Someone went to town creating two CGI Lego Star Wars videos that don't seem to be related to the games but inspired by them. Both are very good and worth watching.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Countdown: The GOP, American Terrorists?
Click here for a must see special commentary video from Keith Olbermann that covers this subject in excellent detail.
The Webster's dictionary define terrorists as "one that uses the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion".
The new ad, "The Stakes," the GOP has unleashed on America, using a still free Bin Laden (the GOP's personal bogeyman) video combined with images of explosions and violence to give the average un-informed America the perspective that only Republicans can protect America.
Terror is defined as "a) one that inspires fear b) a frightening aspect c) a cause of anxiety d an appalling person or thing.
Doesn't this describe exactly the goal of the GOP ad? Its attempts to inspire fear (of terrorist acts), cause anxiety (someone know be a victim), by depicting an appalling person (Osama) talking of doing frightening things. Combine this is the GOP and its representatives constantly claiming over and over that only they can protect us, doesn't this describe to a tee the systematic use of terror as a means of coercion, in this case to vote Republican? Has the GOP become our American "Al Qaeda"?
Even more striking is they commit resources to this ad while attacking CNN for daring to air a video of a insurgent sniper killing American soldiers, calling it smut. A video, as even Tucker Carlson points out, might motivate terrorists, but will only anger Americans. Oddly this video would represent a better ad for the war, then this reuse of a Osama Bin Laden terrorist video.
The GOP actually re-used a terrorist video to support themselves. A video not long ago was attacked and considered outrageous, suddenly very useful to help a different goal. A video that depicts the architect of 9/11, still free, still able to plan and potentially attack us in the future. A person that has done grievous harm to us yet Bush and the GOP has ignored for future use as the election year bogeyman. Think about that, they intentionally left this man free so they can use him for political gain. They invoke the dead of 9/11 on a nearly hourly basis, yet they allow this man to remain free because he more useful to them free. That is the GOP of today.
The Webster's dictionary define terrorists as "one that uses the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion".
The new ad, "The Stakes," the GOP has unleashed on America, using a still free Bin Laden (the GOP's personal bogeyman) video combined with images of explosions and violence to give the average un-informed America the perspective that only Republicans can protect America.
Terror is defined as "a) one that inspires fear b) a frightening aspect c) a cause of anxiety d an appalling person or thing.
Doesn't this describe exactly the goal of the GOP ad? Its attempts to inspire fear (of terrorist acts), cause anxiety (someone know be a victim), by depicting an appalling person (Osama) talking of doing frightening things. Combine this is the GOP and its representatives constantly claiming over and over that only they can protect us, doesn't this describe to a tee the systematic use of terror as a means of coercion, in this case to vote Republican? Has the GOP become our American "Al Qaeda"?
Even more striking is they commit resources to this ad while attacking CNN for daring to air a video of a insurgent sniper killing American soldiers, calling it smut. A video, as even Tucker Carlson points out, might motivate terrorists, but will only anger Americans. Oddly this video would represent a better ad for the war, then this reuse of a Osama Bin Laden terrorist video.
The GOP actually re-used a terrorist video to support themselves. A video not long ago was attacked and considered outrageous, suddenly very useful to help a different goal. A video that depicts the architect of 9/11, still free, still able to plan and potentially attack us in the future. A person that has done grievous harm to us yet Bush and the GOP has ignored for future use as the election year bogeyman. Think about that, they intentionally left this man free so they can use him for political gain. They invoke the dead of 9/11 on a nearly hourly basis, yet they allow this man to remain free because he more useful to them free. That is the GOP of today.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Happy 5th Birthday iPod
I have had more iPods then really care to admit and today marks its fifth Anniversary. What started out as a Mac only device exploding into the dominating device that created a whole new electronics brand when it finally moved to the Windows platform. Billions are made from iPod and its accessories and a whole new vocabulary was created including the now common place podcast. It has literally changed the landscape of our culture in a way few devices have. Happy Birthday iPod!
For the non-fans, things to hate about the iPod.
