EXCLUSIVE: John Walker Lindh's Parents Discuss Their Son's Story, from Joining the US-Backed Taliban Army to Surviving a Northern Alliance Massacre, to His Abuse at the Hands of US Forces
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This still young man has never, to my knowledge, been able to tell his story to America. Here it is, as told to Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzales, by John Walker Lindh's parents.
Ashcroft and Cheney are criminals and they have really blackened the image of fairness, and raised the level of fear in America. What a shame this is, and they are likely never to come to trial for their crimes. We will be a long time living this down. A long, long time.
As a Christian I have an obligation to visit the prisoners in prison. This is my way of fulfilling, in part, this obligation.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
From the Archives: Leonard Peltier Speaks From His Jail Cell
From the Archives: Leonard Peltier Speaks From His Jail Cell
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I keep my eyes open for this man. He's quite special, in fact I'll probably attract a patrol of trolls, but I hope not but if it happens, I'm ready. I'd gladly have a word war with them, and ask all the uppity questions about why didn't anyone care about the Native Americans on the Rez that were attacked that day? Huh??? *puts on her war paint*
Shared via AddThis
I keep my eyes open for this man. He's quite special, in fact I'll probably attract a patrol of trolls, but I hope not but if it happens, I'm ready. I'd gladly have a word war with them, and ask all the uppity questions about why didn't anyone care about the Native Americans on the Rez that were attacked that day? Huh??? *puts on her war paint*
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
You can get this feed from the Office of the POTUS. Edit
You can sign on to get emails from the President on Healthcare, and cut out the bogus chat by highly paid spammers and other agents of misinformation.
We deserve a world class health care system; it's OUR money that we've paid into a fund that the POLITICIANS are supposed to be allocating where WE want it to go. We are not Serfs.
We really do, each of us, have to do what ever it takes to get this fixed because if Japan or England or Canada can have it, so can we. We can have an even better system, if we can get the vultures out of the middle.
The richest nation in the world doesn't have complete health care for all the children? That's an obscenity! How stupid a system is that? Remember, the industry is spending $1,400,000 a DAY, to obfuscate.
We can't quit because this is our children's future lives. The bought and payed for politicians, this is not to say they all are, but they know who they are, don't care about our children. They just do not care or they would NOT be taking money from a for-profit-industry like the health insurance companies to make sure we have this broken system that makes profits for shareholders as if sick people were a commodity being traded on a stock market! They would be fighting for US, their true employers. Last time I looked it was still our country, all ours, you and me and the family next door.
This is what the President's plan offers.
Here is another article, written by Ford Fox, a Physician who runs a rehab center, and who approves the President's plan and explains why, and how it will work to right some wrongs in the present system.
There's a lot going on that is good. We just have to jeer at the paid Hyenas - Not to insult another innocent animal again or anything.
We deserve a world class health care system; it's OUR money that we've paid into a fund that the POLITICIANS are supposed to be allocating where WE want it to go. We are not Serfs.
We really do, each of us, have to do what ever it takes to get this fixed because if Japan or England or Canada can have it, so can we. We can have an even better system, if we can get the vultures out of the middle.
The richest nation in the world doesn't have complete health care for all the children? That's an obscenity! How stupid a system is that? Remember, the industry is spending $1,400,000 a DAY, to obfuscate.
We can't quit because this is our children's future lives. The bought and payed for politicians, this is not to say they all are, but they know who they are, don't care about our children. They just do not care or they would NOT be taking money from a for-profit-industry like the health insurance companies to make sure we have this broken system that makes profits for shareholders as if sick people were a commodity being traded on a stock market! They would be fighting for US, their true employers. Last time I looked it was still our country, all ours, you and me and the family next door.
This is what the President's plan offers.
Here is another article, written by Ford Fox, a Physician who runs a rehab center, and who approves the President's plan and explains why, and how it will work to right some wrongs in the present system.
There's a lot going on that is good. We just have to jeer at the paid Hyenas - Not to insult another innocent animal again or anything.
Out And About on a Summer's Eve
If you come to San Diego, and like fish and chips, be sure to try Mrs. Kelley's. It's now called Point Loma Seafoods - I mean it has been for years- but originally the fish and chips take out was called Mrs. Kelley's. Delicious!
The fish are stamped into the cement there, and when kids first see them they are fascinated. I think they are still very beautiful. Click the pic to enlarge it and see the detail and colors.
The day and half day fishing boats come in here at this spot, too, so you can sometimes see the catch, and sometimes you get a mackerel or a bonito from a fisherman who doesn't care for them. Actually, I don't much either but who can refuse such a generous gift? After all, there are ways to use those fish, either to grow corn or to feed the cats.
Accidental Art Number 12
From a distance, and not seen through the critical eye of the pixelated digital genius in a modern camera lens, this looked like a little tiger, crouched, with moving stripes. Being who I am, I was taken by it's beauty, there amongst the ugly stuff on the side of a road.
This is a quote from Huffington Post:
And you can read the rest HERE
*Italics and bold type are my own.
And, Lucky me, I found a way to keep that little army of pesky trolls off my blog. Wheew!
"While Obama's plan has the support of the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association, insurance companies are spending $1.4 million per day* to defeat Obama's initiative and employ an army of former government staff workers and retired Congress members to lobby against it."
And you can read the rest HERE
*Italics and bold type are my own.
And, Lucky me, I found a way to keep that little army of pesky trolls off my blog. Wheew!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Now, for William Wordsworth Shatner, reading to bongos.. Hulu...
To Dumbass,in your various and numerous manifestations, it ain't over til it's over. And for you, dude, it's over. Byee!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Senator Reid, No Vacation for you, until we have the health care we deserve ....
....And not some investment scheme cooked up between government and capital interests (i.e. big business) to fleece the middle class and the sick.
HERE is a CREDO petition you can sign, good buddies to tell Reid to keep the Senate in session and on target before he takes off on our dime to vacate.
There are 30,000 siggies on it so far, and it really needs about 40,000 or more for maximum impact.
Our Money, Our VOICES!
HERE is a CREDO petition you can sign, good buddies to tell Reid to keep the Senate in session and on target before he takes off on our dime to vacate.
There are 30,000 siggies on it so far, and it really needs about 40,000 or more for maximum impact.
Our Money, Our VOICES!
To those who love without holding anything back
To my Loving DH, my sweet daughters, and to Jazzie, who loved with his whole tiny, defective, brave little heart and stayed just as long as he could.
Thank you, IZ. The being with the voice of an Angel, who came to help the rest of us with his gift for music.
PS. Earthquake McGoon, my very special Polynesian buddy, this is for you, too. I have never, ever forgotten you.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
IZ playing Somewhere over the Rainbow...
Line 8 and 9 of the Hawaiian Code of Conduct:
"8. We shall be patient, enduring the pains of injustice but never surrendering to or joining such injustice.
