Archive for Dizzy Dezzi
Feisty, 30-something, mother of three, wife to Iraq Vet (currently performing Deployment 3.0), home-school mom for 10+ years, and small business owner. Politically, I lean a little liberal, but a lot Libertarian. I may not always say what's on my mind, but when I do have something to say, you can't shut me the heck up...
Ten Post Round-Up: War On Everything Edition
Doesn’t it seem like we are always at war with something, if not with someone? The “War on Terror”, aside, we also have the “War on Drugs” (or rather, the people who use them), the “Mommy Wars” (where apparently, stay-at-home moms are an affront to working moms and vice versa) and a war on just about everything that was meant to be enjoyed (like food or adult entertainment).
In an ideal world, I’d like to buy the world a Coke and then lob the empties at the idiots who like to keep the rest of us in a heightened state of anxiety by sucking the life and love out of everything under the sun.
Of course, in reading today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you will find that not all wars are bad, while most still make the world a difficult, if not, scary place to live.
- Yes, Virginia, there are some mommies who stay home, rather than go to work, because of the kids, not despite them (Dizzy is proud to say that she is one of them).
- McCain appears to be in some hot water over the speech he gave regarding the Russo-Georgia conflict.
- Speaking of the the Russo-Georgia confrontation, The Russians have apparently called the whole thing off. But, at the time of this posting, apparently the word hadn’t gotten to everyone.
- Australia may have cracked the case in the war on cancer.
- Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that John Lennon’s killer gets conjugal visits while our brave soldiers are being poisoned?
- It’s just a tad irritating that law-abiding, homosexual citizens aren’t allowed to get married (in most states) while heterosexual perverts are allowed to wed with wild abandon?
- If famous deaths come in threes, it looks like somebody needs to watch their back. I don’t need to mention that the somebody in question actually played the namesake from the most recent dead person’s hit song of the same name (and just wrapped a movie with the two dead guys who triggered this thread). It’s a good thing I’m not superstitious!
- Sometimes, I have to ask myself, “how come sh** like this never happens in my neighborhood?”
- Do you think that the legacy that GWB is trying to leave will be called “The Age of Irony?”
- And, as if you thought that GWB and the boys weren’t doing enough for our troops, along comes the news that the VA is happy to make it more difficult for vets to register to vote.
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: Georgia On My Mind Edition
For some reason, I woke up this morning and as I traveled the blogosphere, began having visions of Ray Charles sitting down at his grand piano, playing “Georgia On My Mind” as rockets and bombs went off in the background.
I’m sure after perusing today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you may begin having the same visions…
- Truthdig has a primer on the conflict in Georgia, in case you are interested. Ezra Klein informs us that everyone in the region is blaming US and by “US”, I mean, “the you-ess-of-ay”. Putin thinks we are taking sides by airlifting Georgian troops from Iraq back home (meanwhile, Georgians are upset that the US isn’t sending troops when, after all, they “are” helping us in Iraq). Adding insult to injury, oil prices are heading back upwards after almost a month of a trickling downward AND this conflict could catapult us to war with Iran (I’ll bet Cheney is doing the “happy dance” about now!).
- Speaking of Iraq (and Afghanistan), Homefront Six blogs about a new program being implemented by a judge in Buffalo, NY called the Veteran Treatment Court. It’s meant to help divert troubled troops to help when their crimes are non-violent and its counselors are other war veterans, including those who served in Vietnam. It’s nice to see somebody stepping up to the plate and offering our brave men and women the help and support they need.
- Former christian singing sensation and Top 40 hottie, Katy Perry makes me wonder just what “Fundie Kids” are playing on their iPods, these days!
- Maybe Ben Stiller can benefit from controversy more than Ben Stein did?
- All you Applebee’s fans can now get a side of lizard with your salad!
- Pelosi admits she hasn’t read the articles of impeachment against Herr Bush put forth by Dennis Kucinich. That’s too bad. Because of that (rather, the fact that she took impeachment off the table), now she has to read articles about her political rival, Cindy Sheehan, until November.
