miss information news

Stop the obstructionism

2010-02-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

I keep thinking of the song, "Nobody But Me," by the Human Beinz, and think it would be a great theme song for the Republican Party. The beginning lyrics are "NO, no, no no, no no no..." This is to me, indicative of the only thing many Republicans are capable of saying this year. Their tactics seem to be to say no to anything that a non-Republican suggests. The tactic, which they hope will help them win more elections in coming years, is going to backfire. I think the American people are sick and tired of negativity, and want members of both the House and Senate to work toward solutions for the problems of this country. They should have learned from Nancy Reagan that "Just say no" doesn't work.

Studying Grammar

2009-11-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

I've been studying grammar all night, and trying to finish an exam in the course, Grammar for Teachers of English as a Second Language. I have a lot of respect for the English Language Learners that I have worked with over the years. Now that I have almost completed this course, I have even more respect for them. I do think I understood, until now, just how difficult it is for language learners to learn and incorporate the rules of grammar in another language. If anyone knows of any really good web sites for ESL students, please let me know.

My Digital Newspaper

2009-08-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

My Digital Newspaper

Internet Archive: Free Download: John F. Kennedy Speech, June 11, 1963

2009-07-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

This speech by President John F. Kennedy is a sad reminder of what the United States was like in 1963 when we were trying to integrate colleges, universities, and life in general.

It is also a sorry reminder of the status of women back then. We weren't even mentioned!! Also, I think if you replace the word negroes with gays, lesbians or queers, you will realize that some people still don't have the equal rights. How about the right to marry the person of your choice? It seems pretty obvious that we still have work to do before all people are equal.

Internet Archive: Free Download: John F. Kennedy Speech, June 11, 1963http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

It has been too long

2009-06-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hi,

It has been way too long since I have posted an entry. I am done with school for the summer, and I'm on vacation from one of my three jobs. So, it's time to start writing and posting information again. Here is a link to an online journal that may be of interest to ESL instructors and other language teachers. It's called The Journal of the Imagination in Language Learning. I think the journal may be ceased, but there are some interesting articles available at this link

HowardZinn.org

2009-06-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

HowardZinn.org

Teaching ESL

2009-04-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

As you can see, I have only had time lately to post links to other interesting sites. I have been so busy with my graduate course in teaching ESL, I haven't really had time to write any original blog entries. My class will end soon, and I'm not taking any courses this summer, so I'll have lots of time to write. I've been working on the course for several hours today. In addition to writing the final paper, I have read an interesting study on the problems caused when Arab students use e-dictionaries to translate passages.

If any of you are studying English as a Second Language, I'd love your comments on what you think is helpful and what is difficult for you.

Since there seems to be some interest in this topic, the article is: "Impact of E-dictionaries on Arab students' translation strategies," by Abdul-Fattah Al-Jabar. It's in Volume 54 Issue 2 of Babel.

Champions go both ways — High Country News

2009-04-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Champions go both ways — High Country News

Heather Masse on A Prairie Home Companion

2009-04-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

A Prairie Home Companion from American Public Media

Hope you have time to catch this broadcast.

Democracy Now! | Radio and TV News

2009-04-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Democracy Now! | Radio and TV News: ""

Unite For Hunger And Hope // Bloggers Unite

2009-04-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Unite For Hunger And Hope // Bloggers Unite

Jazz24 Real 32k Stream

2009-04-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jazz24 Real 32k Stream

Sharing Foundation Video

2009-03-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Click to watch a video of the great work being done by TSF

Sharing Foundation

The Sharing Foundation

2009-03-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Some friends of mine and I are trying to raise money to support Srey Neang, one of the kids at Roteang Orphange in Cambodia. The orphanage is one facet of The Sharing Foundation, an organization that is committed to "caring for Cambodia's children." If you think you want to help support Srey Neang, or any of the other children or programs of the Sharing Foundation, feel free to make a donation to:

The Sharing Foundation
PO Box 600
Concord, MA 01742

For more information, check out their website:

www.sharingfoundation.org

Good riddance, Wacko

2009-03-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the news that this year was John "Wacko" Hurley's last St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston. At first, I was too busy contemplating odd nicknames like "Wacko," and "Milton Born With A Tooth." I wondered how people get their nicknames (Miton's is obvious), and whether Tipper Gore and Tip O'Neill had more things in common than the Democratic Party affiliation. I wondered how my friend's mother got the nickname "Bird." My mind games and the fun ended, however, when I remembered how Wacko, John Hurley really is. He worked to ban LGBT groups and Veteran For Peace, from marching the Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade. For more information, click on the title link.

