Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
1,000 years on, perils of fake Viking swords are revealed
It must have been an appalling moment when a Viking realised he had paid two cows for a fake designer sword; a clash of blade on blade in battle would have led to his sword, still sharp enough to slice through bone, shattering like glass.
"You really didn't want to have that happen," said Dr Alan Williams, an archaeometallurgist and consultant to the Wallace Collection...
Read more here.
"You really didn't want to have that happen," said Dr Alan Williams, an archaeometallurgist and consultant to the Wallace Collection...
Read more here.
Republicans push up the idiocy bell curve
Chip Saltsman, a former leader of Tennessee Republicans, who is seeking to take over the party's national committee, sent the CD to party members as a Christmas gift. But unlike him, few found it funny.
The ditty, written by Paul Shanklin, a conservative parodist, alludes to an opinion piece penned by the black writer David Ehrenstein in the Los Angeles Times last year headlined “Obama the Magic Negro”...
Read more here.
Government control of the Net: today's lesson
Film-style age ratings could be applied to websites to protect children from harmful and offensive material, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has said.
Mr Burnham said the government was looking at a number of possible new internet safeguards.
He said some content, such as clips of beheadings, was unacceptable and new standards of decency were needed.
He also plans to negotiate with the US on drawing up international rules for English language websites.
Mr Burnham, a father of three young children, believes internet service providers should offer child-friendly web access.
You know, for all the children...like us.
"The internet is becoming a more and more pervasive entity in all our lives and yet the content standards online are not as clear as we've all been used in traditional media.
Uh oh...
"I think we do need to have a debate now about clearer signposting and labelling online because it can be quite a confusing world, particularly for parents who are trying to ensure their children are only accessing appropriate stuff."
Substitute "governments" and "citizens" for "parents" and "children", and you have a clearer idea of what they're up to.
Read more here.
Mr Burnham said the government was looking at a number of possible new internet safeguards.
He said some content, such as clips of beheadings, was unacceptable and new standards of decency were needed.
He also plans to negotiate with the US on drawing up international rules for English language websites.
Mr Burnham, a father of three young children, believes internet service providers should offer child-friendly web access.
You know, for all the children...like us.
"The internet is becoming a more and more pervasive entity in all our lives and yet the content standards online are not as clear as we've all been used in traditional media.
Uh oh...
"I think we do need to have a debate now about clearer signposting and labelling online because it can be quite a confusing world, particularly for parents who are trying to ensure their children are only accessing appropriate stuff."
Substitute "governments" and "citizens" for "parents" and "children", and you have a clearer idea of what they're up to.
Read more here.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Australia joins the ranks of idiot nations
Yeah, I know, they've been in the running for quite a while.
A proposed Internet filter dubbed the "Great Aussie Firewall" is promising to make Australia one of the strictest Internet regulators among democratic countries.
Consumers, civil-rights activists, engineers, Internet providers and politicians from opposition parties are among the critics of a mandatory Internet filter that would block at least 1,300 Web sites prohibited by the government — mostly child pornography, excessive violence, instructions in crime or drug use and advocacy of terrorism.
Hundreds protested in state capitals earlier this month.
"This is obviously censorship," said Justin Pearson Smith, 29, organizer of protests in Melbourne and an officer of one of a dozen Facebook groups against the filter.
The list of prohibited sites, which the government isn't making public, is arbitrary and not subject to legal scrutiny, Smith said, leaving it to the government or lawmakers to pursue their own online agendas.
Imho, governments have no right to do this..which makes them even more determined to do it.
They'll use the same old tired "kiddie porn" excuse..."Well! If you are against these blocks, you must be an advocate of kiddie porn!"
Yawn...it doesn't dawn on them that people just may not want government censorship.
At the end of the day, governments think the Internet must be controlled...this global free speech experiment has gone on long enough.
Read more here.
A proposed Internet filter dubbed the "Great Aussie Firewall" is promising to make Australia one of the strictest Internet regulators among democratic countries.
Consumers, civil-rights activists, engineers, Internet providers and politicians from opposition parties are among the critics of a mandatory Internet filter that would block at least 1,300 Web sites prohibited by the government — mostly child pornography, excessive violence, instructions in crime or drug use and advocacy of terrorism.
Hundreds protested in state capitals earlier this month.
"This is obviously censorship," said Justin Pearson Smith, 29, organizer of protests in Melbourne and an officer of one of a dozen Facebook groups against the filter.
The list of prohibited sites, which the government isn't making public, is arbitrary and not subject to legal scrutiny, Smith said, leaving it to the government or lawmakers to pursue their own online agendas.
Imho, governments have no right to do this..which makes them even more determined to do it.
They'll use the same old tired "kiddie porn" excuse..."Well! If you are against these blocks, you must be an advocate of kiddie porn!"
Yawn...it doesn't dawn on them that people just may not want government censorship.
At the end of the day, governments think the Internet must be controlled...this global free speech experiment has gone on long enough.
Read more here.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Ex-nazi in drag condemns transsexuals
Ever wish there was a holiday where all the religious leaders of the world shut up for one day.
That would be worth celebrating.
"The celebration of the birth of the Lord is at our doorstep ..." Thus began Pope Benedict XVI in his annual pre-Christmas address to top Vatican officials. But rather than a pro forma holiday wish of good tidings, the pontiff delivered his latest heavy-hitting discourse on everything from ecology to ecumenism, with carefully chosen citations from past Popes and even Friedrich Nietzsche. The topic that most grabbed press attention came about halfway through the 30-minute long address: transsexuals.
Read more here.
That would be worth celebrating.
"The celebration of the birth of the Lord is at our doorstep ..." Thus began Pope Benedict XVI in his annual pre-Christmas address to top Vatican officials. But rather than a pro forma holiday wish of good tidings, the pontiff delivered his latest heavy-hitting discourse on everything from ecology to ecumenism, with carefully chosen citations from past Popes and even Friedrich Nietzsche. The topic that most grabbed press attention came about halfway through the 30-minute long address: transsexuals.
Read more here.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Fuck you Hulu
How can a site that bars all access from outside the United States be called a "web" site?
The award is bullshit.
In the Wild West that is online video, Hulu.com has proven to be a trailblazing answer to how professional content can thrive on the Web.
It's this year's pick for Web site of the year.
Read more here.
The award is bullshit.
In the Wild West that is online video, Hulu.com has proven to be a trailblazing answer to how professional content can thrive on the Web.
It's this year's pick for Web site of the year.
Read more here.
The Right to Food
Vote on Right to Food
The U.N. draft resolution on the right to food (document A/C.3/63/L.42/Rev.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 180 in favour to 1 against, with no abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States.
The U.N. draft resolution on the right to food (document A/C.3/63/L.42/Rev.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 180 in favour to 1 against, with no abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Against: United States.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hi-tech helps track Santa Claus
As always, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad) will be keeping tabs on Santa and children can follow his progress on Google Earth.
In addition, they can send e-mails to the tracking team or even follow Santa on Twitter.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of a tradition that started by accident in Colorado, in the US.
He'd better not overfly Alaska, Palin will blow him out of the sky.
Read more here.
In addition, they can send e-mails to the tracking team or even follow Santa on Twitter.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of a tradition that started by accident in Colorado, in the US.
He'd better not overfly Alaska, Palin will blow him out of the sky.
Read more here.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Keep digging that hole Rick
Rick Warren's final thoughts to you, you Christianaphobic hater you.
Merry Christmas everybody!
New and Improved! Bigotry for Doctors!
The Bush administration yesterday granted sweeping new protections to health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs, setting off an intense battle over opponents' plans to try to repeal the measure.
Critics began consulting with the incoming Obama administration on strategies to reverse the regulation as quickly as possible while supporters started mobilizing to fight such efforts.
The far-reaching regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable.
Die Sinner, Die!
Read more here.
Critics began consulting with the incoming Obama administration on strategies to reverse the regulation as quickly as possible while supporters started mobilizing to fight such efforts.
The far-reaching regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable.
Die Sinner, Die!
Read more here.
Dumb remarks by Pope round out month of international gaybashing
Gay groups and activists have reacted angrily after Pope Benedict XVI said that mankind needed to be saved from a destructive blurring of gender.
