Friday, April 18, 2008
Mayor Nickels Advocates Secession from the US - BRAVO!
Read the Seattle Times article on a speech he gave here.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Pres Bush & Climate Change
President Bush spoke from the beautiful Rose Garden
at the White House about Climate Change.
His views, the steps his administration
has (said) they have taken, and steps they are
putting into place.
From the setting of the Rose Garden.
Lovely.
I wonder if Bush put any thought into his plan
and the effects on his setting.
That Rose Garden will fail to survive
with his CO2 rising levels.
This part of his speech raised my eyebrow....
made me shake my head....
and cringe at our President.
He just keeps making that sour taste
in my mouth worse.
The Kyoto Protocol would have required the United States to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The impact of this agreement, however, would have been to limit our economic growth and to shift American jobs to other countries -- while allowing major developing nations to increase their emissions. Countries like China and India are experiencing rapid economic growth -- and that's good for their people and it's good for the world. This also means that they are emitting increasingly large quantities of greenhouse gases -- which has consequences for the entire global climate.
WAIT a minute there Mr. President!
Which part to I attack first?
Scape goat excuse in the making big time!
What you mean to say is....
if we were to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol,
we would have to drastically cut our gasoline
usage and put stringent controls on industry emissions.
Of course would mean your own buddies
wouldn't be making the billions of dollars they are now.
And to say you are concerned in signing this protocol,
that it would limit our economic growth
and send our jobs out of country....
well you have already done this.
Step out into middle America
and see what jobs are left.
(end rant before I really get going)
This article in Grist sums it up very well....
Grist: Same as it ever was/ Thoughts on Bush's latest speech on climate change
at the White House about Climate Change.
His views, the steps his administration
has (said) they have taken, and steps they are
putting into place.
From the setting of the Rose Garden.
Lovely.
I wonder if Bush put any thought into his plan
and the effects on his setting.
That Rose Garden will fail to survive
with his CO2 rising levels.
This part of his speech raised my eyebrow....
made me shake my head....
and cringe at our President.
He just keeps making that sour taste
in my mouth worse.
The Kyoto Protocol would have required the United States to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The impact of this agreement, however, would have been to limit our economic growth and to shift American jobs to other countries -- while allowing major developing nations to increase their emissions. Countries like China and India are experiencing rapid economic growth -- and that's good for their people and it's good for the world. This also means that they are emitting increasingly large quantities of greenhouse gases -- which has consequences for the entire global climate.
WAIT a minute there Mr. President!
Which part to I attack first?
Scape goat excuse in the making big time!
What you mean to say is....
if we were to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol,
we would have to drastically cut our gasoline
usage and put stringent controls on industry emissions.
Of course would mean your own buddies
wouldn't be making the billions of dollars they are now.
And to say you are concerned in signing this protocol,
that it would limit our economic growth
and send our jobs out of country....
well you have already done this.
Step out into middle America
and see what jobs are left.
(end rant before I really get going)
This article in Grist sums it up very well....
Grist: Same as it ever was/ Thoughts on Bush's latest speech on climate change
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Seeing the Dalai Lama at Seeds of Compassion Event
We were blessed to attend the Seeds of Compassion event today
featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
It was a very moving and touching day for us.
He spoke on compassion, nurturing and loving,
and understanding that we are all one,
that there is no 'us' or 'they'.
We really like his point he made about how the leaders
of the world today should all get together,
with their families and children,
and spend at least two weeks getting to know
one another as human beings and not discussing
politics or world issues.
Then after that time spent getting to know each other,
then speak of the issues and see how the compassion unfolds.
He addressed the fact that most, if not all, of the problems
in the world today are man-made.
Violence is not the answer to "fix" these problems,
but open dialogue and understanding with compassion.
His words, and the event as a whole, will stay with us forever.
He spoke of many ways to incorporate compassion into your
daily life and the world as a whole,
that we recommend watching the coverage of the events.
Especially if you have children, or children in your life,
it will be a blessing to them!
Remember, they are the future of our world.
What they learn from you, from us, and from the world
around them today will mold their values and how they
interact with the world around them.
Seeds of Compassion Webcast
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Fans the Key
"Our Fans are the Key"....something too many Sonics fans have forgotten.
The debate over the Seattle Sonics moving to Oklahoma is a big issue among many fans and Seattleites alike.
Yet where are they?
Do they come out to show support at games?
Cheer and show their support of the team?
Show up and support the desire for the Sonics to stay right here in Seattle?
To us, sadly, it's very obvious they are not.
The Key was pretty empty at last nights game.
Sad so many vehemently speak their anger at the Sonic's possible move, yet don't bother to show up at the games.
Fairweather fans shame on you!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Eisenhower's Warning
In 1961 President Eisenhower warned us of the Military Industrial Complex....
is it now too late to take heed of his warning?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour 2008 Seattle
We ventured out in the SNOW tonight...yup you read that right, Seattle/March/Snow!
We were disappointed that "big business" like Qwest and the Seattle P-I did not participate,
along with many of the businesses downtown.
Advertising won over participating in a Global Movement to come together to recognize a major issue.
Had an ironic laugh at the fact that Seattle area news interviewed a representative from Qwest about the importance of conserving energy....while the downtown Qwest building had lights on during this event.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Vegfest @ Seattle Center
This weekend, March 29th and 30th celebrates Vegfest at Seattle Center.
5 bucks and tons of samples, nutritional lectures and demonstrations on Vegetarian and Vegan living.
Basic Info-
10am to 6pm @ Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
$5 Adults, 12 & under free
5 bucks and tons of samples, nutritional lectures and demonstrations on Vegetarian and Vegan living.
Basic Info-
10am to 6pm @ Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
$5 Adults, 12 & under free
Another Crowd Control Device In-Development
It's becoming apparent that each and every day our own Government is coming up with new ways and devices to control the population.
Last time we checked, we dictated policy to our government...not the other way around.
Most of the population have forgotten this, or chosen to close their eyes to it
How did it get to this point?
First it was the pepper spray in hose canisters, then black hoods, then sound waves emitted towards crowds, and now this....the torture bracelet.
Excuse me, the Department of Homeland Security is deeming it the "Security Bracelet".
A wearable tag that would allow authorities to inflict pain compliance on suspects from a distance, while also recommending law enforcement applications and potential use in "crowd control situations".
Most of the population is now aware of the increase in deaths from tasers, another so-called NON-LETHAL weapon.
The question we ask...will it be used on the elusive terrorists....or will it be used on your kid....us the population?
Why is our government creating these new devices to control us, its people, the population?
Stop and really consider this.
Consider what is happening, what has been unfolded to us as lies by our own government. Wouldn't you be frightened of your own people you supposedly care for and govern, and be seeking controlling measures to use against them, if they suddenly woke up and came together as a whole and stood up for their rights?
Free Speech is Free Speech....regardless if you agree with the words spoken or not!
It's too late to keep shielding yourself from what you deem us "liberal hippy idiots" causing an uproar about.
OPEN up your eyes!
These bracelets aren't fashioned just to fit us LHIoA's....but one-size-controls-all.
Last time we checked, we dictated policy to our government...not the other way around.
Most of the population have forgotten this, or chosen to close their eyes to it
How did it get to this point?
First it was the pepper spray in hose canisters, then black hoods, then sound waves emitted towards crowds, and now this....the torture bracelet.
Excuse me, the Department of Homeland Security is deeming it the "Security Bracelet".
A wearable tag that would allow authorities to inflict pain compliance on suspects from a distance, while also recommending law enforcement applications and potential use in "crowd control situations".
Most of the population is now aware of the increase in deaths from tasers, another so-called NON-LETHAL weapon.
The question we ask...will it be used on the elusive terrorists....or will it be used on your kid....us the population?
Why is our government creating these new devices to control us, its people, the population?
Stop and really consider this.
Consider what is happening, what has been unfolded to us as lies by our own government. Wouldn't you be frightened of your own people you supposedly care for and govern, and be seeking controlling measures to use against them, if they suddenly woke up and came together as a whole and stood up for their rights?
Free Speech is Free Speech....regardless if you agree with the words spoken or not!
It's too late to keep shielding yourself from what you deem us "liberal hippy idiots" causing an uproar about.
OPEN up your eyes!
These bracelets aren't fashioned just to fit us LHIoA's....but one-size-controls-all.
Dick & Iran
Vice President Dick Cheney is now taking to disputing Iran's nuclear plans.
International Inspectors and our own U.S. Intelligence Service have found no evidence to support Cheney's knowledge that he knows that Iran is trying to develop weapons-grade uranium.
This coming from the man who when asked if he cared what 70% of our Country felt about the Iraq War, he said "NO."....
the man who has been proven to have lied to our Country concerning the basis of the War in Iraq....
the man who, well let's all face it, seems to create information for his own personal goals.
Time for the country to wake up and see those goals!
International Inspectors and our own U.S. Intelligence Service have found no evidence to support Cheney's knowledge that he knows that Iran is trying to develop weapons-grade uranium.
This coming from the man who when asked if he cared what 70% of our Country felt about the Iraq War, he said "NO."....
the man who has been proven to have lied to our Country concerning the basis of the War in Iraq....
the man who, well let's all face it, seems to create information for his own personal goals.
Time for the country to wake up and see those goals!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Too Close to Reality
As I expected to hear after seeing the dismal ratings, CBS announced this week that my favorite show, Jericho, is once again dead. It will not be picked up for a third season, and by all accounts, will not be picked up by another network. So, this Tuesday's episode will be the series finale.
There has been a sizable outpouring of emotions on the message boards where the news of the cancellation has been circulated. On sites for entertainment like The Hollywood Reporter, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly, fans have been chastising the network honchos for not having the nerve to keep a good show alive, despite the basement level ratings. They blame the time slot, the advertising, the day, anything and everything except for one thing, America.