For now, good riddance, Wacko, or should your nickname be, "Bigot," instead?

Everyone into the jury pool

2009-03-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to report for jury duty today. The experience did nothing to perpetuate my faith in the jury system. I was glad that I was excused, but the guy they kept didn't seem qualified to sit on a jury. As a matter of fact, he announced that fact when we first got into the waiting room, and still, he ended up on the jury. As soon as this guy arrived, he announced that he needed to speak with someone. The court officer very kindly said that, as soon as we had transacted some business, he would be happy to listen. The "juror" later told the officer that he shouldn't be on a jury because he had short-term memory problems and couldn't hear. Well, the officer said, he should have let someone know when he received his summons. He did say that the judge, if we got that far, would ask everyone if there was a reason they couldn't serve. Well, since this gentleman had short-term memory problems, he probably didn't remember that when he was questioned.

I don't know what I said that caused the attorneys to dismiss me and, as I said, I was glad they did. But this guy was in no condition to decide a case. He didn't watch the video that explained the difference between evaluating evidence in a criminal case from that of a civil case. He didn't communicate with anyone in the waiting room. He definitely had problems.

There was another guy who slept the entire time we were in the waiting room. Fortunately, he didn't get on the jury. It's kind of scary what a "jury of one's peers can actually look like.

WedLOCK

2009-03-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

I started thinking about the word, "Wedlock," today, and realized that it perfectly describes how I felt when I knew my marriage was over. I was LOCKED in with the man i had wed. Horrible!! It look a lot of money and a not so good attorney to get unlocked, but it was worth it!!

Why do people blame themselves for misfortune?

2009-03-04T16:15:00.001-08:00

Read a reprint from "High Country News," about people who blamed themselves for their misfortune during the Great Depresssion. From the stories I've heard, this has not changed for people I know who are currently unemployed.

www.hcn.org/wotr/the-very-worst-thing-about-hard-times

Internet Archive: Details: All Quiet on the Western Front

2009-02-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

Internet Archive: Details: All Quiet on the Western Front

Click the link to watch the anti-war film, "All Quiet on the Western Front." Also, check older link to listen to a chilling radio version of "Johnny Got His Gun."

Is "Mr. Obama" racist?

2009-02-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

OK, I've been wondering about this for several weeks now. It seems to me that many radio and TV personalities insist upon referring to President Obama as "Mr. Obama." This seemed to happen very infrequently with former presidents, so I wonder about the genesis of this phenomenon. I wonder if anyone has or will do a study of how many times President Obama is called Mr. Obama in the press, and compare these statistics against those for past presidents. I'll be pleasantly surprised if I'm wrong. For now, I sense a hint of racism here.

Great cat animation

2009-02-03T08:31:00.001-08:00

Click title link to see a great cat animation.

Copyright Christopher S. Mitchell

Gene Robinson puts Rick Warren to Shame!!

2009-01-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

If you click on the the title you'll be able to view Gene Robinson's prayer at the inauguration-week events. If you heard Rick Warren, you'll realize again that Obama should never have invited Warren to give the invocation. Not only is Rick Warren WRONG, he gave a lousy invocation.

Is "makeconnection" ESL-speak for online dating?

2009-01-26T16:08:00.001-08:00

I have a friend from Cambodia who is in my graduate course in teaching ESL. She's really smart and speaks English very well. I was surprised one night when I couldn't understand what she was saying. I was driving her home and she was talking about her uncle. I said, "What does he do for work?" Her answer, I thought, was "makeconnection." She also said it had something to do with airplanes. So, we continued for about ten minutes trying to understand each other. At one point, I got laughing so hard that I had to pull over to the side of the road. I was about the makeconnection with another vehicle!!

The next week, we continued our communication debacle. I kept hearing her say, "Not makeconnection...makeconnection!" I really thought maybe he was a matchmaker or something. Finally, something clicked. She thought she had to put a "tian," or "cian," ending on the occupation...electrician, pediatrician, mathematician. So, the mechanic became mechaniccian...or makeconnection.