Speaking on Monday, Pope Benedict said that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was as important as protecting the environment.
It must be nice to have a group that everyone agrees they can look down on...
Read more here.
Speaking on Monday, Pope Benedict said that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was as important as protecting the environment.
It must be nice to have a group that everyone agrees they can look down on...
Read more here.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A gift basket of Xmas cheer from the bigots to the gays
Christmas time is a happy time, a time of giving.
And just so the gays know they are not forgotten, the bigots of the world have been extra generous this year!
1) Prop 8 (and other *amendments* in other states), have taken away rights you had (albeit briefly) already.
2) But that's not all, now they want to nullify the existing marriages in California (because they love you, and so does God!).
3) At least you have Inauguration Day to look foreword to, with the uplifting words of Rick Warren...oh yeah right...
4) Well, the U.N. has your back, with a resolution...oh the U.S.A won't sign that either?
Merry Christmas everybody! 2009 will be so much better!
And just so the gays know they are not forgotten, the bigots of the world have been extra generous this year!
1) Prop 8 (and other *amendments* in other states), have taken away rights you had (albeit briefly) already.
2) But that's not all, now they want to nullify the existing marriages in California (because they love you, and so does God!).
3) At least you have Inauguration Day to look foreword to, with the uplifting words of Rick Warren...oh yeah right...
4) Well, the U.N. has your back, with a resolution...oh the U.S.A won't sign that either?
Merry Christmas everybody! 2009 will be so much better!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Prop 8 proponents strike again
These people are in the running for the most spiteful people on Earth:
Sponsors of the California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage are seeking to nullify thousands of marriages between gay and lesbian couples performed after the state Supreme Court ruled them constitutional.
The sponsors Friday filed responses to three anti-Proposition 8 lawsuits with the state Supreme Court. The briefs also defend Proposition 8 against opponents' legal challenges, including an argument that the amendment needed a constitutional convention to be added to the state's constitution.
"We are confident that the will of the voters and Proposition 8 will ultimately be upheld," said Andrew Pugno, General Counsel for ProtectMarriage.com and the Proposition 8 Legal Defense Fund.
Read more here.
Sponsors of the California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage are seeking to nullify thousands of marriages between gay and lesbian couples performed after the state Supreme Court ruled them constitutional.
The sponsors Friday filed responses to three anti-Proposition 8 lawsuits with the state Supreme Court. The briefs also defend Proposition 8 against opponents' legal challenges, including an argument that the amendment needed a constitutional convention to be added to the state's constitution.
"We are confident that the will of the voters and Proposition 8 will ultimately be upheld," said Andrew Pugno, General Counsel for ProtectMarriage.com and the Proposition 8 Legal Defense Fund.
Read more here.
Know your enemies
Alone among major Western nations, the United States has refused to sign a declaration presented Thursday at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
In all, 66 of the U.N.'s 192 member countries signed the nonbinding declaration _ which backers called a historic step to push the General Assembly to deal more forthrightly with any-gay discrimination. More than 70 U.N. members outlaw homosexuality, and in several of them homosexual acts can be punished by execution.
Co-sponsored by France and the Netherlands, the declaration was signed by all 27 European Union members, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries. There was broad opposition from Muslim nations, and the United States refused to sign
Could it be clearer kids?
Read more here.
Others include "Russia, China, the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference"
In all, 66 of the U.N.'s 192 member countries signed the nonbinding declaration _ which backers called a historic step to push the General Assembly to deal more forthrightly with any-gay discrimination. More than 70 U.N. members outlaw homosexuality, and in several of them homosexual acts can be punished by execution.
Co-sponsored by France and the Netherlands, the declaration was signed by all 27 European Union members, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries. There was broad opposition from Muslim nations, and the United States refused to sign
Could it be clearer kids?
Read more here.
Others include "Russia, China, the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference"
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry dies
Read more here.
Majel recently completed reprising her role as the voice of the USS Enterprise for J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek film.
That at least is good to hear.
Majel recently completed reprising her role as the voice of the USS Enterprise for J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek film.
That at least is good to hear.
Obama, you are wrong on this
Obama spoke about Rick Warren:
I am fierce advocate for equality for gay and -- well, let me start by talking about my own views. I think it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something I have been consistent on and something I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency.
What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues.
Where are the other haters then, the Nazis...the KKK..?
Read more here.
I am fierce advocate for equality for gay and -- well, let me start by talking about my own views. I think it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something I have been consistent on and something I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency.
What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues.
Where are the other haters then, the Nazis...the KKK..?
Read more here.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Godzilla and Postwar Japan
University of Kansas Professor William Tsutsui argues that the evolution of Godzilla through dozens of films reflects social and political changes of postwar Japan.
Canadian Idol canceled for 2009
The economic downturn does have some positive benefits...
The faltering economy has now claimed CTV's Canadian Idol, a former competition-crushing ratings juggernaut that the network says will not be produced in 2009.
Citing a less-than-idyllic "economic climate," CTV said last night the amateur singing showcase will take a "rest" for the broadcast year.
One down.
Read more here.
"We were told that it's "resting,'"
No, it's pining for the fjords.
The faltering economy has now claimed CTV's Canadian Idol, a former competition-crushing ratings juggernaut that the network says will not be produced in 2009.
Citing a less-than-idyllic "economic climate," CTV said last night the amateur singing showcase will take a "rest" for the broadcast year.
One down.
Read more here.
"We were told that it's "resting,'"
No, it's pining for the fjords.
Man who threw shoes at Bush proves democracy is a joke
Is there anyone, anywhere who doesn't want this man freed, statues erected in his honour, parades, coin struck....
Except those in power...
The Iraqi television reporter who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush at a news conference appeared before a judge Tuesday and admitted "aggression against a president," a judicial spokesman said.
The television reporter, Muntader al-Zaidi, became an instant sensation when he called Bush a "dog" at a news conference with Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki on Sunday and tried to hit him with both of his shoes.
"Zaidi was brought today before the investigating judge in the presence of a defense lawyer and a prosecutor," said Abdul Satar Birqadr, a spokesman for Iraq's High Judicial Council. "He admits the action he carried out."
Muntader al-Zaidi, the World Salutes You.
Read more here.
Except those in power...
The Iraqi television reporter who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush at a news conference appeared before a judge Tuesday and admitted "aggression against a president," a judicial spokesman said.
The television reporter, Muntader al-Zaidi, became an instant sensation when he called Bush a "dog" at a news conference with Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki on Sunday and tried to hit him with both of his shoes.
"Zaidi was brought today before the investigating judge in the presence of a defense lawyer and a prosecutor," said Abdul Satar Birqadr, a spokesman for Iraq's High Judicial Council. "He admits the action he carried out."
Muntader al-Zaidi, the World Salutes You.
Read more here.
Obama picks bigoted Pastor Rick Warren for inauguration
Obama just went down 5 Hope points.
"This is not a political issue — it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about."
Voices, I hear voices...
Read more here.
Discovery of Roman Battlefield Poses Historical Riddle
Archaeologists in Germany say they have found an ancient battlefield strewn with Roman weapons. The find is significant because it indicates that Romans were fighting battles in north Germany at a far later stage than previously assumed.
The wilds of Germany may not have been off-limits to Roman legions, archaeologists announced on Monday. At a press conference in the woods near the town of Kalefeld, about 100 kilometers south of Hanover, researchers announced the discovery of a battlefield strewn with hundreds of Roman artifacts dating from the 3rd century A.D.
Read more here.
The wilds of Germany may not have been off-limits to Roman legions, archaeologists announced on Monday. At a press conference in the woods near the town of Kalefeld, about 100 kilometers south of Hanover, researchers announced the discovery of a battlefield strewn with hundreds of Roman artifacts dating from the 3rd century A.D.
Read more here.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
V.P. Cheney: Unrepentant Torturer
These people disgust me.
Notice no one uses the word "torture".
If there ever are war crimes tribunals for these people...HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA...this piece of video is Exhibit 1.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Google gives heart to middlemen everywhere
You know the middleman, the one that claims their service is absolutely essential, so much so that you have to pay them to get to what you really want...