(source)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Another Day, Another Diebold Failure
The inability for Diebold, the Republican owned company of electronic voting machines, to create an easy to use and secure method of voting is beyond belief to comprehend. Once again, there is another leak to highlight the inability of the company to do anything right. How much this is incompetence and how much of it is intentional to help hijack elections is unknown. At this point, when they can't even do the basic, touch here to vote, correctly, there is really no other option available.
Out there you have companies, for a hell of a lot less money, using touch screen in business transactions every day of the week without incident, yet Diebold can't even do something that simple correctly. As for the security, its real simple. Have it so each machine counts the votes internally and does not report the results to a central database. Instead the total has to be claimed manually. Not as efficient but still quicker as only have to come up with a total from x number of machines that contain y votes. The machine should not allow for any kind of wireless connection, bluetooth or otherwise. Nor should the connections that allow for updating the firmware, downloading results etc but in a "hidden" location. They should be at the top of the machine or another high profile location so that if someone does try to hack the machine, the effort would be fairly obvious.
This would mean no easy external way to connect to the machine, so if someone wants to influence the election they would have to hack every machine individually rather then the central database, and most importantly, every single machine, whether required by law or not, should provide a paper trail. This paper trail should then be used for at least three election cycles to confirm the electronic count. Without exception, enforced by law. It can't be assumed the machines are secure, it can't be assume that they work correctly. It must be proved, over and over again.
If a company can't succeed at this, they simple shouldn't allow to exist. That is the nature of capitalism that Republicans love so much. Its time that same system be applied to Diebold instead of continuing to allow them to be protected by the corrupt and the ineffectual.
Out there you have companies, for a hell of a lot less money, using touch screen in business transactions every day of the week without incident, yet Diebold can't even do something that simple correctly. As for the security, its real simple. Have it so each machine counts the votes internally and does not report the results to a central database. Instead the total has to be claimed manually. Not as efficient but still quicker as only have to come up with a total from x number of machines that contain y votes. The machine should not allow for any kind of wireless connection, bluetooth or otherwise. Nor should the connections that allow for updating the firmware, downloading results etc but in a "hidden" location. They should be at the top of the machine or another high profile location so that if someone does try to hack the machine, the effort would be fairly obvious.
This would mean no easy external way to connect to the machine, so if someone wants to influence the election they would have to hack every machine individually rather then the central database, and most importantly, every single machine, whether required by law or not, should provide a paper trail. This paper trail should then be used for at least three election cycles to confirm the electronic count. Without exception, enforced by law. It can't be assumed the machines are secure, it can't be assume that they work correctly. It must be proved, over and over again.
If a company can't succeed at this, they simple shouldn't allow to exist. That is the nature of capitalism that Republicans love so much. Its time that same system be applied to Diebold instead of continuing to allow them to be protected by the corrupt and the ineffectual.
Friday, October 20, 2006
GOP Terror Ad
The GOP whips out the fear card once again in time for elections by using a tirade between Osama and some peon to "inform" the average voter that if they vote democrat they are voting for the terrorists. There are so many different things wrong with such a message.
Nevermind that voting out of fear is a cowardly. Instead of going there, here is what I think people should think of every time they see the video. That Osama Bin Laden, the artitect of 9/11 is still alive because the GOP has done nothing about him. The man that cause the deaths of 3000 Americans, the man that led to the war we are in that costs nearly the deaths of 3000 American soldiers is still alive. Everytime the GOP uses him as the bogeyman of terror, remember that he still lives because the GOP decided he is of more use for elections then for justice. This is why he still lives, so every two years they can use him for vote made out of fear.
The GOP of willing to let this threat to America, this killer of our citizens to exist, because its good for votes. How that is tolerated by anyone is beyond my understanding.
Nevermind that voting out of fear is a cowardly. Instead of going there, here is what I think people should think of every time they see the video. That Osama Bin Laden, the artitect of 9/11 is still alive because the GOP has done nothing about him. The man that cause the deaths of 3000 Americans, the man that led to the war we are in that costs nearly the deaths of 3000 American soldiers is still alive. Everytime the GOP uses him as the bogeyman of terror, remember that he still lives because the GOP decided he is of more use for elections then for justice. This is why he still lives, so every two years they can use him for vote made out of fear.
