By Steve Greenberg - Freelance, Los Angeles * Posted 9/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Technorati Tags: civil discourse,steve greenberg
Monday, September 14, 2009
Don’t bring up gun control if you don’t want to face the wrath of extremists!
My column “Let’s face it, no one will take the high road” received a lot of attention yesterday. Most of it negative, and coming from over a dozen blogs featuring NRA poster children. The Times-Standard Forum is full of examples. Comments under yesterday’s blog, which carried the column, are some more examples.
Despite the fact that I said I didn’t want to take away everyone’s guns, the idea that I dared to suggest there should be more safeguards against assault weapons awakened the wrath of extremists.
Talk about irony. I was talking with a friend in Fortuna today and he told me that he sold his shotgun. He explained that he knew a guy that would sell it for him, and it took him less than 24 hours to get $350 for it. Did anyone pay taxes or get their fingerprints taken during this transaction? No. Now, how often do you think that happens nationwide? It starts to get scary when you reflect upon it.
Related subject - Click here to read:
“Ban Assault Weapons”
Meanwhile, would you like your very own assault/automatic weapon? No problem! Just go here and they’ll be glad to take care of you.
I found another web site that I highly recommend the NRA crowd go to. Maybe it’ll bring them down to earth. Try it, click here and read on.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Let's face it, no one will take the high road to gun control
By Dave Stancliff/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 09/13/2009 01:27:16 AM PDT
The Beatles were spot on with their song lyrics that suggested “Happiness is a warm gun.” That gun has to have bullets, and these are at a premium right now, for several reasons.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) scare tactics claimed when President Obama came into office he would take people's warm guns away from them.
The response was almost immediate. Sales of guns and bullets skyrocketed on this rumor. And make no mistake. It was a rumor. That fact doesn't seem to bother the people who went on a buying spree. There seems to be no end to this spree while people believe they may lose the constitutional right to purchase and own weapons.
In California alone, about 60,000 more guns were sold in the first seven months of this year, than in the same period last year, a 26 percent increase, according to the state Attorney General's Office. Click here to read the rest of this column.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Who reads this blog?
Every now and then I like to talk about visitors to this blog.
My stat counter tells me that I have a lot of international viewers, and that I average about 500 visitors daily. The majority of viewers still come form the USA, but the gap has been narrowing this past year.
Just for fun, I picked out a segment of the readers – people in schools. They can be students or administrative staff, but they all have education connections.
Here’s a 24 hour list from Sept 10th to Sept. 11th:
Westmont College, Santa Barbara; San Francisco State University; Miami Dade College, Florida; University of Idaho; Department of Education & Training, New South Wales, Australia; Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky; Colorado Springs School District, Colorado; Elk Grove School District, California; City College of New York; Palomar Community College District, San Marcos, California; Rice University, Houston College; Georgia Department of Education; The School District of Lee County, Florida; Gorseinon College of Fe, Gorseinon, Swansea, United Kingdom; North Carolina Research & Education Network; Jordan School District, South Jordan, Utah; Wake County Public Schools, Raleigh, North Carolina; University of Mississippi; Alabama Research Education Network; Art-Institute-Of-California, Costa Mesa, California; Utah Valley State College; California State University of Chico; Bureau of Indian Education, Winslow, Arizona; Denver Public Schools, Colorado; San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, California; East Side Union High School, San Jose, California; and the Hawaii Department of Education, in Honolulu.
Technorati Tags: universities
Body Worlds plans cadaver show dedicated to sex
Just when I think I’ve heard it all something like this comes up. It’s bizarre, weird, and disgusting.
Nothing is sacred anymore. There’s no concern that even death is being exploited for the amusement of gawkers.
Throw in sex, and you can attract more visitors. What does that say about this new millennium?
By Jason Rhodes –
German anatomists plan a new show dedicated solely to dead bodies having sex as part of the Body Worldsexhibitions.
Gunther von Hagens and his wife Angelina Whalley show corpses prepared using a technique invented by von Hagens called "plastination," that removes water from specimens and preserves them with silicon rubber or epoxy resin.
"It's not my intention to show certain sexual poses. My goal is really to show the anatomy and the function," Body Worlds creative director Whalley told Reuters in an interview, adding the sex exhibition may open next year.
Body Worlds exhibitions, visited by 27 million people across the world, have been criticized for presenting entire corpses, stripped of skin to reveal the muscles and organs underneath, in lifelike and often theatrical positions.