Fans of the show do not see that we live in a country where dancing B- and C- level stars and karaoke-performing, wanna-be Idols are the big shows to watch and regularly garner ratings three to four times better than Jericho. Americans would rather watch pathetic trash hook themselves up to a lie detector to win big wads of cash than watch a show that parallels, in many ways, the path their nation is headed. The populace, in its wretched ambivalence for the world around them, continue to live up to their expectations.
Congratulations America! You killed a show that could have taught you something about family, honor, responsibility, and most of all, what it actually means to be an American. In this time of war, when the mindless sheep are slapping magnets on their SUV bumper to proudly declare their patriotism, so many of them are clueless to what it really means.
In the end, though, it is the irony that strikes me as the funniest part of this whole story. Jericho dealt with big corporations running the government, destroying the fabric of democracy for the bottom line. The storyline was filled so many striking similarities to the real world, it could have passed for a reality show. And, if only it had aired a singing wannabe, a British bachelor, or a team of home fixer-uppers, it might have gotten your attention.
Oh well, I don't want to take up too much of your time. After all, isn't The Hills on?
There has been a sizable outpouring of emotions on the message boards where the news of the cancellation has been circulated. On sites for entertainment like The Hollywood Reporter, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly, fans have been chastising the network honchos for not having the nerve to keep a good show alive, despite the basement level ratings. They blame the time slot, the advertising, the day, anything and everything except for one thing, America.
Fans of the show do not see that we live in a country where dancing B- and C- level stars and karaoke-performing, wanna-be Idols are the big shows to watch and regularly garner ratings three to four times better than Jericho. Americans would rather watch pathetic trash hook themselves up to a lie detector to win big wads of cash than watch a show that parallels, in many ways, the path their nation is headed. The populace, in its wretched ambivalence for the world around them, continue to live up to their expectations.
Congratulations America! You killed a show that could have taught you something about family, honor, responsibility, and most of all, what it actually means to be an American. In this time of war, when the mindless sheep are slapping magnets on their SUV bumper to proudly declare their patriotism, so many of them are clueless to what it really means.
In the end, though, it is the irony that strikes me as the funniest part of this whole story. Jericho dealt with big corporations running the government, destroying the fabric of democracy for the bottom line. The storyline was filled so many striking similarities to the real world, it could have passed for a reality show. And, if only it had aired a singing wannabe, a British bachelor, or a team of home fixer-uppers, it might have gotten your attention.
Oh well, I don't want to take up too much of your time. After all, isn't The Hills on?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Political Cartoon
David Horsey Political Cartoon concerning China's atrocities on Tibet & the upcoming Olympics
David Horsey is a political cartoonist for the Seattle P-I newspaper. Thru the years he has won many awards for his work, we wanted to post this latest one.
It's sickening what the Tibetan people are facing from the Chinese Government, and even more sickening that no world leaders are standing up to stop them. Goods are not blocked, Olympics are not boycotted, nor the U.N stepping in to stop the killings of innocent Tibetans. When Eastern European Leaders, such as Milosevic, murdered thousands of innocent people, countries stepped in. They faced trials, and usually found guilty of war crimes. Regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural cleansing of people, it's wrong and must be stopped.
But I guess that it matters more to our leaders when our goods aren't being bought en masse from one country, China. After all, we're getting our tax rebates from a loan from China. As you put down outsourcing to other countries, and imported cheap products being sold at WalMart....we urge you to remember where the money for this tax rebate is coming from.
David Horsey is a political cartoonist for the Seattle P-I newspaper. Thru the years he has won many awards for his work, we wanted to post this latest one.
It's sickening what the Tibetan people are facing from the Chinese Government, and even more sickening that no world leaders are standing up to stop them. Goods are not blocked, Olympics are not boycotted, nor the U.N stepping in to stop the killings of innocent Tibetans. When Eastern European Leaders, such as Milosevic, murdered thousands of innocent people, countries stepped in. They faced trials, and usually found guilty of war crimes. Regardless of ethnic, religious, or cultural cleansing of people, it's wrong and must be stopped.
But I guess that it matters more to our leaders when our goods aren't being bought en masse from one country, China. After all, we're getting our tax rebates from a loan from China. As you put down outsourcing to other countries, and imported cheap products being sold at WalMart....we urge you to remember where the money for this tax rebate is coming from.
End the War Now! Protest in Seattle
End the War Now!
5th Anniversary Protest
Westlake Park, Seattle WA.
March 19th, 2008
5th Anniversary Protest
Westlake Park, Seattle WA.
March 19th, 2008
Despite the rain, the feelings were loud and clear and emotions were strong.
Some may think that after 5 years, we should just roll over and accept that we cannot stop our politicians or leaders from continuing agressive action in Iraq and beyond.We think otherwise and know that as long as we all unite our voices against these oppressive actions of the current regime, there is still a chance to make our world a better place.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Put Up or Shut Up!
U.S. President Bush has his hand in many world-pies.
The latest that has caught our attention is his accusations towards Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of backing 'terrorists'.
Hugo Chavez to us is a man of strong convictions. A man of few in this world who publicly stands against Bush and his policies, a man who promotes social welfare for his people, and a man who is staunchly against American Imperialism. No wonder Bush does not care for Chavez and is attempting to drive him out.
On Friday, March 16th the President of Ecuador sent a pretty strong statement to President Bush....
“Mr Bush, bring over your soldiers, let your soldiers be the ones who get killed at the southern border with Colombia,” Correa said two weeks after Bogotá raided a Colombian rebel camp inside Ecuador killing a top rebel leader. “Lets see if American citizens will accept such a tremendous barbarity. Otherwise, shut up and try to understand what’s happening in Latin America,” the Ecuadoran leader added.
It is immensely satisfying to see leaders in South America standing up to America after so many years of oppressive American policies in their region. Regardless of what side you are on, what justification do we as Americans have dictating policy in South America?
According to Bush and his henchmen, any country who does not support back and bow-down this his/their latest whims are deemed as terrorists.
But as Che Guevara said...."It's better to die standing, than to live on your knees."
The latest that has caught our attention is his accusations towards Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of backing 'terrorists'.
Hugo Chavez to us is a man of strong convictions. A man of few in this world who publicly stands against Bush and his policies, a man who promotes social welfare for his people, and a man who is staunchly against American Imperialism. No wonder Bush does not care for Chavez and is attempting to drive him out.
On Friday, March 16th the President of Ecuador sent a pretty strong statement to President Bush....
“Mr Bush, bring over your soldiers, let your soldiers be the ones who get killed at the southern border with Colombia,” Correa said two weeks after Bogotá raided a Colombian rebel camp inside Ecuador killing a top rebel leader. “Lets see if American citizens will accept such a tremendous barbarity. Otherwise, shut up and try to understand what’s happening in Latin America,” the Ecuadoran leader added.
It is immensely satisfying to see leaders in South America standing up to America after so many years of oppressive American policies in their region. Regardless of what side you are on, what justification do we as Americans have dictating policy in South America?
According to Bush and his henchmen, any country who does not support back and bow-down this his/their latest whims are deemed as terrorists.
But as Che Guevara said...."It's better to die standing, than to live on your knees."
Choose your words carefully!
Israel's Deputy War Minister Matan Vilnai has threatened the Palestinian People with a 'bigger holocaust' if rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip continue.
"The more Qassam (rocket) fire intensifies and the rockets reach a longer range, they (the Palestinians) will bring upon themselves a bigger holocaust because we will use all our might to defend ourselves," Matan Vilnai told the Army Radio on Friday.
This was reported in Reuters, but the word holocaust was left untranslated remaining in the original Hebrew form of "shoah". Why? According to many, it seems they don't want to point out that the Israeli Deputy War Minister Vilnai is threatening the Palestinians with a holocaust.
Regardless of his meaning, this is not a term to toss around whether in the comfort of his office or stated to their Army Radio. When will leaders take heed from history?
"The more Qassam (rocket) fire intensifies and the rockets reach a longer range, they (the Palestinians) will bring upon themselves a bigger holocaust because we will use all our might to defend ourselves," Matan Vilnai told the Army Radio on Friday.
This was reported in Reuters, but the word holocaust was left untranslated remaining in the original Hebrew form of "shoah". Why? According to many, it seems they don't want to point out that the Israeli Deputy War Minister Vilnai is threatening the Palestinians with a holocaust.
Regardless of his meaning, this is not a term to toss around whether in the comfort of his office or stated to their Army Radio. When will leaders take heed from history?
5th Anniversary of Iraq War
March 19th is the 5th Anniversary of the start of the US War and Occupation of Iraq.
This war has killed more than One Million Iraqi's and almost 4,000 U.S. Troops.
The cost of the war is listed at a rising 6 TRILLION U.S. Dollars.
That's up to $400 MILLION per day.
Our own country is in debt, many schools shutting down across our Nation because of lack of funding, areas suffering from National Disasters go without the complete funding & recovery that they need & deserve, our health care system is a joke, our taxes constantly are rising....
all at a cost of what?....
$5.8 Billion a month for the Iraq War.
Yet we continue to let our leaders spend this $400 MILLION of our Nation's (borrowed) money on the Occupation in Iraq PER DAY.
For what?
National security against terrorists?
Killing One million Iraqi people has secured us against the terrorists?
This timeline MotherJones put together is great for those of you who are still questioning what exactly our leaders knew, and when did they really know it.
The Mother Jones Iraq War Timeline (8/1/90 - 2/14/08)
Does our own country stand by these service men and women they are sending off to fight in this needless war?
NO!
They return to the homefront to find that the the Veterans Administration is sadly and unjustly under-funded to help the rising numbers of Veterans in need.
These men and women fought for what they were told, they are there for us, and they deserve more when they return home.
For more information you might check out
Iraq Veteran's Against the War
Events to protest and observe the ongoing war/occupation will be held all over the United States throughout the upcoming week.
