Thanks to the economist
Technorati Tags: Democracy,most democratic country
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Afghan minister accused of receiving huge bribe
We are wasting our time in Afghanistan trying to put a legitimate government in place. The Afghan politicians/warlords are corrupt and taking advantage of the war to make money.
The Afghan people don’t want us there. We’ve blatantly put a puppet in charge of the government, and still claim we’re trying to help the Afghan people.
‘Only God can stop this corruption’ competitor says of government practices
“The Afghan minister of mines accepted a roughly $30 million bribe to award the country's largest development project to a Chinese mining firm, according to a U.S. official who is familiar with military intelligence reports.”
PHOTO: Afghan Mining Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, seen here on Feb. 9, 2008, is accused of taking a $30 million payoff. Massoud Hossaini / AFP - Getty Images File
Go to the Washington Post to read the rest.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
D.A. will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries -- even if L.A. does not ban sales
Every time it seems like some progress is being made on the medical marijuana front someone like DA Steve Cooley throws a monkey wrench into the works.
“Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said today he will prosecute dispensaries that sell medical marijuana even if the Los Angeles City Council adopts an ordinance that does not ban such sales.”
Read the whole story at the LA Times
Ship with 100 tourists stuck in Antarctic ice
This would be my luck if I finally gave in to my wife’s requests to go somewhere on a cruise. I think she’s even mentioned Antarctica as a possible destination.
The only time I ever went on out a boat was back in the early 70s fishing for Yellow Tail on a half-day boat. Between bouts of vomiting, I watched the other guys drink beer and catch fish. I think that trip convinced me to stay off the sea!
“A Russian icebreaker carrying more than 100 tourists, scientists and journalists on a cruise around Antarctica has become stuck in the ice but is not in danger, a shipping company said Tuesday.”
Go to USA Today to read the whole story.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The ‘bird’ brings a $250,000 fine for Bud
Wow! I sure hope it was worth it. Can you imagine?
A quarter of a million dollars has to be the most expensive “bird” that’s ever been flipped (flippantly I might add).
Will someone bring out the big book of records and see if a “digital” attack has ever cost someone this much money before?
“The NFL has fined Titans owner Bud Adams $250,000 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans while celebrating Tennessee's victory over the Bills.” Go to Yahoo News for the whole story.
More digging for bodies to come in Cleveland slayings case?
Usually when Cleveland comes up in the national news it’s because something bad happened there. Here’s a prime example:
“After authorities used thermal-imaging equipment and ground-penetrating radar to search outside murder suspect Anthony Sowell's home and a property next door in Cleveland, Ohio, FBI agents marked areas outside the home with spray paint, CNN has learned.”
Go to CNN for the whole story.
New audio CD of Bible had stars lining up
Gary Sinise is the voice of David. If Joseph sounds familiar it’s because Seinfeld star Jason Alexander is playing the part.
Luke Perry gets to play the villain, Judas. Louis Gosette Jr.’s deep baritone will represent John. Marisa Tomei plays Mary Magdalene.
I don’t think any of these are bad picks. But why did the producers have to get a British guy – Martin Jarvis, a voice-over actor, to play God?
Doesn’t He deserve a better known star portraying his omnipotent remarks? I think Bill Cosby would have been better. Now there’s someone who can do voices. But that’s just me. Who do you think would have made a better candidate for being God’s voice?
Go to the LA Times to read this article.
Graphic via Google Images
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wineries don't advertise the 'fine' line between regular and vegetarian wine
ONE OF THE FEW- Out of 21 wineries in the Temecula area, Bella Vista Winery is the only one to serve vegetarian wine.
By Dave Stancliff/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 11/15/2009 01:27:15 AM PST
There appears to be a conspiracy of silence on the part of winemakers when it comes to the subject of vegetarian wine. That's right. Did you know there was such a thing as vegetarian or vegan wine?
I've visited wineries throughout California and never heard of vegetarian or vegan wine until very recently. While on a visit to relatives in Southern California, my sister told me and my wife that she had discovered them.