Von Hagens has already triggered uproar with a new exhibit which shows just two copulating corpses. Click here to read the rest at Reuters.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Ten Most Revealing Psych Experiments
Psychology is the study of the human mind and mental processes in relation to human behaviors - human nature.
Due to its subject matter, psychology is not considered a 'hard' science, even though psychologists do experiment and publish their findings in respected journals.
Some of the experiments psychologists have conducted over the years reveal things about the way we humans think and behave that we might not want to embrace, but which can at least help keep us humble. That's something.
The Robbers Cave Experiment is a classic social psychology experiment conducted with two groups of 11-year old boys at a state park in Oklahoma, and demonstrates just how easily an exclusive group identity is adopted and how quickly the group can degenerate into prejudice and antagonism toward outsiders.
Researcher Muzafer Sherif actually conducted a series of 3 experiments. In the first, the groups banded together to gang up on a common enemy. In the second, the groups banded together to gang up on the researchers! By the third and final experiment, the researchers managed to turn the groups on each other.
Click here to see the other nine at Brainz.
Technorati Tags: robbers cave experiment,psych research
FAIL: Why pick today for a Coast Guard exercise?
Okay…someone screwed up. I know that the Coast Guard training exercise was intercepted by someone who thought a real attack was happening, but why did they have to have this training event today of all days? On 911!
Doesn’t anyone know anything about “timing” for such events? You gotta wonder. Officials are already putting a spin on this and calling it a “good teaching moment.” Vice Adm. Currier made it clear to the press that his people didn’t do anything wrong, and there won’t be any apologies forthcoming.
Currier said this morning that the Coast Guard will review the training incident along the Potomac River that triggered security concerns about President Obama on the eighth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Click here to read the whole story at CNN
A Handy, New Bible Interpretation Guide!
If you can keep an open mind, then check out this satirical site.
Betty Bowers has a sense of the absurd when it comes to religion. Some may find this offensive, and if that’s the case with you…don’t view.
Otherwise, click here and go to Bowers’ site to see more.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It’s was about FREEDOM…
Easy Rider sound byte:
They're not scared of you - they're scared of what you represent... what you represent to them is freedom.
Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper have the above conversation minutes before they are blown to pieces by two rednecks in a pick-up truck. The movie was released in 1969.
image via Starstore
Lawmakers denounce 'You lie' outburst at Obama
So here we are, a House Representative (Joe Wilson) interrupting the President of the United States during an address to both houses. Not only was it a shameful outburst, it was a baseless accusation!
I watched Republican Senator McCain tell NBC news this morning that Rep. Joe Wilson’s accusation wasn’t true. Flat out. Wilson is the liar. He’s obviously courting the lunatic fringe who don’t care about the truth. They just want to attack Obama, and if it means lying…well that’s business as usual among the wackaloons who refuse to believe in reality.
While refuting the lies that are spreading around among conservatives, the President pointed out that Sarah Palin’s claim of so-called “Death Panels” was also a lie. Again, Sen. McCain, upon being asked, said that the charges were untrue.
Kudos to Sen. McCain. He really appears to want a bipartisan approach to solving this bill, and he’s not spreading lies. I wish there were more Republicans like him. While I didn’t think he would make a good president, I do think he’s a very good congressman that more members of the senate need to listen too.
From the Associated Press this morning:
“Democrats and Republicans alike are denouncing Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress, an extraordinary breach of decorum for which the South Carolina Republican swiftly apologized.
"I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love," Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America." "It demeaned the institution."
House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., told ABC on Wednesday: "Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum.
"I know that Congressman Wilson has issued an apology and made his thoughts known to the White House, which was the appropriate thing to do," Cantor said.
Wilson's outburst came after Obama said extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.
"You lie!" Wilson shouted from his seat on the Republican side of the chamber.”
Click here to read the rest.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
French Swear Words: 10 Favorites
I’ve picked up some pretty bad curse words from cultures all over the world, and I have to say these French swear words are poetic in a piercing sort of way!
Better yet, you can probably use them with impunity where you live, and people will think your so cool while totally unaware of what you just said to them!
Now it’s time for…
A Post By Julie Blakley
“While I grew up hearing accidental French expletives that would sneak their way out of my mother’s mouth, for those who learned French in the classroom, I’m guessing the teacher was not willing (or able) to teach students how to properly and thoroughly cuss in French.
So, in that vein, here are some of my very favorite French curses. These are the things you hear spilling out of cab driver’s mouths, accidentally being shouted by my grandmother when she drops the milk, or accompanied by grimaced faces and occasional hand gestures in the streets of Paris.