The GOP of willing to let this threat to America, this killer of our citizens to exist, because its good for votes. How that is tolerated by anyone is beyond my understanding.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Death of Habeus Corpus
Habeas Corpus has died in America and no one seems to care. Instead its still the Foley mess which at this point since Foley has resigned and Hasert has more or less successfully dodged it is no longer relevant. Call me crazy but some guy wanting to diddle boys of legal age (therefore not illegal) versus ending a nearly 1000 year tradition that a cornerstone of American values and everyone goes for the sex story. Yes, it sucks that Republicans continue to cover the truth no matter the cost, but compared to ending habeas, it should barely be the blip on the radar.
But really, even in this country full of ADDers who have to have everything no matter handed in two sentence soundbites and please hold the complication, but sheesh, its two different stories how hard is it to track and report both? Apparently to hard. My Congress disgusts me, the President disgusts me, and the American people not caring disgusts me.
In either case, congrats to Bush for getting what he wants - the uber president. Seriously why bother with Congress now? They are not even relevant anymore except to pretend they are doing something useful while allowing Bush to wipe his ass with the Constitution. The so-called flame of democracy that America use to represent has been extinguished and no one even cares. The battle was won without a fight, security is sacrosanct, freedom irrelevant.
The surest ways to lose what freedoms that remain is the continued apathy America is demonstrating. In this way, the terrorists have surely won the war.
But really, even in this country full of ADDers who have to have everything no matter handed in two sentence soundbites and please hold the complication, but sheesh, its two different stories how hard is it to track and report both? Apparently to hard. My Congress disgusts me, the President disgusts me, and the American people not caring disgusts me.
In either case, congrats to Bush for getting what he wants - the uber president. Seriously why bother with Congress now? They are not even relevant anymore except to pretend they are doing something useful while allowing Bush to wipe his ass with the Constitution. The so-called flame of democracy that America use to represent has been extinguished and no one even cares. The battle was won without a fight, security is sacrosanct, freedom irrelevant.
The surest ways to lose what freedoms that remain is the continued apathy America is demonstrating. In this way, the terrorists have surely won the war.
Hand-on video with PS3 Interface
Independent Playstation Magazine has posted video blogcast that demonstrates the interface of the Playstation 3 that is modeled after the PSP and apparently going to be implemented company wide to maintain the same look and feel across platforms. The video is worth watching if interested in the PS3 as gives hints of the system capabilities, usability and a demo of two games for the system.
The video is here.
The video is here.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Habeas Corpus End Signed into Law
President Bush signed into law the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that grants Bush the right to "interpret" the Geneva Conventions and suspends Habeas Corpus or the right to hear the charges against you. With the law, basically 9 of 10 of the Bill of Rights amendments ceases to exist if a government official chooses to label someone as a terrorist. No reason asked for, no evidence required. They can simply torture "the truth" from you, even if the truth is admitting to assassinating Abraham Lincoln. In the name of "security" our freedom has been lost.
Even more disgusting and a sign of the stupidity of our President and the citizens that follow him "With the bill I'm about to sign, the men our intelligence officials believe orchestrated the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent people will face justice," Bush said. What in the world does this have to do with 9/11 and Bush's continued policy to ignore Osama Bin Ladin.
Even more disgusting and a sign of the stupidity of our President and the citizens that follow him "With the bill I'm about to sign, the men our intelligence officials believe orchestrated the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent people will face justice," Bush said. What in the world does this have to do with 9/11 and Bush's continued policy to ignore Osama Bin Ladin.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Bush and the Christian Right
A new book, Tempting Faith, by David Kuo, is out or will be that demonstrates how the Bush administration and the Republican party tricked and duped the Christian right to gain the power they hold today. Its shows, as Tucker Carlson put it ""The deep truth is that the elites in the Republican Party have pure contempt for the evangelical who put their party in power." Basically the Christian's have given and Bush has taken away through policies that have been detrimental to not only Christian groups but the country as a whole.
