide warrants and 60 percent of outstanding felony warrants are for illegal aliens. American taxpayers are paying for the crimes of the 8,000 convicted aliens not yet caught and the incarceration costs of those who have been, estimated to add up to more than $1 billion a year — in just the states that border Mexico.

That, alone, is un-fraking believable.

You know, I totally understand why people want to move here, legally or otherwise. I totally get it, the USA is the greatest country (hey, so I'm patriotic, get over it.) If Latin American Countries could run things things a bit better perhaps people wouldn't be flooding our borders. But, for those who want to move here, and become patriotic, hard-working, honest Americans- I welcome them with open arms. As I commented in Partisan Pundits blog, nothing brings tears to my eyes like an immigrant waxing poetic about his new American Citizenship.

But, commit a crime? Live off of the welfare of our taxpayers? Surround yourselves with the basest of American society (the gangs, for example), and I say "Don't let the border hit you in the ass on the way out." We've got enough "legals" who live in lawless, self-defeating, morally-vacuous life. We don't need imports.

Since I'm prone to stereotype ...

Was it a Christian Rock singer who was killed early Tuesday in Detroit? Or a pop idol? A jazz musician? No, of course not, it was another rapper *:

Proof, a member of the rap group D12, was hit by gunfire at the CCC club on Eight Mile, the dividing line between Detroit and its northern suburbs. Police said he and another man were shot in the head. The other man lived but was critically injured.

I know the street well, since it's only a few miles from my house. It's seedy, lined with strip clubs and abortion clinics. And, since I live in Detroit, my local paper has a stretch headline of the story. Iran acquiring enriched uranium? Not so important; that's off to the side, in a much smaller article. No, we have 75% of the front page devoted to the latest Rapper to be shot, plus a page and a quarter inside. The Detroit News goes beyond the story to say that "Proof's" death is merely an example of all the young black lives that are lost every year to gun violence.

Little mention is made that Proof is suspected as being the shooter of the other victim in the story, Army veteran Keith Bender, and certainly not on the front page. While it's early in the investigation, relatives of Bender claim Proof first shoot him, and then someone else shot Proof. Yet, already we hear this:

I really hope (Proof) will be remembered in the hip-hop community as a Pillar," said MC Serch, former morning show host at WJLB-FM.

Yes, nothing says "pillar of the community" like shooting someone in an after-hours bar over some disagreement.

I have an idea, for all of those who are concerned about gun violence: if it's 4:30 in the morning, you shouldn't be drinking with men who have guns. And, if you are the type to get into arguments with men, that END in gun violence, perhaps you should find a ten-step program on conflict resolution.

Radiohead: Street Spirit

I asked for some Radiohead CDs for my birthday or Christmas, and I didn't get a one. To make matters worse, iTunes doesn't carry them.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Dani California

Did I ever tell you the Red Hot Chili Peppers put on a fantastic concert? I saw them in '91, or so.

"Get Whitey"

Certainly if this story had a black victim, and white perpetrators, we would have been deluged with black activist talking heads all weekend, and the columnists in my local paper would have been waxing poetic about the sad state of race relations. Maybe even Kayne West would give us another George Bush hates Black people-like statement. But, since this story involved the death of a (yawn) white man, who was chased into traffic by a gang of black youths, the crickets are chirping louder than any of the media outlets handling the story.

There is no honesty in regards to race stories. White on black crime is repeated and drum-beaten into our heads, and interpreted to be indicative that most white people are still racist. Black on white crime is totally ignored. Black people cannot be racist because they are the minority, so the logic goes. But, can black people hate white people and target them for violence? Since we can't call this "racism", what is it, then?

A few years ago, I used to bartend in downtown Detroit ((where I certainly was a member of the "minority".) One night, heavily pregnant at the time, as I crossed a street on the way to the parking lot, a car of black youth sped-up toward me, yelling that they 'hated white women.' I had to run to get out of their way. I doubt they they actually intended to kill me; this was their little bit of fun. How would this story be interpreted, if the colors were reversed?

White racism is (properly) chastised by society. Black racism is ignored and denied. I worry about our future.

Great idea

Let's let more of these people in.

Here's a bit from their Mexica Movement Philosophy:

They rob us every day
They rape us
with assimilation.
Assimilation is the slow motion kill.
Assimilation means marrying white
to kill the brown in us, to kill the heart of us.
Assimilation means the end of us.
Assimilation sucks us down into the white race.
Assimilation kills our race.
Assimilation is the death of us.
Assimilation is racism.

Assimilation is Genocide.

Good thing they're not racist. Anyway, they plan on kicking all us Criollo (that's you Canadians too - you're not free and clear of this genocide) out and reclaiming their Aztec past.

Good luck with that.

Oh, now he'll be unbearable.

Partisan Pundit makes it into Day-by-Day.

A bit late

But, Mandisa? WHY AMERICA WHY? When you had Bucky and Ace just crying to be released? They're both in over their head, and they know it. They can't quit, but you, America, can release them.

It's amazing what a hat, or a pair of puppy dog eyes, can do for a man. That's why we're going to hell in a hand basket.

And, don't get me started on Pick Kelly Pickler. One trick pony. Actually, I think her range isn't THAT narrow - she can do both Country AND Western.

The Bible explained by Science

Feisty Republican Whore highlights SCIENTIFIC FACTS that explain the supposed "miracles" performed by Jesus. I guess Leo is right ...

H/: Beautiful Atrocities.

Light blogging alert

I have to take my bitch and get her X-rayed.

Top 10 Reasons why I couldn't watch the rest of "Crash"

10. Couldn't trust the help alone in the kitchen with the silver.
9. It was time to check the fields, and see how the cotton picking was going.
8. Had to go and prevent some black grade-school children from achieving academically.
7. I wanted to go through my children's crayons, and throw away all the black ones. Out of principal.
6. I saw some African American kids walking by my house, and I had to keep my eye on them just in case.
5. I I wanted to brush up on my Spanish, in case my mail carrier was not really saying "hello", but "Later, bitch, you die."
4. My black neighbors needed to be taken down a few pegs; they've been getting uppity lately.
3. It was my night to bring the snack to the local KKK cross burning.
2. I saw a black man driving a BMW, and needed to call and report the sighting of a stolen car.
And, the number 1 reason why I couldn't watch "Crash":

I couldn't follow the story-line, because all the black folks looked the same to me.

FTR

I tried to watch Crash last night, but I ended up yelling at the TV and turning it off.

Bush was Right

Rock on!

Leo's Challenge

From comments, in the post where I ridicule Scientology.

You could start with explaining how you think what you believe is true while what Tom, Katie et al is nonsense. Pay particular attention to the bit about an invisible deity creating the universe in 6 days, talking snakes, walking on water, reincarnation, water into wine...

I see no difference between Christianity and Scientology, except Christianity is probably cheaper to be a member of.

I am not the best to argue issues of faith (especially with an atheist), but my starting point would be that the founder of Scientology admitted that he made it up. And, that the rules (such as those regarding birth and breast feeding) are idiotic.

I suppose to an non-believer, one set of religious belief's might seem as silly as the next. But, if you can't see the difference between a religious "faith" and a money-sucking cult than I can't really help you.

Personally, I can attend church EVERY day of the week without dropping a penny into the collection basket. I could go to confession, receive communion and attend all the church socials without Father Tim showing up at my door with his hand out. I could "get some God" for free if I wanted. Could the same be said for a member of Scientology?

* I do give, in reality, what I can afford