Now, before you go around dropping the French equivalent of the F bomb on your next trip, keep in mind that language plays an immensely important role in French culture. In fact, being articulate and well spoken is considered to be an extremely valuable asset and characteristic, and while the French also like to curse a lot, the term most often associated with curse words is “unrefined.” However, in the right place, with the right people, you can impress your French friends (and make them giggle) by appropriately using these very useful and colorful curses.”
Click here to continue.
Technorati Tags: french swear words
Dressed to the nines? Rare date of 09/09/09 brings discounts, and doomsday theories
The Beatles (Apple Corps Ltd.)
It is a day to get dressed to the nines, listen to the Beatles , get married and to ponder whether this is the end of the world as we know it. Sept. 9, 2009 — or 9/9/09 — is inspiring a number of events Wednesday: discounts on weddings, impassioned doomsday predictions and the release of the Beatles' whole, re-mastered catalog and a Fab Four-themed videogame.
A new animated feature film, "9," set in a post-apocalyptic world, will also hit theaters as hotels like Las Vegas' Bellagio and even a county clerk or two offer special "9/9/09" wedding prices.
As the rare date approached, buzz about it picked up on the Internet. On Tuesday, the term "9/9/09" was among the top 100 search terms on Google, while world's end theories abounded on YouTube.
via AP
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Humboldt Cooperative plans for the future
Dave Stancliff/For The Times-Standard
Posted: 09/08/2009 01:27:14 AM PDT
Dennis Turner isn't afraid to walk between two worlds if it means he can achieve his goal of helping people.
He knew when he started The Humboldt Cooperative in Arcata in November of 2003 that nothing but challenges lay ahead.
Challenges don't bother him. He's used to them. His roots are deep in Humboldt County's history, since his family first moved to the area in 1890. While Turner grew up in the Santa Rosa area, he was no stranger to Humboldt County and often visited his “Uncle Jimmy,” who lived in the area. He also married a local girl named Martha.
In 1973, Turner launched his career in helping people as a guidance counselor at McKinleyville High School. By 1978, he was running a research team for the Department of General Services in Sacramento.
He received his master's degree in career counseling at Humboldt State University in December of 1994 and went to work for the Department of Rural Human Resources in Crescent City. After six years, he became restless and decided it was time to move on.
By 2000, the times were changing as to the role of marijuana in society and Turner became interested in the therapeutic aspects of the controversial herb. Convinced that cannabis was good thing for those who needed it, he researched what it took to start a medical marijuana clinic. Click here to read the rest at The Times-Standard.
Technorati Tags: medical marijuana,marijuana clinic
Monday, September 7, 2009
President Barack Obama to Make Historic Speech to America’s Students tomorrow
The controversy surrounding this speech is, in my opinion, without merit. How many other presidents have addressed the nation’s students? Why is it suddenly a bad thing because he did?
I went off on this subject (I do regret getting so irritated that I was starting to sound like a wackaloon myself) a few days ago because I was fed up with the lies that were being told about Obama being like Hitler, or wanting to get back at the Whites for their use of slavery earlier in this nation’s history.
If you’ve listened to what the opposition (that’s anyone who thinks anything Obama does is wrong) you’ve no doubt heard some outrageous accusations. What’s behind this movement?
Here’s what I know. CNN has reported that Lyndon LaRouche has been organizing the so-called “Tea-Baggers” to disrupt any town hall meetings on health care, and to boycott this speech today. That’s a fact.
LaRouche, a nutcase himself, is finding like-minded people and conducting a witch hunt (think the “Birthers) who are afraid of a black men! That’s right. If you don’t think that racism plays a major part in the attacks on Obama I invite you to go to numerous right-wing blogs and find out what they’re saying.
I know what I’ve seen and read, and I defy anyone to deny that. When he is compared to a monkey you have to know where that’s coming from.
From ed.gov - The U.S. Department of Education:
“During a special address on Tuesday, the president will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.
The U.S. Department of Education invites students of all ages, teachers, and administrators to participate in this historic moment by watching the president deliver the address, which will be broadcast live on the White House Web site (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/) and on C-SPAN. We also encourage educators to use this moment to help students get focused and inspired to begin the new academic year. The Department of Education offers educators a menu of classroom activities—created by its teachers-in-residence, the Teaching Ambassador Fellows—to help engage students in the address and stimulate classroom discussions about the importance of education.
To learn more, please see the following:
- Additional Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Classroom Activities (Pre-K – 6)
PDF (115K) | MS Word (119K)
- Classroom Activities (7 – 12)
To further encourage student engagement, the U.S. Department of Education is launching the "I Am What I Learn" video contest. On September 8, we will invite students to respond to the president's challenge by creating videos, up to two minutes in length, describing the steps they will take to improve their education and the role education will play in fulfilling their dreams.