The celebrated openness of the Internet -- network providers are not supposed to give preferential treatment to any traffic -- is quietly losing powerful defenders.
Google Inc. has approached major cable and phone companies that carry Internet traffic with a proposal to create a fast lane for its own content, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Google has traditionally been one of the loudest advocates of equal network access for all content providers.
At risk is a principle known as network neutrality: Cable and phone companies that operate the data pipelines are supposed to treat all traffic the same -- nobody is supposed to jump the line.
Read more here, while you still can.
The celebrated openness of the Internet -- network providers are not supposed to give preferential treatment to any traffic -- is quietly losing powerful defenders.
Google Inc. has approached major cable and phone companies that carry Internet traffic with a proposal to create a fast lane for its own content, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Google has traditionally been one of the loudest advocates of equal network access for all content providers.
At risk is a principle known as network neutrality: Cable and phone companies that operate the data pipelines are supposed to treat all traffic the same -- nobody is supposed to jump the line.
Read more here, while you still can.
Put a Donk On It
a donk, it seems, is "a pipe/plank-sound... most commonly placed midway between beats, in the same place as hi-hats, but can be put in other places for different effects and such."
Australian Net firms rebuff filtering plan
Fucking governments out there, they'll try anything to control the internet.
Australian government plans to filter net use have been rebuffed by local internet service providers (ISPs).
Telstra, Australia's largest ISP, has said it will not join trials of the filters and others say they will only back a scaled-down system.
The government wants to filter all net traffic and block access to 10,000 sites deemed to hold illegal content.
The initial trials of the filtering technology were due to take place before Christmas.
Read more here.
Australian government plans to filter net use have been rebuffed by local internet service providers (ISPs).
Telstra, Australia's largest ISP, has said it will not join trials of the filters and others say they will only back a scaled-down system.
The government wants to filter all net traffic and block access to 10,000 sites deemed to hold illegal content.
The initial trials of the filtering technology were due to take place before Christmas.
Read more here.
Friday, December 12, 2008
apackof2 of RightMichigan: Unfeeling Bastard of the Day
"They [the U.S. auto makers] could save some $$ by eliminating benefits to partners of same-sex couple. Anyone discussing that??
What an unbelievable c*nt.
Read more here.
What an unbelievable c*nt.
Read more here.
Graeme Hamilton and why Toronto continues to be hated
Graeme Hamilton is obviously very pleased that Montreal has been hit with a big snowstorm. It gives him a chance to defect attention from the moronic move of Toronto in 1999 of calling in the army to clear snow...
Not long ago, Montrealers took a silent pride in their city's snow-clearing prowess. When Toronto famously called in the army to help clear its roads in 1999, people here snickered and thanked God they had not joined the exodus down the 401.
These days, nobody's laughing...
Read more here.
Not long ago, Montrealers took a silent pride in their city's snow-clearing prowess. When Toronto famously called in the army to help clear its roads in 1999, people here snickered and thanked God they had not joined the exodus down the 401.
These days, nobody's laughing...
Read more here.
Oleg Teterin: Idiot of the Day
How much would you pay for a ;-)? A Russian businessman has trademarked the emoticon _ or combination of punctuation marks _ used to convey a wink in text messages and e-mail.
Oleg Teterin, president of the mobile ad company Superfone, said Thursday he doesn't plan on tracking down individual users following the decision by the federal patent agency.
"I want to highlight that this is only directed at corporations, companies that are trying to make a profit without the permission of the trademark holder," he said in comments to NTV.
Companies will be sent legal warnings if they use the symbol without his permission, he said.
"Legal use will be possible after buying an annual license from us," he was quoted by Kommersant as saying. "It won't cost that much _ tens of thousands of dollars."
He also said since other similar emoticons _ :-) or ;) or :) _ resemble the one he has trademarked, use of those symbols could also fall under his ownership.
Asshole. ( ! )
Read more here.
Update:
A Russian news agency says patent authorities deny a businessman's claim that he has trademarked a symbol used widely in e-mail, text and instant messages.
Oleg Teterin said Thursday he had gotten a trademark for ;-) a grouping of punctuation marks that denotes a smiling wink when looked at sideways.
He said he expected corporations to pay thousands of dollars for a license to use the symbol.
The Rospatent federal patent agency tells the RIA-Novosti news agency that the symbol was trademarked only as part of the company's brand and has not been trademarked on its own.
Neither Teterin nor patent officials could be reached for comment late Friday.
Too bad, as the world would love to talk to this moron..
Oleg Teterin, president of the mobile ad company Superfone, said Thursday he doesn't plan on tracking down individual users following the decision by the federal patent agency.
"I want to highlight that this is only directed at corporations, companies that are trying to make a profit without the permission of the trademark holder," he said in comments to NTV.
Companies will be sent legal warnings if they use the symbol without his permission, he said.
"Legal use will be possible after buying an annual license from us," he was quoted by Kommersant as saying. "It won't cost that much _ tens of thousands of dollars."
He also said since other similar emoticons _ :-) or ;) or :) _ resemble the one he has trademarked, use of those symbols could also fall under his ownership.
Asshole. ( ! )
Read more here.
Update:
A Russian news agency says patent authorities deny a businessman's claim that he has trademarked a symbol used widely in e-mail, text and instant messages.
Oleg Teterin said Thursday he had gotten a trademark for ;-) a grouping of punctuation marks that denotes a smiling wink when looked at sideways.
He said he expected corporations to pay thousands of dollars for a license to use the symbol.
The Rospatent federal patent agency tells the RIA-Novosti news agency that the symbol was trademarked only as part of the company's brand and has not been trademarked on its own.
Neither Teterin nor patent officials could be reached for comment late Friday.
Too bad, as the world would love to talk to this moron..
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Richard Dawkins interviews Father George Coyne
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po0ZMfkSNxc
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjjDDhE8R5k
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyyySnUqCug
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eEmnhmAwPM
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl1xmkVOyRw
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwDTBW8oxug
Part 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qPHIS3n7Lw
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Day the Earth Stood Still (Reloaded)
I think the remake is unnecessary. If it has to be updated for a contemporary audience it will just be dumber and noisier.
Selling a controversial remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still to a skeptical audience could daunt even a marketing genius like Mad Men's Don Draper.
"Don Draper would probably sell it poorly," said actor Jon Hamm, who plays the ad man in the hit TV series, which is set on the Madison Avenue of the 1960s.
"That's not necessarily his forté, the modern science-fiction epic. He'd rather stick to products in his own time."
The question isn't moot, because Hamm is in the big-budget remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still, which arrives in theatres Friday.
Read more here.
Selling a controversial remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still to a skeptical audience could daunt even a marketing genius like Mad Men's Don Draper.
"Don Draper would probably sell it poorly," said actor Jon Hamm, who plays the ad man in the hit TV series, which is set on the Madison Avenue of the 1960s.
"That's not necessarily his forté, the modern science-fiction epic. He'd rather stick to products in his own time."
The question isn't moot, because Hamm is in the big-budget remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still, which arrives in theatres Friday.
Read more here.
British nanny state decides you can't see this picture
source: Wikipedia
This image is in epic bad taste, but who the fuck is the "Internet Watch Foundation" to be telling us what we can or can not see on such sites such as Wikipedia? They are free to warn against it, to even point it out. But blocking sites is going too far.
A decision by a number of UK internet providers to block a Wikipedia page showing an image of a naked girl has angered users of the popular site.
The blocked page of the online encyclopaedia shows an album cover of German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1976.
Internet providers acted after online watchdog the Internet Watch Foundation warned them its picture may be illegal.
The IWF said it was a "potentially illegal child sexual abuse image".
Some volunteers who run Wikipedia said it was not for the foundation to censor one of the web's most popular sites.
The so called "Internet Watch Foundation" is a dangerous precedent, as governments and censors will always use kiddie porn (and terrorism, we mustn't forget terrorism) as the wedge to begin controlling the net.
And controlling the net is a goal of governments world wide. This free speech thing has gone on long enough.