9. We shall respect and engage in humor, the helper to love and affection, the positive expression of humanity."
Jazzy, meet you at the rainbow bridge. Ok? Listen for my Ukulele.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sweet Sweet Mim, playing her Ukulele
She's just a doll and I think she does a great job. Wish I was that good on my Uke!
GMO Foods Source Link
My DD sent the original article that linked this SHOPPING GUIDE of GMOs in our food supply.
They will tell you who/what/where, so to speak, about GMOs that are killing cattle and buffalo set loose to graze the fields of cotton and corn in India. I'm just saying here, that even if it's your pet that is eating it, it could be a risk. I think our very sick little dog lived as long as he did because he never, ever ate commercial dog foods, wet or dry.
We need to be aware and informed. EDIT TO ADD.. If the #(%*&% servants of the Insurance industry are going to drag their fat feet on healthcare reform, we had best be informed about what else is going on that affects our health, eh?
They will tell you who/what/where, so to speak, about GMOs that are killing cattle and buffalo set loose to graze the fields of cotton and corn in India. I'm just saying here, that even if it's your pet that is eating it, it could be a risk. I think our very sick little dog lived as long as he did because he never, ever ate commercial dog foods, wet or dry.
We need to be aware and informed. EDIT TO ADD.. If the #(%*&% servants of the Insurance industry are going to drag their fat feet on healthcare reform, we had best be informed about what else is going on that affects our health, eh?
A recipe ..from the Rockhound potluck times of life
I saw a lovely salad here on Cinderellen's Blog, and remembered this salad from Rockhounding/ potlucking days.
Every year a rockhound friend would bring this. It's a lovely sweet and sour vegetable salad:
The veggies:
1 whole can of LeSueur peas- or any organic non GMO peas.
1 can of corn nibblets - or any non GMO corn you can find is better! hehe
1 small jar pimentos, slightly diced
1 c. diced celery
1/2 c.(approx)chopped mild onion- or green onions- sliced
1/2 c.(approx) green pepper, diced
The dressing:
1/2 c. vinegar
1/4 c. olive oil
1/2 c. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste.
Drain peas, corn and pimento. Combine all the veggies into a bowl that can be refrigerated or you can carried to the potluck.
Mix vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk to dissolve the sugar.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Mix sort of gently to preserve the peas, chill for several hours in the fridge, or over night, and trot off to the potluck with it in a cooler of course, because it tastes really nice chilled.
Every year a rockhound friend would bring this. It's a lovely sweet and sour vegetable salad:
The veggies:
1 whole can of LeSueur peas- or any organic non GMO peas.
1 can of corn nibblets - or any non GMO corn you can find is better! hehe
1 small jar pimentos, slightly diced
1 c. diced celery
1/2 c.(approx)chopped mild onion- or green onions- sliced
1/2 c.(approx) green pepper, diced
The dressing:
1/2 c. vinegar
1/4 c. olive oil
1/2 c. sugar
Salt and pepper to taste.
Drain peas, corn and pimento. Combine all the veggies into a bowl that can be refrigerated or you can carried to the potluck.
Mix vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk to dissolve the sugar.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Mix sort of gently to preserve the peas, chill for several hours in the fridge, or over night, and trot off to the potluck with it in a cooler of course, because it tastes really nice chilled.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Fun STuff! Girls you are gonna love this
And I know you wouldn't see it except for here.
Bo, isn't this just the most fun thing??? Ya! It will have you dancing, hun.
Thanks to flicka at KR for this link.
Ya!
Bo, isn't this just the most fun thing??? Ya! It will have you dancing, hun.
Thanks to flicka at KR for this link.
Ya!
Things of Beauty
These are local farmer's market Heirloom tomatoes, organic and gorgeous!
I think I've had enough of government for awhile. See the Knit's Mag peeking into the corner? I'll go read all the back issues to re-balance my mind. Government watching should be comedy, like maybe Comedy Central or even The Onion. Otherwise it's terribly tragic.
This stuff is just endless.....
It's like a jungle out there.
From Democracy now:
excerpt ......
And, now we know why the US is building a HUGE embassy complex in Pakistan. I mean I couldn't figure it out. We are spreading a big cancer in order for our own war industries to keep their talons dug deep into the flesh of mankind. Who knew?? Not me, and maybe not you..
The STATE department as Jobs Program! But then again, I have to ask, "Where have all the other good paying jobs gone"?
I'm afraid that Puck (me) is ill ( "gosh", *(see note below) aside to stage right: "Hemlock is very, very bitter isn't Socrates"?) but leaves this message:
"Captain of our fairy band,
Helena is here at hand,
And the youth, mistook by me,
Pleading for a lover's fee.
Shall we their fond pageant see?
Lord, what fools these mortals be!"
Ta!
* otherwise known as "the fatal Koka Kola"
From Democracy now:
excerpt ......
"During her visit to India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed an arms deal that could prove a boon to Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Both firms are in the running to sell India 126 fighter jets at an estimated cost of $12 billion. It is the most lucrative fighter aircraft deal in fifteen years. Richard Kirkland, president for Lockheed Martin in South Asia, said, quote, 'This signals an era of increased defense cooperation between the United States and India.'
"Speaking in India, meanwhile, Clinton hailed the deal as an important step in US-India relations.
HILLARY CLINTON: 'I’m also pleased that Prime Minister Singh told me that sites for two nuclear parks for US companies have been approved by the government. These parks will advance the aims of the US-India civil nuclear agreement, facilitate billions of dollars in US reactor exports, and create jobs in both countries, as well as generate much-needed energy for the Indian people.'
And, now we know why the US is building a HUGE embassy complex in Pakistan. I mean I couldn't figure it out. We are spreading a big cancer in order for our own war industries to keep their talons dug deep into the flesh of mankind. Who knew?? Not me, and maybe not you..
The STATE department as Jobs Program! But then again, I have to ask, "Where have all the other good paying jobs gone"?
I'm afraid that Puck (me) is ill ( "gosh", *(see note below) aside to stage right: "Hemlock is very, very bitter isn't Socrates"?) but leaves this message:
"Captain of our fairy band,
Helena is here at hand,
And the youth, mistook by me,
Pleading for a lover's fee.
Shall we their fond pageant see?
Lord, what fools these mortals be!"
Ta!
* otherwise known as "the fatal Koka Kola"
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A little Buzz up about Healthcare for 50 year olds
My DD sent this, and an article on GMO's in so many things and what is being found out about their overall affect- as yet unproven but a smoking howitzer to juggle for the brainiacs- on human health.
I will post them both so that my GMO modified brain and I don't lose them, and so that you might be able to find them and bookmark them for yourselves.
As I told my DD about this healthcare article, quoting myself:
"They may have shelved this so that they could get their a$$ets on junkets or whatever they do with their a$$ets in their summer outside of DC, but we can keep doggedly persisting to not give up on what should be ours because WE pay the REAL bills and WE pay their salaries. They serve US!