- California home educators can breath a sigh of relief, for the time being.
- The Brilliant cafe reminds me why I will likely never fly, again. I’m also reminded why I will probably stay away from buses, as well.
- Lest you forget, please pay your taxes, so that the state does not have to arrest you for that $10 you stole from them…
- And, in case you missed these: Obama is a technological elitist, Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist, Former “American Idol”, Clay Aikens, is a new daddy, and John Edwards…well, you know…
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: Chocolate Salty Balls Edition
Sorry that it appears that I have been out of the loop, my friends. Indeed, that is not actually the case. Sometimes, my days as a military spouse with a soldier deployed means that I need distance from things, including blogging, to maintain my sanity.
In any case, I’m back and ready for bear. I’m working out a new format for the (supposedly) daily Ten Post Round-Up. I’d appreciate it if all five of you would tell me what you think (or not. whatevah.)
- The world lost two fabulous entertainers this week. First, we lost Bernie Mac on Saturday and on Sunday, we lost Isaac Hayes. At least, (thanks to “South Park”), we’ll always have “Chocolate Salty Balls” (a karaoke classic, I tell ya!).
- Be careful where you park when headed to the local parade. Some nefarious tow truck drivers may kidnap your car and charge extortion fees after you’ve been tricked into parking for free!
- From skippy, we learn which lies are worse. Take a wild guess whether the MSM thinks that lies that lead to an illegal war or lies about marital infidelity are worse…
- Speaking of John Edwards, the other woman says “onay ayway otay away aternitypay esttay.”
- Some states think its citizens are being selfish for taking advantage of money-saving tax holidays.
- Now that Iraq clearly wants a regime change, can our troops come home now?
- Maryland mayor’s recent police/SWAT team raid (home invasion?) sheds much needed light on the failures (gestapo tactics?) of the War on Drugs.
- Many bloggers have Georgia on their minds, but the MSM seems more obsessed with what’s on the mind of Edwards’ little soldier.
- If it takes blood and guts to get kids to read, I say, “bring on the gore!”.
(originally posted at Hypocrisy)
Colorado Senatorial Candidates Oppose Anti-Abortion Measure
Both Udall, Schaffer oppose abortion measure : Elections : The Rocky Mountain News
The measure in question is a Colorado ballot issue (Amendment 48) which would define into law that “life begins at conception” (or the “every sex act is sacred” measure).
In effect, it would outlaw ALL abortions, including the Plan B (the morning after pill). It would also be the slippery slope towards banning other forms of birth control.
Arguably, it would make menstruation illegal, since a lot of times fertilized eggs get flushed out of a woman’s body long before she even realizes she is even pregnant, resulting in spontaneous abortion. This far-fetched idea may not be too far-fetched to the anti-abortion crowd as it would reinforce their idea that all female centered birth control helps in the process of spontaneous abortion in a similar fashion (disallowing fertilized eggs to set in the uterus and flushing them out of the body).
This measure, in effect, would also put the state in charge of a woman’s body. How else could the authorities be sure that sexually active women are not unwittingly (or willfully) aborting their fertilized eggs through birth control measures (like the pill or IUDs), too much caffiene or poor dietary choices.
There had been some talk in the recent past of designating all women of child-bearing age (supposedly at the first sign of menstruation: 11 years old?) as “pre-pregnant”. Designating all sexual acts as “persons” would be a step in this direction.
Udall and Schaffer are right about opposing this anti-abortion measure, for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is that more sensible religious organizations oppose it.
It has the effect of enshrining religious belief into law and making women political prisoners of their own bodies and essentially criminalizing sexual activity, particularly if birth control is used.
That’s a slippery slope that I don’t want to travel and I don’t want my daughter (or any other women) to have to fight that downhill battle, either.
Religion has no place in the state Constitution and Fundies have no right to invade my uterus.
(Related link(s): Clinton vows to fight “insulting” abortion plan)
Havin’ A Goin’ Away Party For The “Bushmen”
I’m havin’ a party!
“What kind of party”, you ask?
Since you asked, I’ll tell you.
