29 October 2008
86 Year Old Volunteer Charles Alexander Wins Lottery Chance To Meet Barack Obama
Boulder County, (CO), resident Charles Alexander, 86, an Obama field-office volunteer, wins a raffle chance to meet Barack Obama on October 26.
This was produced by the Obama campaign, but I really cannot see how one could malign it for that reason.
I have watched this a couple of times so far, and each time I found tears in my eyes. I am not ashamed.
via: Viral Video Chart
John McCain, Sarah Palin, Barbara "O'Reilley" West, (WFTV) And Republican Demagogues:
Is This Tomorrow?
nationmaster.com/McCarthyism(both images and text)
L: Herbert Block (aka Herblock) coined the term "McCarthyism" in this cartoon in the March 29, 1950 Washington Post,
The first recorded use of the term McCarthyism was in a March 29, 1950 political cartoon by Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert Block (aka Herblock). The cartoon depicted four leading Republicans trying to push an elephant (the traditional symbol of the Republican Party) to stand on a teetering stack of ten tar buckets, the topmost of which was labeled "McCarthyism."
R: Cover to the propaganda comic book "Is This Tomorrow"' published in 1947 by the Catechetical Guild,
"Since the time of McCarthy, the word "McCarthyism" has entered American speech as a general term for a variety of distasteful practices: aggressively questioning a person's patriotism, making poorly supported accusations, using accusations of disloyalty to pressure a person to adhere to conformist politics or to discredit an opponent, subverting civil rights in the name of national security and the use of demagoguery are all often referred to as McCarthyism."nationmaster.com/McCarthyism
Just a note: I had a surprise return call from an executive near the top of WFTV here in Orlando, (above the News Director's level, who I would rather not name, because she stuck her neck out and was honest by taking some responsibility. This executive, upon answering my questions concerning Barbara West's "journalism" and bias in her ridiculous "interview" with Joe Biden, engaged me on a whole range of topics for about 30 minutes. Now I'm known for talking a lot, but I found it interesting that this person would discuss political and social issues of her own accord without any real jabbering or prompting from me. It gave me something to feel good about in terms of our media institutions and their ethics. Good on you Madam executive.
28 October 2008
L'Assiette au Beurre: Victorian Cartoons And Illustrations
via You Will Be Assimilated:
'L'Assiette au Beurre' by Gustave Henri Jossot, 1904. (Literally: "Butter to the plate"[?] Help me here, folks)
via: BibliOdessey
Shot Fired From Ak-47 Using Schlieren Photography
You Will Be Assimilated:
Shot fired from an AK-47 using Schlieren photography. This method “involves shining collimated light past a knife edge onto a target, and variations in the refractive index of moving air create ‘shadows’ of a sort in the image captured on film…[I]t’s most often used to solve aeronautical air-flow problems, or weapons in action.”
Via Gizmodo who has a gross, yet fascinating, picture of a cough using the same technology.
27 October 2008
I Want to Go Moose Hunting with Sarah Palin
I spent the afternoon doing a trigger job on a Rock Island Armory M1911A1. That’s a .45 automatic pistol for those who don’t know the nomenclature. I got it down to a crisp 3 ½ lbs. of pull with no creep. I added a custom hammer and an extended beavertail grip safety because I was getting some serious hammer bite. Sarah would appreciate this trigger job. She likes guns.
I want to go moose hunting with Sarah Palin.
Now, I’d have to buy some kind of stud rifle like a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe or a Browning A-Bolt topped off with a Leupold scope. You can’t go hunting with Sarah packing some Wal-Mart special.
I’ll admit it. I’m in love with Sarah. I’ve always had a weakness for brunettes, especially those endowed with proportions like hers. We would have to figure out a way to disable hubby’s snowmobile so he couldn’t follow us – three would definitely be a crowd – and we would need a couple of bottles of good bourbon to help her get over her religious scruples, but that wouldn’t be too hard. When you get the Pentecostals liquored up, they start speaking in a whole new language.
She’d have to teach me how to field dress a moose. I’ve never done that before. I’ve dressed deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds and fish, but never something as big as a moose.
I don’t even care if she wins the election or not, except that it would keep that weenie, Obama from being elected. Obama doesn’t like guns. Girlie man. He’s one of those “ban ‘em so only the gangsters will have them” kinds of guys. Of course, no one ought to be surprised since they’ve been singing that song in Chicago since Al Capone. Washington doesn’t deserve Sarah. She’s too good for those creeps. Washington deserves Rosie O’Donnell. Now that would be justice. Sarah can just continue to reign as queen of my dreams and let the Bolsheviks in Washington stew in their own juices.
Just imagine the exquisite splendor of waking up in a tent on a frosty Alaska morning with Sarah in the sleeping bag next to you, fresh snow outside under a perfect blue sky, the faint scent of gun powder and moose blood still on your clothes. Oh, man.
Now, I know that what I’m contemplating represents some serious sinning, but we could have a “come to Jesus” moment and repent when we got back to town. It would be worth it.
The Mountain Nymph, Sweet Liberty Julia Margaret Cameron 1866
The Mountain Nymph, Sweet Liberty, photograph by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1867; in the George Eastman House Collection, Rochester, New York.
George Eastman House Collection
Julia Margaret Cameron, The Mountain Nymph, Sweet Liberty, June 1866, albumen print from collodion negative, .361 x .267 m (14 3/16 x 10 1/2 inches), National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
Phrenology Types New Physiognomy Or SIgns Of Character (...) In The Human Face Divine
From New Physiognomy Or Signs Of Character As Manifested Through Temperament And External Forms And Especially In The Human Face Divine ! S. R. Wells NY, 1871 (composite) images via: Boston College Department of Fine Arts
It Is Actually In Print, here.