I know, too, that we native English speakers can cause lots of confusion. More about that, later.

Inauguration

2009-01-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

I've been busy with a new graduate course in teaching ESL. I did have to make at least one comment on the inauguration of President Barack Obama. I heard a judge from South Africa on the radio in the early morning hours after the inauguration. He had been very active in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In describing the inauguration of Obama he said, "It's a marvelous pinch-me kind of day." And, indeed, it was.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Remembrance

2009-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

USA Service | Other Service Opportunities

Stop the Genocide in Darfur

2009-01-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

Most of the time, I like being single

2008-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

It's funny that the only time I regret being divorced, is when I'm bleeding to death...or think I am. Yesterday I cut my finger while washing dishes, and I had a sneaky feeling I'd need stitches. My finger was bleeding profusely, and I was reacting as I do when I drive by an accident: look, don't look, look, don't look. I started worrying that I might pass out. Somewhere between the kitchen sink and the emergency room, I started lamenting being single. There's something about driving yourself to the hospital with your finger wrapped in a Kotex light-days panty liner (a novel use of those, I think), that gives you pause. I don't want my husband back. I don't even want a husband. I know I could have called a friend. But, for one second, I missed being married. I think I'll give up washing dishes...it's easier.

It's Un-Warren-ted

2008-12-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to wonder if I wasted a vacation day when I decided to go to New Hampshire on election day to work for Obama. I don't know what he was thinking, or if he was thinking, when he invited Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration. Obama says we have to listen to all viewpoints, but when they are based on hatred and fear-mongering, I don't agree. Warren is certainly entitled to his views and his theology, but some of his homophobic rhetoric has been nothing short of scary. Inviting him to participate in this very public platform has the effect of giving some legitimacy to his philosophy.

Bad move, Obama...bad move.

Shoe, Mr. President, Shoe!!

2008-12-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Iraqi Journalist Throws Shoes at President Bush Over Iraq War

Maybe it's because I volunteer to teach ESL, but I had to wonder if the shoe tosser was actually trying to tell President Bush to, "Shoo!"

Salvation Harm Me?

2008-12-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know what stopped me this year. I usually donate to those Red Kettles set up by the Salvation Army during the holiday season. But I stopped...and thought about the homophobia of the organization. I wondered if I should donate. Well, I thought, the organization does a lot of good. I wondered if I was going "a little over the edge." I mentioned my dilemma to a co-worker whose son is gay. "I never give to those organizations," she said.

So tonight I went online. According to several web sites, the Salvation Army actively campaigns against legislation that would benefit lesbians and gays.

So, for now, I'll look for other organizations who "do good," and who support equality for all people.

Democracy Now! | The Blogging Revolution: A Look at the Repression of Online Journalism Around the World

2008-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

Democracy Now! | The Blogging Revolution: A Look at the Repression of Online Journalism Around the World: "ect Jou"

A Drunkard's Christmas

2008-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

A drunkard’s Christmas
© Beth Garry

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

not a creature was stirring a drink

they had all passed out.

The stockings were still in the basement, I fear

we hoped that the policeman soon would be there

For we were not nestled, nor snug in our beds

but hiding from Mama who'd started to swear.

Oh out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

But we didn't dare look to see what was the matter

For out of the front door someone ran in a dash

and fell on his rear and knocked over the trash.

The officer’s flashlight shown on the snow and it gave

a strange highlight to objects below when

what to my childish young eyes should emerge

but a vision of father who was right on the verge

Of a breakdown or something, I’m never quite sure

But the policeman handcuffed him and opened the door

Of the cruiser while neighbors all laughed, quite sure of themselves

No Santa, no reindeer, no cute little elves.

For children of drinkers would never so dare

as to hope for, or wish for or plan on a share of the Christmas that’s told of

in poems of old

We’d never be hopeful or never be bold

We wished for the best, which meant no one would die, and that presents would land as if dropped from the sky

And some times they came and some times they did not

So that’s what you get when you live with a sot.

Oops

2008-11-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

I got an automated e-mail titled, “Gates expected to stay on at the Pentagon,” and I totally misinterpreted the meaning. When I first glanced at it, I took it literally, and thought it had something to do with fences and gates. Of course, I then realized that it was about Defense Secretary Robert Gates keeping his job.