Keep the pressure on because maybe just a few of them are coming home to listen to constituents and not going to the Alps to ski."
And here are the links:
Healthcare VS 50 year olds from Buzzflash.com, thank you Buzz!
And, "would you like a little side of GMOs with that Sir?" from the Health Freedom Alliance Blog.
Bon Apetite! I eat organic foods for a very good reason. I need what's left of my immune system just for ME!
I will post them both so that my GMO modified brain and I don't lose them, and so that you might be able to find them and bookmark them for yourselves.
As I told my DD about this healthcare article, quoting myself:
"They may have shelved this so that they could get their a$$ets on junkets or whatever they do with their a$$ets in their summer outside of DC, but we can keep doggedly persisting to not give up on what should be ours because WE pay the REAL bills and WE pay their salaries. They serve US!
Keep the pressure on because maybe just a few of them are coming home to listen to constituents and not going to the Alps to ski."
And here are the links:
Healthcare VS 50 year olds from Buzzflash.com, thank you Buzz!
And, "would you like a little side of GMOs with that Sir?" from the Health Freedom Alliance Blog.
Bon Apetite! I eat organic foods for a very good reason. I need what's left of my immune system just for ME!
CREDO action Campaign for Health Care Delivers...
I signed this letter, as did 30,000 other Californians, and Diane Feinstein got the message, delivered to her door. Let's see what she does. If she doesn't fight for us, the 76% of people over the whole of the United States who want reform and want it NOW, she can hear about it forever.
CREDO for Change. We need a change to benefit all Americans but especially the people who pay their bills and have, heretofore, died quietly: the working poor. There's a helluva lot of them.
CREDO for Change. We need a change to benefit all Americans but especially the people who pay their bills and have, heretofore, died quietly: the working poor. There's a helluva lot of them.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In Case you missed the Press Conference....
President Obama called a press conference about Health Care for 8pm EDT, so it's over now but you can join the discussion at Facebook.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ Follow the links.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ Follow the links.
Some knitting news at last....
This is the first complete repeat of 32 rows (well I am almost finished with 32) of the Aran sweater which has been knicknamed Manley/Beastly. I have high hopes that the wooly blocker will smooth things out for the knitting which is looking rough.
I've never knit in the round for a sweater and not sure I ever will again, but right now things are going so smoothly that this sweater will be knit again in a different color, a blue, and that will be in the round as well. There's something about not having to read a pattern backwards that has it's appeal.
It's still hot here but my sleeping is shifted around to where I'm awake around 6 most mornings and asleep by about midnight, so I get up and knit some as per fran's challenge, and then I try to get something done outside in the garden before it gets too hot.
I can't wait to start spinning again with my dd. The matching book is on it's way. And I just snagged a used Nancy N.(Sewing with Nancy) book that I've wanted for a long time. It's that serger book with purses on the front.
When the Postcards are all received, I'll post them. They are all great.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My favorite house
Have loved this great big craftsman house since first seeing it in the very early 60s. It's gone through many phases but it's never been mine. This shows only about half the house as we flew by on the way to Mrs Kelley's, a locale haunt for those who love fish and chips. This house is mine, I tell you. It's only fair that since I love it so much, it will be mine someday.
F22 is out on it's tailpipe
Take that Mr "95,000 good paying jobs for the US of A" Duncan Hunter. It's a worthless plane and now the people have spoken. A pork barrel for US of A weapons manufacturers all these years since 1980. Now we can get back our country being rebuilt, and not be saddled with a BAD HORRIBLE WARPLANE, which has never been any good, while doing it!
Thank you, K, for this Article on the Pork Barrel Mr. Duncan and Speaker of the House Pelosi wanted over the objection of all those who should know better what is needed. Go build some schools, or hospitals why don't you two? Please do somthing that will actually help bring change!
Thank you, K, for this Article on the Pork Barrel Mr. Duncan and Speaker of the House Pelosi wanted over the objection of all those who should know better what is needed. Go build some schools, or hospitals why don't you two? Please do somthing that will actually help bring change!
Free Range Kids...
My daughter reads this blog and sent this link to me.
I'm sorry that present day children are being "caged", and they are starting to show the huge negative affect it has on their emotional and rational growth, their freedom of spirit, and their ability to see the wonders of this world through the eyes of a child. A child learns so much by exploring his or her world without being on a leash.
Nothing done in life can ever guaranteed to be 100% safe. Freedom to explore our world, as I or my children had, is still possible if we can stop the fear mongering that is going on.
When the media goes hysterical when a child is missing for a few hours, we can react to help look for the child. We don't have to lock ours up!
The media may think it is saving a life but they are just creating jailers of parents and prisoners of their children. Also, the media knows that FEAR sells papers and advertizing!
Country children usually have a lot more freedom than city kids, to grow up free of their society's highly inflated fears for their safety.
Back down Boseman, Montana, and listen to the Ranchers and Farmers at least! Chill! And Macy's.. shame on you. really. Shame on you for not handling this whole thing differently. Outrageous!
I'm sorry that present day children are being "caged", and they are starting to show the huge negative affect it has on their emotional and rational growth, their freedom of spirit, and their ability to see the wonders of this world through the eyes of a child. A child learns so much by exploring his or her world without being on a leash.
Nothing done in life can ever guaranteed to be 100% safe. Freedom to explore our world, as I or my children had, is still possible if we can stop the fear mongering that is going on.
When the media goes hysterical when a child is missing for a few hours, we can react to help look for the child. We don't have to lock ours up!
The media may think it is saving a life but they are just creating jailers of parents and prisoners of their children. Also, the media knows that FEAR sells papers and advertizing!
Country children usually have a lot more freedom than city kids, to grow up free of their society's highly inflated fears for their safety.
Back down Boseman, Montana, and listen to the Ranchers and Farmers at least! Chill! And Macy's.. shame on you. really. Shame on you for not handling this whole thing differently. Outrageous!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Congressman Weiner on Health Care
This is a very good presentation of what has been happening in health care. This is a person who is for the people; he's for us! We need to give him a hearing. Thank you's go to DH on this, and to L for Kary Mullis video. Thank you so much.
Like to help? Feel moved to "Just DO Something"? Mr. Weiner from New York has discussed the REAL costs of our broken system. Now we can tell Chairman Max Baucus what we think. Yes, even anyone trolling can call and overload the boards. But that's the chance we take in a democracy. 300,000,000 people against the trolls.
The following was pasted from a progressive website that is working on public option healthcare systems. It's how and whom to call to express your opinion:
Explain that you are calling because the official is the chair of a committee working on healthcare reform.