Read more here and here and here.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
No Mob Veto - except for churches of course
The religion bigots in the U.S., the ones that help strip thousands of California citizens of *existing* rights, have come under some criticism...and they don't like it.
I can understand that after centuries of having your own way, of burning and inquisitions and (you get the idea), that this new found freedom of the unwashed masses to talk back...to question (shock) the actions of "any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason" must be extremely irritating.
So what do you do? Why, take out a full page ad in the New York Times of course.
Read it here.
The whole thing reads like the whining of a bully who is surprised by his victim actually having the nerve to fight back...but they have that covered:
"“Furthermore, beginning today, we commit ourselves to exposing and publicly shaming anyone who resorts to the rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry – against any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason.”
Good, start here then. The Followers of Odin are pansies*.
*(no actual disrespect is intended to the followers of Odin All Father, who's origins go back as far as Christianity. Odin just didn't have as good PR)
The churches should shut the fuck up and realize this is not the 13th century.
Yet.
Ah, happy days. Confess, Confess!
I can understand that after centuries of having your own way, of burning and inquisitions and (you get the idea), that this new found freedom of the unwashed masses to talk back...to question (shock) the actions of "any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason" must be extremely irritating.
So what do you do? Why, take out a full page ad in the New York Times of course.
Read it here.
The whole thing reads like the whining of a bully who is surprised by his victim actually having the nerve to fight back...but they have that covered:
"“Furthermore, beginning today, we commit ourselves to exposing and publicly shaming anyone who resorts to the rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry – against any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason.”
Good, start here then. The Followers of Odin are pansies*.
*(no actual disrespect is intended to the followers of Odin All Father, who's origins go back as far as Christianity. Odin just didn't have as good PR)
The churches should shut the fuck up and realize this is not the 13th century.
Yet.
Ah, happy days. Confess, Confess!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Jury out 13 years, finally convicts O.J.
Boy, that's some deliberation.
A Las Vegas judge sentenced fallen gridiron great O.J. Simpson to at least 15 years in prison for leading an armed confrontation last year at a Las Vegas hotel room over sports memorabilia.
Simpson could become eligible for parole in about nine years. Grimacing, Simpson was escorted from the courtroom in shackles.
If the man's a dick, you must convict.
Read more here.
A Las Vegas judge sentenced fallen gridiron great O.J. Simpson to at least 15 years in prison for leading an armed confrontation last year at a Las Vegas hotel room over sports memorabilia.
Simpson could become eligible for parole in about nine years. Grimacing, Simpson was escorted from the courtroom in shackles.
If the man's a dick, you must convict.
Read more here.
Coldplay are thieves..again
Grammy nominees Coldplay have been sued by rock guitarist Joe Satriani, who claims the band's song Viva La Vida uses one of his riffs.
In court papers filed in Los Angeles on Thursday, he said the song used "substantial original portions" of his 2004 instrumental If I Could Fly.
It couldn't happen to a more horrible band.
Read more here.
In court papers filed in Los Angeles on Thursday, he said the song used "substantial original portions" of his 2004 instrumental If I Could Fly.
It couldn't happen to a more horrible band.
Read more here.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Lord Harper waves his wand
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday took the unprecedented step of seeking the suspension of Parliament so he can avoid being ousted by the opposition next week.
Harper's extreme gambit is the latest development in a constitutional crisis that erupted last week after he tried to cut public financing for political parties, a move that would have hit the opposition parties particularly hard.
Read more here.
Harper's extreme gambit is the latest development in a constitutional crisis that erupted last week after he tried to cut public financing for political parties, a move that would have hit the opposition parties particularly hard.
Read more here.
British DNA database 'breach of rights'
Two British men should not have had their DNA and fingerprints retained by police, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.
The men's information was held by South Yorkshire Police, although neither was convicted of any offence.
The judgement could have major implications on how DNA records are stored in the UK's national database.
The judges said keeping the information "could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic society".
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "disappointed" by the European Court of Human Rights' decision.
Ha, disappointed.
Read more here.
The men's information was held by South Yorkshire Police, although neither was convicted of any offence.
The judgement could have major implications on how DNA records are stored in the UK's national database.
The judges said keeping the information "could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic society".
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "disappointed" by the European Court of Human Rights' decision.
Ha, disappointed.
Read more here.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Richard Dawkins and Aubrey Manning
Richard Dawkins sits down with Aubrey Manning to discuss Ethology, their time at Oxford, the state of life on Earth, and more.
See the rest here.
The Vatican's ugly stand on gay rights
The Vatican's permanent observer Archbishop Celestino Migliore has made one of the ugliest statements concerning gay rights in recent times.
The Pope and Co. seem to be against "a proposed U.N. resolution calling on governments worldwide to de-criminalise homosexuality."
[He] said the Vatican opposed the resolution because it would "add new categories of those protected from discrimination" and could lead to reverse discrimination against traditional heterosexual marriage.
"If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations," Migliore said. "For example, states which do not recognise same-sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure," Migliore said.
So if I read this right, the Vatican is afraid such a resolution would take away some of the power from the murderers and bigots that now have free rain to persecute gay men and woman around the world?
Is that right?
Read more here.
The Pope and Co. seem to be against "a proposed U.N. resolution calling on governments worldwide to de-criminalise homosexuality."
[He] said the Vatican opposed the resolution because it would "add new categories of those protected from discrimination" and could lead to reverse discrimination against traditional heterosexual marriage.
"If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations," Migliore said. "For example, states which do not recognise same-sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure," Migliore said.
So if I read this right, the Vatican is afraid such a resolution would take away some of the power from the murderers and bigots that now have free rain to persecute gay men and woman around the world?
Is that right?
Read more here.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Dig unearths Stone Age sculptures
Rare artefacts from the late Stone Age have been uncovered in Russia.The site at Zaraysk, 150km south-east of Moscow, has yielded figurines and carvings on mammoth tusks.
The finds also included a cone-shaped object whose function, the authors report in the journal Antiquity, "remains a puzzle".
Read more here.
Pope Benedict shines up the Pradas and kicks ass
Those lazy young people today! Why when Benedict was young he was always out of the house..in the fresh air..marching.
In conclusion Pope Benedict, said today’s younger generations are exposed to a double risk, largely due to the widespread use of new technologies: on one hand, noted Pope Benedict there is a danger that the students capacity for concentration and mental application on a personal level are reduced; on the other hand there is a danger that the students isolate themselves in an increasingly virtual reality.
Read more here.
In conclusion Pope Benedict, said today’s younger generations are exposed to a double risk, largely due to the widespread use of new technologies: on one hand, noted Pope Benedict there is a danger that the students capacity for concentration and mental application on a personal level are reduced; on the other hand there is a danger that the students isolate themselves in an increasingly virtual reality.
Read more here.
Ted Rogers dies at 75
His soul is trying to get to heaven but as he is trying during peak hours, it is being prevented by network throttling...
In the end, Mr. Rogers was master of the communications universe in Canada, the owner of the dominant cable TV system, of radio and television stations, of magazine publishing, residential telephone services and the largest wireless network. He was the rare communications titan to solve the convergence conundrum, combining media content and transmission in a single corporate entity.
That we can not escape.
Read more here.
In the end, Mr. Rogers was master of the communications universe in Canada, the owner of the dominant cable TV system, of radio and television stations, of magazine publishing, residential telephone services and the largest wireless network. He was the rare communications titan to solve the convergence conundrum, combining media content and transmission in a single corporate entity.
That we can not escape.
Read more here.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Are fixed-term contracts 'sleazy?' Koodo responds
They respond with idiocy only marketing people would understand...
So you know, if I was using it in everyday conversation I'd never use the term sleazy or the company would never use the term sleazy, but I think given the context of the Christmas carol you clearly want words that pop out and go - wait, that's not a normal Christmas song, what's going on here? - and so they listen.
Read more here, just don't believe a word of it.
So you know, if I was using it in everyday conversation I'd never use the term sleazy or the company would never use the term sleazy, but I think given the context of the Christmas carol you clearly want words that pop out and go - wait, that's not a normal Christmas song, what's going on here? - and so they listen.
Read more here, just don't believe a word of it.