My mind is a terrible thing, and it’s been wasted many times. I started to think of other headlines, such as, “Bush uprooted by election,” or, “Rice steamed after hearing remarks by head of state.” I’d love to know if the person who wrote the headline about Gates intended the consequences. I think I could do lots with this over the holidays. How about, “Many veterans enjoy Gay exhibit,” about a photography exhibit featuring the Enola Gay.

Any other headlines welcome.

Reducing Winter Holiday Waste | Consumer Tips | Wastes | US EPA

2008-11-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Reducing Winter Holiday Waste | Consumer Tips | Wastes | US EPA

Tinkerbell

2008-11-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

I'm having a flashback to my childhood!! Or is it a flickerback?

Ubiquitous Donuts

2008-11-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

As I was driving through Salem, Massachusetts tonight, I noticed another Dunkin Donuts being built. I don't know if I'm shocked or disheartened. I'm trying to figure out why Americans feel the need to stop on a dime, and spend their hard-earned dollars on some many cups of coffee, to go. Don't get me wrong, I love coffee, and I like Dunkin Donuts, but I don't know why they are so ubiquitous. In Beverly, Massachusetts, which has a population of 40,000 plus, there are at least six Dunkin Donuts!!

I think it says something about Americans, and our insatiable desire to have what we want, when we want, how we want it. In other words, I think we're spoiled. How did we survive in the days when we had a cup of coffee at home in the morning and went to work. We took our lunch boxes, thermos bottles, or whatever, with what we needed for the day, and we went to work or school. We didn't feel the need to stop on the way to, on the way from, or during the day because we had a sudden urge. And we were pretty happy. Now, where there's a whim, there's a way, and we gotta have it. Damn the environment, damn the budget, our urges drive us on!! In the process we ruin the environment and teach kids important lessons about instant gratification. If you have an itch, scratch it, drink it, drive it, buy it sell it, but don't ever just feel it, and let it pass.

The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla - Dick Cavett Blog - NYTimes.com

2008-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

This article by Dick Cavett in the "New York Times," is one of the funniest yet about Sarah Palin. I thought I'd be done with her after the election, but I just couldn't resist including a link to this. Also, I don't think she is done with us yet, unfortunately.

The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla - Dick Cavett Blog - NYTimes.com

Toolkit To End Violence Against Women

2008-11-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

Toolkit To End Violence Against Women

There is a lot of information in this document for individuals and groups who want to help stop violence against women. It includes chapters for religious organizations, mental health agencies, law enforcement professionals and others who are committed to ending violence against women.

Tempered Joy

2008-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

My joy at witnessing the election of Barack Obama as President was tempered when I found out that Proposition 8, which makes same-sex marriages illegal in California, had passed. This was certainly a day when we saw great progress in the way some minorities are treated, but it was also a stark reminder of how much work we still have to do.

In addition to Obama's election, another milestone of the day took place in New Hampshire. NH became the first state in the United States to have a female majority in the state senate. For more information about the state election in New Hampshire, Click Here

Gobama

2008-11-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

www.wordle.net

President-elect Barack Obama

2008-11-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Sounds great, doesn't it?

I (and lots of other folks) took a vacation day November 4th to travel to another state to help "get out the vote," for Obama. It was great to be in Derry, New Hampshire going door-to-door with Obama literature on a beautiful autumn day. To see the huge turnout of volunteers and voters was almost overwhelming. And we won.

Today, I'll just savor the victory. Tomorrow, I'll give some serious thought to what I can do to help President Obama in his first term, and what I can do to make the United States and even better country. This is a time of miracles. Let's help make them happen.

YouTube - CourtingEquality's Channel

2008-11-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

YouTube - CourtingEquality's ChannelClick to see videos related to the struggle for marriage equality.