Call Here: (800)332-6106
Office of Senator Max Baucus
(please call between 9am & 5pm)
Ask For: Healthcare aide
Talking Points:
1)Please ask the CBO to score and cost out single-payer legislation (HR 676; S 703) and compare it to their scoring and costing of the new healthcare legislation now coming out of the House Committee on Education and Labor, House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Banking Committee, and Senate Finance Committee; and
2)Ask the committee to Please Include single-payer experts in all Committee hearings on health care reform.
I never put a political tag on these because this is so far above politics in my mind. This is much more important.
Like to help? Feel moved to "Just DO Something"? Mr. Weiner from New York has discussed the REAL costs of our broken system. Now we can tell Chairman Max Baucus what we think. Yes, even anyone trolling can call and overload the boards. But that's the chance we take in a democracy. 300,000,000 people against the trolls.
The following was pasted from a progressive website that is working on public option healthcare systems. It's how and whom to call to express your opinion:
Explain that you are calling because the official is the chair of a committee working on healthcare reform.
Call Here: (800)332-6106
Office of Senator Max Baucus
(please call between 9am & 5pm)
Ask For: Healthcare aide
Talking Points:
1)Please ask the CBO to score and cost out single-payer legislation (HR 676; S 703) and compare it to their scoring and costing of the new healthcare legislation now coming out of the House Committee on Education and Labor, House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Banking Committee, and Senate Finance Committee; and
2)Ask the committee to Please Include single-payer experts in all Committee hearings on health care reform.
I never put a political tag on these because this is so far above politics in my mind. This is much more important.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Kary Mullis
You'll just have to ignore the little ad for GE, whcih has really been in the killing business for years as a top government contractor for weapons systems, and other than that enjoy this talk on TED. Yes, I don't like any corporation trying to hide behind the new healthcare focus. Not defense contractors anyway. No Hiding Places!
Got in my ten minutes of knitting this AM-updated with photos .. again..
Blogger did a snatch and grab, so I grabbed back my photos. So this is really the updated version.
Being as it has turned so HOT here, the ten minutes of knitting time has to be in the early morning, so it's done. M/B is up to row 29 and almost ready for it's photo shoot.
Now to tear through the plants in the patio and viciously get rid of a few sad ones. They have to go. I've divided that Dallas fern so many times that I just have too many of them. I'm down to two, and one of them has to go. And the impudent opuntia cactus that's been growing unmolested along the back of the paver floor to the patio is to be ousted, too.
It actually grows greener and better in the shade than it's siblings on the hill. I think it's got something to do with the clay/rock layer (caliche) it's growing in, and the water seep created by it. Our neighbor waters a lot and it gets down to our yard at times. This cactus loves it's pampered place. Well, it's too dangerous to have there and there's no where else I want it. I love the other kind, Opuntia Robusta, which has huge round pads anyway. And yes, the pads are edible on the first variety, but it takes a huge cactus to produce enough for me. They taste like asparagus. I par-boil them, cut into strips, and then fry them. Yummy!
And, this above lovely book came yesterday...and another will come soon. Got them, used, so that there will be one for me and one for DD, so we can improve our yarn together, get spinning again and stay on the same page after our visit.
And a month or so ago, practicing retail therapy, I bought the yarn and the Vogue Knitting issue from Elann for the top featured in this photo.
Alzzooo, I finished, The Dance Hall of The Dead by Tony Hillerman, second time reading, and just started Thai Die, by Monica Ferris. That one took a long time to get hands on at the local "Public Readery". It's the latest in the series. I say Public, because so many people hang out at the local B&N that it's not possible to get a comfy chair in there anymore. I need to bring a lawn chair, eh?
Being as it has turned so HOT here, the ten minutes of knitting time has to be in the early morning, so it's done. M/B is up to row 29 and almost ready for it's photo shoot.
Now to tear through the plants in the patio and viciously get rid of a few sad ones. They have to go. I've divided that Dallas fern so many times that I just have too many of them. I'm down to two, and one of them has to go. And the impudent opuntia cactus that's been growing unmolested along the back of the paver floor to the patio is to be ousted, too.
It actually grows greener and better in the shade than it's siblings on the hill. I think it's got something to do with the clay/rock layer (caliche) it's growing in, and the water seep created by it. Our neighbor waters a lot and it gets down to our yard at times. This cactus loves it's pampered place. Well, it's too dangerous to have there and there's no where else I want it. I love the other kind, Opuntia Robusta, which has huge round pads anyway. And yes, the pads are edible on the first variety, but it takes a huge cactus to produce enough for me. They taste like asparagus. I par-boil them, cut into strips, and then fry them. Yummy!
And, this above lovely book came yesterday...and another will come soon. Got them, used, so that there will be one for me and one for DD, so we can improve our yarn together, get spinning again and stay on the same page after our visit.
And a month or so ago, practicing retail therapy, I bought the yarn and the Vogue Knitting issue from Elann for the top featured in this photo.
Alzzooo, I finished, The Dance Hall of The Dead by Tony Hillerman, second time reading, and just started Thai Die, by Monica Ferris. That one took a long time to get hands on at the local "Public Readery". It's the latest in the series. I say Public, because so many people hang out at the local B&N that it's not possible to get a comfy chair in there anymore. I need to bring a lawn chair, eh?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sweater for me
Berroco Knits has a pattern and a new yarn coming out soon; it's a tweed blend of wool, superkid Mohair and Angora. I have another sweater that I've worn for years that is this blend and it's the warmest sweater I've ever had.
HERE is the page to the pattern, and I'm putting this here so it doesn't get lost!
When I finish Manly/Beastly, I'll start a colorwork sweater for my DD and this one for me. And a Vest for my other DD who doesn't knit that is in an Interweave Knits Magazine. That should keep me busy!
10 minutes at day knitting, as per fran's challenge, on M/B should find it finished before too long. My chair was moved back into the northern light. So fine! Light all day without direct sun until late afternoon.
Last night I had a dream that DH and I were young, just married, and we decided to move to Alaska. We stopped in a small farming town up there, and I walked out across a field towards a dirt road that ran along a high chain link fence. At the edge was some soft dirt. I stepped into the dirt and started sinking until I was up to my chest. I wasn't afraid, just astounded that dry dirt could act that way. I sort of swam up and out if it, like you do with quick sand.
After we got back to where we were staying, I called a local radio/tv station that had a program where you would call them with a question, and others would call in with answers for a prize. The hosts were laughing at this question, but I turned to DH who was in the room with me, and said, "Well, you know, only a farmer would know the answer."
Soon the woman announcer came back all excited, saying that they had a winner for the answer, whom they were awarding $4,000, and she apologized by saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so excited that I'm using my high school voice."
I kept trying to stay asleep to get the answer to this question, but alas, I awoke.
When I told the dream to DH, I said that I still thought only a farmer would know, and that probably it was caused by a snowplow, clearing that road during winter, and then during spring, as the snow melted, everything settled down so lightly along the edge, that it stayed soft and friable, there.