World Against War Global Listing of Protests
http://worldagainstwar.org/
In the Seattle Area:
Wednesday, March 19th
Seattle End the War Now 6 PM at Westlake CTR www.answerseattle.org
Friday, March 21st
Tacoma Catholic Worker--12 Stations of the Cross social justice procession 12-2 PM Starting at St. Leo's
Saturday, March 22th
Ft. Lewis GI Rights Rally
This war has killed more than One Million Iraqi's and almost 4,000 U.S. Troops.
The cost of the war is listed at a rising 6 TRILLION U.S. Dollars.
That's up to $400 MILLION per day.
Our own country is in debt, many schools shutting down across our Nation because of lack of funding, areas suffering from National Disasters go without the complete funding & recovery that they need & deserve, our health care system is a joke, our taxes constantly are rising....
all at a cost of what?....
$5.8 Billion a month for the Iraq War.
Yet we continue to let our leaders spend this $400 MILLION of our Nation's (borrowed) money on the Occupation in Iraq PER DAY.
For what?
National security against terrorists?
Killing One million Iraqi people has secured us against the terrorists?
This timeline MotherJones put together is great for those of you who are still questioning what exactly our leaders knew, and when did they really know it.
The Mother Jones Iraq War Timeline (8/1/90 - 2/14/08)
Does our own country stand by these service men and women they are sending off to fight in this needless war?
NO!
They return to the homefront to find that the the Veterans Administration is sadly and unjustly under-funded to help the rising numbers of Veterans in need.
These men and women fought for what they were told, they are there for us, and they deserve more when they return home.
For more information you might check out
Iraq Veteran's Against the War
Events to protest and observe the ongoing war/occupation will be held all over the United States throughout the upcoming week.
World Against War Global Listing of Protests
http://worldagainstwar.org/
In the Seattle Area:
Wednesday, March 19th
Seattle End the War Now 6 PM at Westlake CTR www.answerseattle.org
Friday, March 21st
Tacoma Catholic Worker--12 Stations of the Cross social justice procession 12-2 PM Starting at St. Leo's
Saturday, March 22th
Ft. Lewis GI Rights Rally
Saturday, March 15, 2008
President Bush Speaks oh so lovely yet again!
*scratches head*
ummmm....gee gosh golly he can't speak in public from a pre-written speech and he's been in office now for 7 years?
George Speaks Badly
Take the time to read the article!
In short, President Bush addressed the NY Financial community on March 15th.
“You’ve helped make our country really in many ways the economic envy of the world,” he told the Economic Club of New York.
What?!!! What delusional world is our President living in? Surely he is not up-to-date with what economically is happening to us, the citizens he is supposed to be representing! Why do we continue to follow this leader? He has proven time and time again for the past 7 years that he is not coherent, not able to offer us citizens the help & services needed after catastrophes, and not looking out for our best interests. It's not the world's fault that our gas prices have drastically risen, that our cost of living has increased, that our utility costs have risen, that products are imported and not made in America no longer, and that our jobs are outsourced. Stop placing blame elsewhere people and wake up!
Nope. Instead we focus on sex scandals and other countries wrong doings. Makes it easier to swallow the doings of our own President.
ummmm....gee gosh golly he can't speak in public from a pre-written speech and he's been in office now for 7 years?
George Speaks Badly
Take the time to read the article!
In short, President Bush addressed the NY Financial community on March 15th.
“You’ve helped make our country really in many ways the economic envy of the world,” he told the Economic Club of New York.
What?!!! What delusional world is our President living in? Surely he is not up-to-date with what economically is happening to us, the citizens he is supposed to be representing! Why do we continue to follow this leader? He has proven time and time again for the past 7 years that he is not coherent, not able to offer us citizens the help & services needed after catastrophes, and not looking out for our best interests. It's not the world's fault that our gas prices have drastically risen, that our cost of living has increased, that our utility costs have risen, that products are imported and not made in America no longer, and that our jobs are outsourced. Stop placing blame elsewhere people and wake up!
Nope. Instead we focus on sex scandals and other countries wrong doings. Makes it easier to swallow the doings of our own President.
Airborne Class Action Settlement
We have used Airborne and other similar products for years now.
The herbal supplements help us ward off the many colds & germs that we come in close contact with. Perhaps mind over matter....or perhaps not.
Airborne states that their herbal health formula boosts your immune system to help your body combat germs.
For centuries, we have known that herbs and vitamins help your body naturally.
Yet, herbs and vitamins seem to scare the big drug companies.
If it's not in their control and highly addictive....
well you surely must see the irony here?
Anyway....here is the airborne news & how to get in on the settlement:
AIRBORNE CUSTOMERS MAY GET REFUNDS
CSPI ANNOUNCES THAT AIRBORNE CUSTOMERS MAY GET REFUNDS
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is pleased to announce that the makers of Airborne—a multivitamin and herbal supplement whose labels and ads falsely claimed that the product cures and prevents colds—will refund money to consumers who bought the product, as part of a $23.3 million class action settlement agreement. CSPI’s litigation department helped negotiate the settlement agreement, and the company is now notifying consumers via email and magazine advertisements how to apply for refunds.
If you bought any flavor or variety of Airborne between May 1, 2001 and November 29, 2007 you are covered by the settlement. If you have proof or purchase, you may apply for a refund of all of the Airborne you purchased between those dates; but even if you do not have receipts, you may seek reimbursement for up to six boxes of the products.
To learn more about the settlement agreement, visit here There you can download a simple claim form or file a claim online. You have until September 15 to seek your refund.
The herbal supplements help us ward off the many colds & germs that we come in close contact with. Perhaps mind over matter....or perhaps not.
Airborne states that their herbal health formula boosts your immune system to help your body combat germs.
For centuries, we have known that herbs and vitamins help your body naturally.
Yet, herbs and vitamins seem to scare the big drug companies.
If it's not in their control and highly addictive....
well you surely must see the irony here?
Anyway....here is the airborne news & how to get in on the settlement:
AIRBORNE CUSTOMERS MAY GET REFUNDS
CSPI ANNOUNCES THAT AIRBORNE CUSTOMERS MAY GET REFUNDS
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is pleased to announce that the makers of Airborne—a multivitamin and herbal supplement whose labels and ads falsely claimed that the product cures and prevents colds—will refund money to consumers who bought the product, as part of a $23.3 million class action settlement agreement. CSPI’s litigation department helped negotiate the settlement agreement, and the company is now notifying consumers via email and magazine advertisements how to apply for refunds.
If you bought any flavor or variety of Airborne between May 1, 2001 and November 29, 2007 you are covered by the settlement. If you have proof or purchase, you may apply for a refund of all of the Airborne you purchased between those dates; but even if you do not have receipts, you may seek reimbursement for up to six boxes of the products.
To learn more about the settlement agreement, visit here There you can download a simple claim form or file a claim online. You have until September 15 to seek your refund.
Friday, March 14, 2008
EPA Standards
President Bush is at it again. Who is in his pocket this time? Big Industry, Big Oil Companies, Big polluters? Who else is to gain from his stepping in on the U.S. Ozone Standards.
On March 12, the Environmental Protection Agency set the ozone standards for both the public health and the public welfare standards at the same level. EPA Scientists along with Green Scientists had encouraged the EPA to make the public welfare standard a big more stringent, yet Bush interfered. Of course Bush didn't pause to reflect the negative impact he was in-hand creating, nor that because of his lowering the standard limits the past EPA statements on the negative effects of our ozone would thus be conflicted. So what did he do? What did the powers that be do? They withheld the announcement on the new EPA ozone standards for five hours while his officials went behind their all mighty & powerful OZ curtain and created new LEGAL justifications for these lower standards of ozone limits.
I guess when you are President, you do what your puppet master tells you to do and when it conflicts with the good of the people....well you just create new laws and justifications to cover your tracks.
According to the EPA, the standards they set this week are the most stringent ever for the ozone.
Is this all smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell.
On March 12, the Environmental Protection Agency set the ozone standards for both the public health and the public welfare standards at the same level. EPA Scientists along with Green Scientists had encouraged the EPA to make the public welfare standard a big more stringent, yet Bush interfered. Of course Bush didn't pause to reflect the negative impact he was in-hand creating, nor that because of his lowering the standard limits the past EPA statements on the negative effects of our ozone would thus be conflicted. So what did he do? What did the powers that be do? They withheld the announcement on the new EPA ozone standards for five hours while his officials went behind their all mighty & powerful OZ curtain and created new LEGAL justifications for these lower standards of ozone limits.
I guess when you are President, you do what your puppet master tells you to do and when it conflicts with the good of the people....well you just create new laws and justifications to cover your tracks.
According to the EPA, the standards they set this week are the most stringent ever for the ozone.
Is this all smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell.
Seeds of Compassion
We are extremely excited that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will be coming to Seattle in April. A 5 day Gathering that will be focused on celebrating and exploring ways for children, families, and communities to be compassionate members of society.
General tickets for the events are sadly already sold out. For those of you who did not get your tickets already, live broadcasts and streaming-web channels will be online for viewing. So regardless of your location, you can be a part of these amazing Seeds of Compassion events and workshops.
Seeds of Compassion Schedule
We are excited to be attending and look forward to sharing what we learn, see, and hear. Hopefully along with some great photos!
General tickets for the events are sadly already sold out. For those of you who did not get your tickets already, live broadcasts and streaming-web channels will be online for viewing. So regardless of your location, you can be a part of these amazing Seeds of Compassion events and workshops.
Seeds of Compassion Schedule
We are excited to be attending and look forward to sharing what we learn, see, and hear. Hopefully along with some great photos!
LHIoA
So, we have noticed more and more people who are against stopping the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan using the term “Hippy Liberal Idiot” to categorize those of us who are staunchly against the continued aggressions in the Middle East and want to see our soldiers brought home immediately. Is this really the best defense these individuals can stand on? What is wrong with people? Instead of coming together, discussing our differences and trying to find a common ground, they stand in judgment of those of us on the other side of the fence. Isn't resorting to name-calling falling back on the sandbox mentality? Seems to be something those who ignore the unfolding truths and knowledge resort to time and time again.