It’s a “Going Away” party.
And, by the way, you are all invited, although, granted, a few of you will choose to skip the festivities because this particular “Going Away” party might give you the blues.
Speaking of blues, there will be plenty of music.
At the top of my guest list is “Ned Flanders”…I mean, Harry Shearer. Well, not exactly. What I mean to say is that the evening’s entertainment will include grooving to the bluesy-country-jazzy-rockified sounds from Shearer’s latest CD, “Songs of the Bushmen”.
Your Weekly Cuppa Dizzy: A Sad Update
Wow. This is very sad. A few days ago, in my (mostly) daily round-up, I posted a link in regards to the “Spam King” escaping from a minimum security prison in Florence, CO.
Now, news has come out that he has been found dead, along with his wife and child.
Ten Post Round-Up: July 24, 2008
At some point while reading this round-up, your heart will break, your funny bone will be tickled and your ire will be raised.
1. When pop culture meets real-life…it ain’t pretty!
Salt Lake Tribune: Motorist’s quip about ‘Grey Poupon’ met with cocked, black handgun
A Sandy man took offense to a motorist, who, after getting him to roll down his window, asked, “Excuse me, sir, do you have any Grey Poupon?”
After hearing the request for Dijon mustard, the 22-year-old driver pulled a black handgun from his glove compartment, cocked the weapon and pointed it at the three people in the other car. “Here’s your Grey Poupon, roll your [expletive] windows up,” he responded.
2. Hey, Russia! Leave them kids alone!
Reason Magazine: Russia to Emo Kids: I’ll Give You Something to Pine About
Driven to the brink of unhappiness by repeated listenings of “Sowing Season,” by Brand New, the members of Russia’s Duma are mulling over legislation to ban emo and gothic dress in public schools and government buildings. And the emo kids? Well, they’re not gonna take it:
3. Yeah…the impeachment hearing is just for show, to shut the rest of us up…
Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com: Conyers Tries To Kill Impeachment Hearings Before They Start
John Conyers is now taking the position that no one at Friday’s impeachment hearing can accuse Bush or Cheney of any crime, or any impeachable offense, or dishonorable conduct, or even lying.
Moreover, Conyers is now saying that he will shut the hearing down if anyone does accuse the boys of crimes, impeachable offenses, or otherwise being naughty.
Ten Post Round-Up: July 23, 2008
If this round-up were any juicier, you’d totally stick a fork in it…
1. It is long overdue to retire this policy. Gay soldiers should not be held to a higher standard than straight soldiers who are free to date who they like and not conceal their attractions. It is the gay soldier who is expected to keep their mouth shut and their pants zipped, for fear of losing their job. The military does not have room for discrimination, particularly if they hope to continue with war without end in the Middle East.
KOAA.com - Lawmakers reconsider military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy
Tauscher is convinced it’s time to allow gays in the military to be open about their sexuality, and she’s not alone. Three-fourths of those surveyed in a Washington Post-ABC News poll over the weekend said openly gay people should be allowed to serve. That’s up from 62 percent in early 2001 and 44 percent in 1993.
2. Even relying on some resource other than coal or oil to produce our energy needs is going to come with a very steep price tag.
CNN.com: Wind power: A reality check
One of the big challenges with using wind to replace natural gas is that, unlike the steady flame from natural gas, the wind doesn’t blow all the time.
To make sure enough power is available when the wind isn’t blowing, backup generators would be needed, said Paul Fremont, an electric-utility analyst at the investment bank Jefferies & Co.
That could mean maintaining those natural gas plants in case of emergency, or implementing even more novel ideas like systems in Europe that use excess wind electricity to pump water uphill when the wind is blowing, then release it through hydro dams when the wind stops.
Either way, any type of backup system comes with a price.
3. Sorry, guys. It won’t fit in your wallet. But, on the upside, it will be a perfect fit (that is, if it ever gets mass produced…).