DISCLAIMER: I want NOTHING to do with the branch of this pseudo-science called "Racial-Phrenology" or any other opportunistic discipline that has used Phrenology to perpetuate myths about peoples of color, or other minorities, ethnic groups or otherwise. That is all.
Walt Whitman With Kitty And Harry Johnston New York July 1878 By William Kurtz
Date: July 1878
Place: New York
Photographer: William Kurtz
Note: Written on the back of the Library of Congress copy of this photo: "Walt Whitman with 'Kitty' (Katharine Devereux) and 'Harry' (Harold Hugh) Johnston, children of John H. and Amelia F. Johnston." Johnston was a New York jeweler who befriended Whitman and housed him for long stays in New York in the late 1870s. During his first stay in 1877, Whitman experienced the death of Amelia Johnston as she gave birth to Harry. In 1878, Whitman wrote that "The little 15 months old baby, little Harry . . . is a fine, good bright child, not very rugged, but gets along very well—”I take him in my arms always after breakfast & go out in front for a short walk—”he is very contented & good with me—”little Kitty goes too." Whitman worried about Harry's health—”"I hardly think its tenure of life secure." Whitman reported that the children called him "Uncle Walt," and he found them "model children lively & free & children" who "form a great part of my comfort here." In a 1911 letter, J. H. Johnston remembered that during his brief two-day visit in July 1878, "Walt enjoyed rambling up & down the Avenue and opposite in Central Park with our two youngest children, and one day of his own accord he took them down to Kurtz-then the most famous photographer in New York and had himself photographed with them." There is also a cropped and touched up version of this photograph with a clutch of grass added in Harry's hand. The grass in Harry's hand turns him into a representation of the child in "Song of Myself" who said "What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands."
Type: Carte-de-visite
Credit: Alderman Library, University of Virginia
ID: 065
via; Whitman Archive
Cassius Clay/ Muhammad ALi (1966) WOULD YOU BELIEVE NAZIS IN OUR CITY?
Chicago, IL (1966) -- Heavyweight champion Cassius Clay (aka Muhammad Ali) casts a wondered look at a marquee that reads "WOULD YOU BELIEVE NAZIS IN OUR CITY" at the entrance to a South Side motel. Clay is in Chicago attending a Black Muslim convention at the International Amphitheater. The Champ, who takes off for Germany on August 29, drew a standing ovation when he addressed a huge crowd at the convention.
(via)
Christoper Hitchens And Carol Blue Photographed By Annie Leibovitz (1990)
Christopher Hitchens and his wife Carol Blue, photographed by Annie Leibovitz in 1990
" In May 2008, Hitchens voluntarily experienced waterboarding, a controversial torture that has been used on prisoners held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay.
After he rejected the notion that waterboarding constituted torture, he was asked by Vanity Fair to experience it for himself. After the experience he fully changed his opinion. He concluded "if waterboarding does not constitute torture, then there is no such thing as torture."
Wikipedia
via: AndyRoss.net
26 October 2008
Metaphysical Self-Trepantion Self-Portrait By Painter Madeline Von Foerster
Self-Trepanation Self-Portrait (2005) Madeline Von Foerster.com
"During a previous period of depression in my life, I often experienced a severe sensation of pressure in my cranium. It sometimes felt so unbearable I wished I had a hole in my head! A friend told me, "Maybe you just need to be trepannated!" It was a revelation to discover that this surgery existed and was used therapeutically for centuries. My depression later abated and I never pursued that treatment, but my interest continued and I was compelled to make this painting.
I guess it is a "metaphysical" rather than medical interpretation of trepanation, since I am having the surgery performed by a non-corporeal version of myself...I hope you find it interesting..."
I actually had visited this beauty some months ago. Here's a great starter article on this subject by our friend Mo: An illustrated History of Trepanation from 2007. Ms. Von Foerster recently left the above comment on that post.
George Wallace Out The Fires Of Hate Saturday Evening Post 15 June 1968
George Wallace 15 June 1968 Saturday Evening Post
Photo and Illustration of Hell: Merritt, Vernon & McCoy, Dan
Via:Curtis Publishing
Robert F. Kennedy And Kids 26 August 1967 Saturday Evening Post
Robert F. Kennedy and children 26 August, 1967 Saturday Evening Post-Photo by Philippe Halsman
Via: Curtis Publishing
Phrenology: The Science Of Bumps On Your Head And Of The Fine Arts
You Will Be Assimilated:
ffffound:
Roger Ebert's Chicago Sun Times Blog
The Management does NOT approve of, or endorse those who would use Phrenology, or "Racial-Phrenology" to perpetuate myths, slanders or discriminations against persons of color, minorities, or other ethnic group. That is All.
Free Speech By Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post
"Free Speech" by Norman Rockwell, Saturday Evening Post February 20, 1943
via: Curtis-"The Art Of Licensing" Est.1888
From a series in 1943 including Freedom From Fear.
25 October 2008
Sarah Palin Mocks Fruit-Fly Research A Primary Tool In Genetic Research Including Autism
It just keeps on coming. Could it be that this is a political death-wish? Is someone In the campaign Having fun with her, or is she doing herself in by insisting on controlling her own narrative without the facts, then showing her ignorance and arrogance more openly?
No more excuses Governor.
"Where does a lot of that earmark money end up anyway? […] You've heard about some of these pet projects they really don't make a whole lot of sense and sometimes these dollars go to projects that have little or nothing to do with the public good. Things like fruit fly research in Paris, France. I kid you not."
From Scienceblog's Biologist Pharyngula: (And these are the kind words)
"Yes, scientists work on fruit flies. Some of the most powerful tools in genetics and molecular biology are available in fruit flies, and these are animals that are particularly amenable to experimentation. Molecular genetics has revealed that humans share key molecules, the basic developmental toolkit, with all other animals, thanks to our shared evolutionary heritage (something else the wackaloon from Wasilla denies), and that we can use these other organisms to probe the fundamental mechanisms that underlie core processes in the formation of the nervous system — precisely the phenomena Palin claims are so important."
