Poetry In Life

The blog is moving

ML — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 01:12:00 +0000

This blog will be moving here.

I'll be moving this blog to that location bit by bit. Some things I still need to fix, or not :)

U.S. ties Iranian leader to bombs killing U.S. troops - CNN.com

ML — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 03:33:00 +0000

U.S. ties Iranian leader to bombs killing U.S. troops - CNN.com: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. military Sunday presented evidence it says shows an elite Iranian force under the command of Iran's supreme leader is behind bombings that have killed at least 170 U.S. troops in Iraq."

The same quality evidence used to present the case for the war in Iraq in the first place, I'm sure. Who's gonna go to the UN this time?

Frost

ML — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:43:00 +0000

This is some frost on a twirly-gig at my Mom's house.

Hmmm...

ML — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:23:00 +0000

I was gonna post about how the Dixie Chicks have won Song of the Year at the 2007 Grammy's. And I guess I am still, sort of. And I was gonna wonder out loud if Toby Keith might have been a bit more Grammy-successful if he'd been a bit more honest about how he felt about the Iraq war.

This is just some small vindication for the Chicks, I think. The 32-percenters in the deep south can keep Keith, and Bush.

Normally to post, I'll use the Google tool bar to do a "send to" and select Blogger. And for the past, oh, I don't know... 3 months, I've been asked if I want to use the "old Blogger" or the "new Blogger." To us the "new blogger" i have to sign up for a google account. So I use "old Blogger."

Tonight I received a page that said I could sign up for the "new and improved" Blogger in two easy steps -- confirm my account, then sign up for a Google account. I could also go directly to my dashboard, but "you can only do this once."

I don't know that I want a google account. I like Blogger. I like my blog. Maybe I'm just being a tad paranoid. First there was the not-so-intrusive pop-up blocker w/ the tool bar. Then they offered the search-your-hard-drive search option. Then Blogger. Then YouTube. And I'm sure a myriad of other purchases I am not aware of. Google's gettin' a tad too intrusive, I think. Its as if my choice has been taken away. I hate being forced to do something. And Google will know too much. Not just about me, but all of us.

I may have to move to WordPress.

Anyway...rock on, Dixie Chicks. Rock on!!

Texas governor orders STD vaccine for all girls - Kids & Parenting - MSNBC.com

ML — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:57:00 +0000

Texas governor orders STD vaccine for all girls - Kids & Parenting - MSNBC.com: "AUSTIN, Texas - Bypassing the Legislature altogether, Republican Gov. Rick Perry issued an order Friday making Texas the first state to require that schoolgirls get vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.

By employing an executive order, Perry sidestepped opposition in the Legislature from conservatives and parents’ rights groups who fear such a requirement would condone premarital sex and interfere with the way Texans raise their children."

Bullshit. It's a fucking vaccine that prevents cancer you assholes. It does NOT condone "premarital sex" 'cause 90% of us have it, for Christ's sake.

There's nothing in the executive order that tells parents how to raise their children.

This is something that will PREVENT CANCER in women. I'd be you a billion dollars that if prostrate cancer was casued by a "sexually transmitted disease" there would be NO discussion. In fact, there'd have been a vaccine for it years ago and "families" would demand their children get the shot, and probably demand that they government pay for it. It would be a vaccine against cancer after all.

You'd think that since they want the government to control who gets married, they'd be overly excited about the government requiring this vaccine. But no. Always nuts in the bunch that have to fuck things up for the rest of us.

Russia probes smelly orange snow

ML — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 04:23:00 +0000

Interesting. We are sure screwing up this planet.

BBC NEWS: "Oily yellow and orange snowflakes fell over an area of more than 1,500sq km (570sq miles) in the Omsk region on Wednesday, Russian officials said.
Chemical tests were under way to determine the cause, they said.

Residents have been advised not to use the snow for household tasks or let animals graze on it.

'So far we cannot explain the snow, which is oily to the touch and has a pronounced rotten smell,' said Omsk environmental prosecutor Anton German, quoted by the Russian news agency Itar-Tass on Thursday. "

Could an accidental war happen?

ML — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:49:00 +0000

It wouldn't be an "accident" and it wouldn't be a "misstep."

Unless Congress does something about this administration soon, it'll be WWIII. You know it. I know it.

Could an accidental war happen? - Focus on Iran - MSNBC.com: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - Citing Iranian involvement with Iraqi militias and Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the Bush administration has shifted to offense in its confrontation with Iran — building up the U.S. military in the Persian Gulf and promising more aggressive moves against Iranian operatives in Iraq and Lebanon.
The behind-the-scenes struggle between the two nations could explode into open warfare over a single misstep, analysts and U.S. military officials warn."

R.I.P. Molly Ivins

ML — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:57:00 +0000

Molly Ivins dies of cancer at 62 | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "AUSTIN, Texas — Best-selling author and columnist Molly Ivins, the sharp-witted liberal who skewered the political establishment and referred to President Bush as 'Shrub,' died Wednesday after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 62."

Well this is pretty convenient, no?