My sister has been a vegetarian most of her life and the idea that animal parts are used in the wine-making process literally sickened her. She had been drinking wine for about 10 years, blissfully unaware of this fact. Go to the Times-Standard to read the rest.
Technorati Tags: vegetarian wine,wineries
Saturday, November 14, 2009
FACT CHECK: On bailouts, reformer credentials and more, Palin's bio goes rogue on some facts
The lack of facts in Palin’s new book should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed her career. She’s tried to project a public image of this housewife turned political crusader, but has come up short on the “believe-ability” scale everytime. Reality has trumped her too many times for anyone – short of rabid gun-carrying fans – to take her seriously. Here’s what the Chicago Tribune had to say about her new book:
Ignoring substantial parts of her record if not the facts, she depicts herself as a frugal traveler on the taxpayer's dime, a reformer without ties to powerful interests and a politician roguishly indifferent to high ambition.
Palin goes adrift, at times, on more contemporary issues, too. She criticizes President Barack Obama for pushing through a bailout package that actually was achieved by his Republican predecessor George W. Bush — a package she seemed to support at the time.
A look at some of her statements in "Going Rogue," obtained by The Associated Press in advance of its release Tuesday:”
Go to the Chicago Tribune for a look at some of her statements in her new book. Photo via Photo Bucket
Friday, November 13, 2009
‘Nautilus House’ is nutty but neat…
The structure that you are viewing was designed and developed by organic architect Javier Senosiain.
To see inside this unusual house click here and visit Desi Colours
Weird and wacky world records tumble around globe
I’ve always been a fan of the Guinness Book of Records. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do to get in it.
In my dreams, I pretend I am an entry for writing and publishing the most Books sold worldwide!
“Manjit Singh, a 59-year-old security consultant from Leicester, England known as the "Ironman," on Thursday pulled a double-decker bus weighing more than eight metric tons over a distance of 21.2 meters with his hair.
The new record was set in central London to coincide with the fifth annual Guinness World Records Day, which organizers said prompted thousands of people around the world to set some bizarre benchmarks of their own.”
Click here to read the rest.
Photo via Reuters – People in swimsuits dance during an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest group of people wearing swimwear.
Technorati Tags: guinness world records
Thursday, November 12, 2009
'Pot' may help combat PTSD U. of Haifa study shows
I’m vaguely uneasy about comparing rats with people when it comes to PTSD. A lot of questions come to mind. Read the whole article (follow link) and see what you think.
"The results of our research should encourage psychiatric investigation into using cannabinoids." - Dr. Irit Akirav of the psychology department learning and memory lab.
By Judy Siegel-Itzkovich
“A University of Haifa study on rats has found that giving medical marijuana to those with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can provide significant relief.
In addition, a pilot study on 20 Israel Defense Forces veterans and others with PTSD that was recently launched in various psychiatric hospitals is promising, but a full clinical trial has not yet been approved by the Health Ministry, The Jerusalem Post has learned.”
Search: "2012" Predicts Earth's Demise. Again.
With the new movie "2012" imagining the end of the world as we know it, MSN reflects on pop culture's obsession with the apocalypse.
“Out of time? The Mayan calendar has a 5,126-year cycle that began in 3114 B.C. and ends Dec. 21, 2012. This end-of-days idea inspired the flick "2012." See the trailer.
Be prepared: "2012" star John Cusack suggests this survival plan.
Earth's ruin is classic Hollywood fodder, via meteor ("Deep Impact" trailer), primates ("Planet of the Apes"), aliens ("Independence Day") and other causes.
Nostradamus was a 16th-century seer (his day job?) who some say predicted the French Revolution, President Obama's election and other historic events.
Don't panic: Remember worries over the Y2K bug? Take comfort in these other dubious doomsday prophecies:
* 1997: Heaven's Gate cult prepares for Earth's "recycling."
* 1982: Televangelist Pat Robertson alerts his flock.
* 1806: English chicken lays warning eggs. Huh?
But seriously, our planet can't last forever. In "The Life and Death of Planet Earth," two astrobiologists write that, in human terms, Earth is this old.
