A mash-up of Google Maps and Prop 8 Donors.
Proposition 8 changed the California state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. These are the people who donated in order to pass it.
See more here.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
More dumb European art
The artist and the subject matter sound like they just escaped from grade school.
Nanananana, your country is a toilet!
The Czech EU presidency has apologised for an art installation it commissioned that lampoons national stereotypes.
Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra apologised directly to Bulgaria, which has formally complained over its depiction as a toilet in the art work.
He said the image, at the European Council building in Brussels, would be removed if Sofia insisted.
David Cerny, the Czech artist behind the work, admits misleading officials over his intentions with the project.
Oooo, those tricky modern artists, desperately trying in inject life into what are essentially bland government commissions..
He said he had "wanted to find out if Europe is able to laugh at itself".
Nope, but we're getting a good giggle out of you.
Read more here, but beware, the so called art work is of surpassing mediocrity.
Nanananana, your country is a toilet!
The Czech EU presidency has apologised for an art installation it commissioned that lampoons national stereotypes.
Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra apologised directly to Bulgaria, which has formally complained over its depiction as a toilet in the art work.
He said the image, at the European Council building in Brussels, would be removed if Sofia insisted.
David Cerny, the Czech artist behind the work, admits misleading officials over his intentions with the project.
Oooo, those tricky modern artists, desperately trying in inject life into what are essentially bland government commissions..
He said he had "wanted to find out if Europe is able to laugh at itself".
Nope, but we're getting a good giggle out of you.
Read more here, but beware, the so called art work is of surpassing mediocrity.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ex-officer charged with murder in BART shooting
If it hadn't been for the videos made of the incident, this man would never have been charged.
Keep filming folks.
"What I feel the evidence indicates is an unlawful killing done by an intentional act," district attorney Tom Orloff told reporters at a news conference.
Read more here.
Keep filming folks.
"What I feel the evidence indicates is an unlawful killing done by an intentional act," district attorney Tom Orloff told reporters at a news conference.
Read more here.
YouTube Now Mutes Videos With Unauthorized Copyrighted Music
When corporations fight back...
Perhaps this has been going on for a while, but I’ve never noticed it before. YouTube users often create an original video using their favorite popular song as the audio. I’m afraid that they won’t be able to do that much longer, since YouTube has started muting videos that use unauthorized copyrighted music (and that pretty much means all user-created videos.)
Guess that little period of democratic creative freedom is about over, no?
Read more here.
Perhaps this has been going on for a while, but I’ve never noticed it before. YouTube users often create an original video using their favorite popular song as the audio. I’m afraid that they won’t be able to do that much longer, since YouTube has started muting videos that use unauthorized copyrighted music (and that pretty much means all user-created videos.)
Guess that little period of democratic creative freedom is about over, no?
Read more here.
Khannnnn!
Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor...has died. He was 88.
May Heaven be upholstered in soft Corinthian leather.
May Heaven be upholstered in soft Corinthian leather.
Tennessee Republicans not quite fast enough
This story is actually quite funny, although I'm sure not to the ones that lost. Seems to have saved Tennessee from a pack of right wing crazies..for now.
Read more here.
Steve Jobs Steps Down Temporarily For Health Reasons
Apple (AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs will take a medical leave of absence until the end of June. Apple COO Tim Cook will take over for Steve until then. Apple shares are down about 10% in after-hours trading.
Read more here.
Team,
I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.
Steve
Read more here.
Team,
I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.
Steve
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Microsoft, Songsmith and the lowest pit of Hell
Microsoft sure do have the awful ad market all tied up, don't they?
Windows 7 will be such fun!
Harper embarrasses us...again
Canada stood alone before a United Nations human rights council yesterday, the only one among 47 nations to oppose a motion condemning the Israeli military offensive in Gaza.
The vote before the Geneva-based body shows the Stephen Harper government has abandoned a more even-handed approach to the Middle East in favour of unalloyed support of Israel, according to some long-time observers.
I really am sorry World.
Read more here.
The vote before the Geneva-based body shows the Stephen Harper government has abandoned a more even-handed approach to the Middle East in favour of unalloyed support of Israel, according to some long-time observers.
I really am sorry World.
Read more here.
Even crapper radio comes to Montreal
In case you haven’t heard, Mix 96 ends today. In what is no doubt a bid to save some money, CJFM 95.9 is rebranding itself a Virgin Radio station (on orders from owner Astral Media).
"The Virgin Brand brings some amazing power. It represents an edge of cool, it’s irreverent, it’s sexy, its fun, it’s world class and constantly surprising."
Gag.
Read more here.
