Archive for April, 2010

Apr 28 2010

kymberly

Arizona’s Prison Stock is Going Up -

Filed under National News

- We’re Screwed
Arizona’s “detention” centers will be in hog heaven once the brown-skinned people start being raked in.  And if you thought the govenment is thrilled about this soon-to-be bloated over population, think again.  The government-run jails want nothing to do with it.  That’s why CCA  (Corrections Corporation of America) will be running the show. 
 
And making money. 
 
From OUR tax dollars. 
 
Check out the link (there’s not much reading here unless you want to read).  But, look at the stock.  And while you’re at it, check out the guy on the banner.  If that isn’t the dictionary picture of a “dickhead“, then what is? 
  
Here’s the front page (without a dickhead picture, but with plenty of inmates safely tucked behind impassable walls, so we can all feel safe now).  There’s even a teary-upping little video to make you feel extra-extra-special feel-good about your tax dollars being used on the New York Stock Exchange to peddle long-pig meat (that’s a term I picked up from Supernatural, wink, it means “humans”).
  
Where are the Constitution-lovin’  Teabaggers now?  Oh, yeah.  That’s right.  Most of them are WHITE, so this brown-skinned law doesn’t affect them.  But, you know, here’s a prime example of what they SAY they are fighting against - government taking away our rights.  Well, CCA detains adults and young people whose rights have been taken away - sometimes for such naughty crimes as curfew-breaking or mistakenly being identified as illegal, and the PRIVATE PRISON CORPORATIONS are making money on it.
 
While our heroes (the Teabaggers) are up in arms over “Obamacare”, “birth certificates”, “flag pins”, “gun rights”, and “tea parties” - this insane crap is going on right under our noses.  And if you think it won’t get WORSE now that the private corporations are making money on putting people in prison - think again.  At some point another threat will catch on.  Maybe the “news corporations” will rally up a fear of caucasion males with a less than perfect record, without a college diploma, and who earn less than 40k a year.  You know how those guys are - big, scary, under-educated, and probably dangerous because they’re not as rich as Dick Cheney (now there’s a big DICK for ya).  
 
It’s not your government that’s out to get its grimy hands on you - you’re expensive to keep fed and dressed and otherwise cared for.  But the truly evil corporations like Corrections Corporations of America - they aim to make money on your pretty ass, if only they can find a way to stick it in prison.  And trust me, eventually, they can. 
 
Someday, Soilent Green could be made out of YOU.
 
Okay, not my happiest rant, but damn it, people need to snap out of their FAUX News hypnosis.  So, if you know a FAUXer, tell them about this (and I hope it makes a few synapses fire up in their head).
 

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Apr 27 2010

kymberly

The “Joy” of Nazi-like Laws in the US

Filed under National News

The joy starts now!  It’s party-time for lead-footed white folks like me.  Being a speed-demon, I’m ready to haul my arse down south to AZ and get ignored for doing my favorite thing in a car (speeding like a wild woman through wide open desert) while the cops are busy bothering the brown-skinned people. 
 
Maybe the brown-skinned people will tire of the torment and leave the state, take their purchasing power with them.  Let John McCain go into the fields and pick lettuce. 
 
And what about pale-faced Canadians?  They can be illegals, too (we all know they are OBVIOUSLY here to access our health care since they hate theirs so badly they booed Sarah Palin for suggesting Canada adopt our style). 
 
What does an illegal Canadian look like?  Could one look like you?  How much fun will it be to get stopped outside the gas station and asked for your papers?  Then stopped as you’re walking to work?  How about when you’re hanging out at the local park with friends?  Maybe when you’re leaving a local restaurant?  Perhaps while you’re at the zoo with your kids?
 
Obama is against this stupid law.  Damned socialist, Marxist, Communist, Nazi who only wants to take our guns (even though he’s actually relaxed gun laws).  He’s a black, Kenyan, Muslim - who will have to provide his birth certificate to get back on the Arizona ballot in 2012.
 