Apocalypse next: Later this month "The Road" will show moviegoers Cormac McCarthy's post-doomsday vision. Enjoy the trailer -- while you still can.”
FROM MSN POPULAR SEARCHES
Holy Water dispenser invented to fight Swine Flu …really I’m not kidding
While drinking my first cup of coffee this morning, I ran across this story.
The Swine Flu has been in the news throughout the year, but this is the first time I’ve seen holy water to combat it!
“ROME (Reuters) – An Italian inventor has combined faith and ingenuity to come up with a way to keep church traditions alive for the faithful without the fear of contracting swine flu -- an electronic holy water dispenser.”
Click here to read the rest.
Photo from Reuters – Inventor Luciano Marabese displays a prototype of his holy water dispenser at his office in Capriano …
Technorati Tags: swine flu,holy water
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day: A vet’s view…
This picture was taken in February of 1970, when I was stationed in Vietnam. I was 19 years-old. (I turned 20 while in-country) I was a Combat Engineer (31st Eng Battalion).
My specialty was Enemy Ordinance Disposal (EOD), but I also drove heavy equipment - like bucket loaders, as shown in the photo below.
Looking at these photos today, I looked impossibly young and thin. Was I really that young once? I left Vietnam an old man in a young man’s body.
This Veteran’s Day I find myself thinking of my buddies who didn’t survive that hell in Vietnam. Some came home, like me, only to fall prey to PTSD. The casualty rate still continues today.
I recently read about how the military is basically blackmailing people who are locked up for going AWOL. The soldiers end up staying in jail for long periods of time (some for over a year) before their cases even go to trial.
Some of these AWOLs have already served combat tours and don’t want to go back. The authorities offer soldiers a way out of jail if they will agree to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Blatant blackmail by a military that is running short of bodies to sacrifice.
I look at the record numbers of soldiers coming back from these wars with PTSD. Their numbers are overwhelming. The VA’s in need of a major overhaul to help them.
On this day to honor veterans I’m torn between remembering those who gave their all to this country, and the challengers our veterans face today. My heart is with each and every one of America’s veterans every day.
Don’t expect jingoism from me. I think war is wrong. I’m unhappy with the president, and the punks in the Pentagon who don’t want our protracted wars to end. Their reasons are dark, and colored with greed and mindless imperialism.
Instead of martial rhetoric for this day, I hope to see a Veteran’s Day when we are not at war with other countries. John Lennon’s song comes clearly to me this morning. Join me, if you will, in singing “Imagine.”
--Dave Stancliff
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I agree with Kucinich : H.R. 3962 sucks!
I’ve been following the health care debate (with millions of other Americans) and the passing of H.R. 3962 was a sell-out to the current insurance system. I like the fact that Kucinich voted against his fellow Democrats - setting ideology and party politics aside.
The Dems celebrated a hollow victory because this version of the health-care bill is unacceptable, and will get shot down if not heavily revised in the Senate.
After voting against H.R. 3962 - Affordable Health Care for America Act, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) made the following statement:
Kucinich: Why I Voted NO
“We have been led to believe that we must make our health care choices only within the current structure of a predatory, for-profit insurance system which makes money not providing health care. We cannot fault the insurance companies for being what they are. But we can fault legislation in which the government incentivizes the perpetuation, indeed the strengthening, of the for-profit health insurance industry, the very source of the problem. When health insurance companies deny care or raise premiums, co-pays and deductibles they are simply trying to make a profit. That is our system.”
Read the rest at Congressman Kucinich’s website.
NBA great Abdul-Jabbar has rare form of leukemia
One of my favorite Lakers is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I was surprised to see that he has a rare form of cancer this morning.
Apparently, it’s not the worst kind of cancer you can get, and chances of survival are good.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, and the basketball great said his prognosis is encouraging.
Read the story at Yahoo Sports
AP File Photo
Monday, November 9, 2009
Who says turkey’s are dumb?
With Thanksgiving coming up the smarter turkeys are already practicing their imitations of other animals….
cartoon via Marbella text by Dave Stancliff
Technorati Tags: editorial cartoons
Suicides in the downturn raise worries about recession’s real cost
Coroner John White is presiding over a sad tally in this northern Indiana county, tracking rising numbers of suicides he believes are linked to the lingering recession.