ML — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:26:00 +0000

Iran involvement suspected in Karbala compound attack - CNN.com: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The Pentagon is investigating whether a recent attack on a military compound in Karbala was carried out by Iranians or Iranian-trained operatives, two officials from separate U.S. government agencies said."

So, intelligence agencies are saying there ain't much to the "Iran is a threat" claim. Looks like we're gonna get a rush of "Iran is responsible for..." news articles, in much the same way in 2002 we had dozens of "the terrorists are gonna get you by land, scuba diving, crop dusters, school lunches..."

I mean, with 79% of people voting on Newsweek.com that congress should stop Bush from escalating the Iraq war, the administration has to go back to the tried and true - scaring the shit out of America. 'Cause they've demonstrated that fear is, by far, the easiest thing with which to manipulate people.

c'mon dems. you can grow a set now

ML — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:16:00 +0000

Ok Dems. The american people think that you need to tell Bush to STFU. Whatta ya think? Think you might be able to grow a set and say "NO" to Bush? A real no. Not a "non-binding" no. A. Real. No.

Might as well get some practice w/ Iraq, 'cause Iran is right around the corner. And, for looks, he'll come to you with the question of permission. And if (or when, please) you say NO, he'll go anyway.

Then what're ya gonna do?

Newsweek poll.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007 -- Page 1 -- TIME

ML — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:14:00 +0000

Only 648 Days Until the Election!

And 746 days until the inauguration!

Toby Keith "never did" support the war

ML — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:51:00 +0000

Didn't know that Toby Keith hated the troops so much. I mean, how can a person support the troops but not support what they are doing?

Guess Keith made more money by pretending to be so gung-ho about Bush's war. Wonder how different things would have been if people like Toby Keith would have come out against the war, say, FOUR YEARS ago? Think he might have been able to open some red-stater, NASCAR-fan eyes?

Toby Keith, angry American - Newsday.com: "Keith doesn't support the Iraq war -- 'Never did,' he says -- and he favors setting a time limit on the occupation. He says he suspects civil war in Iraq is inevitable and predicts the Kurds will be the victors: 'I promise you, they'll end up with it all.'"

Hot melon in your Budweiser?

ML — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:52:00 +0000

C'mon, Anheuser-Busch!! Don't Fruit The Beer. Granted, it's a competitor's commercial, but it's still something to heed. I don't drink, but even if I did, I'd stay away from this. UGH.

Hot melon in your Budweiser? : "NEW YORK - The Belgians love their cherry beers. Americans like to squeeze lime into their longnecks. Now Anheuser-Busch Cos. figures beer lovers are ready for its new fruity beer additives called Spykes."

eBay: Melissa Etheridge 1989 CD/ Brave and Crazy. Pre lesbian

ML — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:24:00 +0000

Interesting. What do you suppose the seller is trying to say? If "some things just ain't right" then why does s/he want to sell to someone who might be "searching another category"?

eBay: Melissa Etheridge 1989 CD/ Brave and Crazy. Pre lesbian (item 280075081067 end time Feb-01-07 16:57:13 PST): "Box and CD in very good shape, no cracks or scratches. Fast ship with first class mail. no fooling around here!
title just a shot at reaching someone searching another category. I love everyone just the same but some things just ain't right!"

Screenshot in case s/he changes the listing:

what the fuck kinda question is this??

ML — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 03:21:00 +0000

"were the democrats sufficiently respectful...." What a load of shit.

I'm in the "why should they be" 24%

He's lucky they aren't gonna impeach his ass.

It's OK to be different

ML — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 05:06:00 +0000

Mama Cass rocks. Even as a witch

I like the button on this dude's page

ML — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:41:00 +0000

BobGeiger.com: It's True: Bush Proclaims Sunday "National Sanctity of Human Life Day": "In a formal White House proclamation issued Friday, George W. Bush declared January 21 National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2007.

'America was founded on the principle that we are all endowed by our Creator with the right to life and that every individual has dignity and worth,' reads the stirring proclamation. 'National Sanctity of Human Life Day helps foster a culture of life and reinforces our commitment to building a compassionate society that respects the value of every human being.'"

Amazing.

January 20, 2007: Third deadliest day for US forces in Iraq. Update: 25 died yesterday.

January 21, 2007: National "Sanctity of Life" day.

Bush, Hitler

ML — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 05:09:00 +0000

Specifically, Grand daddy Prescott Bush. Whaddya s'pose would happen if, say, Hillary's grandfather was a Nazi?

White House: Can't rule out attack on Iran - CNN.com

ML — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:58:00 +0000

White House: Can't rule out attack on Iran - CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House said Sunday it is not planning military action against Iran, but refused to rule out the possibility, bucking pressure from several senators who said the administration is not authorized to do so.

Asked whether the United States is preparing for a potential military conflict with Iran, President Bush's national security adviser Stephen Hadley told NBC's 'Meet the Press,' 'No, the president has said very clearly that the issues we have with Iran should be solved diplomatically.'

But, on ABC's 'This Week,' Hadley would not rule out the possibility of such an attack and would not say whether he agrees with those senators who say that the Bush administration would need congressional backing for such a move."