But high school voice? Alaska? Can I hear Sarah Palin all the way from California?
HERE is the page to the pattern, and I'm putting this here so it doesn't get lost!
When I finish Manly/Beastly, I'll start a colorwork sweater for my DD and this one for me. And a Vest for my other DD who doesn't knit that is in an Interweave Knits Magazine. That should keep me busy!
10 minutes at day knitting, as per fran's challenge, on M/B should find it finished before too long. My chair was moved back into the northern light. So fine! Light all day without direct sun until late afternoon.
Last night I had a dream that DH and I were young, just married, and we decided to move to Alaska. We stopped in a small farming town up there, and I walked out across a field towards a dirt road that ran along a high chain link fence. At the edge was some soft dirt. I stepped into the dirt and started sinking until I was up to my chest. I wasn't afraid, just astounded that dry dirt could act that way. I sort of swam up and out if it, like you do with quick sand.
After we got back to where we were staying, I called a local radio/tv station that had a program where you would call them with a question, and others would call in with answers for a prize. The hosts were laughing at this question, but I turned to DH who was in the room with me, and said, "Well, you know, only a farmer would know the answer."
Soon the woman announcer came back all excited, saying that they had a winner for the answer, whom they were awarding $4,000, and she apologized by saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so excited that I'm using my high school voice."
I kept trying to stay asleep to get the answer to this question, but alas, I awoke.
When I told the dream to DH, I said that I still thought only a farmer would know, and that probably it was caused by a snowplow, clearing that road during winter, and then during spring, as the snow melted, everything settled down so lightly along the edge, that it stayed soft and friable, there.
But high school voice? Alaska? Can I hear Sarah Palin all the way from California?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Watch for the "Talking Point" in the drums of Insurance Industry VS the Sick and worried.
This is an excerpt from Amy Goodman's interview of Wendell Potter, as it appeared on DemocracyNow!
America, we need to beat these people. We need to stop them because they are literally putting at greater risk, or killing, our parents, our children and ourselves.
And as Michael Moore points out, his movie is not NOT just for the poor and the un-insured, it's for the people who HAVE insurance but are at risk for being dumped off the policy whenever they most need the coverage. The industry is in it for the money and they will dump people off in any way they can.
"AMY GOODMAN: And what are those talking points? What is the game plan of the health insurance industry?
WENDELL POTTER: Well, the game plan is based on scare tactics. And, of course, the thing they fear most is that the country will at some point gravitate toward a single-payer plan. That’s the ultimate fear that they have. But currently—and they know that right now that is not something that’s on the legislative table. And they’ve been very successful in making sure that it isn’t. They fear even the public insurance option that’s being proposed, that was part of President Obama’s campaign platform, his healthcare platform. And they’ll pull out all the stops they can to defeat that.
And they’ll be working with their ideological allies, with the business community, with conservative pundits and editorial writers, to try to scare people into thinking that embracing a public health insurance option would lead us down the slippery—excuse me, slippery slope toward socialism and that you will be, in essence, putting a government bureaucrat between you and your doctor. That is—you know, they’ve used those talking points for years, and in years past they’ve always worked."
America, we need to beat these people. We need to stop them because they are literally putting at greater risk, or killing, our parents, our children and ourselves.
And as Michael Moore points out, his movie is not NOT just for the poor and the un-insured, it's for the people who HAVE insurance but are at risk for being dumped off the policy whenever they most need the coverage. The industry is in it for the money and they will dump people off in any way they can.
Michael Moore's Movie, "Sicko", on the Movie Channel
Hubby and I just saw this movie for the first time last night, and it damning as far as the Nixon administration, with callous greed, putting our health care into the hands of a for profit system. The tapes of Nixon (in 1971) in the oval office, talking with an adviser about starting a Health Maintenance Organization system for Americans which would be modeled after Kaiser Permanente, and using practices of limiting care to maximize profits, show how cold bloodedly they viewed this new way of looking at sick people.
One year later, we ourselves joined Kaiser, as one option in the group policies offered, and that's when my own health care nightmare began. My back was never treated, and it's cascaded into what I fight to this day.
"Sicko" airs tonight on Show Time. The times are to be found HERE
Watch how this system materialized out of one businessman's idea of how to make a profit out of limiting care to his employees, to the gargantuan and ugly system we now suffer under. It's enough to make you sick.
One year later, we ourselves joined Kaiser, as one option in the group policies offered, and that's when my own health care nightmare began. My back was never treated, and it's cascaded into what I fight to this day.
"Sicko" airs tonight on Show Time. The times are to be found HERE
Watch how this system materialized out of one businessman's idea of how to make a profit out of limiting care to his employees, to the gargantuan and ugly system we now suffer under. It's enough to make you sick.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tikehau Atoll, French Polynesia : Image of the Day
This image is gorgeous. I want to live there. Now. right now. Or the Marquesas. I could live there and dance and sing all day. That would be good to do.
Tikehau Atoll, French Polynesia : Image of the Day
Shared via AddThis
Tikehau Atoll, French Polynesia : Image of the Day
Shared via AddThis
United (we stand?) Response to that $*@( Guitar YouTube
Some profanity slipped through the bleeper here folks but it's to be expected there is so MUCH of it!
Well, he's not quite a pirate, even though he sort of looks like one. heehee
And for the record, Taylors are handmade, like Martins and some of the others from Spain .. you know... they are expensive! They are not $500 guitars. Hahahaha.. the very idea.
*tiny print* Yes, 'tis a spoof..
Well, he's not quite a pirate, even though he sort of looks like one. heehee
And for the record, Taylors are handmade, like Martins and some of the others from Spain .. you know... they are expensive! They are not $500 guitars. Hahahaha.. the very idea.
*tiny print* Yes, 'tis a spoof..
Hey! What are those red spots on that guy's face?
Well, it's funnier than one of my usual RANTS! Click the pic to enlarge.
United Breaks Guitars
Since we just went to see an acoustic guitar genius playing on stage, well two actually, this snappy little tune is a joy of toe tapping slaps at anyone who would DARE to mistreat, or not mourn the demise of, anything as wonderful as a Taylor Guitar.
The songs last night were mostly love songs, and I have been missing the guitar used as an instrument of protest. Well, this little ditty popped up just in time to save my faith that such songs still are being written from time to time. Here's it is:
Thanks to Lisa and the SG. Whoot!
The songs last night were mostly love songs, and I have been missing the guitar used as an instrument of protest. Well, this little ditty popped up just in time to save my faith that such songs still are being written from time to time. Here's it is:
Thanks to Lisa and the SG. Whoot!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Link to the Complete Bill Moyers interview of Wendell Potter
Americans are going to have to take this into their own hands and get the sort of health care they deserve and not the one their bodies and souls have been assigned to by profit making corporations who lie, steal and cheat their way into the heart of the American Government.