The Police of Shieldaig: Idiots of the Day
As Lulu Matheson was warming herself by the fire at her remote rural cottage, police and sniffer dogs burst through the door.
The officers were sure that the house was a cannabis factory – and refused to accept that her pot plants weren’t . . . well, pot plants.
Despite protestations by the 79-year-old widow that they were looking at her family’s prized tomato crop, the officers insisted on sending samples of the plants to be analysed.
Apologizing would be out of the question...
Read more here.
The officers were sure that the house was a cannabis factory – and refused to accept that her pot plants weren’t . . . well, pot plants.
Despite protestations by the 79-year-old widow that they were looking at her family’s prized tomato crop, the officers insisted on sending samples of the plants to be analysed.
Apologizing would be out of the question...
Read more here.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Star Trek outtakes 2
"Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" audio outtakes combined with the video...you can not change the course of this ship..you can not change the course of this ship...
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Twitter kills Canadian SMS updates
Due to greedy Canadian ISPs?
I'm shocked, shocked...
The quiet killing of this feature (made on the Twitter Status blog rather than the main Twitter blog), is due to “unexpected changes in our [Twitter's] billing,” according to the post. The arrangement Twitter had negotiated with Canadian mobile carriers to send Twitter updates via text (which Twitter was subsidizing) has apparently seen costs double multiple times over the past several months.
Read more here.
I'm shocked, shocked...
The quiet killing of this feature (made on the Twitter Status blog rather than the main Twitter blog), is due to “unexpected changes in our [Twitter's] billing,” according to the post. The arrangement Twitter had negotiated with Canadian mobile carriers to send Twitter updates via text (which Twitter was subsidizing) has apparently seen costs double multiple times over the past several months.
Read more here.
Bequeathed skull stars in Hamlet
The skull held aloft by actor David Tennant in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamlet was a real one, it has been revealed.
Pianist Andre Tchaikowsky left his skull to the RSC when he died in 1982 in the hope it would be used on stage.
But since his death at the age of 46, it had only been used in rehearsals.
Read more here.
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso: Idiot of the Day
This guy should keep his mouth shut and protect his glass house. Looks like he's suffering from the early stages of dementia himself.
Japan's gaffe-prone prime minister is in trouble again -- this time for a remark criticizing the elderly as a tax burden for racking up medical expenses.
"They're hobbling around and constantly going to the doctor," Prime Minister Taro Aso was quoted as saying in a transcript of a Nov. 20 meeting of ministers on economic policies.
Aso also said the elderly should be faulted for not exercising enough.
Read more here.
Japan's gaffe-prone prime minister is in trouble again -- this time for a remark criticizing the elderly as a tax burden for racking up medical expenses.
"They're hobbling around and constantly going to the doctor," Prime Minister Taro Aso was quoted as saying in a transcript of a Nov. 20 meeting of ministers on economic policies.
Aso also said the elderly should be faulted for not exercising enough.
Read more here.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
How the media talks about torture and the rule of law
From Glenn Greenwald
Yesterday, The New York Times' Mark Mazzetti, in reporting on John Brennan's withdrawal from consideration for a top intelligence post, wrote:
"The opposition to Mr. Brennan had been largely confined to liberal blogs, and there was not an expectation he would face a particularly difficult confirmation process. Still, the episode shows that the C.I.A.’s secret detention program remains a particularly incendiary issue for the Democratic base, making it difficult for Mr. Obama to select someone for a top intelligence post who has played any role in the agency’s campaign against Al Qaeda since the Sept. 11 attacks."
I quoted that paragraph yesterday to show how the establishment media is acknowledging the role blogs played in this episode, prompting Billmon to materialize in the comment section and make this point:
Glenn should have noted the sly way that asshole Mazzetti slides from "the CIA's secret detention program remains a particularly incendiary issue for the Democratic base" -- because, of course, only those wacko lefties worry about war crimes --
Read more here.
Yesterday, The New York Times' Mark Mazzetti, in reporting on John Brennan's withdrawal from consideration for a top intelligence post, wrote:
"The opposition to Mr. Brennan had been largely confined to liberal blogs, and there was not an expectation he would face a particularly difficult confirmation process. Still, the episode shows that the C.I.A.’s secret detention program remains a particularly incendiary issue for the Democratic base, making it difficult for Mr. Obama to select someone for a top intelligence post who has played any role in the agency’s campaign against Al Qaeda since the Sept. 11 attacks."
I quoted that paragraph yesterday to show how the establishment media is acknowledging the role blogs played in this episode, prompting Billmon to materialize in the comment section and make this point:
Glenn should have noted the sly way that asshole Mazzetti slides from "the CIA's secret detention program remains a particularly incendiary issue for the Democratic base" -- because, of course, only those wacko lefties worry about war crimes --
Read more here.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Photos reveal Hadrian's history
Archaeologists have uncovered 2,700 previously unrecorded historic features along the length of Hadrian's Wall by studying thousands of aerial pictures.
The English Heritage experts found ancient burial mounds, medieval sheep farms and 19th Century lead mines.
They were working from more than 30,500 pictures taken during the past 60 years as part of a push to map and interpret archaeological sites across England.
Read more here.
The English Heritage experts found ancient burial mounds, medieval sheep farms and 19th Century lead mines.
They were working from more than 30,500 pictures taken during the past 60 years as part of a push to map and interpret archaeological sites across England.
Read more here.
Star Trek Renewal - A Tour of the Enterprise
A CGI Tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Made by little old me =)
Bigotry on the Bus
A week after the election, I was riding the bus home in Santa Monica when we went past one of the many protests around the city against the narrow passage of Proposition 8, which amended the California constitution to eliminate marriage rights for an entire class of people...
Read more here.
Read more here.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thank You Sarah Palin
Thank You Sarah Palin, for bringing the dim witted out of hiding and into making videos...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Polish tests 'confirm Copernicus'
Researchers in Poland say they have solved a centuries-old mystery and identified the remains of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.
A comparison of DNA from a skeleton in Poland and strands of the astronomer's hair found in a book in Sweden almost certainly confirm it is his skeleton.
Read more here.
A comparison of DNA from a skeleton in Poland and strands of the astronomer's hair found in a book in Sweden almost certainly confirm it is his skeleton.
Read more here.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
No shock as CRTC allows Bell to continue fucking over its customers
That's the way Canada works. Corporations Good, Private Interests Bad...
The CRTC has the pubic good in mind as much as Bell does. =/
At least we have an alternative to Bell here in Toronto. We can always go to Rogers..
HAHAHHAHA. I crack myself up.
Bell Canada Inc. is not breaking any laws by slowing internet speeds and will be allowed to continue throttling its customers, the CRTC has ruled.
The phone company, Canada's biggest internet service provider with two million high-speed customers, has shown that it needs to be able to manage its network in order to prevent congestion, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said in a decision released Thursday.
Bell will therefore be able to continue slowing the internet access it sells to smaller wholesale companies, as well as to its own retail subscribers. The company will be required to give its wholesale customers 30 days notice when it wants to implement changes to its network management practices.
Read more here.
The CRTC has the pubic good in mind as much as Bell does. =/
At least we have an alternative to Bell here in Toronto. We can always go to Rogers..
HAHAHHAHA. I crack myself up.
Bell Canada Inc. is not breaking any laws by slowing internet speeds and will be allowed to continue throttling its customers, the CRTC has ruled.
The phone company, Canada's biggest internet service provider with two million high-speed customers, has shown that it needs to be able to manage its network in order to prevent congestion, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said in a decision released Thursday.
Bell will therefore be able to continue slowing the internet access it sells to smaller wholesale companies, as well as to its own retail subscribers. The company will be required to give its wholesale customers 30 days notice when it wants to implement changes to its network management practices.
Read more here.
Mike Huckabee: Idiot of the Day
The very people who voted for Barack Obama in California…also voted to sustain traditional marriage. I refuse to use the term, "ban same-sex marriage." That's not what those efforts did. They affirmed what is. They did not prohibit something. They simply affirmed something that which has and forever has existed.