Read the whole story at msnbc
Data on every U.S. county
You can see the suicide rate for U.S. counties for 1979-2006 in these PDF files:
- an alphabetical list of counties
- a ranking of counties by suicide rate
- year-by-year suicide figures for each county
Photo by Jennifer Shephard / The Elkhart Truth
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A look at seven subjects that seriously tick people off
I’m back…it’s time to start posting stuff again. I wonder if you missed me as much as I missed blogging?
Here’s today’s offering:
By Dave Stancliff/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 11/08/2009 01:27:25 AM PST
Remember comedian George Carlin's 1972 “7 Dirty Words” monologue? It's still controversial, but every one of those words can now be heard on cable TV. I wondered what words would cause such a controversy today?
Then it came to me. Not words; subjects. The following subjects are guaranteed to cause controversy. If you don't want to start a heated argument, don't mention any one of them. Of course, if you're bored with a dull conservation and looking for a stick to throw in the fire, then toss in one of these subjects to warm things up. Click here to read the seven subjects.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Don’t be concerned – everything will be ok
I’m going to recharge the batteries that tickle my brain with ideas.
I’m doubling my walks and I’m going to read a book (fiction).
Shirley has taken the week off and we’re going to explore the nooks and crannies of this beautiful area we live in.
Just because.
Hopefully my meandering will motivate my muse and sharpen my views. Don’t let that stop you from exploring the archives listed on the left of this page.
Feel free to leave comments about things you like or dislike, or things you’d like to see. I’ll make answering you my duty.
Peace be with you. May the wind be behind you - and the truth always before you!
Dave
Op-Ed: Numbers, not shouting, overwhelm health care debate
Here’s an interesting read about the health care debate. Dingell (I should say his researchers and staff) has made some good points regarding a public option in this Op-Ed piece today.
I do believe our current health care system is in shambles and something has to be done about it. The research in this article is accurate (I did take the time to check quoted stats).
I’m not suggesting you read this Op-Ed piece because a Democrat wrote it. If a Republican would have brought up the same stats and logic I would have run it. I’m not interested in promoting either party. I am interested in trying to get out as much accurate information on this subject as possible.
What do you think about this Op-Ed piece? For or against?
By Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.)
“We have the best medical professionals in the world, but fewer and fewer Americans can afford to pay for the care they can provide. The trends indicate that problem will get much worse.
About 17 percent of our $14 trillion dollar economy is dedicated to health care. We pay more for health care than we do for food. Too much of what we spend on our care does nothing to improve our health. We pay for our highly bureaucratic and unwieldy health care system not just with dollars, but with the lives and well-being of millions of Americans. The Affordable Health Care for America Act will reform our health insurance industry so companies prioritize policyholders’ health instead of investors’ profits.
The insurance industry has done everything possible to make you think otherwise. This summer’s massive disinformation campaign – exposed by Tim Dickinson in Rolling Stone magazine last month – has distracted millions of honest, engaged citizens during this debate. During two town halls in my District this summer, I witnessed first hand how fear hijacked a much-needed serious conversation.
But the facts scream louder than even the angriest protester – and the data tells us the current system could literally destroy our way of life.
Consider these statistics:
• The top ten health insurance companies made $8.2755 billion last year and they stand to make more when medical costs go up.
• The average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance is $13,375 for family coverage.
• Approximately 45,000 people die each year because they lack health insurance.”
Go to News.Yahoo.com to read the rest of this Op-Ed piece.
AP Photo of Rep. John Dingell (Mich.)
Unused Tenn. bestiality law put to test in new cases
“Two years ago, the Tennessee legislature put into statute what most people assumed should go without saying — it is illegal to have sex with an animal in this state.
But prosecutors across Middle Tennessee have cause to be glad that someone spelled that felony out. No less than three bestiality cases have come up in separate counties in recent months.