Please don't let them use you anymore. Speak up for yourselves and if not for yourselves, for your children and grandchildren. You would not want your son or daughter to suffer or their children, and if we don't change this thing for something that other countries are doing fine with, then we will keep limping along letting people die when we, as a nation, do not have to put up with such a travesty.
Here's that link
Please don't let them use you anymore. Speak up for yourselves and if not for yourselves, for your children and grandchildren. You would not want your son or daughter to suffer or their children, and if we don't change this thing for something that other countries are doing fine with, then we will keep limping along letting people die when we, as a nation, do not have to put up with such a travesty.
Here's that link
Jimmy Carter, Article from the Guardian UK
Having once left a church because they refused to let women speak when there were discussions going on- only men were allowed to speak and the women sat silently by, expected to listen only - I am glad to see that Jimmy Carter devoted his time and shared his knowledge on just what the bible actually says about women and equality.
Thank you, L, for pointing this in my direction.
This is the article written by Jimmy Carter, that appeared yesterday in the Guardian:
" 'Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status ..." (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
I have been a practicing Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.
So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.
Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses.
At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.
The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.
In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.
The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in Britain and the United States. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for everyone in society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.
It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and out-dated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.
I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.
But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.
The Elders have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights. We have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."
We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.
Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.
At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.
I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: "Women preach all over the world. It doesn't bother me from my study of the scriptures."
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.
Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views."
• Jimmy Carter was US president from 1977-81. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity."
Thank you, L, for pointing this in my direction.
This is the article written by Jimmy Carter, that appeared yesterday in the Guardian:
" 'Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status ..." (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
I have been a practicing Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.
So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.
Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses.
At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.
The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.
In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.
The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in Britain and the United States. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for everyone in society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.
It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and out-dated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom.
I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.
But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.
The Elders have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights. We have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."
We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.
Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.
At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.
I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: "Women preach all over the world. It doesn't bother me from my study of the scriptures."
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.
Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views."
• Jimmy Carter was US president from 1977-81. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bill Moyers Interview Preview : Sicko Conspiracy on YouTube.
After all, it's all of our money they "play" house with in Washington.
Thank you L, for sending me the YouTube link. <3
Thank you L, for sending me the YouTube link. <3
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Something too too cute
This is old but I'm just seeing it. If you are having a bad, awful day, this will bring you right back onto the rails and headed to a corner of Happiness. lol
Enjoy it! It was posted on Fog Knitter's, a fibromyalgia group at Ravelry. I'm sorry I haven't kept up there much because it's a great support group.
Enjoy it! It was posted on Fog Knitter's, a fibromyalgia group at Ravelry. I'm sorry I haven't kept up there much because it's a great support group.
Post Cards are a coming in!
This cute little Mutts cartoon came yesterday. Gosh, Art imitates Life again!
I have to be fair and not share the postcards until they have been seen by the others. But I can show you this one since everyone has gotten one.
It is made in celebration of the strawberry season in the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. All the California Strawberries seem to be done for with the summer weather, but British Columbia is booming along now. The Sioux Nation called June the Strawberry Moon. It's a lot nicer name than August, "the Moon when the ponies grow long hair". or something to that affect.
I have to be fair and not share the postcards until they have been seen by the others. But I can show you this one since everyone has gotten one.
It is made in celebration of the strawberry season in the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. All the California Strawberries seem to be done for with the summer weather, but British Columbia is booming along now. The Sioux Nation called June the Strawberry Moon. It's a lot nicer name than August, "the Moon when the ponies grow long hair". or something to that affect.
Friday, July 10, 2009
OMG the Economy is going where? And how fast is this happening?
God Bless the Onion!
And I've added a little fish pond at the very bottom of the page. The fish follow the cursor and if you click the water, you can feed them tiny orange treats!
Sicko, the Conspiracy
I lifted this right out of an email and am posting it here:
--------------------------------------------------------
Bill Moyers Show Tonight Reveals Insurance Lobby's Secret Plan to Attack 'Sicko' and Michael Moore
Friday, July 10th, 2009
ALERT: We've just been informed that Bill Moyers, on his show later tonight, will expose for the first time the health insurance industry's secret campaign against Michael Moore and his film, "Sicko." It contains a stunning revelation and admission by a top health insurance executive -- the former head of publicity for CIGNA, one of the top health insurance companies in the country -- that the disinformation and attacks on Michael and the film were extensive and well-planned. Their job was to stop the movie from reaching a wide audience (and, more importantly, from having the widespread political impact the industry feared "Sicko" would have).
Wendell Potter, former Head of Corporate Communications at CIGNA (which provides health insurance to nearly 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies) admits that, in fact, "Sicko" "hit the nail on the head" and told the real truth about how much better people in other countries have it when it comes to their health care.
The show airs tonight at 9:00 PM on PBS. (Check your local listings for exact times. Many areas show it on Saturday night, too.)
You can check out the segment about Michael and "Sicko" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv1FwOCNoZ8
Be sure to tune into Bill Moyers Journal tonight at 9:00 PM for the full program. Check here for local listings (and rebroadcasts):
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/about/airdates.html
If you get this email too late, their website will soon post the full show soon:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Finally, the truth comes out. From one of their own. Amazing.
Yours truly, Webmaster
MichaelMoore.com
webguy@michaelmoore.com
-----------------------------------------------
And we thought they were just playing footsie with the guys, off camera of course, in the Lobby of the White House.
--------------------------------------------------------
Bill Moyers Show Tonight Reveals Insurance Lobby's Secret Plan to Attack 'Sicko' and Michael Moore
Friday, July 10th, 2009
ALERT: We've just been informed that Bill Moyers, on his show later tonight, will expose for the first time the health insurance industry's secret campaign against Michael Moore and his film, "Sicko." It contains a stunning revelation and admission by a top health insurance executive -- the former head of publicity for CIGNA, one of the top health insurance companies in the country -- that the disinformation and attacks on Michael and the film were extensive and well-planned. Their job was to stop the movie from reaching a wide audience (and, more importantly, from having the widespread political impact the industry feared "Sicko" would have).
Wendell Potter, former Head of Corporate Communications at CIGNA (which provides health insurance to nearly 70 percent of the Fortune 100 companies) admits that, in fact, "Sicko" "hit the nail on the head" and told the real truth about how much better people in other countries have it when it comes to their health care.
The show airs tonight at 9:00 PM on PBS. (Check your local listings for exact times. Many areas show it on Saturday night, too.)
You can check out the segment about Michael and "Sicko" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv1FwOCNoZ8
Be sure to tune into Bill Moyers Journal tonight at 9:00 PM for the full program. Check here for local listings (and rebroadcasts):
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/about/airdates.html
If you get this email too late, their website will soon post the full show soon:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers
Finally, the truth comes out. From one of their own. Amazing.