Cool Hunting: Spray-On Condom
While most technologies advanced by leaps and bounds in recent decades, condom design has been relatively static for the last century or so. One visionary German scientist is working to change that. Jan Vinzenz Krause has spent recent years trying to make the world’s most common prophylactic available in spray-on form. The technology’s draw, according to Krause (pictured), is that conventional condoms often don’t fit penises of varying sizes (also pictured, sort of).
Ten Post Round-Up: July 22, 2008
This round-up includes spam, porn, and money talk. Oh, you know you wanna read it…
1. The quote that wouldn’t die…
Talking Points Memo: White House Still Trying to Explain Away Maliki
When a guy you more or less install in power and keep there on a very short leash starts going off the reservation, you first claim there was some sort of translation error. Then you claim that what he says is not what he means. When he continues to reiterate the point, you assert that he knows not of what he speaks.
2. Colorado offers the DNC a gas tax holiday for the convention…
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO BLOG: Planning a private party?…
In Colorado, consumers pay 40.4 cents in taxes on every gallon of gasoline. That includes the federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and the Colorado gasoline tax of 22 cents per gallon.
3. A win for adult-websites
Wired.com: Net Censorship Law Struck Down Again
The 3rd U.S. Circurt Court of Appeals upheld on Tuesday a 2007 lower-court decision that the Child Online Protection Act violated the First Amendment since it was not the most effective way to keep children from visiting adult websites.
Ten Post Round-Up: July 21, 2008
Some days, it sucks to read the news, because it’s a reminder that our country appears to be being run by a bunch of frat boys, out on a lark and hoping that a grown-up might come along and fix it (all the while forgiving and forgetting who was responsible for the bull$#!% in the first place)! Unfortunately, these hazy days are not ones that we will soon wake from and it will take many generations of grown-ups to fix.
1. Tazing a few sheep to tame the sheeple…
duckplops: Just When You Thought They Couldn’t Find More Helpless Victims
More and more it seems as though the cops have been told to use the tasers first and ask questions later, and have let them know there won’t be any repercussions, even if they kill the tasee.
2. “Toto, we’re not in Kansas, anymore…”
The Huffington Post: Court Confirms President’s Dictatorial Powers in Case of US “Enemy Combatant”
Wake up, America! On July 15, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled by 5 votes to 4 in the case of Al-Marri v. Pucciarelli (PDF) that the President can arrest US citizens and legal residents inside the United States and imprison them indefinitely, without charge or trial, based solely on his assertion that they are “enemy combatants.” Have a little think about it, and you’ll see that the Fourth Circuit judges have just endorsed dictatorial powers.
3. Getting answers for the family of LaVena Johnsona is a step towards getting answers for every family who has lost a soldier to foul-play in Iraq.
Shakesville: ColorofChange.org launches LaVena petition
The online grassroots organization ColorofChange.org, a black advocacy group founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, has lent its support to the family of LaVena Johnson. The group has launched a new petition addressed to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its chairman, Representative Henry Waxman.
Now, THIS Is How The Girl Scouts Could REALLY Make Some Money!
GlassGiant.com” hspace=”0″ vspace=”0″ width=”161″ height=”161″ />Now, let me tell you, I am a huge fan of the Delites (aka Samoas) and SSG Dizzy is partial to the Thin Mints and I can tell you that the little Girl Scouts we know make a killing off of our household. But, I gotta say, I can definitely see how THIS could help out a whole lotta Girl Scouts:
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
These days it seems as if it’s a good time to invest in bicycles (to save gas money) and mattresses (to store your savings). At least, we can drown our sorrows in “hopsicles” and if we forget where we hid our money we can rely on our daily cuppa to refresh our memory. We may be a nation of whiners, but wouldn’t life be a lot simpler if the economy (and certain world leaders and/or those seeking the position) didn’t give us anything to whine about?
1. It’s true, you can’t please all the people all of the time. But, is it possible to abuse the privilege?
23/6 - News: Poll: Who’s Obama gonna piss off next?
With polls showing Obama losing his “glow,” every couple of days we’re finding out about another group who is getting a little pissed off at Barack.
2. Let it never be said that GWB didn’t leave behind a well-remembered presidency (not well-thought of but, definitely well-remembered).