Former Secretary of State Says Palin is NOT READY

2008-10-31T17:22:00.001-07:00

According to an interview on National Public Radio, Thursday, October 30th, former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger said that Governor Sarah Palin is not yet ready to serve as president of the United States. Eagleburger served under President George H.W. Bush. In an earlier statement, after Colin Powell endorsed Senator Obama, McCain stated that he had the support of Eagleburger. This interview puts that assertion in doubt. To read the entire article by Julie Bosman, from the New York Times Politics Blog, click here

Internet Archive: Details: Johnny Got His Gun

2008-10-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

Internet Archive: Details: Johnny Got His Gun

Here's a link to a radio play of the book, "Johnny Got His Gun," by Dalton Trumbo. It's a chilling reminder of why we need to end the War in Iraq, and all other wars. When will we ever learn?

There's nothing funny about Sarah Palin

2008-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Although I'm convinced that there is nothing funny about Sarah Palin, there is lots of humor that surrounds her candidacy. Yesterday a friend sent me a link that is almost as funny as Tina Fey. Just click on the link. When the application opens click on parts of the scene and see what happens.

Sarah Palin is Pallin' Around With Some Interesting Characters

2008-10-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

There's an interesting article at the Democracy Now site which discusses Sarah Palin's ties to the Alaska Independence Movement and the John Birch Society.

I'm voting for that one

2008-10-09T17:36:00.001-07:00

Resources for Teachers and others interested in ending prejudice

2008-10-09T15:25:00.001-07:00

Here's a link to a web site with interesting resources for teachers and others interesting in ending racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-semitism and other prejudices.

When action heroes go bad

2008-10-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Senator McCain hit the ground stumbling during the second debate with Obama, and he never seemed to recover. It looked to me as if he was wandering around the stage wondering where he had left his microphone. It seems, too, as if he's been taking lessons from his running mate. At times, his answers didn't make sense, weren't on point, and failed to connect the dots. By the way, why is he sending his running mate out to do his dirty work. Can she throw the dirt that he doesn't want to, or is afraid to? Anyway, I thought he looked like an out of touch old man who definitely cannot solve the economic or foreign policy issues that the US is currently mired in.

Nibulation

2008-10-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

nib•u•late
Definitions:To lie in a sound bite.
To prevaricate in a sound bite or nibble
________________________________________
[Origin: English 2008]
—Related forms
nib•u•la•tion, noun
Example:
Sarah Palin nibulates about several issues during her stump speeches, and nibulated many times during her debate with Joe Biden.

There are lots of nibualtions being made by the Republican Party, because they can’t win on the issues.

Don't Drink the Water (If It's Bottled)

2008-10-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

I've seen lots of statistics on the Web about the resources it takes to produce and distribute bottled water, and how the bottles are clogging the landfills. The most informative and readable guide I've found so far is available at Pacific Institute.

The Hip Bone

2008-10-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I wonder if there is a geo-political version of the song, "The Hip Bone's Connected to the Thigh Bone," and if Sarah Palin is singing it in preparation for the debate!!

When Friends are Foes

2008-10-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I'm starting to get a little worried about whether someone can fill Governor Palin's head full of so many facts that she'll do OK in the debate. There seems to be enough space inside there, that there's plenty of room for facts. These are just a few of the things I've witnessed when I have drifted past the TV in the past few days...She doesn't think it matters what causes global warming, she can't name a publication that she reads, and she can't name a Supreme Court decision that she disagrees with (can she name any)?

Anyway, enough of my political rantings and on to When Friends are Foes. The Friends of the Earth web site, is www.foe.org. It's really a great site for people concerned about the environment.

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry...

2008-09-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

If you want to vote in the presidential election, and you're not yet registered, please check the ROCK THE VOTE website to find the DEADLINE for registering.

Blizzard of Lies from a Blithering...

2008-09-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

The article in the September 11, 2008 issue of the "New York Times," shows ample evidence that the "Straight Talk Express," has become derailed. Both McCain and Palin continue their dishonest attacks on Barack Obama and his record, and misprepresent Sarah Palin and hers. I'm disappointed that McCain, who once in his long career at least seemed to have some credibility, has stooped to the "I'll do anything to get elected," mentality.

Why won't McCain Face the Public?

2008-09-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's a great campaign ploy, if he can get away with it, but this tired old man who wants to be president is afraid to face the electorate. Maybe it's because he knows that it is primarily the Republican Party that is responsible for the fiscal crisis in this country. Now, the poster boy for deregulation wants to spend taxpayer money to bail out the fat cats. Funny, the administration never could find money to help middle-class folks with money for health care or education.