Scientists Partially Reconstruct Genome of Extinct Mammoth
An international team of scientists has reconstructed about two-thirds of the genome of the woolly mammoth using DNA extracted from balls of hair, the first time this has been accomplished for an extinct species.The project provides some of the starting material that would be required to bring back to life the giant, hairy, cold-weather animals. That task, however, is not likely to be accomplished soon -- and may turn out to be impossible.
Read more here.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Ugliest Painting in Europe unveiled
An intricate ceiling painting worth 18m euros (£15m) has been unveiled at the United Nations offices in Geneva.The coloured dome took Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo more than a year to produce, using 100 tons of paint with pigments from all over the world.
He worked with architects and engineers to develop the extra-strength aluminium for the dome.
Read more here, but beware of viewing that much ugly.
I have no doubt that people will come to see it whether they have business here or not
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
And they'll laugh and laugh... hilarity will ensue when an ambassador is killed by one of those things.
Ted Stevens' defeat best news to come out of Alaska...ever
Sen. Ted Stevens' election defeat marks the end of an era in which he held a commanding place in Alaska politics while wielding power on some of the most influential committees in Congress.
It also moves Senate Democrats within two seats of a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority and gives President-elect Barack Obama a stronger hand when he assumes office on Jan. 20.
Read more here.
It also moves Senate Democrats within two seats of a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority and gives President-elect Barack Obama a stronger hand when he assumes office on Jan. 20.
Read more here.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Colossus of Rhodes to be rebuilt as giant light sculpture
It may not straddle the port as its predecessor once did, but in terms of sheer luminosity and eye-catching height the new Colossus of Rhodes will not disappoint. Nor will it fall short of the symbolism that once imbued the ancient monument.
Twenty-three centuries after craftsmen carved the legendary statue that has inspired legions of painters, poets, playwrights and politicians, a new world wonder, built in the spirit of the original Colossus, is about to be born on the Aegean island.
After decades of dashed hopes, the people of Rhodes will fulfil a long-held dream to revive one of the world's seven ancient wonders - thanks to the promise of international funding and the East German artist Gert Hof.
Read more here.
Twenty-three centuries after craftsmen carved the legendary statue that has inspired legions of painters, poets, playwrights and politicians, a new world wonder, built in the spirit of the original Colossus, is about to be born on the Aegean island.
After decades of dashed hopes, the people of Rhodes will fulfil a long-held dream to revive one of the world's seven ancient wonders - thanks to the promise of international funding and the East German artist Gert Hof.
Read more here.
Newt Gingrich: Idiot of the Day
Look, I think there is a gay and secular fascism in this country that wants to impose its will on the rest of us, is prepared to use violence, to use harassment. I think it is prepared to use the government if it can get control of it. I think that it is a very dangerous threat to anybody who believes in traditional religion. And I think if you believe in historic Christianity, you have to confront the fact. And, frank -- for that matter, if you believe in the historic version of Islam or the historic version of Judaism, you have to confront the reality that these secular extremists are determined to impose on you acceptance of a series of values that are antithetical, they're the opposite, of what you're taught in Sunday school.
He really doesn't see the contradiction in this does he....
He really doesn't see the contradiction in this does he....
Monday, November 17, 2008
Star Trek XI redesigns 2
Some good and bad things to look for..
Ah, Sarak and Amanda on Vulcan. We are given the classic rock formation from TOS. But in keeping with today, one is not enough. We are given *all* the rock formations.
This shot is the most Trek like in the trailer. One shot. With rock formation.
Oh Joy, Romulans. Except humans at this time period had never seen one...
Oh well.
And are those Klingons getting thumped by Nero?
Spock has emotion. As this was used more than once in TOS, we can forgive them this.
Kirk with Captain Pike. But I thought it was Spock who served with...
One hopes they have not turned Dr. McCoy into Steve Buscemi from Armageddon.
Uhura with a HUD...o..k...at least she has her earpiece.
Speaking of Uhura with a piece.
Yes, we all know the legend of Kirk...but did we want to see it??
Well, at least things will blow up real good.
And don't even get me started on this.
Ah, Sarak and Amanda on Vulcan. We are given the classic rock formation from TOS. But in keeping with today, one is not enough. We are given *all* the rock formations.
This shot is the most Trek like in the trailer. One shot. With rock formation.
Oh Joy, Romulans. Except humans at this time period had never seen one...
Oh well.
And are those Klingons getting thumped by Nero?
Spock has emotion. As this was used more than once in TOS, we can forgive them this.
Kirk with Captain Pike. But I thought it was Spock who served with...
One hopes they have not turned Dr. McCoy into Steve Buscemi from Armageddon.
Uhura with a HUD...o..k...at least she has her earpiece.
Speaking of Uhura with a piece.
Yes, we all know the legend of Kirk...but did we want to see it??
Well, at least things will blow up real good.
And don't even get me started on this.
Star Trek XI redesigns
With the release of trailer 2 for Star Trek, we finally get a clear idea of the design of the Enterprise...
The exterior although changed is still recognizable as the classic ship. The interiors are another thing..
To me, this is a too desperate attempt to modernize the 60's feeling. This current incarnation will age faster that the old one did.
Looks closer to Space 1999 than anything Star Trek..
If they'd changed the ship this much, I shudder to think what they've done to the characters.
Helen Mirren: Idiot of the Day
This kind of statement usually comes from Quebec judges...
Dame Helen Mirren was accused by the Solicitor General of making ignorant, absurd and dangerous comments yesterday after speaking out again about rape prosecutions.
In an interview, the 63-year-old Oscar-winning actress said that in such cases female jurors are deliberately selected by defence barristers because 'women go against women'.
She suggested that women jurors are less likely to convict a rapist since they tend to think the victim was 'asking for it'.
Read more here.
Dame Helen Mirren was accused by the Solicitor General of making ignorant, absurd and dangerous comments yesterday after speaking out again about rape prosecutions.
In an interview, the 63-year-old Oscar-winning actress said that in such cases female jurors are deliberately selected by defence barristers because 'women go against women'.
She suggested that women jurors are less likely to convict a rapist since they tend to think the victim was 'asking for it'.
Read more here.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Star Trek trailer
Continuity? We don't need no stinkin' continuity...
These are the voyages of the iEnterprise...
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Rhythm and Blues Review
Musical variety show filmed at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City in 1954.
Indian probe touches down on Moon
India's first unmanned lunar spacecraft, Chandrayaan 1, has placed a probe on the surface of the Moon.
The probe, painted with the Indian flag, touched down at 2034 (1504 GMT), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
It will perform various experiments, including measuring the composition of the Moon's atmosphere.
Read more here.
The probe, painted with the Indian flag, touched down at 2034 (1504 GMT), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
It will perform various experiments, including measuring the composition of the Moon's atmosphere.
Read more here.
First images captured of alien solar system
A ring of dust surrounds the star Fomalhaut. Images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope in 2004 and 2006 show that a white dot just inside the dust ring moved in the intervening two years. Researchers believe the dot is a planet that weighs no more than 3 Jupiter masses and lies about three times as far from its star as Pluto does from the Sun
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Priest advises penance for Obama vote
The Middle Ages, once all the rage, has of late been forgotten and relegated to the late show.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't constantly try for a come back...
The priest at St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Greenville has told parishioners that those who voted for Barack Obama placed themselves under divine judgment because of his stance on abortion and shouldn't receive Holy Communion until they've done penance.
The Rev. Jay Scott Newman told The Greenville News on Wednesday that church teaching doesn't allow him to refuse Holy Communion to anyone based on political choices...
Bet he sure would like to though...
Read more here.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't constantly try for a come back...
The priest at St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown Greenville has told parishioners that those who voted for Barack Obama placed themselves under divine judgment because of his stance on abortion and shouldn't receive Holy Communion until they've done penance.
The Rev. Jay Scott Newman told The Greenville News on Wednesday that church teaching doesn't allow him to refuse Holy Communion to anyone based on political choices...
Bet he sure would like to though...
Read more here.
Ancient Rome on Google Earth
The glory that was Rome is to rise again. Visitors will once more be able to visit the Colosseum and the Forum of Rome as they were in 320 AD, this time on a computer screen in 3D.
The realisation of the ancient city in Google Earth lets viewers stand in the centre of the Colosseum, trace the footsteps of the gladiators in the Ludus Magnus and fly under the Arch of Constantine.