When will this woman finally be discredited once and for all for the moronic demagogue and fool that she is? And I am being factual and kind here. If this were an election involving a white man, she would have been laughed out of the race long ago.
A John McCain Sarah Palin Dr. Seuss Style Cautionary Tale: The Vet That Did Not Vet
Filled with rage and deep regret,
I lash out on the Internet, and throw things at my TV set.
Vetdidnotvet at Gmail dot com via : Viral Video Chart
This is right on time, and Dr. Seuss would be thrilled.
Pete Seeger: Mary Wore Three Links Of Chain, Every Link Was Freedom's Name
(Photographer and source not provided, sorry.) via: If Charlie Parker Was Gunslinger
I was immediately reminded of this picture as being relevant, given the chilling pronouncements about "Anti-Americans" uttered by Michele Bachman, Sarah Palin and Robin Davies, (among others), in the last several days. As you might recall, Bachman, who is a Republican member of congress claimed that the Democratic nominee, very likely was Anti-American, and for good measure, called for the Press to investigate other members of Congress to see if they might be "Anti-America, or Pro-America". Sound familiar?
New York (1955)-- Banjo-playing folk singer Pete Seeger, 36, appears at the House Un-American Activities Committee, (HUAC), hearing August 18th in New York, as the committee continued its investigation into the entertainment industry. Seeger said the committee had no right to pry into his personal affairs. he said he loves his country "very dearly" and insisted he has never done anything of a conspiratorial nature. Otherwise he declined to answer questions. Here Seeger shows what he is best at, playing banjo and heartily singing.
Note: Bruce Springsteen recorded this traditional song with The Seeger Sessions Band during the "Seeger Sessions". The song is included on Bruce's 2006 cover album, We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Sessions. See: The Lebanese Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Oh Mary Don't You Weep-Pete Seeger
Edgar Allan Poe's Obituary October 7th, 1849 (#7) Republished
Poe's Obituary was republished in the Read Street Blog of the Baltimore Sun.Com I found it via USA TODAY Print edition, October, 23, 2008. (Sorry about the #Hex Codes)
He died at Church Hospital in Baltimore's Washington Hill neighborhood. on October 7, 1849. Here it is:
DEATH OF EDGAR A. POE -- We regret to learn that Edgar A. Poe, Esq., the distinguished American poet, scholar and critic, died in this city yesterday morning, after an illness of four or five days. This announcement, coming so sudden and unexpected, will cause poignant regret among all who admire genius, and have sympathies for the frailties too often attending it. Mr. Poe, we believe, was a native of this state, though reared by a foster father at Richmond, Va., where he lately spent some time on a visit. He was in the 38th year of his age.
Note: it's interesting to note that while impossible to say with absolute certainty, most folks in the know, find that Poe could certainly be diagnosed as a Manic-Depressive. Note the familiar reference: [His death] will cause poignant regret among all who admire genius, and have sympathies for the frailties too often attending it. He's in Hillbilly's Manic-Depressives Hall Of Fame.
The rest of the Sun's page that day is worth a look, here.
Jack Elam Was One Crazy Cowboy-And One Of The Best
Jack Elam, in unknown title. (no information provided, of course)
The humor and pathos in all of Jack's work really made me a huge fan.
via: The (Sloppy) Gunslinger
23 October 2008
Gunny Heaven
Favorite People. Favorite Activity. Favorite Place. Perfect weather. It really doesn’t get much better than this. Marian, Alex and I went out to a farm in Meade County for a training session hosted by my guru, Jim Higginbotham. The agenda for the day was to shoot the FBI qualifier, but to do it in half the time, so if the qualifier specified 12 seconds for a string of fire, we did it in 6. Interspersed were tales and anecdotes, explanations and technical guidance. Alex used the Springfield XD-9 Tactical. Marian used her S&W 640. I started out with my Series 70 Combat Commander but switched to the Kimber Pro Carry when the Commander started acting up. A new extractor is on order.
Even with some gun malfunctions and shooting in double-time, I qualified for the FBI which is a scary thought in itself. The difficulties with my beloved Commander reminded me in a powerful way that even the best autoloaders can get fussy and have problems sometimes. The experience also underscored the value of a regular training schedule to maintain skills and test equipment.
We also did some move-and-shoot and reloading practice drills, these laced with liberal doses of rationale and doctrine. I love listening to Jim tell stories. He’s a great collector of stories that illustrate the tactical realities that we face. If you want to listen to some of what Jim did, click here and listen to the podcast. Finally the last sharp report of pistol fire echoed away into the hills and the last brass clattered to the ground. We did our farewells and loaded the gear into the car. A day spent shooting like this has the effect of a good tranquilizer on me. We hit the road in the hotrod Nissan for the drive back to town. I felt like a million dollars.
We talked about what we’d learned or not learned, lots of politics, mostly how we really don’t like Barak Obama, and wound down the country road under a brilliant blue sky with the car purring like a kitten. Back in town we went to Kroger’s and bought a monster T-Bone, a rib eye, and a filet mignon, each our individual favorites. Back at the house, we fired up the charcoal grill and splashed some good bourbon over ice. Music on the stereo and baked potatoes in the oven, we just let the profound cool-ness of the day wash over us.
It really doesn’t get much better than this.
21 October 2008
Sarah Palin, Are You Smarter Than A 3rd Grader? ("In Charge Of The Senate?)WTF?
Sarah Palin takes a Fourth crack at getting the job and duties of the vice-president correct, as laid out in the constitution of the United States. The question came from a 3rd grader during an interview with an adult. I think my head is going to explode. This is one of many copies I found on the Viral Video Chart. I have to honestly say that I have only been to The Daily Kos once in my life, and this wasn't it.