By the way, what's up with his campaign manager's ties to Freddie Mac? See article in the New York Times

So, now McCain can go hide with Sarah Palin, who can't speak with the press unless she's carefully scripted.

Alaksa Women Reject Palin

2008-09-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from the Alaska Women Reject Palin Rally, in Anchorage. I heard the rally was VERY well attended.

Doing Something for Peace

2008-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

I had to take my own suggestion, and try to do something for peace, in honor of the International Day of Peace, September 21st. Here's a link to Friends Journal I hope you'll find something here to inspire you.

International Day of Peace

2008-09-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is the International Day of Peace. Please pray, work, legislate or do anything to help make this a more peaceful world.

Alaska State Agriculture Director Loved Cows

2008-09-19T16:33:00.002-07:00

Wow, I loved cows and I want to earn $95,000 per year. Too bad I'm not an old friend of Governor Sarah Palin. According to an article in the New York Times, She appointed her friend, Franci Havemeister, as director of the State Division of Agriculture. The former real estate agent said that that her childhood love of cows qualified her for the position. The article cites many other instances in which Palin apparently rewards her friends and punishes her "enemies." More...

MUSIC OF INTEREST

2008-09-19T16:33:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of tunes and one radio station to check out:

75 and Sunny, by Ryan Montbleau Band: Available on iTunes
See that Train, by Sean Mullins

WOJB 88.9 FM Lac Court Oreilles own tribal radio station. Live streaming eclectic music including, acoustic, reggae, Rock and Roll and more:Click Here

Palin's Husband Refuses To Testify In Probe : NPR

2008-09-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Click here to listen to a short audio clip from NPR, which discusses the refusal of Sarah Palin's husband to testify before the Alaska State Legislature in a case involvinng possible abuse of power by the Republican vice-presidential nominee.

Democracy Now! | Historic 2008 Election Could See Unprecedented Attempts to Bar African American Voters

2008-09-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Democracy Now! | Historic 2008 Election Could See Unprecedented Attempts to Bar African American Voters

I lied...It's the stupidity, stupid

2008-09-17T17:00:00.001-07:00

OK. I can't quite figure why thinking people, when they consider the current economic situation, social issues, civil rights, women's rights, human rights, or the Republican vice-presidential candidate could consider voting for the McCain Palin ticket. Maybe if people actually read some excerpts from the Republican Platform, the election wouldn't even be close. So here, for starters, is the Republican stance on marriage:

Preserving Traditional Marriage

Because our children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage, we call for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman, so that judges cannot make other arrangements equivalent to it. In the absence of a national amendment, we support the right of the people of the various states to affirm traditional marriage through state initiatives.

Republicans recognize the importance of having in the home a father and a mother who are married. The two-parent family still provides the best environment of stability, discipline, responsibility, and character. Children in homes without fathers are more likely to commit a crime, drop out of school, become violent, become teen parents, use illegal drugs, become mired in poverty, or have emotional or behavioral problems. We support the courageous efforts of single-parent families to provide a stable home for their children. Children are our nation’s most precious resource. We also salute and support the efforts of foster and adoptive families.

Republicans have been at the forefront of protecting traditional marriage laws, both in the states and in Congress. A Republican Congress enacted the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the right of states not to recognize same-sex “marriages” licensed in other states. Unbelievably, the Democratic Party has now pledged to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which would subject every state to the redefinition of marriage by a judge without ever allowing the people to vote on the matter. We also urge Congress to use its Article III, Section 2 power to prevent activist federal judges from imposing upon the rest of the nation the judicial activism in Massachusetts and California. We also encourage states to review their marriage and divorce laws in order to strengthen marriage.

As the family is our basic unit of society, we oppose initiatives to erode parental rights.

Can you stand it?

Palin Receives Rubber Dodo Award

2008-09-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

According to an article in "The Guardian UK" The Centre for Biological Diversity has given Sarah Palin the Rubber Dodo Award for insisting that the Polar Bear population is actually increasing across the Arctic. I can think of lots of other good reasons that she deserves this award, too!!