The computer model, a collection of more than 6,700 buildings, depicts Rome in the year 320 AD. Then, under the emperor Constantine I, the city boasted more than a million inhabitants –- making it the largest metropolis in the world.
Read more here.
The realisation of the ancient city in Google Earth lets viewers stand in the centre of the Colosseum, trace the footsteps of the gladiators in the Ludus Magnus and fly under the Arch of Constantine.
The computer model, a collection of more than 6,700 buildings, depicts Rome in the year 320 AD. Then, under the emperor Constantine I, the city boasted more than a million inhabitants –- making it the largest metropolis in the world.
Read more here.
Dead Parrot sketch ancestor found
An ancestor of Monty Python's famous Dead Parrot comedy sketch has been found in a joke book dating back to Greece in the 4th Century.
Philogelos: The Laugh Addict, which has been translated from Greek manuscripts, contains a joke where a man complains that a slave he was sold had died.
"When he was with me, he never did any such thing!" is the reply.
Read more here and hear the jokes performed by "veteran comic Jim Bowen" here
Philogelos: The Laugh Addict, which has been translated from Greek manuscripts, contains a joke where a man complains that a slave he was sold had died.
"When he was with me, he never did any such thing!" is the reply.
Read more here and hear the jokes performed by "veteran comic Jim Bowen" here
Scott Eckern and Witchhunt
As predicted in this blog yesterday, the Yes side of Prop 8 are calling the resignation of Scott Eckern a "witch hunt"
Like clockwork...
"This is a witch-hunt," said Lance Christensen, who says he's a regular patron of the theater and took off work to show his support for Eckern. "This man has devoted 25 years of his life to theater in Sacramento."
The man also stabbed his fellow workers in the back...
The Yes side has felt no remorse, no sadness for the pain they have caused.
Like clockwork...
"This is a witch-hunt," said Lance Christensen, who says he's a regular patron of the theater and took off work to show his support for Eckern. "This man has devoted 25 years of his life to theater in Sacramento."
The man also stabbed his fellow workers in the back...
The Yes side has felt no remorse, no sadness for the pain they have caused.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Did CNN fake some 1991 Iraq coverage?
Interesting, but hard to make a definitive judgement from just this evidence.
Certainly, the first Gulf War made CNN.
Scott Eckern Resigns as Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre
That's one down...
Scott Eckern, Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre, released the following statement regarding his resignation. The statement is released as follows:
"I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal. It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction...
Idiot.
"I chose to express my views through the democratic process, and I am deeply sorry for any harm or injury I have caused in doing so."
Can the supporters of the Yes side be that clueless to the harm they have done? Seriously, does anyone really believe that?
Read more here.
Btw, countdown to the Yes side calling this a witchhunt. In 3, 2..
Scott Eckern, Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre, released the following statement regarding his resignation. The statement is released as follows:
"I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal. It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction...
Idiot.
"I chose to express my views through the democratic process, and I am deeply sorry for any harm or injury I have caused in doing so."
Can the supporters of the Yes side be that clueless to the harm they have done? Seriously, does anyone really believe that?
Read more here.
Btw, countdown to the Yes side calling this a witchhunt. In 3, 2..
This is why McCain lost
He continues to be clueless...
McCain says Palin didn't hurt bid
In his first interview since conceding the presidential election, John McCain said Tuesday that Sarah Palin did not damage his presidential bid and he dismissed anonymous criticism aimed at her following their crushing defeat.
"I'm so proud of her and I'm very grateful she agreed to run with me. She inspired people, she still does," McCain told Jay Leno during a "Tonight Show" interview taped for broadcast Tuesday night. "I couldn't be happier with Sarah Palin."
Thank God many were not...
Read more here.
McCain says Palin didn't hurt bid
In his first interview since conceding the presidential election, John McCain said Tuesday that Sarah Palin did not damage his presidential bid and he dismissed anonymous criticism aimed at her following their crushing defeat.
"I'm so proud of her and I'm very grateful she agreed to run with me. She inspired people, she still does," McCain told Jay Leno during a "Tonight Show" interview taped for broadcast Tuesday night. "I couldn't be happier with Sarah Palin."
Thank God many were not...
Read more here.
New Star Trek Enterprise
I've got a bad feeling about this.
The more I see, the more I feel fans of TOS will be cringing uncomfortably in their seats...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Griffintown project delayed until 2010
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Seems they are having some financial difficulties putting up that much ugly.
La crise financière internationale nuit au projet immobilier de Devimco dans le quartier de Griffintown. La construction ne débutera pas avant le printemps 2010, a appris La Presse.
La planification du financement de la première phase de construction, qui représente 400 millions, est en effet décalée «de quelques mois». «Quatre cents millions, ça ne se trouve pas à Montréal et personne ne voudrait en ce moment financer 400 millions, dit le président de Devimco, Serge Goulet. Il faut un syndicat de banques international et, pour l'instant, les banques ne se prêtent même pas entre elles...»
Read more here and here.
$150 million rebuild plans for Temple of Artemis
Ambitious plans have been unveiled for the rebuilding of the Temple of Artemis - one of the original seven wonders of the world at Selçuk, near Izmir.
The Temple of Artemis, or Artemision in Greek, recalled in both Greek and Byzantine anthologies for its magnificence, was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After decades of vandalism, religious conflict and decay it is finally to be rebuilt.
Read more here.
The Temple of Artemis, or Artemision in Greek, recalled in both Greek and Byzantine anthologies for its magnificence, was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After decades of vandalism, religious conflict and decay it is finally to be rebuilt.
Read more here.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obama shows Bush how big his jail cell will be
"About this big George. You'll love the orange suit..."
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush welcomed President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, to the White House on Monday afternoon.
Bush and Obama are holding a private meeting in the Oval Office, while the first lady gives the incoming first lady a tour of the residence.
Read more here.
Church and state: The issue of Prop. 8
Proposition 8 has passed, denying to some the right enjoyed by other citizens in California, the right to marry. Now, the central question for the courts to decide is: Are gays in California equal, or can members of certain churches declare them constitutionally inferior?
Read more here.
Read more here.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Indian satellite orbiting Moon
Wow. Well done.
India is celebrating the arrival of its Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft at the Moon.
An 817-second burn from the probe's engine on Saturday slowed Chandrayaan sufficiently for it to be captured by the lunar body's gravity.
The craft is now in an 11-hour polar ellipse that goes out to 7,502km from the Moon and comes as close as 504km.
Read more here.
Mormons And Catholics Upset At Being The Target Of Prop 8 Protests
They seemed to be surprised that their aid behind the stripping away of *existing* rights of Californians might have made some angry...
But if you think the person you are depriving of rights is not really a full person, then who cares?
It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.
Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States - that of free expression and voting.
"every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation" may have had a hand it it, but their actions in voting Yes on Prop 8 are morally reprehensible.
"I was only following orders..."
Read more here.
But if you think the person you are depriving of rights is not really a full person, then who cares?
It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.
Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States - that of free expression and voting.
"every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation" may have had a hand it it, but their actions in voting Yes on Prop 8 are morally reprehensible.
"I was only following orders..."
Read more here.
Friday, November 07, 2008
An open apology to boomers everywhere
Dear boomers: We're sorry for rolling our eyes at you all these years. We apologize for scoffing at your earnestness, your lack of self-deprecation, your tendency to take yourselves a little too seriously. We can go ahead and admit now that we grew tired of hearing about the '60s and the peace movement, as if you had to live through those times to understand anything at all. It's true...
Read more here.
Read more here.
The Mormons asked for this
A move to repeal the Church's tax exempt status.
The Institute of Repression, aka the Mormon Church, may have a fight on their hands. If nothing else, it will help expose the ugly heart at the center of it.
Thank God for that.
Read more here.
Kim Jong-il doesn't need no stinking shadows
There is fresh speculation about the health of North Korea's "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il, amid suggestions that an image of Mr Kim may have been doctored.
The image, released on Wednesday, appeared to show Mr Kim in good health while inspecting two military units.
But an analysis by the UK's Times newspaper highlighted incongruities around the leader's legs, and the BBC found what look like mismatched pixels.