This comes as no shock to me as the Republican party and Bush have demonstrated through actions that money and power is all they care about. They have literally not made a single decision, passed a single law, that isn't about consolidating power and helping their rich friends. Even the war on terror has accomplished little except fill the coffers of Haliburton. Helping whatever goals the Christians have would probably contrary to those goals. Besides, lip service seems to appease them anyway so action isn't really necessary.
Of course, as recent calls to "purge" gays from the GOP, its probably not all bad that the GOP ignores them more often as not as the extreme elements that control Christiandom political machine do have dangerous ideas that have little to do with the ideas of this country and the Constitution.
Keith Olbermann has been discussing the book on his show. So far Part 1 and Part 2 are available on Crooks and Liars.
In additional, for a little funny, check out this Daily Show video that shows how Bush seems to hear his Generals while not actually listening to them. It also indicates how he is continuing to dodge blame for anything as apparently the problems in Iraq are not his fault, but those same Generals (many of whom seem to get fired for not following the party line). Once again, our leader doesn't lead but just assigns blame to others without actually taking steps to remedy anything. Sounds like a corporate America middle manager huh?
This comes as no shock to me as the Republican party and Bush have demonstrated through actions that money and power is all they care about. They have literally not made a single decision, passed a single law, that isn't about consolidating power and helping their rich friends. Even the war on terror has accomplished little except fill the coffers of Haliburton. Helping whatever goals the Christians have would probably contrary to those goals. Besides, lip service seems to appease them anyway so action isn't really necessary.
Of course, as recent calls to "purge" gays from the GOP, its probably not all bad that the GOP ignores them more often as not as the extreme elements that control Christiandom political machine do have dangerous ideas that have little to do with the ideas of this country and the Constitution.
Keith Olbermann has been discussing the book on his show. So far Part 1 and Part 2 are available on Crooks and Liars.
In additional, for a little funny, check out this Daily Show video that shows how Bush seems to hear his Generals while not actually listening to them. It also indicates how he is continuing to dodge blame for anything as apparently the problems in Iraq are not his fault, but those same Generals (many of whom seem to get fired for not following the party line). Once again, our leader doesn't lead but just assigns blame to others without actually taking steps to remedy anything. Sounds like a corporate America middle manager huh?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
North Korea's Nuclear Program is Clinton's Fault
According to John McCain, Clinton (you know from 6+ years ago) is the reason North Korea has a nuclear program in the testing phase now. It has nothing to do with being called an "Axis of Evil" by Bush shortly before invading fellow Axis of Evil country Iraq. Threat following by action tends to make country leaders nervous. But not in McCain/Bush land. Nor does North Korea's current position have anything to do with Bush's inaction in regards to the country while focused entirely on Iraq. Nope, its all simple. Like all things from the last 6 years, be it hurricanes, bombs, or someone sneezing, its all Clinton's fault. So remember, next time something bad happens to you, blame Clinton.
As for McCain, I use to like the man. I honestly would have voted for him in 2008. However, the last year has show that in his desperation to become the next President, there is literally nothing he is not willing to do. He has sold his soul for the power and nothing good can from that. The final straw was the Geneva conventions agreement where McCain basically caved, despite his own experience as a POW, for political expediency and score points with the "base" that helped get the country in the current mess its dealing with. Bush kicked him in the balls in 2000 and now McCain is cutting his own off voluntarily. How the potentially mighty have fallen.
The video of McCain's comments is here.
As for McCain, I use to like the man. I honestly would have voted for him in 2008. However, the last year has show that in his desperation to become the next President, there is literally nothing he is not willing to do. He has sold his soul for the power and nothing good can from that. The final straw was the Geneva conventions agreement where McCain basically caved, despite his own experience as a POW, for political expediency and score points with the "base" that helped get the country in the current mess its dealing with. Bush kicked him in the balls in 2000 and now McCain is cutting his own off voluntarily. How the potentially mighty have fallen.