Why does the right claim to hate “big government” but then continue to vote for MORE of it?  I recently spoke with a retired Navy guy who has a government job.  He hates the government but he agrees we need to bring manufacturing back here - by re-instating import taxes…but, we need to leave the government out of it.  And he wants the states to take care of their own funding, not be beholden to the federal government, not be sending our money to the federal govenment just to have it divided as the evil government best sees fit.  We can support ourselves, he insists.  Yeah, on Monsanto-owned potato seeds and with no federal farm subsidies.  We’ll sell LOTS of garage doors and Mcburgers on five cent a spud field work.  Like Brugess Meredith on that Twilight Zone episode, we just want to be left alone, by golly!
 
When did the final nail in the coffin of rational thinking happen?  When we elected a black man?
 

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Apr 26 2010

Liz

Money For Nothing

Filed under Miscellaneous

The American culture is obsessed with instant wealth.  Lotteries, raffles, casinos, even Monopoly at McDonald’s.  Other than losing a large part of your paycheck (and increasing in size as you eat fast food at every meal for 30 days for those Monopoly pieces) does it gain you anything?  In fact, have you known anyone who has won anything substantial from gambling?  The husband of one of our writers on this site won $20,000 from Power Ball in 2002, but nothing since.  Yet she says, they still buy tickets for every drawing.

 

The Idaho Lottery has a raffle starting May 1st.  $5.00 ticket gets you a chance at $500,000.  Only 300,000 tickets to be sold, and only for two months.  You know I’ll be buying a few of these raffle tickets.  I buy some at Christmas when they have their million dollar raffle. 

 

Earlier this year Idaho joined the Mega Millions lottery pool.  We already do the other multi-state lotteries such as the PowerBall, the Hot Lotto, and the Wild Card 2.  

 

I have no religious opposition to gambling.  I think the government secretly encourages it as a recreational form of taxation.  The government is complicit in the gambling addiction of the general population.  Keep the people poor, offer many chances for addiction (pun intended) and blame the weaklings for playing your games.

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Apr 25 2010

kymberly

Chickens for Check Ups is Better than Blue Cross

Filed under WTF?

…and Doctors love it!

First we got the auto insurance lizard, then the back-up quacker.  Now, we have been graced with the latest in a long line of creature comforts - Chickens for check Ups.
 
“I’m telling you that this works. You know, before we all started having health care, in the olden days our grandparents, they would bring a chicken to the doctor, they would say I’ll paint your house. I mean, that’s the old days of what people would do to get health care with your doctors. Doctors are very sympathetic people. I’m not backing down from that system.”
 
That was Sue Lowden, Republican nominee.  (Can she pay for chin tucks with chickens, too?)
 
If you’re like me, for whom raising, breeding, and cooping up a plethora of poultry isn’t viable, don’t despair.  There is yet another option - “housepainting”.  And, of course, since doctors are a “sympathetic people”, it’s anybody’s guess what else they might take for payment.  How about a Twinkee for your tonsilectomy?  Or a pastrami on rye for your pancreatitis?  PB for your BP? 
 
Too bad I wasn’t clever enough to figure this out for myself - I could have paid off my broken bone with a beef brisket.
 
Imagine your health care provider’s sympathetic smile when you deliver unto him or her a chocolate covered banana in response to that colonoscopy you just had.  And fathom for a moment the warm-hearted joy said health care provider will feel as he squishes that nutty, chocolatey, banana treat into an envelope and sends it off to the bank which holds his student loan.  Think of how happy the bank loan manager will be to receive such a thoughtful treat.  It just keeps getting better every step of the way! 
 
Chickens for Check ups is a brilliant option for those who are looking for a viable option to the gun-toting, highway-robbing, health insurance thugs.  No longer must we cower in fear of a rate hike, tremble at the words, “claim denied”, bite our nails at an “out of network” notice, or hope and pray we won’t be deemed “high risk” because of that yeast infection in college.  Now - we can proudly saunter up to any health care provider anywhere in the US, drop a drumstick on the counter, and demand diverticulitis drugs.
 