Should we stand on our own side, point our fingers (or better yet, raise a finger in defiance as we think this is the level of intelligence they would better understand) and label you a racist supporter of a murderous President and a devotee to the financial gain of warfare? Think about it, seriously consider the basis of your argument. You are conveying anger at different nationalities, over what?
Because they are different?
Because our President, and his cohorts, say they are doing wrong?
Our leaders have been called out on their lies regarding the justification for the latest wars. The original reason, that Saddam Hussein was hiding those dangerous, yet ultimately fictional Weapons of Mass Destruction, has been proven false countless times. The original criminal, Osama bin Laden, still wanders, supposedly, the intricate cave systems in the mountains of Afghanistan, or Pakistan, or Bora Bora, wherever he is hiding this week. We were conquering the Taliban for the good of the Afghan people, but they are marching back and, with warmer weather months away, sure to make life difficult for the invading horde.
Is it any wonder so much anger is fomented against America around the world, but most especially in that neighborhood called the Middle East? Our reasons for going to war varies by the week. If one excuse does not work, the masters of spin at the State and Defense Departments are quick to circulate the latest reason that is broadcast across state run television, also known as the big networks, for the masses to feed on.
Through all of this, though, the defenders of the war have cast a blind eye to the atrocities being wrought by our military and the hired mercenaries brought in to do the work too dirty for the military. Blackwater and our military is supposedly there to help the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, help these poor people and bring them into the 21st century, American-style. Of course, after some token kids are given a good education for the cameras to record and a hospital is built on par with those found in New York and Los Angeles, the door will be open for western society to save these poor souls who have been languishing in the economic despair they have suffered in for years. Bring them their DirecTv and Coca-Cola!
Instead, because they actually decided to put up a fight and not go silently into the capitalistic night that we have coalesced to, the fight continues and innocent families are dying daily. Some of those deaths can be attributed to those on the other side who also want, like Americans, war to continue. After all, a fight can only be wrought when there are two aggressors willing to tussle for the prize. But, a large majority of the civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan are the result of American actions. If you need proof, read up on your recent history and study up on Fallujah. That is just one example of many.
Do you really think killing innocent civilians, young and old, women and children, to weed out a few terrorists, is helping them?
Take their role for a moment. If an invading army came into your home, brought death and destruction, while delivering veiled promises of prosperity in the future, would you not harbor anger and fight against them? Is it not the patriotic duty of every citizen to fight for their nation? I seem to remember studying something about ‘don’t tread on me’ in some history book at some point in my life. I guess history and defense of liberty, justice and freedom only counts when it comes from an American perspective. Anyone else who dares use our words against us is, of course, a terrorist.
The definition of a terrorist is always one-sided. I would bet there are quite a few people who have been run out of their homes by Blackwater and the American military who think they are the terrorists. I wonder how many of the men and women who have been renditioned by the American military and Central Lack of Intelligence Agency were simply defending their homes and deemed terrorists for doing nothing more than standing up against the aggressors?
These, of course, are questions we will likely never get answered, at least, not by Western media. We are not going to be told stories of the wrongs done by our boys and girls who have volunteered, then were stop-lossed, into fighting these needless wars. We will be put to bed with comforting stories about how we are fighting the good fight, bringing democracy to those who need it and stopping evil in its tracks. So, to many, the wars are a good thing. If they are such a good thing, why are we renditioning these supposed terrorists in secret with mysterious flights through foreign airports to countries like Romania and Egypt? Then, of course, we can sleep better at night because these atrocities are not happening on American soil.
Life for us, the liberal hippy idiots of America, has become a double-edged sword. On one end, we stand up for our ideals and continue to insist upon an end to the wars and a demand that those who have brought the wars upon the world be brought to justice. War crimes have been committed and, like the Serbs and Germans before them, they must be brought to account for their actions. On the other end, we do support our military and understand the reason why we must defend our borders. We do insist, though, that our military be brought back within our borders. In a world where fighter jets can be deployed to any position in the world within hours, there is no reason we need secret bases around the world. To defend America’s interests does not necessitate, nor allow, imperialistic tendencies to rule over common sense.
We, the LHIoA, will take responsibility for our actions and beliefs. One thing that is not our fault is the chasm that has been thrust into the culture and society of America. That rests solely on those who have propagated the status quo for the past seven years. Personally, I think the word liberal drives a chill down their spine that escapes as continued frustration at the progress the rest of the world is taking away from America. It is these people who graduated from the demise of the Cold War and saw George Bush the Senior’s prophetic promise of a New World Order as the right of America to lead the next century into a world more American.
Yet, as reality begins to set in, and the luster of that dream tarnishes more and more everyday, the hawks flap their wings in disgust and cast blame on everyone else. Their anger at rising gas prices, escalating grocery costs and ballooning mortgages is projected on those countries where the oil comes from, to where jobs have been outsourced and to where the money is disappearing. Hating a country because of gas prices or hating a nationality because they create most of the products filling your home is nothing short of racism. I find it ironic that a nation full of people who seemingly pride themselves on finding the higher ground on racism after the end of slavery and resulting equal rights that came to be, still cannot find the high ground with the rest of the world.
So, in closing, are we the hippy liberals, really the idiots? All we want is a peaceful world where our country does not act as the all-mighty war-mongerer it has become. We want the focus brought upon the corporate elitists who have found it convenient to send jobs overseas to create the cheaper product to stock shelves. We want leaders who are held accountable for their actions. We want the ideals that America was founded and built upon to return to the forefront. Most of all, we want the rest of this country to escape out of their self-induced comas and realize that they are not the cream of humanity’s crop, but are simply a part of the global village and need to start behaving as such. Until that day, I will continue to be a proud, hippy, liberal idiot.
Should we stand on our own side, point our fingers (or better yet, raise a finger in defiance as we think this is the level of intelligence they would better understand) and label you a racist supporter of a murderous President and a devotee to the financial gain of warfare? Think about it, seriously consider the basis of your argument. You are conveying anger at different nationalities, over what?
Because they are different?
Because our President, and his cohorts, say they are doing wrong?
Our leaders have been called out on their lies regarding the justification for the latest wars. The original reason, that Saddam Hussein was hiding those dangerous, yet ultimately fictional Weapons of Mass Destruction, has been proven false countless times. The original criminal, Osama bin Laden, still wanders, supposedly, the intricate cave systems in the mountains of Afghanistan, or Pakistan, or Bora Bora, wherever he is hiding this week. We were conquering the Taliban for the good of the Afghan people, but they are marching back and, with warmer weather months away, sure to make life difficult for the invading horde.
Is it any wonder so much anger is fomented against America around the world, but most especially in that neighborhood called the Middle East? Our reasons for going to war varies by the week. If one excuse does not work, the masters of spin at the State and Defense Departments are quick to circulate the latest reason that is broadcast across state run television, also known as the big networks, for the masses to feed on.
Through all of this, though, the defenders of the war have cast a blind eye to the atrocities being wrought by our military and the hired mercenaries brought in to do the work too dirty for the military. Blackwater and our military is supposedly there to help the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, help these poor people and bring them into the 21st century, American-style. Of course, after some token kids are given a good education for the cameras to record and a hospital is built on par with those found in New York and Los Angeles, the door will be open for western society to save these poor souls who have been languishing in the economic despair they have suffered in for years. Bring them their DirecTv and Coca-Cola!
Instead, because they actually decided to put up a fight and not go silently into the capitalistic night that we have coalesced to, the fight continues and innocent families are dying daily. Some of those deaths can be attributed to those on the other side who also want, like Americans, war to continue. After all, a fight can only be wrought when there are two aggressors willing to tussle for the prize. But, a large majority of the civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan are the result of American actions. If you need proof, read up on your recent history and study up on Fallujah. That is just one example of many.
Do you really think killing innocent civilians, young and old, women and children, to weed out a few terrorists, is helping them?
Take their role for a moment. If an invading army came into your home, brought death and destruction, while delivering veiled promises of prosperity in the future, would you not harbor anger and fight against them? Is it not the patriotic duty of every citizen to fight for their nation? I seem to remember studying something about ‘don’t tread on me’ in some history book at some point in my life. I guess history and defense of liberty, justice and freedom only counts when it comes from an American perspective. Anyone else who dares use our words against us is, of course, a terrorist.
The definition of a terrorist is always one-sided. I would bet there are quite a few people who have been run out of their homes by Blackwater and the American military who think they are the terrorists. I wonder how many of the men and women who have been renditioned by the American military and Central Lack of Intelligence Agency were simply defending their homes and deemed terrorists for doing nothing more than standing up against the aggressors?
These, of course, are questions we will likely never get answered, at least, not by Western media. We are not going to be told stories of the wrongs done by our boys and girls who have volunteered, then were stop-lossed, into fighting these needless wars. We will be put to bed with comforting stories about how we are fighting the good fight, bringing democracy to those who need it and stopping evil in its tracks. So, to many, the wars are a good thing. If they are such a good thing, why are we renditioning these supposed terrorists in secret with mysterious flights through foreign airports to countries like Romania and Egypt? Then, of course, we can sleep better at night because these atrocities are not happening on American soil.
Life for us, the liberal hippy idiots of America, has become a double-edged sword. On one end, we stand up for our ideals and continue to insist upon an end to the wars and a demand that those who have brought the wars upon the world be brought to justice. War crimes have been committed and, like the Serbs and Germans before them, they must be brought to account for their actions. On the other end, we do support our military and understand the reason why we must defend our borders. We do insist, though, that our military be brought back within our borders. In a world where fighter jets can be deployed to any position in the world within hours, there is no reason we need secret bases around the world. To defend America’s interests does not necessitate, nor allow, imperialistic tendencies to rule over common sense.
We, the LHIoA, will take responsibility for our actions and beliefs. One thing that is not our fault is the chasm that has been thrust into the culture and society of America. That rests solely on those who have propagated the status quo for the past seven years. Personally, I think the word liberal drives a chill down their spine that escapes as continued frustration at the progress the rest of the world is taking away from America. It is these people who graduated from the demise of the Cold War and saw George Bush the Senior’s prophetic promise of a New World Order as the right of America to lead the next century into a world more American.