The video of McCain's comments is here.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Jon Stewart and Keith Olbermann Strike Again
Once again the words of wisdom worth hearing do not come from the sources you expect such as our leaders but instead come from Jon Stewart and Keith Olbermann. Both videos are worth watching for it highlights the failures, confusion and outright deceit this administration takes on a regular basis.
Jon Stewart
Keith Olbermann
Jon Stewart
Keith Olbermann
Google Buying YouTube?
Reports are showing up online that Google is in negotiations with YouTube.com to buy them out for $1.6 Billion dollars. It makes you wish you where the owners and workers for that company as it seems their 60 or so employees may just become the next 60 millionaires. I am jealous, but that is not why I hope this deal falls apart.
I hope this deal falls apart simply because once Google becomes the parent company of YouTube.com, all the money hungry copyright defenders, especially the music industry, will immediately file lawsuits to remove a large portion of YouTube's video collection. Since nearly anything could be interpreted as owned by someone for copyright purposes, this means probably up to 80% of the videos currently available on the site will no longer be. It wouldn't be Google's fault, it will be the fault of the large media companies that can't seem to understand that YouTube is a way to get their material around to those that are not aware of it.
Whether people are watching a cartoon, a news bit, listening to music, whatever, that means someone who didn't know it existed now does. That is a potential consumer discovery their stuff and maybe buying. However, rather then tap that hunger and legion of viewers, they choose to fight them tooth and nail. In the sharing of ideas, YouTube unintentionally is at the forefront and ownership by Google will end that.
I hope this deal falls apart simply because once Google becomes the parent company of YouTube.com, all the money hungry copyright defenders, especially the music industry, will immediately file lawsuits to remove a large portion of YouTube's video collection. Since nearly anything could be interpreted as owned by someone for copyright purposes, this means probably up to 80% of the videos currently available on the site will no longer be. It wouldn't be Google's fault, it will be the fault of the large media companies that can't seem to understand that YouTube is a way to get their material around to those that are not aware of it.
Whether people are watching a cartoon, a news bit, listening to music, whatever, that means someone who didn't know it existed now does. That is a potential consumer discovery their stuff and maybe buying. However, rather then tap that hunger and legion of viewers, they choose to fight them tooth and nail. In the sharing of ideas, YouTube unintentionally is at the forefront and ownership by Google will end that.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Touchscreen Voting Machines, but Don't Use Touchscreen
Diebold as declared their touchscreen voting machines work great, except don't use the touchscreen when voting. Instead use the mouses they are going to provide. Apparently the use of the main feature of the electronic voting machines causes them to lose a connection to main server which can result in a lost vote or allow a person to vote twice.
Its amazing that in this day and age of electronic brilliance where touchscreen pads are used constantly at restaurants, at movie theatres, for video games (Nintendo DS), laptops, graphic design and many many more complicated things then voting, that Diebold can't not get their crap together and our elected officials tolerate it. How much money has been thrown away on their inability to create these machines that can't even do the simplest task correctly.
I recognize that security is hard but this isn't even a security issue (even though they can't get that right either). This is a fundamental purpose of the machine failing. What is, by today's standards, a trivial purpose of the machine. How many excuses will be tolerated? At what point do the people in charge decide that Diebold no longer deserves the governments money? Its obviously wasted, its obvious that people working on these machines are either incompetent or purposely ripping the government off thereby committing fraud. The excuses and the tolerance needs to end. A new company needs to be used that actually has its act together and can deliver on their promises rather then stringing everyone along for a higher paycheck.
(source)
Its amazing that in this day and age of electronic brilliance where touchscreen pads are used constantly at restaurants, at movie theatres, for video games (Nintendo DS), laptops, graphic design and many many more complicated things then voting, that Diebold can't not get their crap together and our elected officials tolerate it. How much money has been thrown away on their inability to create these machines that can't even do the simplest task correctly.
I recognize that security is hard but this isn't even a security issue (even though they can't get that right either). This is a fundamental purpose of the machine failing. What is, by today's standards, a trivial purpose of the machine. How many excuses will be tolerated? At what point do the people in charge decide that Diebold no longer deserves the governments money? Its obviously wasted, its obvious that people working on these machines are either incompetent or purposely ripping the government off thereby committing fraud. The excuses and the tolerance needs to end. A new company needs to be used that actually has its act together and can deliver on their promises rather then stringing everyone along for a higher paycheck.