Alternate Brain: Legacy of a Lunatic
From the beginning, Bush surrounded himself with incompetent cronies, yes-men, and sycophants with a lust for influence, and handed out positions of power to people whose blind loyalty was the only measure of their suitability. Qualities like honesty and strength of character were never assessed, and were in fact an obvious hindrance for those who aspired to the inner circle.
3. In other words, there is no end in sight for our already overburdened troops, regardless of who’s elected.
CommonDreams.org: Obama Promises 10,000 More Troops for Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama yesterday pledged to increase US troops in Afghanistan by a third if he becomes president, sending 10,000 more to reinforce the 33,000 already there.
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
Some days (particularly Mondays) require more than one cuppa. Today is one of those days.
1. Word for the day: transparency
BlackListed News: Kucinich Demands Congress Issue Subpoenas for Continuity of Government Plans
John Conyers has been issuing subpoenas on other issues, which may be important. However, what could be more important for Congress than determining whether or not the Constitution is still the controlling document for our country? What could be more important for Congress than determining whether COG planning documents strip Congress of its power, and give sole power to the executive branch?
2. If we add another battle front (cough-Iran-cough), we will need more “waivers” to fill the ranks…
Huffington Post: Greg Mitchell: Shocker: More than 1 in 10 Army Recruits Now Given “Moral Waivers”
In 2007, almost 10,000 recruits were granted waivers for past misdemeanors. over 2100 for “serious criminal misconduct” — over four times the 2003 rate - -and almost 1500 for drug or alcohol abuse.
3. Just another example of children being trained to be good little sheeple…thankfully, the appeals court did the right thing.
Joanne Jacobs: Strip search violated girl’s rights
To learn if Savana Redding was carrying over-the-counter pain pills such as Advil or Motrin, a school nurse told her to remove her clothes, including her bra, and shake her underwear. A classmate caught with ibuprofen had named Savana as her supplier. No pills were found.
I’m Voting For Liberty In November
It’s been a while since I poured you all a morning cuppa. Despite being motivated a few times to rant about something, I have let myself get distracted. But, I’m on a roll, today, so when I saw the following post, I was motivated to add my two cents (for what it’s worth).
TruthNews.us: FISA: Why I Can No Longer Vote for Barack Obama
Barack Obama lost my vote today. I was never a rah-rah supporter, yet prior to the FISA bill vote today, I believed that I could suck it up and vote for whoever ended up being the eventual Democratic Party nominee. For the first time in my adult life, I’m faced with the unhappy prospect of staying home on November 4th.
If I had written the above linked post, I would have named it “Why I Can No Longer Vote For A Democrat or a Republican”.
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
Thanks to Phil Gramm for reminding me of something I forgot, being a member of a “nation of whiners”, I took some time to do just that (thanks to those wonderful people who took the time to listen). Truthfully, though, I prefer to do my whining via blogging, so what better place to do that than through today’s Ten Post Round-Up (cue the “wah-mbulance”).
1. “The answer to speech you don’t like is always more speech.”
AlterNet: Why Obscenity Laws Must Be Fought
What’s defined as healthy sexuality in this country is narrowly defined and schizophrenic — and the government should not have final say.
2. Just imagine the sales in munchies, alone!
“Relax It And Tax ItThat’s the motto behind a new cannabis initiative that would allow Oregon’s state-controlled liquor stores to legally sell marijuana to adults.Initiative backers said their plan would send 90 percent of the proceeds from the state’s sale of marijuana to Oregon’s General Fund, which could lower Oregonians’ state tax burden.
3. Not. Holding. My. Breath.
The Huffington Post: Pelosi: House Judiciary Committee May Hold Impeachment Hearings
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said this morning that the House Judiciary Committee may hold hearings on an impeachment resolution offered by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio).
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
Going through some life changes around here and adapting to a new schedule and still finding time to slack off for my mental health (needed some extra time, yesterday, after the FISA bill passed the Senate), so I have been shirking my Round-Up duties. But, I don’t want to get out of practice (being a slacker is a temporary occupation if I have anything to say about it), so I couldn’t help but offer up today’s Ten Post Round-Up.