Yet, as reality begins to set in, and the luster of that dream tarnishes more and more everyday, the hawks flap their wings in disgust and cast blame on everyone else. Their anger at rising gas prices, escalating grocery costs and ballooning mortgages is projected on those countries where the oil comes from, to where jobs have been outsourced and to where the money is disappearing. Hating a country because of gas prices or hating a nationality because they create most of the products filling your home is nothing short of racism. I find it ironic that a nation full of people who seemingly pride themselves on finding the higher ground on racism after the end of slavery and resulting equal rights that came to be, still cannot find the high ground with the rest of the world.
So, in closing, are we the hippy liberals, really the idiots? All we want is a peaceful world where our country does not act as the all-mighty war-mongerer it has become. We want the focus brought upon the corporate elitists who have found it convenient to send jobs overseas to create the cheaper product to stock shelves. We want leaders who are held accountable for their actions. We want the ideals that America was founded and built upon to return to the forefront. Most of all, we want the rest of this country to escape out of their self-induced comas and realize that they are not the cream of humanity’s crop, but are simply a part of the global village and need to start behaving as such. Until that day, I will continue to be a proud, hippy, liberal idiot.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mother Nature....what does She know?
Mother Nature has yet again scared the FDA.
Another plant in nature soon will be added to the "banned list" and listed amongst those that can alter your being without the use of human-made chemicals. Salvia Divinorum is being targeted by lawmakers because they view it as the next gateway drug, the next marijuana. It's high impairs judgment, motor abilities, and you shouldn't operate a vehicle under it's influence. It has been linked to one suicide two years ago. Why are so many lawmakers afraid of psychedelic drugs, plants found in nature with no chemicals. Guess these lawmakers forgot that the drugs their lobbyists and the FDA supports, backs, and pushes have extreme side-effects. A pill can be commercialized, doctors hand out samples, and pushed as the cure for any slight aliment....with side-effects leading to strokes, heart failure, and death. When will the prescription drugs be added to the "banned list"? Never, they make money. They can't figure out how to make plants in nature a money maker for a drug company. What better way to control than banning.
Another plant in nature soon will be added to the "banned list" and listed amongst those that can alter your being without the use of human-made chemicals. Salvia Divinorum is being targeted by lawmakers because they view it as the next gateway drug, the next marijuana. It's high impairs judgment, motor abilities, and you shouldn't operate a vehicle under it's influence. It has been linked to one suicide two years ago. Why are so many lawmakers afraid of psychedelic drugs, plants found in nature with no chemicals. Guess these lawmakers forgot that the drugs their lobbyists and the FDA supports, backs, and pushes have extreme side-effects. A pill can be commercialized, doctors hand out samples, and pushed as the cure for any slight aliment....with side-effects leading to strokes, heart failure, and death. When will the prescription drugs be added to the "banned list"? Never, they make money. They can't figure out how to make plants in nature a money maker for a drug company. What better way to control than banning.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Delusional Spending....or Delusional President
According to President Bush, our economy has "slowed".
Not sure which planet he is on this week, but we are way beyond a slow-down in our economy. We are seeing higher unemployment rates, loss of jobs, loss of homes, and many having to choose between food on the table or paying a utility bill.
So to adjust this 'slower economy' American families and businesses will see tax rebates. Many analysts fear that these rebates will be either used to pay off debt, mounting bills, or saved. Not actions that will boost our economy....spend spend spend they say!
Bush gently urged people to do the latter. “When the money reaches the American people, we expect they will use it to boost consumer spending,” he said.
In a time when our outlook is looking dimmer and dimmer, the cost of living higher, food gas and electricity bills mounting, mortgage woes, our President tells us to go on a shopping spree?
He has time and time again proven to me how delusional he really is, but this tops the cake. Our country has gone beyond poor money management, beyond a slight economic slow-down, and beyond being saved by shopping.
Not sure which planet he is on this week, but we are way beyond a slow-down in our economy. We are seeing higher unemployment rates, loss of jobs, loss of homes, and many having to choose between food on the table or paying a utility bill.
So to adjust this 'slower economy' American families and businesses will see tax rebates. Many analysts fear that these rebates will be either used to pay off debt, mounting bills, or saved. Not actions that will boost our economy....spend spend spend they say!
Bush gently urged people to do the latter. “When the money reaches the American people, we expect they will use it to boost consumer spending,” he said.
In a time when our outlook is looking dimmer and dimmer, the cost of living higher, food gas and electricity bills mounting, mortgage woes, our President tells us to go on a shopping spree?
He has time and time again proven to me how delusional he really is, but this tops the cake. Our country has gone beyond poor money management, beyond a slight economic slow-down, and beyond being saved by shopping.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lost - Episode 5, The Constant
If you don’t have an anchor, someone to hold on to, care for and love, you are destined to travel through time LOST.
So, tonight’s episode was titled, The Constant. If one thing has been consistent about Lost, it has been the complexity of the plot. Every episode posed new questions, making you think something deep and tremendous was right around the corner. After seeing tonight’s episode though, I am beginning to think the overall message is much simpler.
As we learned in previous episodes, Desmond became lost in his life. He met the love of his life, Penelope Widmore, a woman whose father clearly has a strong reach financially and a strong contempt for Desmond’s love for Penny. After all, he spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars on the journal from a surviving member from the crew of the Black Rock. He seemed to know the significance of that book.
Here are some quick theories about the book. Are the side effects of not going off the island on the exact courses dictated by Ben to Michael and Stanley to the pilot to travel inadvertently through time and not back to the present day? That could explain how a polar bear lands in the Saharan desert fossilized with a Dharma tag around its bones. It could also explain how the journal of the first mate is found thousands of miles from the island in the Pacific in Madagascar in pristine condition for being hundreds of years old. Of course, the book was donated by Alvar Hanso. Did Alvar need to do some quick fundraising for some reason in the mid-90s? Would that not have been about the time of The Purge?
But we are veering off course.
So, Desmond left Penny. Charles Widmore intimidated Des enough for him to believe he was not good enough for Penny, to believe money and status mattered more than love and devotion. Des had to do something to demonstrate his abilities, to prove that he mattered. He got a boat, raised anchor, and set off for a sail around the world. But, when you are alone, with no anchor, how far can you really get?
A mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean, that’s how far. We’ve all become familiar with Desmond’s story on the island. But, after watching tonight’s episode, it is becoming clear how important Desmond is to the Losties. He has helped to open the door to the outside world twice, after working to keep it closed for his first few years on the island. The door he opened tonight was probably the most important of all.
After spending so long running, wandering aimlessly, traveling through time lost, Desmond found the anchor he needed to find stability in his world, love. So, will the determining factor of who remains lost on and after the island be, who can find love? Perhaps.
After all, we have seen the results, so far, of what a lack of love can do to the revealed members of the Oceanic Six. Jack has become a drugged out drunk who’s mental turmoil about what they did to get off the island drove him to nearly commit suicide. Kate, who now mysteriously has Claire’s baby Aaron, is a free woman, but locked in a solitary world. Hurley and Sayid are back in the world’s they knew before going to the island.
Well, time to drop anchor and leave the island until next week. I know the rest of the journey through the time we will have with the Losties will be interesting and fun-filled. Remember, though, once the hour is done, don’t forget about your anchor, lest you become Lost.
Congressional Response Regarding Net Neutrality
We signed the petition sent to our local Congressman regarding Net Neutrality & here is what we have heard back. It's just a form letter, yet it's nice to know his stance on this issue.
The GREAT Jim McDermott will always have our vote!
Dear ******:
The GREAT Jim McDermott will always have our vote!
Dear ******:
Congress must effectively address the preservation of network neutrality. The Internet is an unparalleled vehicle for open communications among citizens and businesses, and it quickly is becoming the modern equivalent of the public square; our First Amendment freedoms demand equality and protection in this arena as well.
Representative Ed Markey, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, has consistently advocated for strong net neutrality laws. After a series of hearings on the issue, he has introduced HR 5353, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill which would prevent broadband service providers from managing the flow on information on the Internet, and ensure that anyone and everyone has the ability to innovate and experiment through this remarkable medium. Specifically, HR 5353, if passed, will amend the Communications Act of 1934 to incorporate net neutrality principles and guarantee that the freedom of broadband service is made U.S. policy.
If you are interested in following this particular piece of legislation through the legislative process, the website hosted by the Library of Congress at http://thomas.loc.gov is extremely helpful. It provides a wealth of information about legislation under consideration in the current Congress as well as bills introduced in earlier sessions. The site is called Thomas to honor President Thomas Jefferson and his belief in public access to the workings of government.
Again, thank you for contacting me. As your Representative in Congress, it is critical that I understand the views of my constituents. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Sincerely,
Jim McDermott
Member of Congress
WTF!
No I don't follow the "Britney Scandal"
No I didn't vote my fav on American Idol last night
No I don't have a guess on the birthdate of Nicole Kidman's baby.
No I didn't freak out when Starbuck's was closed for one whole night.
What is wrong with society?
It seems that so many are wrapped up into strange ideals nowadays,
blended into the me-me-me rushed mentality.
No longer are compassion and well-being on the forefront.
Gaze blindly at the blurb on the news of famine, plight, and war
then gaze away with that 'it's not on my doorstep mentality'.
If it's not tabloid-sensationalized then the brain cells just wander away.
Tune into the boobtube and wash the sounds of the earth faltering around you.
When it effects people right in your own area,
in your very own families,
will you then wake up and realize what should be important in life?
It should not be that way.
A human being should be offered a safe home, safe food, and safe treatment.
Regardless if they live in suburbia USA,
or the Congo, or Darfur, or Iraq, or Southeast Asia.
Now and then I am mocked for my beliefs,
organizations that I belong to,
and my stances on earth-effecting causes.