(source)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Fox News Decides Mark Foley is a Democrat; Had Buried Story
The scandal rocking Capital Hill, especially Republicans and their leadership, in regards to former Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) is causing quite a problem. Republicans bread and butter is to disseminate information, cover it up and blame others. In this case though, there is not false information to spread, the story is out there so to late to cover, and who can you blame? I know some will try Clinton and other Democrats but most know that simply isn't going to work.
Apparently Fox News has decided if can't find a scapegoat just change the man's party affiliation. As reported on several segments, including "The O'Reilly Factor", apparently its now "Former Congressman Mark Foley (D-FL)". Considering this story, including labels, discussions, both on air and in print has been going on for days, I find it hard to believe this would be a simple typo. For one thing check your keyboard. The "R" and the "D" buttons are no where near each other. I don't think its unreasonable to assume that Fox News was trying to confuse their viewers (cause historically it has worked) and didn't think they would get caught. As it is they altered the lines in repeat broadcasts later.
Also, in additional, the AP is reporting that Fox News, the St. Petersburg Times and The Miami Herald knew about Foley's behavior via emails they received and did nothing. "Our decision at the time was ... that because the language was not sexually explicit and was subject to interpretation, from innocuous to 'sick,' as the page characterized it, to be cautious," said Tom Fiedler, executive editor of the Herald. "Given the potentially devastating impact that a false suggestion of pedophilia could have on anyone, not to mention a congressman known to be gay, and lacking any corroborating information, we chose not to do a story."
Considering that for quite a while now, most of the media happily just regurgitate whatever is handed to them with almost no effort to collaborate the information, why not do the same here? Still, I can't fault them for being cautious. Its a good call. However, why didn't they dig into it further? You know, actually go and investigate? Isn't that what reporters are supposed to do, get a story and confirm the story through research, questioning and other means? It seems here they did nothing but bury the potential story.
Do they have policies on how they handle issues against Republicans vs Democrats? Is it in writing? If given the same information about a Democrat, would Fox News have been as cautious? For some reason, I seriously doubt they would have held back if it truly had involved a Democrat.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Week 2 of TV Premiers Review
Another week, another week of new shows and new season starts. Once again a quick review off all that I watched just before the whittle down process begins.
Monday 9/26
The Class - I am warming to it but its still a strange show, but the potential is starting to show.
How I Met Your Mother - Great show, watch if you are not already.
CSI: Miami - Continues to entertain.
Runaway - I can tell its probably a good show, but it just doesn't get my interest.
Prison Break - One of the best shows on TV.
Vanished - Just as I was about to pass, they kill a major character. Now want to find out what happens next.
Heroes - Loving this show. A bit slow in pace but the characters are solid and I am developing a crush on Hayden Panettiere.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - Personally I think this shows great, but its so insider and presents itself as being so smart that I am doubting it will last the season which is a shame. I will stick around as long as it does however.
Tuesday 9/26
Boston Legal - Show is at it best when Shatner and Spader are on screen.
NCIS - Little entertaining workhorse.
The Unit - I think I will have to pass now, I just can't get into it.
Smith - Ditto. I just could care less about any of the characters.
House - Going to miss it when baseball finals start.
Standoff - I like the show, but wouldn't mind if the show focused more on the scenarios and less on the relationship.
Law and Order Criminal Intent and SVU - Still good.
Nip/Tuck - Still freaky but still entertaining.
Wednesday 9/27
Jericho - Great show but not sure how long can maintain the dread without it getting old.
Criminal Minds - another crime related workhorse, worth watching.
CSI:NY - Stick a fork, done watching.
Bones - Another show will miss due to baseball.
Justice - I like it but it will go in just a few more airings. Its a little to clean cut and predictable.
Kidnapped - Liking this one a lot, give it a try, the characters are compelling.