Three people stand accused of engaging in sex acts with farm animals in Maury County. In Humphreys County, a youth football coach was already under investigation for child rape when police reportedly found images of bestiality on his cell phone.” Read the rest at USA Today
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Brazil's Pirahã Tribe: Living without Numbers or Time
That makes their language one of the strangest in the world -- and also one of the most hotly debated by linguists.
Go to Spiegel Online International to read the whole story.
Technorati Tags: brazil,piraha tribe
Teabagger Express predicts ‘Judgement Day’ will send all Democrats to hell
If you’re not a “real American” as defined by Sarah Palin or Glenn Beck, then you’re going to hell buckaroo!
The crazy get crazier, as we watch the religious right continue to dress up and interrupt town hall meetings.
What do they really want? You can go to their "Tea Party" website and read all about their “Tea Party Express II:Countdown To Judgment Day."
Snippet from AlterNet:
“What will happen on their predicted "Judgment Day"?
If you buy the biblical spin of the Religious Right folks -- that make up the bulk of the Tea Party movement -- the implication is clear: Jesus will soon return, send all Democrats, gays, blacks, progressives, liberals, college-educated unbelievers, etc., to Hell, while saving what Sarah Palin calls "us" "Real Americans" -- in other words unreconstructed frightened and resentful white lower middle class Americans.”
Read the rest here.
ABOVE IMAGE FROM: teapartyhandbook.com/
Baseball’s dirty little secret
Just think; while you’re enjoying your first cup of coffee this morning your also learning about a little known fact about baseballs.
What a way to start a day!
Harvesting baseball's 'magic mud'
“Nobody knows this is where I get the magic mud," Bintliff says.
Out of nine brothers and sisters, Bintliff was the one picked to carry on the family business -- Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud.”
- Jim Bintliff has provided Major League's "magic mud" for 44 years
- Rubbing baseballs with mud became common after batter was killed with pitch
Read the whole article at CNN
Technorati Tags: muddy baseballs,magic mud
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
It’s that time of year – Go Lakers!
From the LA Times today…
Lakers want to ring in new season carefully
Snippet of story:
“The Lakers begin the season tonight against the Clippers, but not before they receive their championship rings from last season's successful playoff run.”
Read the whole story here.
Image above via Bright Star Images
Technorati Tags: la lakers,basketball season starts
‘Peephole’ season USA on the way
I’m so glad that it doesn’t snow here in Humboldt County! I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and I know how miserable scraping ice off your windows is.
I haven’t been back there since 1972, and don’t intend to ever go back. Look at the guy in the photo. Imagine doing that every day?
FROM USA TODAY WE HAVE:
Police watching for ‘peephole drivers as winter nears
ABOVE PHOTO CAPTION: David Michael scrapes ice from his car during a Jan. 27 winter storm in Nicholasville, Ky. In some states, police can cite drivers for obstructed vision.
Photo By Charles Bertram, AP
Technorati Tags: snow season,icy windows
Monday, October 26, 2009
9 Brain Habits You Didn’t Realize You Had…
From MindCafe today…
“The brain is certainly the most amazing part of human body. It becomes more interesting when it does not work the way you expect it should. Psychology frequently establishes our intuitions about how human mind works, but it reveals a number of surprises as well…
Although some psychology students will have heard one or two of these before, here’s a list of brain habits you probably didn’t realize you had:
1) The maximum capacity of your short-term memory is seven.
Humans have basically three forms of memory: Sensory, Long-term and Short-term. Long-term memory is just like hard-drive space. Similarly, Short-term memory functions like a very small RAM. This Short-term memory is capable to hold only about five to nine (seven is an average) items at a time.
Retrieving information longer than this will need you to either pack it together into seven units or store it in Long-term memory. Have you observed that the most phone numbers have only seven digits?
Click here to see the remaining eight.
More Americans believe in haunted houses than global warming : A scary Halloween tale.
In the United States, more people believe that houses can be haunted by the dead than believe that the living can cause climate change.
Is this simply a scary Halloween tale or our frightening future?
Read this article by: Dave R. at Care2
Technorati Tags: global warming,haunted houses
Vietnam vets finally honored for bloody rescue mission
This article brought back some memories for me. I was part of the engineer group (31st Eng.Battalion) that was rebuilding the old French road that led into Cambodia (mentioned in this article).