It used to bother me,
make me wonder why they didn't also see the world on a downward spiral.
Why they weren't concerned how the world was becoming so angry,
and what was to be left for their own children.
Now I just shake my head at the stupidity some are so warped with,
their hypocritical judgment and eye-blinding naivety.
It makes me smile that I am doing my part.
It is what matters....it matters to ME.
Judgment should be left for those doing the world wrong,
should it not?
No I didn't vote my fav on American Idol last night
No I don't have a guess on the birthdate of Nicole Kidman's baby.
No I didn't freak out when Starbuck's was closed for one whole night.
What is wrong with society?
It seems that so many are wrapped up into strange ideals nowadays,
blended into the me-me-me rushed mentality.
No longer are compassion and well-being on the forefront.
Gaze blindly at the blurb on the news of famine, plight, and war
then gaze away with that 'it's not on my doorstep mentality'.
If it's not tabloid-sensationalized then the brain cells just wander away.
Tune into the boobtube and wash the sounds of the earth faltering around you.
When it effects people right in your own area,
in your very own families,
will you then wake up and realize what should be important in life?
It should not be that way.
A human being should be offered a safe home, safe food, and safe treatment.
Regardless if they live in suburbia USA,
or the Congo, or Darfur, or Iraq, or Southeast Asia.
Now and then I am mocked for my beliefs,
organizations that I belong to,
and my stances on earth-effecting causes.
It used to bother me,
make me wonder why they didn't also see the world on a downward spiral.
Why they weren't concerned how the world was becoming so angry,
and what was to be left for their own children.
Now I just shake my head at the stupidity some are so warped with,
their hypocritical judgment and eye-blinding naivety.
It makes me smile that I am doing my part.
It is what matters....it matters to ME.
Judgment should be left for those doing the world wrong,
should it not?
Lufthansa Map Game
This is a cool, gets your mind a going with the timed "where is it?!"
Score of 27241
Think this doesn't effect you? Think again!
There was a FCC hearing on Feb 26 to investigate Comcast's recent blocking of the Internet. To step around this damper they are trying to close upon our Free Speech and right to free and untainted information, they paid people to show up early to the hearing and thus filling all the seats so that the public could not be in the hearing to voice their opinions. Comcast has admitted to using seat fillers, but what will happen of it now?
Comcast FCC Hearing Strategy
Use your voice and let's make big business remember that they work for us, the public. Keep our right to Free Speech & our right to Internet Freedom!
savetheinternet.com--Fighting for Internet Freedom!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Clean Energy Tax Incentives
Write your Senator!
Passed in the House, now lets get on our Senators to vote this bill,
for a CLEAN Future!
HR 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 that extends crucial incentives for emerging renewable energy industries such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. Extending these important tax incentives early this year would create and retain thousands of green collar jobs, provide investment security for renewable energy technologies, and put America on the path toward a clean energy future.
Let's help bring CLEAN ENERGY to us, the American Consumers!
Passed in the House, now lets get on our Senators to vote this bill,
for a CLEAN Future!
HR 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 that extends crucial incentives for emerging renewable energy industries such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. Extending these important tax incentives early this year would create and retain thousands of green collar jobs, provide investment security for renewable energy technologies, and put America on the path toward a clean energy future.
Let's help bring CLEAN ENERGY to us, the American Consumers!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Here's to Spring Approaching!
If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.
If March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion.--Old Weather Proverb
Is Spring upon us?
Today's Farmer's Almanac Newsletter was ever so sweet to remind me that not only is Spring approaching, but it seems the time-honored, (or should I say past-generations embedded), tradition of Spring Cleaning is upon me. Nothing better to welcome the approaching season with a good top to bottom scrubbing and airing-out!
Here are some of my favorites--
Furniture Polishing Cloths--I love Orange Oil! and its a great alternative from using spray furniture polishes. Put 1/4 cup Lemon Oil or Orange Oil into a large jar, mix in 2 cups HOT water, then add your clean dusting cloths. Let them soak up the fragrant oils and hang to dry, then clean that dust away! Once dirty, wash/soak and repeat the process!
Cleaning out the dryer filter. (They get coated with softeners and dryer sheet buildup, don't think so? Take the filter out to the sink and try running some water thru the screen!) Use an cleaning toothbrush and scrub it w/ vinegar & rinse! Of course, remember to let it dry before placing back in your dryer!
Carpet Freshener--
In a jar, mix up 3T Baking Soda, 2 C. dried lavender, rosemary or your favorite herb. Sprinkle over the carpet and allow to sit, then vacuum up! Great if you have pets or kids, no harsh chemicals to worry about in the powder!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sadly....This can be under your Christmas Tree this year
This new product speaks for itself....so here you go.....
Magnetic Support Ribbons
Caught this on the MySpace Bulletin Board, a great skit.
Shows the assinine thinking of the American Majority!
Our soldiers are off in Iraq and Afghanistan,
fighting for what President Bush is telling us to be
for creating freedom & fighting terrorism.
Yet they are without the proper protective equipment!
While most show their support by....
slapping their gass-guzzling vehicles with magnetic support ribbons.
Now we aren't harping at your method of support,
just feel more direct routes should be taken.
Yet, if you fail to see the irony in all of this,
then perhaps you should get back into your SUV and go buy another ribbon.
It's beyond explanation!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Agent Orange dismissed yet again
Monsanto's dirty-hands caught my eye again today.
A civil lawsuit against Dow Chemical Company, Monsanto Company, and 30 other U.S. chemical companies was dismissed today in a Federal Appeals Court in New York. The ruling was that the plantiffs could not continue their claims against these Chemical companies, that the use of Agent Orange by the U.S. Military in Vietnam failed to be proven as a violation on the ban of using poisonous weapons in a war, AND that the lawsuit did not prove the link between the plaintiffs' health problems and this chemical.
"Although the herbicide campaign may have been controversial, the record before us supports the conclusion that agent orange was used as a defoliant and not as a poison designed for or targeting human populations," Judge Roger Miner wrote for the three-judge appeals court panel
Regardless of what the chemical was used for, it landed on HUMAN POPULATIONS.
A few years back, people here in our country were suing coffee cup makers and Starbucks because of being spilled upon and burned by the contents of hot coffee. If something that ludicrous can happen in our court system, how is that people with a justifiable suit get dismissed based on the reasons this judge brought up?
The lawsuit claims that Agent Orange caused major health concerns such as birth defects and cancer. Anyone care to read the label on one of these chemical companies basic "plant killers", one such as RoundUp? Imagine such a chemical created into Agent Orange and spread from above by planes on your own hometown. Imagine now suffering years later and being told "no proof" on the linkage between the chemical and your health issues. The Vietnam people did not just get a light "dusting" such as you spray on your lawn, garden, or civic fields. They had 18 MILLION GALLONS of dioxin dumped on them. Not only are those effected in Vietnam being shunned from help, our own U.S. Military Veterans are still trying to receive the promised medical care from the effects of Agent Orange. The few are finally receiving the promised health care, but for all to be helped the long-term ill effects must be acknowledged. It's not just a few families continuing to try to seek help in their ailments, 3 million people in Vietnam are claiming dioxin poisoning. What do they want? Millions in restitution to create McMansions and Hummers to drive? No, they want money to help with the health damages from this toxic exposure and the environmental cleanup. Should we not have offered years ago the action of environmental cleanup out-right and with no qualms?
Way back in 1984 the court stated that chemical companies should be shielded from liability based on the fact that they were government contractors. The U.S. government was not sued because they claimed sovereign immunity. Seems our government does that well, wipe our hands after our invasions and destructions on other lands, ignore the plight we caused to it's people, and move on to the next war.
I could make a warning that this video does contain many disturbing images regarding the chemical effects created by Agent Orange....but when does a war, when does a chemical used during a war ever produce NON-disturbing images?
A civil lawsuit against Dow Chemical Company, Monsanto Company, and 30 other U.S. chemical companies was dismissed today in a Federal Appeals Court in New York. The ruling was that the plantiffs could not continue their claims against these Chemical companies, that the use of Agent Orange by the U.S. Military in Vietnam failed to be proven as a violation on the ban of using poisonous weapons in a war, AND that the lawsuit did not prove the link between the plaintiffs' health problems and this chemical.
"Although the herbicide campaign may have been controversial, the record before us supports the conclusion that agent orange was used as a defoliant and not as a poison designed for or targeting human populations," Judge Roger Miner wrote for the three-judge appeals court panel
Regardless of what the chemical was used for, it landed on HUMAN POPULATIONS.
A few years back, people here in our country were suing coffee cup makers and Starbucks because of being spilled upon and burned by the contents of hot coffee. If something that ludicrous can happen in our court system, how is that people with a justifiable suit get dismissed based on the reasons this judge brought up?
The lawsuit claims that Agent Orange caused major health concerns such as birth defects and cancer. Anyone care to read the label on one of these chemical companies basic "plant killers", one such as RoundUp? Imagine such a chemical created into Agent Orange and spread from above by planes on your own hometown. Imagine now suffering years later and being told "no proof" on the linkage between the chemical and your health issues. The Vietnam people did not just get a light "dusting" such as you spray on your lawn, garden, or civic fields. They had 18 MILLION GALLONS of dioxin dumped on them. Not only are those effected in Vietnam being shunned from help, our own U.S. Military Veterans are still trying to receive the promised medical care from the effects of Agent Orange. The few are finally receiving the promised health care, but for all to be helped the long-term ill effects must be acknowledged. It's not just a few families continuing to try to seek help in their ailments, 3 million people in Vietnam are claiming dioxin poisoning. What do they want? Millions in restitution to create McMansions and Hummers to drive? No, they want money to help with the health damages from this toxic exposure and the environmental cleanup. Should we not have offered years ago the action of environmental cleanup out-right and with no qualms?