I’m no fortune-teller, but I bet Chickens for Check ups will be a blessing for the common,18th century family.  Do yourself (and your healthy future) a favor.  Deliver your doctor a chicken for your check up (and remember to thank Ms. Lowden personally for her suggestion).  And consider all the possibilities of what a chicken can do for you.
 

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Apr 20 2010

Submissions Editor

April Pancakes and Politics

Filed under Community Issues

PANCAKES AND POLITICS
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This Saturday April 24th 9:30 am
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Dixie’s Diner
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2150 Channing Way
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Exciting times!  This month our speaker will be

the next Senator from Idaho, Tom Sullivan, (tomsullivanforsenate.com).  Tom comes from Teton county, and is ready to bring a fresh approach to solving our economic problems.  Tom will share with us his perspective on how we got where we are, and where that really is.  Then he will take your questions and comments.

Come find out what Tom brings to the Idaho Senate Race and how he will undo all the Crapo stuff we have been developing.  Bring your check books as I am sure his campaign needs all the nutrition it can generate at this critical time. 

Oh, by the way, this will be our last Pancakes and Politics before the Truman Banquet (May 8th) and one of the last times you can purchase tickets at the reduced price of $35 each, before May 1st.

Remember, Pancakes and Politics is our monthly no-host breakfast club for us Democrats and Progressives.  We meet on the last Saturday of every month at Dixie’s diner. We always have great speakers, good food, and great conversation.  Come join the fun and meet Tom Sullivan!

As always, come early and stay late!  We’ll have the coffee hot!

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Apr 19 2010

darlene

National Day of Service and Remembrance

Filed under President Obama

The flags few at half staff today around the city.  I guess, around the country.  President Obama issued a proclamation for a

National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism. 

We didn’t get a whole lot of lead time on this, apparently it was done on Friday, April 16th.  I heard about it today, and saw the flags being lowered mid-morning (although the proclamation says, “dawn to dusk”).  The proclamation:

 

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

There is no greater evil than willful violence against innocents.  On this National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we pause to remember victims of terrorism at home and abroad, we honor the heroes who have supported them, and we redouble our efforts to build the kind of world that is worthy of their legacy.

Fifteen years ago, terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing over 160 men, women, and children, and injuring hundreds more.  Even before the dust settled, heroes had emerged.  First responders, medical professionals, clergy, relief organizations, local leaders, and everyday citizens stepped forward to help victims and their families.  Again, when terrorists struck on September 11, 2001, and thousands of Americans –- and scores of foreign nationals –perished in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans made a historic effort to assist all those affected.  The dignity of those who were attacked — and the courage of those who came to their aid — reaffirmed the strength of our Nation, and the human spirit.

Terrorists prey on the innocent and vulnerable, and have nothing to offer except hatred and destruction.  No cause justifies their actions, yet they have claimed many victims around the world.  Wherever they kidnap or kill, they reveal only their own bankrupt vision, and disrupt or destroy lives.  Their actions impact not only their victims, but the families, friends, and fellow citizens of those who are targeted.

Survivors of terrorism and their families, though bound at first by anguish and loss, are united by extraordinary acts of courage, love, faith, and commitment.  They have risen against terrorism in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 11 attacks, and other incidents of violence around the world.  They are giving a voice to victims, speaking out against violent and extremist ideologies, easing the suffering of survivors, and helping them heal and hope once more.

Today, let us honor the good works of this inspiring movement that shows us that hope is more powerful than fear, and recognize the sacrifice of extraordinary citizens worldwide who have shown fortitude in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2010, as National Day of Service and Remembrance for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.  I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half staff on this day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of terrorism.  I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and acts of community service in memory of the victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

       BARACK OBAMA

I felt the wording to be inspiring.  I’m hoping, if he’s intending to do this every year, that there are activities planned.  I’d like to participate! 

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Apr 18 2010

kymberly

My Real Life Encounter with an Evil Twin

Filed under Author's Page

I stopped by the grocery store to grab a few items before heading out to the farm, and he strolled up to stand right behind me in the self check line.  
 