Pinkerton's Security 1880
"This photograph was made in about 1880, and shows three agents from the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The man in the middle is William Pinkerton, son of the group's founder, Allan Pinkerton. Allan Pinkerton was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and provided protection for the president while he was in office. Perhaps only the Texas Rangers were more feared by outlaws, bank robbers and bandits."
(No image credit provided, sorry) Pinkerton's via: Old Photos
John Hodgman's ( I'm A PC) New Book: More Information Than You Require
Elements of composite from The 700 Hobo's Project and John Hodgman's Peek You Profile.
John Hodgman's new book, "More Information Than You Require" was officially released today. You can also read his make-believe blog, areasofmyexpertise.
40,000 Show To See (sort of) Barack Obama And Hillary Clinton In Central Florida
The red arrow indicates where Clinton and Obama stood.
I guess the Secret Service closed the gates after the placed filled with 20,000 or so early-birds. I stood in line for 2 hours, and when the allowed the overflow in, there wasn't much room. I basically got as far as just inside the gate.
40,000 cheer Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton in Orlando [after a weekend rally boasting an unprecedented 100,000 in St. Louis under the arch]
Jim Stratton and Daphne Sashin |Orlando Sentinel Staff Writers
October 21, 2008
With two weeks until Election Day, he is dumping huge resources into the state. His campaign has said it will spend $39 million in Florida, and Obama recently dispatched his senior strategists to the state to oversee the race's homestretch.
Campaigning in Orlando for the first time since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama rallied an estimated 40,000 supporters at Amway Arena on Monday, saying he'd offer a "rescue plan for the middle class" by creating "jobs, baby, jobs."
19 October 2008
Beautiful Bride (Of Frank)
Sorry, no image credit provided
Suicideblonde
Sleazette:Mogadonia:getthefuckoutrightnow: via: goodwinter
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama For President October 19
(sorry, no image credit found)
BREAKING NEWS
msnbc.com and NBC News
updated 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president on Sunday, criticizing his own Republican Party for what he called its narrow focus on irrelevant personal attacks over a serious approach to challenges he called unprecedented.
Excerpt of pool news conference following endorsement on Meet The Press:
Powell: (…) We have two wars. We have economic problems. We have health problems. We have education problems. We have infrastructure problems. We have problems around the world with our allies. So those are the problems the American people wanted to hear about, not about Mr. Ayers, not about who's a Muslim or who's not a Muslim. Those kinds of images going out on Al-Jazeera are killing us around the world.
And we have got to say to the world, it doesn't make any difference who you are or what you are, if you're an American, you're an American. And this business, for example, of the congressman from Minnesota who's going around saying, "Let's examine all congressmen to see who is pro-America or not pro-America" -- we have got to stop this kind of nonsense, pull ourselves together and remember that our great strength is in our unity and in our diversity. And so, that really was driving me.
And to focus on people like Mr. Ayers and these trivial issues, for the purpose of suggesting that somehow Mr. Obama would have some kind of terrorist inclinations, I thought that was over the top. It was beyond just good political fighting back and forth. I think it went beyond. And to sort of throw in this little Muslim connection, you know, "He's a Muslim and, my goodness, he's a terrorist" -- it was taking root. And we can't judge our people and we can't hold our elections on that kind of basis.
My opinion is that the man has been troubled since the run up to the war, and I think he must have finally had enough.
Yvonne Gardelle Poses For Father/Sculptor Carlton 1923
January 25, 1923, Los Angeles Times photographic archive, UCLA Library Copyright Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Title: Yvonne Gardelle posing for her father/husband sculptor Carlton Gardelle in Los Angeles, Calif., 1923
Published caption: Actress and Model weds Sculptor. Above, Yvonne Gardelle posing as a model for Carlton Gardelle.
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Publication date: January 5, 1923
Notes: Handwriting on negative states "Mrs. Yvonne Gardelle (Posing) Mr. Gardelle (Artist)"
YIKES! Someone got confused on this one! Yvonne Gardelle was in fact Carlton Gardelle's daughter. From Silent Ladies:
From Who's Who on the Screen (1920)
Yvonne Gardelle came to the screen quite by accident. It so happens that Miss Gardelle's father is a sculptor. He was chosen to make the statues which are shown in different stages of completion in William De Mille's production, "The Prince Chap." Mr. Gardelle needed a real model to work from and Tom Meighan needed a screen model for the picture. Naturally Miss Gardelle's father chose his daughter as his model and when Mr. De Mille saw her, it immediately occurred to him that she was quite attractive enough, as well as talented enough to take the part in the screen play. Thus Miss Gardelle whose previous professional experience had been that of model, singer and dancer, has now added that of motion picture actress to her attainments.
The Quiet Beatle (George Harrison) Before A Crowd Of Photographers
October 25, 1974 Los Angeles Times photographic archive, UCLA Library. Copyright Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library. (CC)
Published caption: TALK ON--Cameraman to the right, cameramen to the left, cameramen straight ahead, but rock star and ex-Beatle George Harrison held his own. TV crews left before the most quoteworthy statements.
18 October 2008
"I Am NOT a Republican" YPM Voter Registration Fraud
Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times
"I am not a Republican," insisted Karen Ashcraft, 47, a pet clinic manager from Ventura who said she was duped by a signature gatherer into joining the GOP. "I certainly . . . won't sign anything in front of a grocery store ever again."
By Evan Halper and Michael Rothfeld, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
October 18, 2008
SACRAMENTO -- Dozens of newly minted Republican voters say they were duped into joining the party by a GOP contractor with a trail of fraud complaints stretching across the country.
Voters contacted by The Times said they were tricked into switching parties while signing what they believed were petitions for tougher penalties against child molesters. Some said they were told that they had to become Republicans to sign the petition, contrary to California initiative law. Others had no idea their registration was being
It is a bait-and-switch scheme familiar to election experts. The firm hired by the California Republican Party -- a small company called Young Political Majors, or YPM, which operates in several states -- has been accused of using the tactic across the country.