Way back in 1984 the court stated that chemical companies should be shielded from liability based on the fact that they were government contractors. The U.S. government was not sued because they claimed sovereign immunity. Seems our government does that well, wipe our hands after our invasions and destructions on other lands, ignore the plight we caused to it's people, and move on to the next war.
I could make a warning that this video does contain many disturbing images regarding the chemical effects created by Agent Orange....but when does a war, when does a chemical used during a war ever produce NON-disturbing images?
Earth Hour 2008
At 8pm on March 29th millions around the world will unite together to send the message that action on global warming is needed by turning the lights off for one hour.
Visit the offical site, take action by adding your name and see what you can do to take part in Earth Hour!
Oh McCain let me count the ways....
Or not.
It came out in the League of Conservation Voters national environmental scorecard, that Senator McCain of Arizona did not show up to vote for any of the 15 environmental issues for 2007. ZERO out of 15 votes.
By the way, McCain also scored lower on the LCV scorecard than members of Congress that died during the 2007 Session or have terminal illnesses.
Why is he in Congress if he can not do the simple thing of showing up and saying 'Yea' or 'Nay'. Regardless of his stance on environmental issues, isn't this part of his job as a Congressman?
Ironically, he also missed a vote that would have repealed billions of $$$$ in tax breaks for the BIG OIL Companies. Let me also insert that this measure failed by one vote....leads me to believe he didn't show up for that one on purpose.
Why? Perhaps so he could continue to tout his supposed sponsorship in combatting climate change. According to his website--
McCain has sponsored legislation to combat climate change, and is described on his campaign Web site, www.johnmccain.com, as having a "record of common sense stewardship" of the environment.
Common Sense huh? Common sense to not show up to vote on 15 measures? Nice Mr. Congressman. Don't give me the crap that you were too busy campaigning for your run on the Presidency. Shouldn't you be showing the general voting public that you do uphold all parts of your status/job as a Congressman? You should be showing us voters your stance on such measures, ohhhh wait but are you scared voters will see exactly how you do stand IF you showed up to vote on those measures? Scared that the American voters will see that you do not in fact hold combatting climate change in such a reguard as your own website claims you to do.
From the mouth of Reuters--Obama, Clinton top McCain on environment votes: report
It came out in the League of Conservation Voters national environmental scorecard, that Senator McCain of Arizona did not show up to vote for any of the 15 environmental issues for 2007. ZERO out of 15 votes.
By the way, McCain also scored lower on the LCV scorecard than members of Congress that died during the 2007 Session or have terminal illnesses.
Why is he in Congress if he can not do the simple thing of showing up and saying 'Yea' or 'Nay'. Regardless of his stance on environmental issues, isn't this part of his job as a Congressman?
Ironically, he also missed a vote that would have repealed billions of $$$$ in tax breaks for the BIG OIL Companies. Let me also insert that this measure failed by one vote....leads me to believe he didn't show up for that one on purpose.
Why? Perhaps so he could continue to tout his supposed sponsorship in combatting climate change. According to his website--
McCain has sponsored legislation to combat climate change, and is described on his campaign Web site, www.johnmccain.com, as having a "record of common sense stewardship" of the environment.
Common Sense huh? Common sense to not show up to vote on 15 measures? Nice Mr. Congressman. Don't give me the crap that you were too busy campaigning for your run on the Presidency. Shouldn't you be showing the general voting public that you do uphold all parts of your status/job as a Congressman? You should be showing us voters your stance on such measures, ohhhh wait but are you scared voters will see exactly how you do stand IF you showed up to vote on those measures? Scared that the American voters will see that you do not in fact hold combatting climate change in such a reguard as your own website claims you to do.
From the mouth of Reuters--Obama, Clinton top McCain on environment votes: report
Bush Hears Voices
This could just be today's laugh--
yet it parallels many answers to the mind-set that he must be in!
(Thanks to Keith/Enemy Combatant for Peace and Impeachment for posting)
yet it parallels many answers to the mind-set that he must be in!
(Thanks to Keith/Enemy Combatant for Peace and Impeachment for posting)
Lost - Episode 4 - Eggtown
OH baby, baby, baby!
So, some questions were answered for us, but holy cow, what a WOW! So, somehow, Kate ends up taking Claire’s Aaron home as a consolation prize from her time on the island. Does something happen to Claire? Or better yet, does Kate do something to Claire?
We have seen numerous times that Kate can be a maniacally evil woman. She blew her father up! Now, as we left this episode, we see that Kate, Sawyer and Claire (Ronna says, “don’t forget about ‘flushing the toilet’ Hurley) are bunking up together in one of the homes abandoned by the Others. Will events unfold where we learn more about Claire and Kate? We’ll see!
Locke is heading off the deep end faster than Britney! How do you keep someone from talking? Stuff a live grenade in their mouth! Maybe it will turn out to be a fake grenade and Locke did it to simply emphasize his point, but he obviously only has the good of the Island in mind and is going to do whatever, and sacrifice whoever, to make sure the Island is safe. At the beginning of the episode, he did say one interesting thing to Ben as he handed him a book Ben confessed he had already read.
“You might catch something you missed the second time around.” Is that a hint to fans?
So much for telling the truth in a court of law. Jack tells the jury, under oath, that there were only eight survivors from the plane crash and Kate saved them all. Really? So, as he says that he no longer loves Kate, was that all a lie, as well? Yes, Jack does admit once they are alone after Kate is freed that he meant nothing in the courtroom. But, after lying in front of jury, how much faith can be put in what Jack says. I am beginning to see how he can begin to crack and fall into his drinking, beard growing future self we saw at the end of last season.
So, in the future, it is evident there are still people on the island who did not want to leave. Jack screams WE HAVE TO GO BACK KATE! Mystery man who organizes the Freighter Four asks Hurley, “Are they still alive?” Considering that, does Kate make some deal with Claire. In return for keeping the secret of the remaining people on the Island, Kate gets to take Aaron home as HER son. Then, bearing child, she will have leverage to stay a free woman against the charges that are waiting for her back home. How can you lock up a single mom who saved the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815?
***We may be on to something with this angle, but we may be totally wrong…we’ll see***
So, here are some final thoughts on Aaron. In Jack’s flash forward, Kate has to get back home, HE is waiting for her. Is anyone else noticing that HE is probably becoming the most important person on the Island. Go back a little further, the psychic who met with Claire before she got on the plane for Los Angeles told her that she must be the only person to raise Aaron. This was, assumingly, because she was considering putting him up for adoption. That was why Claire was going to Los Angeles in the first place. Soooooo, what dangers will come about once Aaron loses mommy?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Life Imitating Art
Life imitated art early Thursday morning in the Puget Sound area. First, a little about one of my favorite movies, The Edukators. A German movie set in Berlin, the Edukators is about a non-violent duo that work to remind the rich that their place is not to rule over the majority working class in decadence. The Edukators break into the homes of the rich, rearrange furniture, hide stereos in refrigerators, and throw sofas into swimming pools. They never steal, just bring an uneasy feeling to those they visit and a written reminder that their days of decadence are numbered.
Now, to Bremerton. The news was all over a band of vandals who threw bricks through the windows of four local banks. Tied around the bricks was the following note….
Here is your brick back.
Recognize it? You should.
It is part of the wall that you, as one of the elite upper class, have helped build between the minority ruling class, and the majority working class throughout history. By flaunting your decadence, you have made yourself a target.
GET USED TO IT!
While their method, minor vandalism, is not the preferred method of all those who want to tear down the wall they reference between the ruling and working class, the message is very similar to that of the Edukators. The people do have a right to remind the rich that, if they get too comfortable in their decadence at the cost of prosperity for the working class, the people will take them down a few pegs to balance things out. Democracy can never thrive if that small group of elitists with the most money dictates policy over the majority.
Louvre Exhibit at SAM
Roman Art from the Louvre will be on exhibit at SAM (Seattle Art Museum) starting today thru May 11!
The exhibit of about 180 pieces of ancient art is from the Musée du Louvre and portrays the vastness of Roman life and it's history.
Much of this collection has never been here in the United States.
The collection consists of sculptures, paintings, reliefs, mosaics, statuettes, and jewelry.
We look forward to seeing the exhibit numerous times while it is here in the city!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
The Lunar Eclipse at 2 degrees of Virgo-Pisces.
Even here in the city, we were able to view the stars tonight.
What an amazing sight!
Orion's Belt was most prominent,
hmmm might have to put that into some consideration in days ahead.
The midpoint of the total eclipse tonight happened at 7:26 pm PST
It was a very blood red moon!
It seemed fitting to do a tarot reading during the lunar eclipse tonight.
Either my fingers were drawn to pull out the Moon and the Star cards....or fate.
Smiles & wanders away....
to spend the rest of this enchanted night with my husband.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
Did you know that it takes almost 47 MILLION gallons of oil a year to produce the plastic water bottles in the US?
Tap water is SAFER and cleaner, and more regulated. Issues with your tap water? Just add a filter or use a filtered water pitcher.
9 Years ago the NRDC sent the FDA a petition and a report regarding their study on bottled water. What did they find?
Arsenic, bacteria, and chemical contaminates to get you started.
Here are the facts
Just because it's so easy to grab a bottle of bottled water, it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
It's easy to start to reduce your buying of bottled water--refill your bottle, reuse them, and then recycle them. Get yourself a refillable water bottle to replace the plastic ones. Fill it up from your tap!
Tap water is SAFER and cleaner, and more regulated. Issues with your tap water? Just add a filter or use a filtered water pitcher.
9 Years ago the NRDC sent the FDA a petition and a report regarding their study on bottled water. What did they find?
Arsenic, bacteria, and chemical contaminates to get you started.
Here are the facts
Just because it's so easy to grab a bottle of bottled water, it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
It's easy to start to reduce your buying of bottled water--refill your bottle, reuse them, and then recycle them. Get yourself a refillable water bottle to replace the plastic ones. Fill it up from your tap!
Climate Change Taught in CA Schools?!!!