"The Virgin Brand brings some amazing power. It represents an edge of cool, it’s irreverent, it’s sexy, its fun, it’s world class and constantly surprising."
Gag.
Read more here.
A blogger responds to Sarah Palin
It's a sad state of affairs in the world of media today if we have to rely on the MSM for our hard news information...
Kitten with a Whip? What an idiot...
When Idiots Use Email
Many "reply all" fiascos result in mere embarrassment, but American diplomats have been told they may be punished for sending mass responses after an e-mail storm nearly knocked out one of the State Department's main electronic communications systems.
A cable sent last week to all employees at the department's Washington headquarters and overseas missions warns of unspecified "disciplinary actions" for using the "reply to all" function on e-mail with large distribution lists.
The cable, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, was prompted by a major interruption in departmental e-mail caused by numerous diplomats hitting "reply all" to an errant message inadvertently addressed and copied to several thousand recipients.
"Department staff hitting 'reply to all' on an e-mail with a large distribution list is causing an e-mail storm on the department's OpenNet e-mail system," says the unclassified cable that was sent Thursday by Under Secretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy.
He said the result was "effectively a denial of service as e-mail queues, especially between posts, back up while processing the extra volume of e-mails."
Bet their VCRs used to flash 12:00 too...
Read more here.
A cable sent last week to all employees at the department's Washington headquarters and overseas missions warns of unspecified "disciplinary actions" for using the "reply to all" function on e-mail with large distribution lists.
The cable, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, was prompted by a major interruption in departmental e-mail caused by numerous diplomats hitting "reply all" to an errant message inadvertently addressed and copied to several thousand recipients.
"Department staff hitting 'reply to all' on an e-mail with a large distribution list is causing an e-mail storm on the department's OpenNet e-mail system," says the unclassified cable that was sent Thursday by Under Secretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy.
He said the result was "effectively a denial of service as e-mail queues, especially between posts, back up while processing the extra volume of e-mails."
Bet their VCRs used to flash 12:00 too...
Read more here.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Canada expels US woman who doesn't want to kill
Harper, you are an unfeeling bastard.
Forgive us world (this is not the first time I've had to apologize to the world for our government's scummy behavior), but unfortunately we've saddled ourselves with a Conservative government. As you all know, conservatives have about as much compassion as a doorknob, and this case is no exception.
Canada has ordered the deportation of the first woman US soldier to have sought asylum in the country to avoid being deployed to Iraq...
...Last year, the Canadian parliament passed a non-binding motion granting asylum to deserters from the Iraq war.
But correspondents say the governing Conservatives opposed the motion, not willing to risk upsetting Washington over the issue.
Harper's crew has also covered up the little fact that the U.S. tortures too.
Harper, you disgust me. What you are doing is UnCanadian, if such a word exists.
Read more here.
Forgive us world (this is not the first time I've had to apologize to the world for our government's scummy behavior), but unfortunately we've saddled ourselves with a Conservative government. As you all know, conservatives have about as much compassion as a doorknob, and this case is no exception.
Canada has ordered the deportation of the first woman US soldier to have sought asylum in the country to avoid being deployed to Iraq...
...Last year, the Canadian parliament passed a non-binding motion granting asylum to deserters from the Iraq war.
But correspondents say the governing Conservatives opposed the motion, not willing to risk upsetting Washington over the issue.
Harper's crew has also covered up the little fact that the U.S. tortures too.
Harper, you disgust me. What you are doing is UnCanadian, if such a word exists.
Read more here.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Manhatta
Manhatta (1921) is a short documentary film which revels in the haze rising from city smoke stacks. With the city as subject, it consists of 65 shots sequenced in a loose non-narrative structure, beginning with a ferry approaching Manhattan and ending with a sunset view from a sky scraper.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Andrew Sullivan, idiot
Here he goes again...
The bigotry that infects the Republican party and the cynicism and cowardice that dominates the Democrats on this issue prevent such success and integration in America. And yet many of the causes that have prevailed in Britain - marriage equality and military service, for example - were pioneered on this side of the Atlantic.
Technically true, but the man is so unable to come to terms with the fact that on this issue, the U.S. may be the worst backwards in the Western world.
And not even a nod to Canada, where gay marriage has been the law for years..and the world didn't end.
Andrew, pull you head out and look around.
Read more here.
The bigotry that infects the Republican party and the cynicism and cowardice that dominates the Democrats on this issue prevent such success and integration in America. And yet many of the causes that have prevailed in Britain - marriage equality and military service, for example - were pioneered on this side of the Atlantic.