The entire story, here.
More Hate Speech At Palin Rally In Johnstown, Pennsylvania
We are approaching the sort of hate that we had in the sixties. We knew it was there, we just didn't know when it would surface. In addition, we are starting to see the kind of hysteria that came with McCarthyism in the fifties, and we're bordering on Fascism. We'll have to see how far they go in trying to win an election.
via: Viral Video Chart
Sarah Palin: 1 IN 6 Chance To be President If McCain Elected (Actuarial Tables)
Take note of Katie Couric's facial expressions during this clip.
"I Am Pro-American So I Am Sending Gov. Palin A Postcard"
From a Nashville, TN. member of iReport: The Post: is here.
"I ask all Americans to read this and to participate"
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told a fundraiser in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday night:
"We believe that the best of America is in the small towns that we get to visit, and in the wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard-working, very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation," she said. [WTF!?]
"I am astonished at this statement. I was born in East Los Angeles, and lived all over southern California until I was 13. Then I moved to a town that was not even on a map at the time called Canal Fulton, OH (it's a real place...look it up!). When I went to college I came to where I now call home...Nashville. Now I am the first to say there are HUGE differences among these three places I call home. However, NEVER...I MEAN NEVER ONCE in my 29 years have I ever thought that one of these places loved this country any more (or less) then the other. Gov. Palin apparently does.
This statement wasn't about Politics. It was about bigotry. Not aimed at any specific group (Liberals, blacks, hispanics, homosexuals) that might have a group organized and loud enough to have a backlash....but bigotry none the less.
So today this is what I ask of you. No matter who you support in this election, I ask all that feel that this statement is divisive and UNTRUE, to send Gov Palin a postcard from the big city you live in (or have lived in). I want her to see in a very real and very tangible way that we love our country, just as much as any person in a small town. REAL AMERICA is the sum of its people, not a location on a map. We live in the roughest parts of Los Angeles, the most expensive penthouse in New York, and the three bedroom home in Wasilla, Alaska. Please be respectful but be clear:
I am Pro-American and I am from the REAL America. I live (have lived) in (CITY)
I call on all of us who feel we are patriotic and send your city's postcard to Gov. Palin's office."
Juneau Office
Alaska State Capitol Building
Third Floor
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001
Washington DC Office
444 North Capitol NW, Suite 336
Washington, DC 20001-1512
If you don't have the time of the money to mail a postcard you can email her your comments here http://gov.state.ak.us/govmail.php
Alaska Whales Protected Over Palin's Objections
Qannik, a 6-year-old beluga whale, swims in a tank at his new home at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash., Monday, June 11, 2007. Beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet are endangered and require additional protection to survive, the government declares, contradicting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who has questioned whether the striking white whales are declining. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The Bush administration yesterday named the beluga whale in Alaska's Cook Inlet an endangered species despite opposition to the move by Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee. The complete Washington Post story, here.
Fascist Congresswoman Calls Obama Anti-American
Wants Press To Expose Anti-Americans In Congress
Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachman, (R)Minnesota, insists that Barack Obama's "associations" indicate that he is "Anti-American", and wants the "Press" to expose other people who are "Anti-American" in the United States Congress. This is at the very least McCarthyism, if not outright Fascism. God help us.
via: Viral Video Chart
17 October 2008
Homer Simpson Might Get to Vote For Obama In Ohio
This is not a joke. Matt Groening is deadly serious about this, and this is how he will reach people.
Some states and municipalities have reverted to paper ballots so there is a paper trail. The electronic machines were really a project and priority for the RNC and compulsive liar and crook Karl Rove. Although there are still efforts to disenfranchise voters in some states by way of address matching, I'm hoping that we won't have a third election in a row with huge voting irregularities like we had in Florida in 2000, and Ohio in 2004.
Now that we have a full-on effort by Republicans to suppress the vote, this deserves to be be posted regularly.
Ohio Democrats Win at Top U.S. Court in Voting Fight
By Greg Stohr
Oct. 17 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Supreme Court, siding with Democrats, freed Ohio officials from a lower court order that might have limited participation by[some 200,000] new voters in next month's presidential election.
The rest of the story, is here.
16 October 2008
The Penguin And Obama: The Debate
This is hard to believe, but this is John McCain's narrative, nearly word for word. One of my favorite shows from kidhood, and freaking hilarious.
via: Viral Video Chart
"Governor Palin, She Should Have A Choice."
livesophia:
thenewfilsofee:
brooklynmutt:
via: until:
"This ran once on MSNBC on the Washington, DC cable system, immediately after the debate."
Native Woman And Man
1912 - Situwuka & Katkwachsnea "Copyright The Shortridges"
via Suicideblonde
There was no additional information with this, but to me, it looks like a "Good Type". (as in stereotype). It's nearly identical to the Meijii period, (Victorian, roughly), portraits taken of Japanese folks in stereotypical, or "traditional" garb or situations. These were taken by westerners and europeans to sell as postcards and as "art". It's a long story I will try to post some Japanese "Types" with more information.
15 October 2008
Mia Farrow And Diane Arbus
Mia Farrow
Diane Arbus, Carole Lieffe Gallery, via Artnet.com (no further information provided)
I am going to try and look the particulars of this portrait up, at least the date. For some reason, out of all of the galleries represented here, the Lieffe Gallery is the only one that provides no titles, no dates, and no locations. Other Diane Arbus prints listed by other galleries have information. Artnet.com has a bunch of awesome photographers, including Horst, Nan Goldin, Cartier-Bresson, William Eggleston and more. If you haven't been, go.
14 October 2008
Remember Bloody Sunday?