For more frequently asked questions, and information on this speech (what he’s going to say,etc.) click here.
NFL player beats up reality starlet
Lately I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot of stories about celebrity boyfriends beating up their celebrity girlfriends, or worse yet killing them.
What is going on? Does anyone have an explanation for this kind of behavior? I grew up learning that you don’t hit or physically attack women.
I only have one thing to say to a brute like Merriman…you’re a cowardly bully!
Tila Tequila took another shot at love and, unfortunately, it's apparently taken a shot back at her.
The reality starlet was hospitalized early Sunday following an altercation with her San Diego Chargers boyfriend, Shawne Merriman, officials confirm to E! News.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department received a disturbance call from Tila "Tequila" Nguyen at 3:45 a.m. She told deputies she had been choked by Merriman and, when she tried to leave, he physically restrained her.
Nguyen, 27, signed a citizen's arrest warrant accusing the NFL linebacker of battery and false imprisonment. Click here to read the rest.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Stand Down 2009: It's time again to support our veterans
Dave Stancliff/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 09/06/2009 01:27:18 AM PDT
I want to remind veterans and their families that the annual North Coast Stand Down is coming up on Oct. 2, 3 and 4.
For those who are new to the area or haven't heard about Stand Down, it's a three-day event designed to empower veterans and their families. Numerous helpful services are offered to all, and the spirit of Stand Down is veterans helping veterans.
Veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Korea gather as brothers and sisters with one common goal: to support one another and share in the camaraderie of a common understanding.
This annual event draws more veterans every year. The word is out that it's not just for homeless or needy veterans, but for all veterans. The atmosphere is like one big family gathering for good meals and conversation.
Click here to read more about The Stand Down
Technorati Tags: veterans stand down
Saturday, September 5, 2009
He’s Busted For Slapping a Stranger's Crying Child
The child was crying, which apparently greatly perturbed Matthews. "If you don't shut that baby up I will shut her up for you," Stephens warned Matthews, according to a Gwinnett County Police Department report. Moments later, Stephens acted on his threat, slapping Paige "across the face approximately four or five times."
Though the child "started crying and screaming" after being struck, Stephens told Matthews, "See, I told you I would shut her up." After police were summoned, Stephens told a cop that the child was crying "and he just slapped her," according to the report. Stephens was arrested for felony cruelty to children and booked into the Gwinnett County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. Paige sustained "slight redness to the face," but was otherwise unharmed.
For the complete police report click here to go to The Smoking Gun
Technorati Tags: Walmart,two-year-old girl
Friday, September 4, 2009
Who are the “lunatic fringe?”
They ignore facts. They are always afraid of something. They view President Obama as a black man whose taking over “their” country.
They wear Confederate belt buckles, and share stories of the “good old days in the south” when “darkie” knew his place. They are angry women, and men, who saw their party voted out of power last year. They ignore little facts like that.
They are the conspiracy crowd. The lunatics suspect we are all going to be Communists, because our president is a liberal Democrat. They ignore facts.
The lunatic fringe will always feel disenfranchised because they are a minority. Even so, they are a loud emotional minority that babble jingoisms. They call on “God and Country” and tell lies like our president wasn’t born in the USA. They seriously ignore facts.
It’s really easy to spot the lunatic fringe, because they like to draw attention to their beliefs while re-defining reality. They are adults dressing up in colonial era clothing and calling themselves “Tea-baggers.” They like to ignore facts.
They claimed that Obama would be the worst president ever, when it came to gun control - violating our rights as Americans. It didn’t happen. It hasn’t happened. He wouldn’t dare to defy the NRA, and the gun and ammunition industry. Their lobbies rule Congress and the House. They can afford to ignore facts about record sales of automatic weapons going to Mexico’s drug cartels.
While the lunatic fringe may be small in numbers, they have the backing of the NRA and gun and ammunition industry lobbies. They do have some power. Probably more than we can even imagine. Ignoring facts is their cup-of-tea.
Take a close look and tell me if this is real
My first reaction was – can you say “Photo Shop?”
Then I looked at it closer. Was it possible? Could it be like one of those Lincoln Log Homes painted in childlike colors?
It’s something to ponder this Friday, before this Labor Day weekend.
If you’re going somewhere, be careful. If you’re not, then stop by this blog again to see what I’ll be posting for you. TGIF
Technorati Tags: photo Shop,labor day
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