It's the Economy Stupid (and your old worn out policies)

2008-09-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

As the American economy continues to unravel, the Republican candidate for president wants voters to believe that the policies of his party and the Bush administration have nothing to do with the current crisis. I was feeling a real disconnect watching the McCain television ads. My feelings were confirmed when I read the September 17th New York Times by Kitty Bennett, Michael Luo, Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny.
According the article, McCain’s record on this topic, “… and the views of those he has always cited as his most influential advisers, suggest that he has never departed in any major way from his party’s embrace of deregulation and relying more on market forces than on the government to exert discipline.”

Courting Equality

2008-09-15T19:05:00.001-07:00

If you care about civil rights, marriage equality and equal justice under the law, you'll want to check out the book "Courting Equality." This is a compelling book which chronicles the history leading up to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. The text by Patricia Gozemba and Karen Kahn, and the striking photography by Marilyn Humphries, make this book an excellent gift for those in the forefront of the movement for equal rights, and those who support their cause. More...

Interesting Web Site

2008-09-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of the most interesting Web sites I've come across. It has links to old movies, educational videos, old radio programs, TV shows and lots more. Check it out...I think you'll be amazed, educated or entertained...maybe all three.

www.archive.org

Truth or Consequences

2008-09-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

After watching Sarah Palin's interviews, I thought of the old TV show, "Truth or Consequences." She can't tell the truth and, if the McCain/Palin ticket is elected, the American people will pay the consequences. First, Palin was almost incapable of answering some of the questions during the ABC interviews. Although her beauty contest background may make her capable of looking comfortable when she doesn't know what she's doing, when it comes to her answers to the tough questions, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT SHE'S DOING. OK, She didn't know what the Bush Doctrine is, and she has NO foreign policy background. How can any American think she's ready to be vice-president or president?

The questions about gun control made me laugh. I'm still wondering when anyone used a semi-automatic assault rifle responsibly, or hunted with one. Maybe that's something they do in Alaska.

When I see her, or see the attack ads that distort Obama's positions, I just make another donation to the Obama/Biden campaign, or make more phone calls to undecided voters. I hope a lot of other people do the same.

Liar, Liar, Pantsuit on Fire

2008-09-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, Sarah Palin has made a lot of statements since she accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination. Many of them have either been falsehoods, or misrepresentations of the record. Several reports have said that, although she still comments about turning down the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere," she actually supported it until it was already almost dead in Congress...AND, the state kept the money. Also, as someone who promises to change the way things are done in Washington, she has reportedly taken advantage of many earmarks. The "Washington Post," states that, according to a government watchdog group, while she was mayor of Wasilla she hired a lobbyist to secure almost $27 million in federal earmarks for her small town. Palin and McCain are both bending the truth, or lying, for political advantage. I guess that's what happens when you have a candidate whose foreign policy experience is that she can see Russia from Alaska.

Sarah Palin Gender Card | The Daily Show | Comedy Central

2008-09-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin Gender Card | The Daily Show | Comedy Central

Palin leaves open option of war with Russia : NPR

2008-09-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Palin leaves open option of war with Russia : NPR

Will Palin’s mother-in law vote for Obama?

2008-09-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

According to an article by Nancy Dillon in the New York Daily News, Sarah Palin’s mother-in-law may be supporting Barack Obama. Although Faye Palin seems to appreciate her daughter-in-law’s “focus,” she states that she is, “not sure what she brings to the ticket other than she's a woman and a conservative.” Some members of a bible-study group who were meeting at the Mat-Su Family Restaurant in downtown Wasilla, were supportive of McCain’s choice, but Dillon quotes Bill Gleason, a 60-year-old contractor, who doesn’t think that Palin is qualified to be vice-president.
To read the entire article go to:
http://www.nydailynews.com

Free audiobooks, and more

2008-09-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

Check out free books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more at Project Gutenberg

Democracy Now! | Sarah Palin and the Wasilla Church of God

2008-09-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

Democracy Now! | Sarah Palin and the Wasilla Church of God
Click to see the video of Sarah Palin saying that the war in Iraq is "from God."

Internet Archive: Details: Outfoxed: Interview Footage

2008-09-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Internet Archive: Details: Outfoxed: Interview Footage
Click on the Article title to view video from www.archive.org which discusses why Fox News is not fair, balanced or news. This is the original footage from the documentary Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism , produced and directed by Robert Greenwald.