March 7, 1965 "Bloody Sunday" The poor bastard on the right who is being bloodied is John Lewis, then just 23, and a voting rights activist. (ironic, isn't it?). Lewis is now a Representative in Congress from the state of Georgia, and is the John Lewis referenced in the video by Keith Olbermann. His statement about the overt racism and incitement to violence that McCain and Palin hate speech is causing, is HERE.
John McCain's meek duality and the continuing hate speech my Governor Palin speaks for itself. There are examples of McCain being startled at the shouts of "Terrrorist!" and doing and saying NOTHING. Anyone with any sense knows where this leads.
We'll see if McCain's hollow claims and whining that he is a victim at the debate have any bearing.
I'd love to keep everything posted here warm and fluffy, but I can't.
Mia Farrow Hammers Sarah Palin
(Georgina Cranston/ UNICEF)
Some 2.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Darfur. Here, Farrow sits with children at the Zam Zam camp near El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State.
October 3, 2008 From mia farrow.org
(Also see Mia Farrow's Flickr Stream)
Despite Sarah Palins claims that she led an Alaskan campaign to divest in companies that do business with Sudan, the Washington post revealed that her administration was initially against the divestiture movement before it was for it.
The Alaska Permanent Fund still invests in companies blacklisted by advocates.
Palin's claim during the Vice Presidential Debate, October 3, 2008
"When I and others in the legislature found out we had some millions of dollars in Sudan, we called for divestment through legislation of those dollars to make sure we weren't doing anything that would be seen as condoning the activities there in Darfur."
The Facts as printed in the Washington Post, Oct 4:
An Alaska saving fund, The Alaska Permanent Fund, has around $22 million invested in international trading companies such as China Petroleum and Alstom of France, that do business with Sudanese oil interests.
Alaska Permanent Fund officials made clear from the outset that they were opposed to any divestment effort. Executive director Mike Burns told a local Anchorage TV station, KTUU, on December 11 that they were looking for the "best return" on the investments, and never took into account "socially responsible investments . . . whether it's tobacco or alcohol or hospitals that perform abortions or hospitals that don't perform abortions."
In January 2008, a bill known as HB 287 was introduced into the Alaska House of Representatives restricting investments in companies that do business with Sudan. During a committee hearing in February, a Palin administration representative, deputy revenue commissioner Brian Andrews, testified against the legislation on the grounds that it would do nothing to help "the afflicted in Sudan," and would add to the fund's administrative costs.
A co-sponsor of the legislation, Anchorage Democrat Les Gara, said that Governor Palin apparently had a change of heart on the divestment issue in March. During a brief hallway conversation, she expressed sympathy for his bill.
By that time, however, the bill had effectively died in committee.
The freaking lies keep coming.
I Want My Country Back
Image: Todd Heisler/New York Times
October 4, Philadelphia:
"I've spent 35 years writing about America, its people, and the meaning of the American Promise. The Promise that was handed down to us, right here in this city from our founding fathers, with one instruction: Do your best to make these things real. Opportunity, equality, social and economic justice, a fair shake for all of our citizens, the American idea, as a positive influence, around the world for a more just and peaceful existence. These are the things that give our lives hope, shape, and meaning. They are the ties that bind us together and give us faith in our contract with one another...
"...In my job, I travel the world, and occasionally play big stadiums, just like Senator Obama. I've continued to find, wherever I go, America remains a repository of people's hopes, possibilities, and desires, and that despite the terrible erosion to our standing around the world, accomplished by our recent administration, we remain, for many, a house of dreams. One thousand George Bushes and one thousand Dick Cheneys will never be able to tear that house down.
"They will, however, be leaving office, dropping the national tragedies of Katrina, Iraq, and our financial crisis in our laps. Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, looted, and left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again. But most importantly, it needs us. You and me. To build that house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit. A house that is truer and big enough to contain the hopes and dreams of all of our fellow citizens. That is where our future lies. We will rise or fall as a people by our ability to accomplish this task. Now I don't know about you, but I want that dream back, I want my America back, I want my country back.
"So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for the rising."
You can watch the entire 42 minutes here, if you haven't already done so.
13 October 2008
Krugman Wins Nobel For Economics
Image Credit: Rolling Stone (Good Audio Clip Here)
From the BBC Online:
"Speaking after the announcement of his win, Prof Krugman gave his verdict on current efforts to stem the global financial meltdown, saying: "I'm slightly less terrified today than I was on Friday".
Prof Krugman lectures in economics and international affairs at Princeton University in New Jersey, and also writes a regular column for the New York Times.
He has long been a fierce critic of US President George W Bush's administration, arguing that its economic policies have helped spark the current financial crisis.
The Nobel jury said Prof Krugman's work had led to theories that could help explain the effects of free trade and globalisation and the driving force behind worldwide urbanisation."
I admire Krugman for being consistently truthful and correct before the damage has been done, and in the face of the right-wing hate machine that continues to savage him in spite of it. Folks who speak truth to power are always vilified for doing so.
12 October 2008
"Patients Hospitalized For Many Years Are Now At Home"
1956 Thorazine, Smith Kline and French via decodog.com
"1956 Four Page THORAZINE (Chlorpromazine) AD, "patients hospitalized for many years are now at home", 4 page ad includes 2 page centerfold as shown and then text ad on the reverse of each page of the centerfold, Smith Kline & French Laboratories, on light card stock, each page 8" x11 1/4" (centerfold is 16" x 11 1/4"), very good condition with some of the color from the photo sides showing through on the text sides #MD29009 $20.00"
Quickly Put An End To His Violent Outburst
1950's Thorazine ad from deco dog (Could pass for a Pulp cover, n'est ce pas?)
Recently, the folks over at Uncertain Times posted a link to the gallery of psychiatric art, from Japan. They actually apharmaceutical ads, and mostly it looks like from the big US and European drug makers. I had never seen any ads from Japan, and truthfully, I find them to be a little different and on the artsy side, but essentially, they are ads for psychiatric drugs that are just presented with a little cultural twist. I'll let someone else figure out the nuances.