Thursday 9/28
Ugly Betty - Interesting show, compelling lead in the "ugly" role, but the show is a little sickly sweet for my tastes. Give it one more week then will pass. I am betting that if the tone of the show is maintained the audience will turn off in droves.
Grey's Anatomy - New season, same stories going in the same circles.
Six Degrees - Second week, still not grabbing my interest. My lust for Erika Christensen just isn't enough to keep me coming back for more.
Survivor - That whole race thing sure ended quick, as expected from anyone that has watched the show for a few seasons.
CSI - Good show, not sure what's going on with the Catherine story arc.
Shark - Ug, just don't care about anyone in it.
Smallville - Its sad when the action sequence of the television show is better then any action sequence of the movie. Kristin Kruek continues to be a pretty but bland actress and my lust for Allison Mack increases.
Supernatural - Good start for an entertaining popcorn show.
ER - eh, just getting bored with it for no particular reason and will they either kill off the Sally Field character or quit writing it.
Friday 9/29
Numbers - Another entertaining show.
Law and Order - The new detective is pretty, fairly decent but as usual its the crimes that compel.
Doctor Who - Second season of this strange British import. Its traditional sci-fi with a humorous and dorky twist. I like it but its not for all sci-fi tastes.
Sunday 10/1
Desperate Housewives - More desperate they get, the less I care.
Brothers and Sisters - Could a show get more boring? I am done with it, and sure everyone will be soon too.
Amazing Race - Great show, worth watching.
Cold Case - Its interesting TV, but its also starting to become predictable. The ends with the music and the "ghost" victims is beyond old now. The fact that usually the second or third person they interview is always the bad guys is getting annoying to.
Without A Trace - More they get into the personal lives of the main cast, the more boring it gets. They just are not that compelling even though Poppy Montgomery is a visual treat.
Monday 9/26
The Class - I am warming to it but its still a strange show, but the potential is starting to show.
How I Met Your Mother - Great show, watch if you are not already.
CSI: Miami - Continues to entertain.
Runaway - I can tell its probably a good show, but it just doesn't get my interest.
Prison Break - One of the best shows on TV.
Vanished - Just as I was about to pass, they kill a major character. Now want to find out what happens next.
Heroes - Loving this show. A bit slow in pace but the characters are solid and I am developing a crush on Hayden Panettiere.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - Personally I think this shows great, but its so insider and presents itself as being so smart that I am doubting it will last the season which is a shame. I will stick around as long as it does however.
Tuesday 9/26
Boston Legal - Show is at it best when Shatner and Spader are on screen.
NCIS - Little entertaining workhorse.
The Unit - I think I will have to pass now, I just can't get into it.
Smith - Ditto. I just could care less about any of the characters.
House - Going to miss it when baseball finals start.
Standoff - I like the show, but wouldn't mind if the show focused more on the scenarios and less on the relationship.
Law and Order Criminal Intent and SVU - Still good.
Nip/Tuck - Still freaky but still entertaining.
Wednesday 9/27
Jericho - Great show but not sure how long can maintain the dread without it getting old.
Criminal Minds - another crime related workhorse, worth watching.
CSI:NY - Stick a fork, done watching.
Bones - Another show will miss due to baseball.
Justice - I like it but it will go in just a few more airings. Its a little to clean cut and predictable.
Kidnapped - Liking this one a lot, give it a try, the characters are compelling.
Thursday 9/28
Ugly Betty - Interesting show, compelling lead in the "ugly" role, but the show is a little sickly sweet for my tastes. Give it one more week then will pass. I am betting that if the tone of the show is maintained the audience will turn off in droves.
Grey's Anatomy - New season, same stories going in the same circles.
Six Degrees - Second week, still not grabbing my interest. My lust for Erika Christensen just isn't enough to keep me coming back for more.
Survivor - That whole race thing sure ended quick, as expected from anyone that has watched the show for a few seasons.
CSI - Good show, not sure what's going on with the Catherine story arc.
Shark - Ug, just don't care about anyone in it.
Smallville - Its sad when the action sequence of the television show is better then any action sequence of the movie. Kristin Kruek continues to be a pretty but bland actress and my lust for Allison Mack increases.