1. If you think Obama’s potential First Lady has issues, you should check out the other candidate’s ol’ lady…
23/6 - News: Yoo-hoo, Fox News! We have a juicy story about a potential First Lady for you!
Brave New Films has compiled all of Fox News’ trangressions against Michelle Obama into one horrific video. And while the clips are old, the shock from their sheer volume is new.
2. Just like with drugs, keeping it illegal is not making it go away. But, it does keep people who are hurt by it from coming forward when really bad things happen.
Alternet: Jamaican Health Officials Call for the Legalization of Prostitution
As with most hidden acts, in particular those of a sexual nature, attempts to bring them to light are met with vehement opposition from moralists, who fear the impact that such exposures will have on already “decaying” societies.
3. Something that keeps Dizzy up at night with SSG Dizzy being so close to the likely aftermath of such a thing.
Bring It On!: Here’s Something to Truly Fear
What Gary North and I fear most anymore isn’t terrorists, it isn’t Peak OIl, it isn’t even my own government (though they are high up on the list), it is an Israeli attack on Iran.
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
I admit it. I was playing a bit of hooky, yesterday, and I was too busy (having fun) to put up a post. But, I kinda like you guys, so I decided that it would be kinda fun to put up today’s Ten Post Round-Up.
Gasp! Shocking news: The government and the media lie to the people…again!
1. Alternate Brain: Lies, kidnapping and a mysterious laptop
I don’t pretend to understand the dynamics of inter- and intra-national South American politics, but one thing I do understand is that our government, and in particular Republican administrations, will lie, cheat, and kill, whatever it takes to get oil and the profit therefrom.
Hey! If it walks like a duck, why bother looking to see if it’s actually a duck?
2. BlondeSense: The secret mission to Montreal does not vindicate the bushistas
You probably read in the last few days about the secret mission to deliver uranium from Iraq to Montreal being successful. The yellowcake uranium was not weapons grade, nor could it make a dirty bomb. It will be used to make electricity in Canada. The uranium was accounted for by the IAEA and the UN before we invaded Iraq and was legally controlled, therefore this material did not vindicate the bushistas for their lies.
Oh, my! Stimulate your brain while getting it bashed in. What’s not to love?
3. BuzzFeed: Chess Boxing
This is officially the most awesome sport ever: Five rounds of boxing are interspersed between 6 rounds of chess.
Your Weekly Cuppa Dizzy
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO BLOG: Woman expresses herself through song, embarrasses bureaucrats
As Denver dignitaries gathered Tuesday for Mayor John Hickenlooper’s State of the City address, City Council president Michael Hancock introduced singer Rene Marie to perform the national anthem.
But that’s not what she did.
The Rocky Mountain News: ‘She deceived us,’ mayor says of jazz singer, black anthem
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is changing his tune.
Initially, Hickenlooper soft-pedaled the surprise performance of the “Black National Anthem” by a popular jazz singer who had been tapped to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at his annual State of the City address Tuesday.
But by Wednesday, the mayor belted out some harsh words for the chanteuse.
The Rocky Mountain News: ‘When you’re an artist, taking a risk is what it’s all about’
The woman whose parents had once detonated tumult within the status quo by daring to eat at a segregated lunch counter stood before the microphone, nervous, resolute and about to detonate some tumult of her own.
And although she had a pretty good idea that when she was done there would be “some eyebrows raised,” what Rene Marie didn’t know was that when you start making substitutions for “bombs bursting in air,” you just might ignite a firestorm all your own.
Which is why the heralded 52-year-old Denver jazz singer’s decision on Tuesday to blend the words of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing - the “Black National Anthem” - to the music of The Star-Spangled Banner has landed her at ground zero of a controversy in which her patriotism and love of country are being questioned.
Perhaps unfairly.
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
Hey, hey, it’s Independence Day and I just happen to be feeling a bit of that independence since this is actually the second regular work day that I have off from work. This is abnormal as I work weekends. I am at a loss for what to do with myself, so I decided to blog. It’s not fireworks, but it will have to do, folks!