There is a HUGE amount of this stuff available online now, in contrast to hunting around I used to have to do. It's almost too much. below are the richest sources that I found this week when I had to find my favorite, (Pulp cover, above). One of the links might overwhelm and frighten you, as it is a deep discussion and database for " ICONOGRAPHY OF CONTAGION: AN ESSAY IN PICTURES", and as an example of one crazy topic, "MASS MEDIA MIND CONTROL AND THE HERD MENTALITY".
11 October 2008
The McCain Palin Mob
Do you reckon this woman, or any other genius on this video might have a few regrets about it now that their ignorance has gone viral? Probably not.
So. Do I find it pleasant to be posting so much about politics and by extension, hate and ignorance lately? No.
Here's some thoughts from someone else (via) That Girl Has Issues.:
"So maybe it's not a Sartrian problem, maybe it's the usual problem of racism always being more complicated than I think and the nausea I feel is more about existential angst over what seems like perpetual racial violence. The process of thinking through all of this madness fills me with gloom and anxiety. Now that it looks likely (though not at all certain) that Obama will win, which I hope he will, I have a quiet worry about the potential, maybe even inevitable, backlash. " (...)
"This fear about violating the private sphere, of course, has all kinds of sexual meaning. It's not your average rape story in which there is a clear villain (a la Birth of a Nation), but more like an Eve/Satan/apple story, in which the trusting party is outmaneuvered, taken advantage of, and experiences overwhelmingly dramatic consequences. I think that anti-Obama racism is rooted in a deep resentment that his mother, a white Kansan woman, produced this foreign Black boy, who somehow, through a mastery of manipulation of the public, bested everybody (including other more racially obedient white women such as Clinton and Palin) and will win the highest office in the land. Obama's mama invited the vampire of Black foreignness into the white home of America, and he seduced her, impregnated her, and their spawn has been taking over ever since."
[We] Obama Knew It Was Coming All Along
Of course, this is a very reasonable way to point out what has been happening in this country for 20 months. Until this past week, the McCain campaign was happy to have surrogates and proxies do the heavy lifting of racism. We all knew that the McCain campaign would find themselves in this position, regardless of the financial climate. It's also proof to me, as most of us suspected from the beginning, that this is the final stage of the McCain campaign's purpose for Sarah Palin in her role as sacrificial lamb. She has embraced her duties with religious fervor, even as she destroys what's left of her political career. How is it that Sarah Palin signed on to a program whose main premise was sexism and racism, which required her to literally become the object of ridicule, and then to have her happily self-destruct? She's been used-up, and she has seemed happy to oblige. I have my own suspicions, but I'm going to leave this one up to the social scientists and those who study race and gender in particular.
10 October 2008
Seesaw Bench To Facilitate Conversation
Seesaw To Facilitate Conversation Martin Nicolausson
From: hrrrthrrr:"Swedish designer Martin Nicolausson, (with Tom Eriksson), created this seesaw bench to faciclitate conversations between strangers."
“An attempt at getting strangers to converse in public spaces. This bench requires cooperation to be functional.”
Type The Sky LISA REINERMANN
Type The Sky By Lisa Reinermann, Slanted (#6) Typography Weblog und Magazin
via: hrrrthrrr, and a peasnpickles life
09 October 2008
John Lennon: Peace And Liberty
Ordinary Finds:
"Two icons - one of peace, one of liberty…
John Lennon would have been 68 today."
(Sorry, no documentation)
Marlon "Bud" Brando Jr., Age 7
Marlon "Bud" Brando Jr., age 7, Omaha, Nebraska. (No source or credit, sorry) Also nicknamed "Mr. Mumbles" in adulthood, by Frank Sinatra.
they all owe you some gratitude, Bud.
via: Dr. X's Free Association
08 October 2008
Give Me Liberty-Naomi Wolf And No, I Am Not Crazy
Viral Video Chart Dot Com
Naomi Wolf is not a crack-Pot wearing a tin-foil hat, and neither am I. Most of what she has to say here has a factual basis... Naomi has the credibility, though she has been routinely savaged by the right wing since she was a senior adviser to Al Gore in the 2000
From Salon.com:
" For more than 100 years — since the end of the Civil War — deployment of the U.S. military inside the U.S. has been prohibited under The Posse Comitatus Act (the only exceptions being that the National Guard and Coast Guard are exempted, and use of the military on an emergency ad hoc basis is permitted, such as what happened after Hurricane Katrina). Though there have been some erosions of this prohibition over the last several decades (most perniciously to allow the use of the military to work with law enforcement agencies in the “War on Drugs”), the bright line ban on using the U.S. military as a standing law enforcement force inside the U.S. has been more or less honored — until now. And as the Army Times notes, once this particular brigade completes its one-year assignment, “expectations are that another, as yet unnamed, active-duty brigade will take over and that the mission will be a permanent one.”
Here is the Army Times Piece. Please make note of the sections on training for "civil unrest" and of course the clubs, Tasers, and rubber bullets. "Supporting" and participating in civilian law-enforcement actions sets the precedent and pretense for martial-law by default. Call me nutty, but we have finally met all of the requirements in order to be officially termed a fascist police state.
a-ha, Take On Me (The Literal Version)
Via: Viral Video Charts Position #4 on 10/8/08
Above is a pretty clever variation on the pretty clever original Take On Me by those snab fellers in the Norwegian band a-ha, from their first abum Hunting High And Low. (1985) It was a huge number one hit in europe and the states, and the song owes some of it's chart success to the unique music video, directed by Steve Barron, which utilizes extensive rotoscoping. In addition, it was doing a certain amount of groundbreaking in the fledgling MTV format.