Under a bill approved by the California State Senate, and now heading to the California Assembly, the Science books approved for Ca. Public Schools would cover climate change. It also requires that Science Teachers put climate warming into their teaching curriculum.
"This is a phenomenon of global importance and our kids ought to understand the science behind that phenomenon." Sen. Joe Simitian (who introduced the bill)
Ignoring his word use of phenomenon, but....this is a HUGE step.
The next generations need to be aware, need to be taught, and then perhaps they will be armed with the knowledge to take the needed steps to stop the process of global warming. I do have to laugh at the critics to this bill....
"climate science is uncertain, children shouldn't be indoctrinated with environmental propaganda", and so on. Perhaps these 'critics' should take a trip to the Artic and see first-hand the glaciers melting at rapid speeds, the sea life dying unexpectedly along the polluted reefs....I could go on, but then again these are critics and strong in their stances to not see the troubled changes happending globally.
"This is a phenomenon of global importance and our kids ought to understand the science behind that phenomenon." Sen. Joe Simitian (who introduced the bill)
Ignoring his word use of phenomenon, but....this is a HUGE step.
The next generations need to be aware, need to be taught, and then perhaps they will be armed with the knowledge to take the needed steps to stop the process of global warming. I do have to laugh at the critics to this bill....
"climate science is uncertain, children shouldn't be indoctrinated with environmental propaganda", and so on. Perhaps these 'critics' should take a trip to the Artic and see first-hand the glaciers melting at rapid speeds, the sea life dying unexpectedly along the polluted reefs....I could go on, but then again these are critics and strong in their stances to not see the troubled changes happending globally.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Our President...."thinks"....?
President Bush on NBC's Today Show claiming that the war in Iraq has "nothing to do with the economy."
Transcript:
Some Americans believe that they feel they’re carrying the burden because of this economy.
G. BUSH: Yeah, well…
CURRY: They say we’re suffering because of this.
G. BUSH: … I don’t agree with that.
CURRY: You don’t agree with that? It has nothing do with the economy, the war — spending on the war?
G. BUSH: I don’t think so.
I think actually the spending in the war might help with jobs.
CURRY: Oh, yeah?
G. BUSH: Yeah, because we’re buying equipment, and people are working.
I think this economy is down because we built too many houses and the economy’s adjusting.
Wise Words to Ponder
"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger." -- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials
"The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations." --David Friedman
"You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time." --Abraham Lincoln
"Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." --John F. Kennedy
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron." --Dwight D. Eisenhower
"What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world." --Robert E. Lee
"War is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace." --Thomas Mann
A great war leaves the country with three armies - an army of cripples, an army of mourners, and an army of thieves. --German Proverb
"Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong?" --Holly Near
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Lack of Bees
Tonight we caught the news blurb--
"Lack of Bee's & how it will affect your Ice Cream"
"Lack of Bee's & how it will affect your Ice Cream"
Is this really the biggest concern we should have regarding the lack of bees????
Shouldn't the focus be on how the lack of bees will affect pollinating our crops and flowers?
But noooooo, let's freak out about our Ice Cream!
Just another reminder to us at how the "evening news" is more concerned about
Britney, our Ice Cream, and other sensationalist stories.
Sunny Sunday
We spent this beautiful Sunny Sunday with a visit to the Ballard Locks.
Offically they are the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
They connect Puget Sound to Lake Union and Lake Washington.
It was interesting watching how they raise the water level,
it's certainly not a fast process.
Definitely worth a visit on any trip to the Seattle area.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Carbon Footprinting
If you haven't already checked this out, it's pretty interesting.... http://www.carbonfootprint.com/index.htmlSee an estimate of what your own Carbon Footprint is upon our world.
It states that the average footprint for people in United States is about 20.4 tonnes.
Ours is 2.354. We strive to do what we can to keep it low,
but were both somewhat surprised at how low it actually is.
Wow, 1/10 of what the average is!
Laughs--
there should be some incentive program for having it this low!
Peace
It is time to wake up!
It is so scary to look around at the people of this Nation becoming sheep, blind to what is happening to our country and the world around us. I just don't understand it anymore.
Where is the OUTRAGE?
Where is the desire to help others?
Where is the common sense that war does not bring Peace, only death and destruction.
All around us there is hunger, disease, war, yet everyone seems to be on the track of ignoring. It's either that or just plain ignorance. It's more important to the masses to hide behind their eye-rolling at those of us who THINK FOR OURSELVES and SPEAK UP that this world is on a fast track to becoming a sad, sad planet.
Why are these sheep following the wishes and desires of the men we VOTE into positions of power? Why are we allowing these evil doers to keep their government positions once their true colors and plains of world-demiseunfold?
Our Country has changed in the blink of an eye. With George Bush we have slid down a downward spiral so quickly, how can anyone deny that? We now live in a nation where our President has such supreme power that he resembles more of a King or Dictator, quickly loosing our Democrate ways with each new 'law' he shoves down our throats. He just has to mumble the words 'terrorist' and the majority are spooked and support anything he tries--tap our phones-sure why not, stop our peaceful gatherings-sure, gag order when we speak out on things he deems should be kept secretive-sure. Sure???? What the hell people!
Our Country has changed in the blink of an eye. With George Bush we have slid down a downward spiral so quickly, how can anyone deny that? We now live in a nation where our President has such supreme power that he resembles more of a King or Dictator, quickly loosing our Democrate ways with each new 'law' he shoves down our throats. He just has to mumble the words 'terrorist' and the majority are spooked and support anything he tries--tap our phones-sure why not, stop our peaceful gatherings-sure, gag order when we speak out on things he deems should be kept secretive-sure. Sure???? What the hell people!
Our leader declares War on false pretenses, breaks treaties with Nations when we should be coming together, Imprisions Citizens and foreigners with trials held in secret with unfounded or non-existing evidence. Our previous President, Clinton, was censured because of a consentual sexual indiscretion. People were in an uproar and wanted to Impeach him due to the Lewensky scandal. I find it hard to believe that these same citizens are not outraged and demanding Impeachment of G.W. Bush. Are the morals of our majority so backwards that we deem a sexual incounter more outraging than an unjust War? Perhaps the words 'oil' and 'money' play a big part there, and not just with the politicians. It seems that as years pass by, we find ourselves further and further from the foundations of our Consitution. Checks and Balances were put into place for just these reasons, to guard our Consitution and the ideals that the United States were formed and based upon. Ask yourself--what does a Patriot really stand for? Times do change, but they should be for the better and chosen by the majority.
I am hoping that more and more citizens will wake up and step out of the line of Sheep, and take the steps necessary for our Nation to come together and find Peace. Peace in helping one another, Peace in reaching out to help others outside our borders, and Peace in finding harmony with the Planet we live upon.
Peace to the Future!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Valentine's Day Silliness
Last Night's LOST
TV is not something that we get to into all that much, tired of the crap labelled as "in" or "reality". We are faithful viewers to a few thou: LOST, Jericho, and The Amazing Race.
We both really love the aspect of LOST, a show that we can analyze and actually get our brains a-going on.
We started this years Season with our favorite characters being, Desmond and Charlie.
Now with Season 4 unfolding, his is Ben and hers is Sayid. It will be interesting
as things develop over the Season, to see how that may change.
Tonights Episode--
First off, we both KNEW that Sayid took a deal with Ben.
It just seemed like it was coming. It will be very interesting to see what exactly Ben promised him to get Sayid to work for him. Especially to the lengths of killing people on an ever-growing list.
The Widmore connection. Perhaps the pictures of Penelope & Desmond are with people coming to the island because her father is behind the "freighties"?
There has to be some connection there, and seeing her confusion when talking to Charlie (at the end of last season), it obviously isn't her.
The time. We caught that Daniel was not actually shocked about the difference, that he seemed to have been expecting it of sorts. Maybe he knows more about the Island than leading on? At first we considered him to be slightly wacko, but now he's obviously a genius with many things going on in his mind at once. Anyway.... 31 minutes slower on the island according to Daniel's experiment.
Would have to do the exact equation, time & distance of freighter & Island to figure that all out. So then this brings in the time continuum issues etc.
And with Daniel telling the helicopter pilot to be sure and take the same exact bearings back to the freighter that they came to the Island on. If they didn't would they just keep circling the island, or what would happen? They must have made a rip in the time continuum, maybe that would explain some of the trouble they had coming in. This could explain also Walt's growth/age etc.
We guess it's time to maybe watch Back to the Future for reference....hahaha.
Kind of wondering now about this and the draw of the Island to Ben, "the others", "the frieghties", etc. With the time issue, the aging issue....could the draw be along the lines of Immortality. They all seem to be using any means necessary to gain control.
Jacob's cabin and the Locke connection. Jacob obviously likes to play hide-n-seek. It made us laugh when Ben mocked Locke, haha mocklocke. Also remembered how Ben did tell Locke that Jacob is one who summons you, not vice versa. So evidently Jacob is not wishing to steer Locke right now, Locke must be on the course Jacob wants him to be on. Still questioning why Hurley isn't telling Locke that he did see the cabin. If it's a question of sanity, maybe Hurley is questioning his own and whether or not he really did see the cabin.
So then this leads us to reconsider and think that the man looking out of the
cabin window at Hurley was then maybe Mikhail, and not Locke as we first thought.
So who else thought of "stay away from the curtain!" (from Wizard of Oz) when
watching Sayid pull the bookcase back and enter Ben's secret room.
We can't wait to see how Ben is able to go back and forth from the Island.
Who is giving him the money, access, documents/passports, etc. Who is Ben working for?????
Read today that there will be 5 more episodes added to this Season! For a total of 13.
I have to insert that I am reallyyyyy liking how some of her favorite shows/books are weaving their way into Lost----Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Back to the Future, Lord of the Flies. --R
Some fun links about LOST--
Sawyer's Nickname Generator
LOST Personality Quiz--Which Character are you?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
My Alice
Typically my pencil forms words....Perhaps my mind was considering
whether or not
there really was
a caterpillar
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