Without further ado, here is today’s Ten Post Round-Up !
1. The Carpetbagger Report: Bush vows more troops for Afghanistan, but Mullen doesn’t have them
For the second consecutive month, more U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq. Nearly seven years after the war in Afghanistan began, June was the deadliest month for U.S. troops, and our force levels in the country are now at their highest since the war began. All of this, tragically, comes a few years after the president assured Americans that the Taliban “no longer is in existence.”
**No end in sight in Iraq, more troops desperately needed in Afghanistan, and the administration eye-ballin’ Iran. Somebody get my jacket, it’s feeling a might drafty in here…
2. Electronic Frontier Foundation: Court Ruling Will Expose Viewing Habits of YouTube Users
The court’s order grants Viacom’s request and erroneously ignores the protections of the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), and threatens to expose deeply private information about what videos are watched by YouTube users. The VPPA passed after a newspaper disclosed Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental records. As Congress recognized, your selection of videos to watch is deeply personal and deserves the strongest protection.
**Hey, the government’s been invading your privacy since 9/11/2001, what’s one more?
3. Friendly Atheist: I Used to be Christian Before I Kissed a Girl
Here’s the fun twist: Katy Perry used to be Katy Hudson — a Christian singer and daughter of two preachers.
And Christians aren’t too pleased with her recent transition:
**(evil grin) Now I like the song even more now…Sassy!
4. Joanne Jacobs: Rich and rejected in Manhattan
Not a single student at Dalton, an elite Manhattan private school, was accepted at Harvard this year. For $31,200 in tuition a year, parents are peeved, reports the New York Post. Marymount, a private girls school also struck out on Harvard admissions.
**What’s that sound? Oh, excuse me. It’s me playing cry me a &%$@ river on the world’s smallest violin…
5. Just a Girl in short shorts talking about whatever: Shame of the Shrinking Dollar
I don’t mean to be professorial, but for those who do not know how this works, I will give a real oversimplified explanation. When you go to a bank to buy a house, they do not actually have that $200,000 in their vault. By regulation they have to have a small percentage of it, but not the whole thing. So when they cut the borrower a check, they have effectively created or printed money. And that is the way that most money is “printed.”
**It’s about to get ugly up in here…
Dizzy’s Ten Post Round-Up
Cheeseburgers, tomatoes, and porn! What more could you want to read about in today’s Ten Post Round-Up?
1. Al Dente: Almost (In)Edible Photo: Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburgers
From flickr, via…THE DEVIL. Either that, or it’s from a Google cafeteria in New York. Apparently they serve Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburgers, a.k.a Luther Burgers.
Since something or everything is going to kill you eventually, you may as well go out with a smile on your face…
2. Crooks and Liars: Feds Use “Terrorist Liaison Officers” in Colorado
Hundreds of police, firefighters, paramedics and even utility workers have been trained and recently dispatched as “Terrorism Liaison Officers” in Colorado and a handful of other states to hunt for “suspicious activity” - and are reporting their findings into secret government databases.
Home, sweet, home…
3. duckplops - Nation Buys Porn With Bush “Stimulus” Money
“An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans’ mailboxes across the country.
Proof that those checks are stimulating something…
4. Firedoglake:Turning Obama Into A Punchline: How Democrats Can Lose
Once upon a time there was a candidate who was 17 points ahead of his foe. The election, it seemed, was his.
His name was Dukakis, and he lost that election to George Bush, Sr.
Or, more accurately, he lost it to Lee Atwater, Rove’s mentor. By the time Atwater got through with him, Dukakis wasn’t even a respected politician anymore, he was a punchline.
Yes, this race is Obama’s to lose (that Republican mud has a tendency to be very sticky…)
5. InformationWeek: AOL Increasing Dial-Up Fees
Subscribers who are willing to give up phone support can keep the lower rate, but they must notify the company to opt out of a $2 monthly increase.
Ummm…there are still people using dial-up?!?!