FAUX News’s finest, Glenn Beck. 
 
Customers gawked as if Jesus himself had graced us with his almighty presence.  “Could it really be HIM?”, a woman whispered to her friend.  “It looks just like him,” another pointed.
 
I wanted to leave, but his Beckian gaze locked on to mine and I was overtaken with the uncontrollable urge to Stay Put…resistance was futile. 
 
He clutched an aromatic platter of hot wings.  My heart raced and I swallowed hard. I wanted to run, but I was no match for a man twice my size and with his hands full of chicken.  What if he lobbed a wing at my forehead, knocked away my common sense, thus rendering me mentally helpless to fight off the forces of Fox News fanaticism?  Truly, running and screaming through the aisles was not an option.  And anyway, how many of my fellow customers were really just cleverly disguised minions?  They’de dogpile me and that would be the end of it.
 
So I anxiously watched for the next open checkout kiosk, while he peered over my shoulder, examined my armload of items.  He pointed to one. 
 
“What’s rice milk?”
 
Did I dare to not answer?  If I engaged him, then he’d think I was ready to join the Fox-family.  But if I refused to answer, then there went my chance to enlighten a fellow human about the perils of mindless consumption.
 
What a quandry. 
 
“Rice milk,” I began, since staying quiet is ultimately not in my nature, “is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, which is by and large loaded with hormones, antibiotics, and other nasty chemicals that make people resistant to disease treatment such as the condition known as flesh-eating bacteria.  The fact is, if you drink too much cow’s milk, you could end up losing your face.  Or, since you’re a man, you could grow boobs and lose your erection.  Thank goodness for Viagra, right?”  I chuckled nervously, and it was his turn to swallow hard.
 
But, not to be taken down by a female mentioning the “e” word, he braved me again, with a different question. 
 
“How’s Greek yogurt different from normal yogurt?”
 
And so it went, even after the kiosk nearest us opened.  I pulled my purchases across the scanner and he asked questions about every single one.  Until his gaze fell upon the 10-pack of D batteries, which made him blush.  It was probably cruel to make him wonder, but wouldn’t it have been crueler to inform him that every good blue girl needs a fresh stock of batteries on-hand to keep her satellite radio sparked up and tuned in to liberal talk radio?
 
“The hot wings are for a group lunch,” he changed the subject.  “I forgot all about it until my co-workers showed up with thier food.”  Potluck?  Glenn Beck?  Was he serious?
 
Aside from my organicy food choices, I was sporting my peace sign shoes, peace sign earrings, ball cap with peace sign button, wearing my “witches are good spellers” tank top that shows off my tattoos and never really hides my bra strap like it should.  There was no mistaking my personal statement.  It was somewhere between “I love peace” and “mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park”. But Glenn seemed entirely undaunted by it all.  My suspicions grew.   
 
He found an open kiosk just as I was finishing up at mine. 
 
“See ya”, he said. 
 
“Have a fun lunch,” I smiled. 
 
Moments later, in the parking lot, he caught up with me (I’m fast at get-aways, but his legs were long and his purchase time short).  The tail lights on my Subaru flashed in response to my key-fob click.  So he learned which car was mine, and he smiled at the stickers (more peace signs, pro-health care, etc.).  Then he hopped in to his own Subaru and drove off.
 
Government-haters hate me, too, and the real Glenn Beck would never stand for a casual grocery store chat with something like me.  That’s when it dawned on me.  This Beckian, who preferred to talk with a hippie rather than bask in the swoons of passersbys who thought he was a celebrity, was not Glenn Beck at all, but instead - his evil twin. 
 
I’m lucky to have escaped.  Doppelgangers are generally considered to be extremely dangerous.  The original FAUX Newsy Beck goes everywhere armed and dangerous, so it’s anybody’s guess what this evil imposter had locked and loaded in his pocket.  Maybe he was packing gum and had intentions to goo up my hair with it.  It was only by stealth and quick-thinking that I spared myself any assault.  So beware, Idaho friends.  Beck’s bad-boy alter ego is out there, stalking our streets, breathing our air, purchasing our bbq chicken wings.  The sky’s the limit as to what wickedness may follow in his wrath.
 