Read more here.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
LA Police beat protester at pro gay marriage demo in Los Angeles
How dare newly made second class citizens protest their rights taken away. They deserve every beating.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Caesar's British Landing Site Pinned Down
When Julius Caesar arrived off the coast of Britain with his hundred-ship force in August, 55 b.c., he was greeted by a host of defenders poised to hurl spears down on his invading army from the towering Dover cliffs. Seeking a better landing site, he sailed on a strong afternoon current and landed his troops at a beach seven miles away, according to his own account.
Caesar neglected to mention, however, whether he sailed southwest or northeast.
Read more here.
Caesar neglected to mention, however, whether he sailed southwest or northeast.
Read more here.
Californian Bigots have their day in the sun
Prop 8 passes. Or so it seems.
You disgust me. You are the scum of the earth.
You disgust me. You are the scum of the earth.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Bulls-eye on the Mormons
Boy it must hurt to have your bigotry exposed for all to see...
A new commercial against proposition 8 in California is expected to fuel the fire of an already heated debate over gay marriage.
The commercial depicts two Mormon missionaries invading the home of a same sex couple...
...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not happy with the tactics used in this commercial.
Scott Trotter with the Church released this statement,
“The Church has joined a broad-based coalition in defense of traditional marriage. While we feel this is important to all of society, we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue. It is unfortunate that some who oppose this proposition have not given the Church this same courtesy.”
"we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue"
Respect is the last thing the Mormons are showing, as respect would not lead you to take rights away.
They deserve to have all the light shone on them to expose them for what they are.
Seems the irony of their statements are lost on them:
"...new lows of religious bigotry and intolerance," said Yes on 8 Chairman Ron Prentice...No on 8 campaign has been running their own television commercials saying we must all oppose discrimination and intolerance whenever we see it."
The ad is "oppos[ing] discrimination and intolerance".
'Exceptional' Roman coins hoard
One of the largest deposits of Roman coins ever recorded in Wales, has been declared treasure trove.
Nearly 6,000 copper alloy coins were found buried in two pots in a field at Sully, Vale of Glamorgan by a local metal detector enthusiast in April.
After the ruling by the Cardiff coroner, a reward is likely to be paid to the finder and landowner.
It is hoped the coins will be donated to National Museum Wales, which has called the find "exceptional".
Read more here.
Nearly 6,000 copper alloy coins were found buried in two pots in a field at Sully, Vale of Glamorgan by a local metal detector enthusiast in April.
After the ruling by the Cardiff coroner, a reward is likely to be paid to the finder and landowner.
It is hoped the coins will be donated to National Museum Wales, which has called the find "exceptional".
Read more here.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Samuel L. Jackson on Prop 8
It's distressing to realize you live in an ugly historical period that hasn't quite let go with its cold dead fingers...
Palin is more than just an idiot, she's dangerous
In a conservative radio interview that aired in Washington, D.C. Friday morning, Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin said she fears her First Amendment rights may be threatened by "attacks" from reporters who suggest she is engaging in a negative campaign against Barack Obama.
Palin told WMAL-AM that her criticism of Obama's associations, like those with 1960s radical Bill Ayers and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, should not be considered negative attacks. Rather, for reporters or columnists to suggest that it is going negative may constitute an attack that threatens a candidate's free speech rights under the Constitution, Palin said.
"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."
Read more here, while you still can...
Palin told WMAL-AM that her criticism of Obama's associations, like those with 1960s radical Bill Ayers and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, should not be considered negative attacks. Rather, for reporters or columnists to suggest that it is going negative may constitute an attack that threatens a candidate's free speech rights under the Constitution, Palin said.
"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."
Read more here, while you still can...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Beatles "video" unearthed after 44 years
The colour, but silent, film was recorded covertly at the concert in Kansas City in 1964 and is believed to be the only recording of the 31 minute gig.
Fan Drew Dimmel, who is now selling the roll of 8mm film reel at a British auction house, was 15 when he went to see the band in his home city.
Read more here.
The Face of Bigotry
The real face of the bigotry alive and well in CaliforniaAnd they're proud of it.
We have been standing on the corner the last two weeks getting mostly positive honks with a few F-Yous and middle fingers. Not bad....
Must be nice to feel so superior that you feel you can make the lives of others miserable.
Btw, he's wearing yellow on Thursdays, wink wink.
$5 Flea Market Find May Sell For $50 Million In Toronto
If you're not an art connoisseur, it looks a lot like a bunch of squiggly lines on a page.
But to an expert, it's a stunning find - an original Jackson Pollock, an American painter and an artist considered a master of abstract expressionism.
How this painting came to be on display and up for sale in a local Toronto gallery is the stuff of legend. You may remember the unbelievable story surrounding a woman named Teri Horton, a retired truck driver who loved to frequent thrift shops around North America.
When she entered one of them in California in the 1990s, she spotted a picture lying unused in a corner, a piece of artwork that no one seemed to want.
What happened next inspired a movie and a legend.
Read more here.
But to an expert, it's a stunning find - an original Jackson Pollock, an American painter and an artist considered a master of abstract expressionism.
How this painting came to be on display and up for sale in a local Toronto gallery is the stuff of legend. You may remember the unbelievable story surrounding a woman named Teri Horton, a retired truck driver who loved to frequent thrift shops around North America.
When she entered one of them in California in the 1990s, she spotted a picture lying unused in a corner, a piece of artwork that no one seemed to want.
What happened next inspired a movie and a legend.
Read more here.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Brand resigns as BBC takes action over abusive broadcast
Oooo, someone's been a bad bad boy...again
Earlier , I commented on how I enjoyed his stand up comedy, but after listening to the podcast of his BBC broadcasts, he and his quests come across as those loud people you try to avoid at parties.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suspended one of its best-known stars while another resigned Wednesday for broadcasting a series of "gross" and abusive telephone calls.
Comedian Russell Brand, 33, and talk show host Jonathan Ross, 47, have been at the center of a row after they attempted to contact comedy actor Andrew Sachs for an interview on Brand's weekend radio show earlier this month.
When it dawned on the pair that Sachs -- who played a Spanish waiter in John Cleese's 1970s TV comedy "Fawlty Towers" -- was not around, they left a series of messages on the veteran actor's phone, joking about Brand's sexual relationship with Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie, 23.
Read more here.
Earlier , I commented on how I enjoyed his stand up comedy, but after listening to the podcast of his BBC broadcasts, he and his quests come across as those loud people you try to avoid at parties.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suspended one of its best-known stars while another resigned Wednesday for broadcasting a series of "gross" and abusive telephone calls.
Comedian Russell Brand, 33, and talk show host Jonathan Ross, 47, have been at the center of a row after they attempted to contact comedy actor Andrew Sachs for an interview on Brand's weekend radio show earlier this month.
When it dawned on the pair that Sachs -- who played a Spanish waiter in John Cleese's 1970s TV comedy "Fawlty Towers" -- was not around, they left a series of messages on the veteran actor's phone, joking about Brand's sexual relationship with Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie, 23.
Read more here.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The definition of "bigot"
emily has left a new comment on your post "No, we're not bigots...really we're not":
"yes on prop 8 (while you are at it, maybe you could blog and comment about the definition of "bigot").
This isn't about homophobia. In fact it's not even about hate. It's just about defining marriage."
Here you are Emily.
Main Entry: big·ot
Pronunciation:\ˈbi-gət\
Function:noun
Etymology:French, hypocrite, bigot
Date:1660
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices ; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed \-gə-təd\ adjective
— big·ot·ed·ly adverb
Works for me.
"yes on prop 8 (while you are at it, maybe you could blog and comment about the definition of "bigot").
This isn't about homophobia. In fact it's not even about hate. It's just about defining marriage."
Here you are Emily.
Main Entry: big·ot
Pronunciation:\ˈbi-gət\
Function:noun
Etymology:French, hypocrite, bigot
Date:1660
: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices ; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed \-gə-təd\ adjective
— big·ot·ed·ly adverb
Works for me.
No, we're not bigots...really we're not
Loving Christians for Prop 8.
Jesus made me do it..."not tolerating transgression"
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