Yours truly, Webmaster
MichaelMoore.com
webguy@michaelmoore.com
-----------------------------------------------
And we thought they were just playing footsie with the guys, off camera of course, in the Lobby of the White House.
Midsummer clouds, Steamy Day
Watching the beautiful sky shows, day and night, keeps me from running off the rails. DH and I were talking about how tiny the earth is, and how we are very tiny and potentially lethal little animals running around on the surface. He told me about how Hubble screens out the "noise" from the solar wind, in order to get a clear view of deep space. He said they just found a galaxy way, WAY out there with billions of stars in it. So, he said, "That just makes whatever we do here so very insignificant to the whole of Creation, wouldn't you say?"
So, in reality, if we really think about this, the Earth is only significant to the Earthlings who depend on it for everything in their lives. That's a good thing to wake up and think about every single morning. Yes?
F22 Fighter Jet
Several weeks ago when I wrote to Duncan Hunter, he wrote back and said that we had an "aging" jet fighter in the F-16's, and needed to replace it. He also said that this new plane would provide 95,000 jobs. Why support such a boondoggle with the jobs it creates? This is why:
In an article at the Washington Post, if you can get the link, these salient points were made.
If these expensive horrors are built, that means lots more jobs maintaining them and upgrading them, etc., and who has the expertise to do that? Why, the very people who designed and built them in the first place, of course!
And soon the call will go out for an even newer design correcting or upgrading for what, space flight? But before that happens, we can sell all our, and they are OURS, our money bought them after all, we can sell all our retired planes to a secondary market full of who knows whom? Isn't this special?
Duncan Hunter is in town soon, probably to receive accolades from his adoring followers. I hope someone has the guts to ask him just why he's pushing this thing? It can't be because it's a great plane or that we need it.
Who's responsible in this country for a runaway arms building industry? People like him, supported by people like them. The Pentagon doesn't want this plane, and we the people can't afford to throw away any more of our money. We have serious domestic problems to solve, like where did all the OTHER jobs go? Hmmmm???
To any government trolls wanting to make nasty degrading comments, I say "Go to Hell". That's where you belong, and you can't take your money with you, Nanner! If my friends want to criticize, that's fine, but no one else even gets a look in.
In an article at the Washington Post, if you can get the link, these salient points were made.
"Its troubles have been detailed in dozens of Government Accountability
Office reports and Pentagon audits. But Pierre Sprey, a key designer in
the 1970s and 1980s of the F-16 and A-10 warplanes, said that from the
beginning, the Air Force designed it to be "too big to fail, that is,
to be cancellation-proof."
Lockheed farmed out more than 1,000 subcontracts to vendors in more
than 40 states, and Sprey -- now a prominent critic of the plane --
said that by the time skeptics "could point out the failed tests, the
combat flaws, and the exploding costs, most congressmen were already
defending their subcontractors' " revenues.
John Hamre, the Pentagon's comptroller from 1993 to 1997, says the
department approved the plane with a budget it knew was too low because
projecting the real costs would have been politically unpalatable on
Capitol Hill".
If these expensive horrors are built, that means lots more jobs maintaining them and upgrading them, etc., and who has the expertise to do that? Why, the very people who designed and built them in the first place, of course!
And soon the call will go out for an even newer design correcting or upgrading for what, space flight? But before that happens, we can sell all our, and they are OURS, our money bought them after all, we can sell all our retired planes to a secondary market full of who knows whom? Isn't this special?
Duncan Hunter is in town soon, probably to receive accolades from his adoring followers. I hope someone has the guts to ask him just why he's pushing this thing? It can't be because it's a great plane or that we need it.
Who's responsible in this country for a runaway arms building industry? People like him, supported by people like them. The Pentagon doesn't want this plane, and we the people can't afford to throw away any more of our money. We have serious domestic problems to solve, like where did all the OTHER jobs go? Hmmmm???
To any government trolls wanting to make nasty degrading comments, I say "Go to Hell". That's where you belong, and you can't take your money with you, Nanner! If my friends want to criticize, that's fine, but no one else even gets a look in.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse
Fox News would have you think this is a major joke, but this mouse is so completely unique even amongst the wee mice in general that saving it, and it's habitat, is critical.
The Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse can drink brackish water, and one of the small populations of it's two sub-species prefers salt water.
What the mouse drinks is pretty unique. It's just not another mouse that roared. It is a very unique little critter occupying part of the last salt marshes along California's long sea coast. It's worth saving, no matter what that freakish White Topped Large Mouthed Newt stands up to say about it. Now there's an animal that needs to head to extinction if ever there was one.
The Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse can drink brackish water, and one of the small populations of it's two sub-species prefers salt water.
What the mouse drinks is pretty unique. It's just not another mouse that roared. It is a very unique little critter occupying part of the last salt marshes along California's long sea coast. It's worth saving, no matter what that freakish White Topped Large Mouthed Newt stands up to say about it. Now there's an animal that needs to head to extinction if ever there was one.
Dante Bucci Trinidad Hang Drum
This young musician has an album on CD. I'm getting it!
I could listen to this beautiful, peaceful music all day.. Good for your blood pressure, eh?
I could listen to this beautiful, peaceful music all day.. Good for your blood pressure, eh?
Africa
This beautiful video is other places, too. But I didn't like some of the link outs so found it here on YouTube. Prepare to be amazed! And thanks to Pogo for the original link to this.
Toto did this song, with the title of "Africa" and it was a big, BIG, hit in the 1980s. I am so happy to hear it again.
An aside: The little Wild Dogs of Africa, which are mentioned in the song, are severely endangered now.
Toto did this song, with the title of "Africa" and it was a big, BIG, hit in the 1980s. I am so happy to hear it again.
An aside: The little Wild Dogs of Africa, which are mentioned in the song, are severely endangered now.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
How I lost my Healthcare at the Hairdressers
You really REALLY have to read this post from the Progressive Fox blog.
http://www.progressivefox.com/?p=721#more-721
This is happening to real people everyday in this country. We have to get that fat middle man out of the middle of our health care delivery system. We really, really do have to change it.
This appeared in the Daily Kos, and the original is a personal story from the Progressive Fox blog. My daughter sent me the link. She has her own little health care stories to tell.
Don't count on the Obama administration. He just declared that people in Gitmo will still be imprisoned there, even if they are found INNOCENT. Shall I hit you again with a large trout? Yes, that's what he supports.
So, watch what a public health plan does as it tries to compete with the greedy damn sharks of the health care insurance industry. This isn't funny and it's not going to be pretty. Not only that but these stories can get really personal really fast.
Absolutely the only thing I find comforting these days is that Planet Earth is a very tiny planet in an as yet unmeasurable Universe of Celestial Bodies. I just hope there are a lot better beings on a planet somewhere else who are untouchable, and that the kind, generous, and peaceful who suffer so much here actually get to go there when they get off this one.