Technically true, but the man is so unable to come to terms with the fact that on this issue, the U.S. may be the worst backwards in the Western world.
And not even a nod to Canada, where gay marriage has been the law for years..and the world didn't end.
Andrew, pull you head out and look around.
Read more here.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Quebec comedians sorry...really really sorry
From a New Years Eve cavalcade of comedy, with comic genesises Véronique Cloutier and Louis Morissette:
After initially confusing the incoming president with a black Quebec singer, the anchor tells viewers that all black people look alike. He goes on to say that viewers at home shouldn't worry about Obama stealing their purses, but that he might steal their television sets.
Oh the hilarity, my sides, my sides....
We are not racist, at all, at all.
Maybe, but you play one on tv...
Read more here.
Well, at least they didn't do jokes about child moles...oh they did..
After initially confusing the incoming president with a black Quebec singer, the anchor tells viewers that all black people look alike. He goes on to say that viewers at home shouldn't worry about Obama stealing their purses, but that he might steal their television sets.
Oh the hilarity, my sides, my sides....
We are not racist, at all, at all.
Maybe, but you play one on tv...
Read more here.
Well, at least they didn't do jokes about child moles...oh they did..
Californian Bigots wish to remain anonymous
Supporters of the November ballot measure that banned gay marriages in California have filed a lawsuit seeking to block their campaign finance records from public view, saying the reports have led to harassment of donors.
"No one should have to worry about getting a death threat because of the way he or she votes," said James Bopp Jr., an attorney representing two groups that supported Proposition 8, Protect Marriage.com and the National Organization for Marriage California.
"This lawsuit will protect the right of all people to help support causes they agree with, without having to worry about harassment or threats."
They didn't seem to mind exposing opponents of Prop 8 before the election...
Read more here.
"No one should have to worry about getting a death threat because of the way he or she votes," said James Bopp Jr., an attorney representing two groups that supported Proposition 8, Protect Marriage.com and the National Organization for Marriage California.
"This lawsuit will protect the right of all people to help support causes they agree with, without having to worry about harassment or threats."
They didn't seem to mind exposing opponents of Prop 8 before the election...
Read more here.
Toronto actor Cera takes career ending role
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a misguided actor...Over the holidays, perhaps you've heard, Michael Cera received this in his stocking: A proposal to play the greatest red-shirted dork of all in a big-screen revival of Gilligan's Island.
Show creator Sherwood Schwartz and his son, Lloyd Schwartz, openly talked up plans to turn the campy, much-loved TV show about island castaways into a flick. And at the top of their list for the part of Gilligan? Brampton, Ont.'s finest: Cera.
A brave move, ending one's career so early.
Read more here.
British moron of epic proportions defends Borat
Just when you think humanity can't sink any lower, along comes another idiot who can actually stomach Sacha Cohen.
Is it cos I is black Jesus?
I NEVER thought SACHA BARON COHEN could make a more controversial film than BORAT.
But it sounds like he has in the movie dubbed by fans on t’internet as Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America For The Purpose Of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable In The Presence Of A Gay Foreigner In A Mesh T-Shirt.
Read more here.
The only controversy surrounding Borat were the alarming amounts of brain dead that went to see it.
Is it cos I is black Jesus?
I NEVER thought SACHA BARON COHEN could make a more controversial film than BORAT.
But it sounds like he has in the movie dubbed by fans on t’internet as Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America For The Purpose Of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable In The Presence Of A Gay Foreigner In A Mesh T-Shirt.
Read more here.
The only controversy surrounding Borat were the alarming amounts of brain dead that went to see it.
Hundreds demand answers, action in subway shooting
A BART spokesman has said there is more to the story than what can be seen on the grainy images.
Yes, I'll bet they hope we see another story there, just not the one that is glaringly obvious...
The article spends too much time on the protests, and not enough on what is clearly a cold blooded shooting.
Hundreds of citizens and community leaders packed into the Bay Area Rapid Transit board room and two overflow rooms Thursday, demanding the group take responsibility for a subway officer's shooting that left a young man dead.
The BART board of directors meeting started with a moment of silence for Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old father who was killed on New Year's Day in a crowded train station, but it quickly turned into a parade of angry speeches by elected officials, activists and outraged citizens.
For nearly six hours, according to local media, about 60 people addressed the board.
Read more here.
Yes, I'll bet they hope we see another story there, just not the one that is glaringly obvious...
The article spends too much time on the protests, and not enough on what is clearly a cold blooded shooting.
Hundreds of citizens and community leaders packed into the Bay Area Rapid Transit board room and two overflow rooms Thursday, demanding the group take responsibility for a subway officer's shooting that left a young man dead.