Supernatural - Good start for an entertaining popcorn show.
ER - eh, just getting bored with it for no particular reason and will they either kill off the Sally Field character or quit writing it.
Friday 9/29
Numbers - Another entertaining show.
Law and Order - The new detective is pretty, fairly decent but as usual its the crimes that compel.
Doctor Who - Second season of this strange British import. Its traditional sci-fi with a humorous and dorky twist. I like it but its not for all sci-fi tastes.
Sunday 10/1
Desperate Housewives - More desperate they get, the less I care.
Brothers and Sisters - Could a show get more boring? I am done with it, and sure everyone will be soon too.
Amazing Race - Great show, worth watching.
Cold Case - Its interesting TV, but its also starting to become predictable. The ends with the music and the "ghost" victims is beyond old now. The fact that usually the second or third person they interview is always the bad guys is getting annoying to.
Without A Trace - More they get into the personal lives of the main cast, the more boring it gets. They just are not that compelling even though Poppy Montgomery is a visual treat.
Monday, October 02, 2006
GOP Aware of Foley in 2001
The ABC headline nearly says the entire story: "GOP Staff Warned Pages About Foley in 2001".
This shows that Republican leadership has been aware for at least 4 years, if not longer, of Foley's pedophilic interests and in the nature of "unity" before country, chose to do nothing. After all, can't risk that seat going to a Democrat. The only thing they did was foist the responsibility to keep Foley in line on the pages by asking them to basically behave and keep things in perspective rather then forcing Foley to resign, turn him in or at the very least force his to keep himself under control. They simple didn't care.
On top of that, it turns out that Representative Tom Reynolds, Chairman of the Nation Republican Campaign Committee, might have accepted a $100,000 campaign bribe from Foley to not investigate the issue too deeply as the money seems to occur around the same time as the issue was coming to a boil behind the scenes of the GOP. In addition, Reynolds showed his support of Foley (and therefore his behavior) with a $5,000 donation to Foley's re-election campaign.
How much further in the corruption cesspool will Republicans go to maintain their grip on power? Why isn't simply following the law and doing what's best for the country rather then themselves or the party not enough? Even more important question is just what will it take for the American vote to say "Enough"? Will this abuse also be swept under the rug in the name of "security"?
While the Republicans get with the media to play damage control this week, take one thing from this whole thing. They knew for years and did nothing. They knew they where putting children in danger and did nothing. That is how much they care. They did nothing.
(source)
A Republican staff member warned Congressional pages five years ago to watch out for Congressman Mark Foley, according to a former page. Matthew Loraditch, a page in the 2001-2002 class, told ABC News he and other pages were warned about Foley by a supervisor in the House Clerk's office. Loraditch, the president of the Page Alumni Association, said the pages were told "don't get too wrapped up in him being too nice to you and all that kind of stuff.
This shows that Republican leadership has been aware for at least 4 years, if not longer, of Foley's pedophilic interests and in the nature of "unity" before country, chose to do nothing. After all, can't risk that seat going to a Democrat. The only thing they did was foist the responsibility to keep Foley in line on the pages by asking them to basically behave and keep things in perspective rather then forcing Foley to resign, turn him in or at the very least force his to keep himself under control. They simple didn't care.
On top of that, it turns out that Representative Tom Reynolds, Chairman of the Nation Republican Campaign Committee, might have accepted a $100,000 campaign bribe from Foley to not investigate the issue too deeply as the money seems to occur around the same time as the issue was coming to a boil behind the scenes of the GOP. In addition, Reynolds showed his support of Foley (and therefore his behavior) with a $5,000 donation to Foley's re-election campaign.
How much further in the corruption cesspool will Republicans go to maintain their grip on power? Why isn't simply following the law and doing what's best for the country rather then themselves or the party not enough? Even more important question is just what will it take for the American vote to say "Enough"? Will this abuse also be swept under the rug in the name of "security"?
While the Republicans get with the media to play damage control this week, take one thing from this whole thing. They knew for years and did nothing. They knew they where putting children in danger and did nothing. That is how much they care. They did nothing.
(source)
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