Sarah Palin's church and the movement to "cure" gays

2008-09-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

An AP article today reports that Sarah Palin's church is promoting a conference that vows to change gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. Personally, I'm praying fervently that Palin will either miraculously disappear, or decide that she'd rather shoot moose than be vice-president. I'd love to know if the Log Cabin Republicans are supporting this "ticket from hell."

WHICH PARTY REALLY CARES ABOUT THE MIDDLE CLASS?

2008-09-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

click title to view video

Where's the lipstick?

2008-09-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the Republican convention went off without an idea. What a surprise. When you don't have a record or a platform to stand on, you conduct mean-spirited diatribes against your opponent, try to scare voters with worn out phrases, and come up with a gimmick to parade as a vice-presidential candidates. We know where the beef and all the red meat is...Sarah Palin fed it to the delegates. I think there was something very telling in the comment from the Republican campain manager,who stated that the election is not about issues. No talk of the economy, health care, education, child care, homeless veterans, the deplorable condition of some veterans hospitals.

Sarah Palin said that, "The difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull is...lipstick." So...where's the lipstick?

Is Sarah Palin a reincarnation of Spiro Agnew?

2008-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin's attack on journalists, and anyone else who was in her crosshairs, reminded me of Spiro Agnew's comments about, "...effete impudent snobs, pusillanimous pussyfooters, and nattering nabobs." Instead of discussing issues, Palin resorted to personal attacks on Obama/Biden, their supporters and anyone who doesn't agree with her conservative views. She's got to realize that most women and men are, I hope, too intelligent to fall for these stale old Republican tactics.

By the way, Phyllis Schlafly(remember her)?, is not reincarnated, she's still with us. I heard her speaking from the floor of the Republican convention, stating that the platform and the party were going to drive John McCain "after" he's elected. She also had the gall to infer that if a Democratic woman had been pregnant with a Down Syndrome child, the woman would have had an abortion. How does she know the lives and views of all women?

McCain's Views on Gay Adoption

2008-09-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Click title to Read McCain's attempt to "clarify," his views on whether or not gays should be able to adopt children.

Amy Goodman of Democracy Now Arrested at RNC

2008-09-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Click Article title to view video

Journalist Amy Goodman was arrested outside the Republican National Convention, even though it's obvious that she didn't do anything wrong. According to Goodman she was wearing her press credentials at the time.

Free Press?

Deface the Nation

2008-09-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

I was thinking that, if McCain/Palin get elected, we'd need to change the name of the TV program from Face the Nation to Deface the Nation, in light of their environmental policies.

Gourmet Sound Bites

2008-08-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

In another desperate attempt to portray Senator Barack Obama as nothing more than a media star, Republican Rep. Peter Torkildsen said that voters would prefer a workhorse to a showhorse. I'll bet Obama has worked at least as hard in his life as John McCain.

True to form, the Republicans think that the election will be determined by cute sound bites. With the wealth of McCain and his wife, they may be gourmet sound bites, but they have no substance.

How many houses do you have?

Voter ID Cards

2008-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

I heard I discussion on C-Span in which Republican operatives were adding amendments to their party platform. I'm fairly sure they passed an amendment that favors requiring Photo IDs on election day. I've voted in every election that I've been eligible to vote in, but I can't guarantee that I wouldn't misplace an ID card and be unable to vote. The wealthy may have time to drive around all day, but for those of us who vote on the way home from work, it would be a real pain to have to go home after work on election day if we had forgotten our voter ID cards. People complain about voter apathy, but the Republicans seem to want to increase it.

Maybe I heard wrong...

Endangered Species (click here for original article)

2008-08-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the May 22nd, 2008 article in the "New York Times," about Governor Sarah Palin's challenge to Polar Bears being listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

GOP--Great Old Pretender

2008-08-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's fitting that McCain announced his VP choice at the Nutter Center. He's off-center with this one, and maybe off his rocker. Does he really think that women are stupid enough to fall for this transparent choice. As a former Hillary Clinton supporter, I'm certainly not going to support ANY woman. Governor Palin minored on Politics in college. She has no foreign policy experience that I'm aware of. She is anti-choice. She's wrong on how to solve the energy crisis. Women won't support her just because she's female. Most of us are smarter than that!!

A senior moment, McCain?