Uh, last I looked it was still the United States of America and we still had a constitution. Of course, last I looked was yesterday. Things change so quickly these days.

Life in a Northern Town

ML — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:12:00 +0000

Hm. Didn't know there were two videos for this song. I love this song. I have from the first time I heard it. There were a few stand-out songs for me from the 80s. Life in a Northern Town from The Dream Academy and Kayleigh by Marillion were a couple of them.

I guess this one is the 1985 version:

and this one is the 1984 version:

I think I prefer the 1984 version.

Marillion:

Is this person fucking serious? Christ, Almighty.

ML — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:52:00 +0000

Federal Way schools restrict Gore film: "After a parent who supports the teaching of creationism and opposes sex education complained about the film, the Federal Way School Board on Tuesday placed what it labeled a moratorium on showing the film. The movie consists largely of a computer presentation by former Vice President Al Gore recounting scientists' findings.

'Condoms don't belong in school, and neither does Al Gore. He's not a schoolteacher,' said Frosty Hardison, a parent of seven who also said that he believes the Earth is 14,000 years old. 'The information that's being presented is a very cockeyed view of what the truth is. ... The Bible says that in the end times everything will burn up, but that perspective isn't in the DVD.'"

A father of seven? Wow. His own basketball team with a small bench. I wonder, is Mr. Hardison a teacher? Does his viewpoint belong in a classroom? And is the earth really 14,000 years old? I thought it was somewhere between 6-and 8-thousand years. Where have I been?

Cockeyed view of the truth, huh? Yep, gimme those 'round-the-campfire stories about where we came from and why each tribe speaks a different language over science any day. Proof? We don't need no stinkin' proof. Besides, you can't handle the proof!! Just go on believing God created dinosaur bones as some trick or dastardly test of faith.

I'm curious...all you people that firmly believe that God created the world in seven days...do you really, really, really think that God would be happy with your global-warming denial? If, as you believe, God created this wonderful, beautiful planet with all it's flora and fawna and then made Man and gave Man "dominion" over the earth -- don't you think it's a bit egotistical of us to assume that we can destroy what God created?

News outlets don't want WH still photo

ML — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:34:00 +0000

Would that the print reporters become as upset as the photogs. We might have had a whole different previous six years. The media outlets have been going along w/ the Bush li(n)e for years. Guess it's something this obvious that needs to get their attention.

Wires Reject Handout Photo Of Bush Speech: "Dennis Brack, a longtime White House photographer and president of the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA), calls the limited access 'unacceptable' and says it is very unusual for a presidential address to be closed to photographers.

'It's not the first time I'm sure, but it's very infrequent, and I've been around since LBJ's time,' Brack says. 'The speech was a very historic speech of news value, and they elected to manage it as a public relations function.'"

Oops.

ML — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:19:00 +0000

Independent Online Edition > Africa: "It was their tragedy to be misidentified in a secret operation by special forces attempting to kill three top al-Qa'ida leaders in south-ern Somalia.

Oxfam yesterday confirmed at least 70 nomads in the Afmadow district near the border with Kenya had been killed. The nomads were bombed at night and during the day while searching for water sources. Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Kenya has acknowledged that the onslaught on Islamist fighters failed to kill any of the three prime targets wanted for their alleged role in the 1998 US embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam."

Nomads in Somalia, locals in Greece. Some war on terror we got goin' here.

Did the President Declare "Secret War" Against Syria and Iran? | The Huffington Post

ML — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 04:50:00 +0000

Ok, kitty-cat and the snow-buying man was a good diversion, for a bit. I must confess that I did not watch Mr. Bush's speech to the nation last night. I simply cannot stand to look at the man any more. It's much easier just to read it. And besides, I might have thrown something at my TV had I actually heard these words: We will disrupt the attacks on our forces. We'll interrupt the flow of support from Iran and Syria. And we will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to our enemies in Iraq.

What's a nation to do, really? It doesn't matter what we think, what we do. He's gonna do whatever the hell he wants to, when he wants to, how he wants to. Americans didn't elect enough non-Republican senators to over-ride a veto, or stop a fillibuster. And, sad to say, the current Congress likely does not have the balls to actually remove this man from office. So, we're stuck with him for the next two years and we are fucked. Worst President Ever might be the last president ever. I certainly hope our great country survives this man.

The Blog Steve Clemons: Did the President Declare "Secret War" Against Syria and Iran? The Huffington Post: "Washington intelligence, military and foreign policy circles are abuzz today with speculation that the President, yesterday or in recent days, sent a secret Executive Order to the Secretary of Defense and to the Director of the CIA to launch military operations against Syria and Iran.

The President may have started a new secret, informal war against Syria and Iran without the consent of Congress or any broad discussion with the country."

Goliath

ML — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 04:18:00 +0000

Kitty cat, roamin' the neighborhood, finds a doggie-door that leads to free food!!

Kitty cat gorges himself and then one day gets busted, 'cause he gets stuck in the doggie-door.

Goliath is up for adoption, y'all. All twenty pounds of him. (might have to disable pop-up blocker to veiw video)