Less than a month later my squad was attached to the combined American and South Vietnamese forces that took this road to invade Cambodia in search of the NVA high command.
While working on the road I met several members of the 11th Armored Cavalry. Now, I can’t help wondering if they are dead or alive. Was one of those men honored someone I talked with back in 1970? I guess I’ll never know.
After 39 years, Alpha Troop is awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its heroism during 'The Anonymous Battle' in 1970.
(Above photo) President Obama, at a ceremony honoring Alpha Troop, says the treatment of Vietnam veterans has been a "national disgrace." (Tim Sloan / AFP-Getty Images / October 20, 2009)
Read the whole story at The LA Times
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Surviving a deadly hike on a trail with no name
By Dave Stancliff
For the Times-Standard
Posted: 10/25/2009 01:27:19 AM PDT
August 2009 -- Nancy Maltez fell 1,000 feet to her death while hiking in Zion National Park. The California woman was with her husband and three children. They were hiking the Angels Landing Trail, one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in the U.S. National Parks.
It wasn't a trail for the weak of heart. Or the inexperienced. It slithered along a narrow rock slice with dizzying thousand-foot drops on both sides. There were chains embedded in the rock to give hikers extra hand-holds.
This was a trail for experienced hikers and climbers. Maltez was neither. Should she and her family have gone on this trail? I don't think so. When I read about this terrible accident it took me back to another time.
November 1965 -- I was 15 years old. I held on to the chaparral for dear life. Only minutes before I had been at the top of the trail with my two friends, John and Chuck, brothers who wanted an adventure. We all had empty canteens and were thirsty. Strong winds made it hard to hear each other.
Read the rest here.
image viawww.wausaukee.com
Technorati Tags: hiking
Saturday, October 24, 2009
My sons are competing in a tough guy contest tonight…
Nate is fighting in the 155 weight class. It’s considered the most competitive weight and usually the Big Event of the night. A two-time champion will be among Nate’s opponents.
Eli is fighting in the heavyweight class (200 and up). Eli weighs 210 and is the lightest heavyweight to compete. There’s one guy in his class whose 6 foot-eight inches, and weighs 250 pounds.
Neither of my sons have ever entered a contest like this. They were both varsity wrestlers while in high school, but this type of mixed-martial art competition is a whole different ball game. Neither one of them even trained for it.
Their wives are both worried about their safety. So am I, and their Mother even more so. You can’t help it. You worry when a loved one gets involved in a violent sport. The wives went to the contest to support them.
Shirley and I stayed home, and are both trying to stay busy until this thing is over with tonight. Until we get that phone call telling us they are both all right.
My feelings are mixed however. I remember boxing while in the Army and I enjoyed it. I have to admit that there is a savage joy in pounding someone into submission in the name of sport. You know you’re not going to get in trouble, so you can let it all “hang out” in a display of fury and fists.
I want my boys to survive this contest. If they win it, I hope they don’t do it again. I hope one last fling will be enough. They’re both in their 30s, and really too old to be involved in this kind of competition for younger men. But, like I said, I understand. Deep down where words have no meaning. Where you find yourself testing your limits just because.
Good luck boys!
Love, Dad
Image via Google Images
UPDATE: Both of them survived without serious injuries last night. Nate ended up fighting the two-time champion (wouldn’t you know it?). His brother Richard (my third son) recounted the action to me: “Nate was kicking the crap out of the champion for most of the round. He knocked him down several times and busted his eyebrow open, but made a mistake when he went to the ground to finish him off.
The guy was a belted ju-jitsu fighter, and managed to slip a choke hold on Nate…and Nate had to tap out or pass out. He tapped out. The crowd was stunned. It looked like his fight until that sudden skillful move turned the tables.
Eli’s fight was one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the night. Eli is five-foot, ten-inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. His opponent was six-foot two-inches tall and weighed 250 pounds. He looked like a midget next to the guy.