The BART board of directors meeting started with a moment of silence for Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old father who was killed on New Year's Day in a crowded train station, but it quickly turned into a parade of angry speeches by elected officials, activists and outraged citizens.
For nearly six hours, according to local media, about 60 people addressed the board.
Read more here.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
UK e-mail law 'attack on rights'
Stunning what some governments think they have a right to.
Rules forcing internet companies to keep details of every e-mail sent in the UK are a waste of money and an attack on civil liberties, critics say.
From March all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will by law have to keep information about every e-mail sent or received in the UK for a year.
Read more here.
Rules forcing internet companies to keep details of every e-mail sent in the UK are a waste of money and an attack on civil liberties, critics say.
From March all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will by law have to keep information about every e-mail sent or received in the UK for a year.
Read more here.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
CNN allows bigot to defend Rick Warren
More ugliness from the so called "defenders of marriage"...of course ignoring the fact California votes took rights away, which seems to be ok with this guy.
Hate is hate, and Mr Jordan Lorence isn't fooling me. It's just another case of the bully blaming the victim for actually disliking the bullying...
Proponents of redefining marriage couldn't wait for the new president to be sworn in before demanding that he erase from the inauguration ceremony a prominent American who disagrees with them.
The target of their rhetorical bombardment is Rick Warren, the popular Christian pastor from Southern California.
President-elect Barack Obama has asked Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Not so fast, cries Kathryn Kolbert, head of People for the American Way, an organization that claims to advance equality and freedom of speech and religion (but not for Rick Warren and those who agree with his marriage views) in a piece published on CNN.com.
Warren's grave sin? Along with 52 percent of California voters, he supported California's Proposition 8, which affirmed the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. What a radical!
Of course, the writer ignores the other loving statements made by Mr. Warren....and the thrusting of religion to politics...
Read more here.
Hate is hate, and Mr Jordan Lorence isn't fooling me. It's just another case of the bully blaming the victim for actually disliking the bullying...
Proponents of redefining marriage couldn't wait for the new president to be sworn in before demanding that he erase from the inauguration ceremony a prominent American who disagrees with them.
The target of their rhetorical bombardment is Rick Warren, the popular Christian pastor from Southern California.
President-elect Barack Obama has asked Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Not so fast, cries Kathryn Kolbert, head of People for the American Way, an organization that claims to advance equality and freedom of speech and religion (but not for Rick Warren and those who agree with his marriage views) in a piece published on CNN.com.
Warren's grave sin? Along with 52 percent of California voters, he supported California's Proposition 8, which affirmed the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. What a radical!
Of course, the writer ignores the other loving statements made by Mr. Warren....and the thrusting of religion to politics...
Read more here.
Oakland Police Officer Shoots Unarmed Man, Handcuffed Man
Monday, January 05, 2009
You Are Being Lied to About Pirates
Who imagined that in 2009, the world's governments would be declaring a new War on Pirates? As you read this, the British Royal Navy - backed by the ships of more than two dozen nations, from the US to China - is sailing into Somalian waters to take on men we still picture as parrot-on-the-shoulder pantomime villains. They will soon be fighting Somalian ships and even chasing the pirates onto land, into one of the most broken countries on earth. But behind the arrr-me-hearties oddness of this tale, there is an untold scandal. The people our governments are labeling as "one of the great menace of our times" have an extraordinary story to tell -- and some justice on their side.
Read more here.
Read more here.
The Blanket with Sleeves
From the "People will buy anything" file.
Brought to you by the Benedictine monks nearest you.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Toronto the good
That is if you don't take into account the random shootings and the surpassing ugliness of the architecture...
Toronto is a fine city to both live and work, according to several world experts.
A flurry of liveability and business climate reports, all released this past year, peg Toronto as one of the world's best cities.
The international surveys -- conducted by Mastercard, KPMG, Forbes and The Economist magazines among others -- compared the world's largest cities in categories ranging from public transit, the availability of labour, and the number of patents registered, to a city's economic growth and business conference amenities.
Note the criteria..Toronto makes the business crowd happy. And if they're happy, fuck the rest.
Read more here.
Toronto is a fine city to both live and work, according to several world experts.
A flurry of liveability and business climate reports, all released this past year, peg Toronto as one of the world's best cities.
The international surveys -- conducted by Mastercard, KPMG, Forbes and The Economist magazines among others -- compared the world's largest cities in categories ranging from public transit, the availability of labour, and the number of patents registered, to a city's economic growth and business conference amenities.
Note the criteria..Toronto makes the business crowd happy. And if they're happy, fuck the rest.
Read more here.
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.
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