I have to admit some things here:
82 Year-Old Voter's Thoughts On Sarah Palin
Check out this video & other women discussing Sarah Palin & the gender issues surrounding the 2008 presidential campaign @ Women Speak Out On Palin
I can speak intelligently about the political realities regarding Sarah Palin's nomination, and the religious, racial, constitutional, and other insanity involved here, but when it comes to sexism, gender, feminism, and reproductive rights, (among other issues), I can, and should only go so far. Better to hear it directly from some women. The blog has a number of videos from a pretty diverse group of women.
07 October 2008
World's Largest Volvo Rhythm Section
Now, I SWEAR that a friend of mine sent me this today, unsolicited. I know I have pandered to my visitors in the past, but this one came to me me honestly. Enjoy.
UPDATE:
Looks like maybe The Olle Hemmingsson Trio is the originator. this is from a year ago. It's a different Volvo tractor, but it's got beautiful lakes, countryside, and better hillbilly music. I suppose now that I'll hear that this is an old tradition spanning decades, and that as usual, I am behind the curve. If so, I still think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Yeehaw!
06 October 2008
James Nachtwey: “I Have Been A Witness, And These Pictures Are My Testimony”
Two of fourteen images by James Nachtwey, published by the Boston Globe [Dot Com],October 3rd.
A big thank you to a peasnpickles life.
Nachtwey's Wish: Awareness Of XDR-TB
"Well-known and influential photojournalist James Nachtwey won the TED Prize last year, and as part of his award, he made a wish for help - help in bringing a story to light that he felt was important and underreported. The subject of this story is a new, dangerous type of tuberculosis called Extreme Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, or XDR-TB. Tuberculosis is both preventable and curable, but inadequate treatment has been driving the emergence of XDR-TB, especially in developing nations. Tuberculosis is not a disease of the past - in 2007 alone, 1.7 million people died from TB - it is the leading killer of people infected with HIV. Nachtwey's wish was that he could break this story, and demonstrate proof of the power of news photography in the digital age. Below are only 14 of many photographs Nachtwey took around the world. For all of the photos, and much more information about XDR-TB, please visit xdrtb.org."
I don't want to belabor the point, but James Nachtwey is, and has been a living master and legend of photojournalism. We lost Phillip Jones Griffiths and Cornell Capa this year, and Nachtwey's mastery can be measured against them and so many others. .
Please see all 7 of these links at the bottom of the Boston Globe piece:
xdrtb.org - Driving awareness of XDR TB
Take Action - What you can do to help
XDR-TB Fact Sheet - from the CDC
Emergence of XDR-TB - from the WHO
Nachtwey's Wish - The story behind Nachtwey's wish to break this story, part of his TED Prize
jamesnachtwey.com - Nachtwey's professional site
James Nachtwey - Wikipedia Entry
"Palin's [Racist] Words May Backfire On McCain"
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaks during a rally in Carson, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Portions from the Associated Press D.C. writer and editor Douglass K. Daniel:
"Our opponent ... is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough, that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin told a group of donors in Englewood, Colo. A deliberate attempt to smear Obama, McCain's ticket-mate echoed the line at three separate events Saturday.
"This is not a man who sees America like you and I see America," she said. "We see America as a force of good in this world. We see an America of exceptionalism."
In her character attack, Palin questions Obama's association with William Ayers, a member of the Vietnam-era Weather Underground. Her reference was exaggerated at best if not outright false. No evidence shows they were "pals" or even close when they worked on community boards years ago and Ayers hosted a political event for Obama early in his career.
Obama, who was a child when the Weathermen were planting bombs, has denounced Ayers' radical views and actions.
Please read the entire article. If the Associated Press says you are smearing your opponent, it's probably true. This 'aint no Daily Kos, after all. Here in plain sight, you will find examples of John McCain's racist history, and also a mischaracterization of Mr. Obama's charge that McCain has been out of touch and erratic during the financial crisis. Also, two important instances to look at here from history: Micheal Dukakis in 1988, and John Kerrey in 2004.
The glaring evidence that this tactic will work as it did then, is recent polls confirming that americans are largely racist, and that those polled said that it would play a significant role in the election.
05 October 2008
Image: SOAPM'S Flickr PageFirstly, I don't presume that you don't have all of these, or that you are the one person in the universe who hasn't seen Pulp Fiction. Of course I'm a 21st century culture and technology beginner, but I'm just going to go ahead and post these things that made an impression on me somewhere along the way. So... There it is.
I couldn't rustle up Louisville native Joan Osborne's Live version, (20th Century Masters album), but if you're into it, that one is worth it, believe me.
03 October 2008
"Burned-Up Suitor Burns Girl's Home"
Publication and Photogrpaher NOT referenced.
(Likely The Detroit Free Press).
Original Caption:
Burned-Up Suitor Burns Girl's Home.
Detroit -- William Sykes, a little man of mighty passion (he weighs 105 pounds) is shown, hands on hips, as he talks to detective Fred Wilkinson, who weighs somewhere between 300 and 400 pounds, questioning him in connection with a fire. The fire was in the home of Mrs. Lisette Adams who had kept company with Sykes while she was separated from her husband. Then she went back to hubby, William C. Adams. Mr. Sykes was spurned. He burned and finally set fire to the Adams home. March 3 (1955)
This mysterious, sourceless, and creditless image via the very creative and resourceful folks at If Charlie Parker Was A Gunslinger, There'd Be A Whole Lot Of Dead Copycats.
"An Ongoing Series of Cultural and Personal Observations;
by Tom Sutpen, Stephen Cooke, Richard Gibson and Kimberly Lindbergs"
To which I would add: There needs to be a better understanding, and a serious effort to document sources and authors. The percentages and sheer volume of images posted over there dictates that there has to be some of that information available to be captured. Tom tells me that it just isn't there. (!!) Hmmmm....
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