Eli was the smallest heavyweight of the night. In the first two minutes Eli tried to take the big man to the ground and absorbed numerous powerful punches while doing it. In the last minute Eli switched tactics and started slugging his opponent. With a dramatic round-house right Eli dropped the big man to the canvas! He then jumped un him and pounded away as the guy tried to cover up. Then the bell rang! The judges awarded a split decision to his opponent (who by the way went on to win the heavyweight championship).
Apparently the crowd was on their feet cheering Eli, and Richard said it was like watching the first Rocky movie! The crowd booed the decision.
I’m glad it’s over. But it looks like I have to worry again next year. Both of them have decided to fight again. Eli’s coming down to his natural weight class of 185-200 lbs.the next time around. Theyre actually going to train this time around and both fully expect to win their weight classes next year.
Okay…I’m proud of them. I see myself in both. I just wish they didn’t want to do this again. I’ll have to sedate Shirley next year!
Re-crafting the United States as Disunited Duchies
I highly recommend this article to people who are interested in understanding what is really happening with race relations in America today. It’s a troubling read, but one that will give you insights you may not have had before.
Authors of two recent books, "Whitopia" and "The Big Sort," see Americans as disuniting based on politics, race and culture.
WRITTEN BY:LEWIS BEALE
SNIPPET FROM HIS ARTICLE:
“In Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where 95 percent of the population is white, Rich Benjamin saw more Confederate flags than black people. Not that Benjamin was looking for suggestions of racism, but in his forthcoming book,Searching for Whitopia: An Improbable Journey to the Heart of White America (Hyperion, Oct. 6), he was trying to discover why some of the fastest-growing areas in America are also the most Caucasian.”
Read the rest at Miller-McCune
In drug trafficking hub, artist is in demand
“Between mansions for the living and mausoleums for the dead, there is work to be had in the Sinaloa capital for painter and sculptor Jose Espinoza, who says of his patrons: 'I don't probe.'”
Story at LA Times
Jose Espinoza pauses in the Santa Ines church in Culiacan where he carved the altar and produced five stained glass windows and three murals. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Go on a hike with As It Stands this Sunday
The Times-Standard
AS IT STANDS:
Surviving a deadly hike on a trail with no name
A cautionary column on hiking. It can make your life richer, and it can take your life if you aren’t careful.
Technorati Tags: opinion column
image via www.wausaukee.com
Comedian Soupy Sales dies at 83
I loved the Soupy Sales program growing up. I really got a kick out of White Fang and Black Tooth, his two crazy dogs who spoke in grunts that he translated for viewers.
Then there was that famous (I think last episode) show where he flipped off the producers! With his demise, slapstick is officially gone. RIP…
“Soupy Sales, he of the crumpled hat and droopy bowtie, whose raucous in-your-face daily kids show was an iconic hit of the '50s and '60s, died Thursday at the age of 83.”
See full story at USA Today (Photo by Scott Gries, Getty Images)
Technorati Tags: soupy sales,slapstick comedian
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Beast(s) of burden…
Cartoon by Randy Bish, Pittsburgh, PA -- the Tribune-Review
Visit the Tribune-Review E-Mail Randy
Technorati Tags: editorial cartoons
The adventures of H.P. Lovecraft to be featured in a new Ron Howard film
One of my favorite authors is H.P.Lovecraft. That guy could set a mood like no one’s business. His dark and unholy subjects made for a fascinating read.
Looks like his works are making a comeback…
Adam Byrne conjures up the dark magic of 'H.P. Lovecraft'
H.P. Lovecraft and Hollywood, an unholy alliance?
EXCLUSIVE: Ron Howard and his plans for "Lovecraft"
Guillermo del Toro and his impassioned Lovecraft project
Links & Image via LA Times
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sad News: Child’s body found in search for missing girl
Somer Thompson disappeared on way home from school on Monday.
Her body has been located in a landfill. Police are interviewing 75 known sex offenders in a five-mile-radius of where Somer lived.
That’s just known sex offenders. It’s scary to think how many were in just the small area by where she lived. What is it lately with all these children being kidnapped and killed? It sure seems to be happening an awful lot. Just another sign of decay in our society.
Read the story here at MSNBC Photo via Today/MSNBC
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