*END RANT FOR THE CAUSE*
http://www.progressivefox.com/?p=721#more-721
This is happening to real people everyday in this country. We have to get that fat middle man out of the middle of our health care delivery system. We really, really do have to change it.
This appeared in the Daily Kos, and the original is a personal story from the Progressive Fox blog. My daughter sent me the link. She has her own little health care stories to tell.
Don't count on the Obama administration. He just declared that people in Gitmo will still be imprisoned there, even if they are found INNOCENT. Shall I hit you again with a large trout? Yes, that's what he supports.
So, watch what a public health plan does as it tries to compete with the greedy damn sharks of the health care insurance industry. This isn't funny and it's not going to be pretty. Not only that but these stories can get really personal really fast.
Absolutely the only thing I find comforting these days is that Planet Earth is a very tiny planet in an as yet unmeasurable Universe of Celestial Bodies. I just hope there are a lot better beings on a planet somewhere else who are untouchable, and that the kind, generous, and peaceful who suffer so much here actually get to go there when they get off this one.
*END RANT FOR THE CAUSE*
PC's finished and out the door today, Yay!
I'm not getting a very good satin stitch out of my machine but I'll have to figure out why. It looks like absolute trash. Usually my old machine does very well. Maybe it was all that fleece sewing this past Spring? Time for a tune up! Then again, maybe it's the Gutterman threads. She doesn't like them nearly as well as her favorite floss, Mettler. What a picky little wench is this Nina.
Books. I finished reading The Captain this morning. We had gotten woken up very early again, and that makes three days in a row around 4:30. Something is chewing on our house, and it sounds like a Beaver! I'm sure it's probably only a raccoon since they have been known to do this in our area. We must serve it an eviction notice in the next few days. The small rodent is gone, gone. But this is much bigger and a whole lot clumsier. We live in a big Urban area for Heaven's sake!
So, anyway, I'm off to the Post Office, and then to the Dentist's, this time to see the gal with all the picks and shovels. Ouch! But she's very nice and very gentle, too.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Fourth of July
I am always at war with myself on July Fourth and on Thanksgiving. It's no wonder I get indigestion on both days. nahahahaha!
If I could find the webpage URL this picture comes from again, I would attribute it to them.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Postcard Factory
Buggy Pile- cut from fused fabric. 
Little happy suns created in Paint and printed on fusible cloth sheet. The green papers are the fused ones for the address side
Flower background fused and sticking on the little bits and pieces.
What is left to do now is to fuse the backs on, satin stitch around the outsides, and then to write in little significant words about the Season; then I will hand address them, put them in a clear envelope- thereby making them impervious to machines that mark them and stain them - and put a stamp on the outside of that clear envelope. This whole thing is a lot of fun, really.
People who work in the post office are wonderful, but their code reading-processing machines will sometimes leave unpleasant marks on the fabric. Oh yes, I have paid extra for hand canceling but the post cards were sent to a main office - everything goes there apparently, so they got marked up because they were not hand canceled there. The reason? Nothing gets hand canceled at the main facility, that's why.
I know, it should add to the allure, those battle marks, but many of us don't like the way it detracts from the beauty of all our work. That's quilters for ya!
PS to Baby Luann, if you would like a postcard of ALL bugs.. just let me know and I'll make one for you. Bugs are cool!
Little happy suns created in Paint and printed on fusible cloth sheet. The green papers are the fused ones for the address side
Flower background fused and sticking on the little bits and pieces.
What is left to do now is to fuse the backs on, satin stitch around the outsides, and then to write in little significant words about the Season; then I will hand address them, put them in a clear envelope- thereby making them impervious to machines that mark them and stain them - and put a stamp on the outside of that clear envelope. This whole thing is a lot of fun, really.
People who work in the post office are wonderful, but their code reading-processing machines will sometimes leave unpleasant marks on the fabric. Oh yes, I have paid extra for hand canceling but the post cards were sent to a main office - everything goes there apparently, so they got marked up because they were not hand canceled there. The reason? Nothing gets hand canceled at the main facility, that's why.
I know, it should add to the allure, those battle marks, but many of us don't like the way it detracts from the beauty of all our work. That's quilters for ya!
PS to Baby Luann, if you would like a postcard of ALL bugs.. just let me know and I'll make one for you. Bugs are cool!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tree Frogs
The tiny Pacific tree frogs are singing tonight. When we first moved here ages ago, I caught one of them climbing up the wall of the house one night. They are very tiny and completely adorable.
As far as IDing them I did look at their feet but not at their nether parts.
Read about them HERE
It's so lovely to hear them at night. They are making a comeback in the garden over time, since we have used no pesticides ever since we moved here in the early 70's.
Listening to them is so peaceful.
ALZOOO, My DD sent me this site called Derailing for Dummies. It's just the thing for setting yourself up as an undisputed expert on ANY subject under the sun, but particularly for friendly discussions of social issues where you want to impress the opposite sex with your brilliance.
As far as IDing them I did look at their feet but not at their nether parts.
Read about them HERE
It's so lovely to hear them at night. They are making a comeback in the garden over time, since we have used no pesticides ever since we moved here in the early 70's.
Listening to them is so peaceful.
ALZOOO, My DD sent me this site called Derailing for Dummies. It's just the thing for setting yourself up as an undisputed expert on ANY subject under the sun, but particularly for friendly discussions of social issues where you want to impress the opposite sex with your brilliance.
Fractal Generators help a Grannie to climb out of the Rabbit Hole
Since I found myself fallen into another,presumably, rabbit hole, there had to be a way out. So, I remembered being introduced to a fractal generator porgram by my math minded DD sometime around 1998.
Here is one, A Fractal Palace actually, that can keep you occupied for a good long time. So what if the CIA just overran another small state in Central America, (Honduras in case you lost count was the latest victim of the Just Kingdom) you have your fractal generator! So, FRAK them!
Some day, if justice works as perfectly as the Tibetans say it does (and who's going to keep arguing THAT sticky point I ask you?), those agents of the robber baron thieves will all be beggars, and hoping that there are enough kind people left standing around to help them out of their difficulties, eh?
PS. I have added a Fractal Tutorial to the Fun Stuff under that Spikey Cactus Button. Go have some brilliant fun making beauty.
Here is one, A Fractal Palace actually, that can keep you occupied for a good long time. So what if the CIA just overran another small state in Central America, (Honduras in case you lost count was the latest victim of the Just Kingdom) you have your fractal generator! So, FRAK them!
Some day, if justice works as perfectly as the Tibetans say it does (and who's going to keep arguing THAT sticky point I ask you?), those agents of the robber baron thieves will all be beggars, and hoping that there are enough kind people left standing around to help them out of their difficulties, eh?
PS. I have added a Fractal Tutorial to the Fun Stuff under that Spikey Cactus Button. Go have some brilliant fun making beauty.
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