The end.

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Apr 16 2010

kymberly

So You Want to Secede from the US -

Filed under National News

Congratulations!
Lots of states want to bust out of this hellhole we call “The United States of America”, and who can blame them? 
 
You see, states get screwed by “Federal taxes“.  Never mind that most “pro-secession” states get MORE money back than they put in.  Secession would relieve the more enlightened states from funding moochers.  Plus, it would let the seceeders live free or die, and doesn’t that just make you want to sing a hundred joyful rounds of “Born Free”?  
 
Andy Williams, where are you?  
 
But wait.  There’s more.  Getting the Federal government out of your state will be GREAT for business.  No more intrusive overtime pay, minimum wage, worker’s comp…no labor laws at all.  Did you get hurt on the job due to faulty equipment?  Tough.  Hire a lawyer.  You say you can’t afford one on 7.00 an hour?  Go complain to the president of Exxon/Monsanto/GE - whichever entity runs your “country”.  Maybe they will feel benevolent and buy you legal help.  But they probably won’t.  So you’ll have to apply for legal aid - oops!  No government means NO infringement on your “rights”.  You’re on your own, kid.  Yippie!
 
And, hey, speaking of rights, your second amendment right will stop being infringed upon.  You will not only be encouraged to be armed like Mad Max, you’ll probably be expected to be (and I bet you’ll look hot as hell doing it).  If you decide you want what they have in California or Colorado (like legal aid, labor laws, and overtime pay) you’ll need your guns to take over those states.  Which still might be tricky, since they have nationally-backed armed forces - but you’ve got a militia.  Good for you!
 
So, go ahead and secede.  Or, impress us all with what’s between your ears instead of what’s between your crosshairs.    
 
When the Boston Tea Party happened, the Colonists were mad at Parliament because Parliament members were in bed with the East India Tea Company.  If you know tea partiers who shop at Walmart, bank with Citi, or get “information” from NewsCorp, you might want to mention this to them.  If they STILL think the problem is “the government”, then tell them to keep off the roads, their kids out of school, and thier mama away from Medicare. 
 
The mine workers in Virginia fought for five years to get their working conditions safer while Massey just kept paying the fines and blowing off the repairs.  Someday, when Virginia secedes, maybe Massey can govern the whole state.  Then, it can fine ITSELF!
 

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Apr 15 2010

Submissions Editor

Monthly PFLAG Meeting April 18th

Filed under Community Issues

Eastern Idaho Chapter of PFLAG

 
PO Box 52242
        Idaho Falls, ID 83405-2242
        e-mail: PFLAGinEID@aol.com
 Voice Mail Phone 522-1057
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Sunday, APRIL 18, 2010
CHAPTER  MEETING 7 P.M.
 
 
 Unitarian Church
 555 E Street, Idaho Falls
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This month’s PFLAG Chapter meeting will be a support meeting and we will view a video “Fish out of Water.”  Inspired by the experience of coming out as a lesbian to her sorority sisters during her senior year at Vanderbilt, filmmaker Ky Dickens explores the Biblical passages used to condemn homosexuality in this informative yet entertaining documentary.
 
Planning for the Breaking Boundaries/PFLAG float for the Idaho Falls 4th of July parade is underway.  Last year we received the “Sweepstake Award” for our “Its Cool to be Kind” float.
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Volunteers will be needed to help with the float!
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Please bring a snack to share if you are able; beverages will be provided.
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Apr 14 2010

kymberly

How Many Patriots…

Filed under National News

…don white sheets and carry confederate flags (America’s Nazi symbol) made from fabric built in China?  Like the mystery surrounding the licks of a Tootsie Pop, the world may never know. 
 
I know something good Patriots CAN do, though.  They can bead up with sweat after a hard, fun day in a local garden producing local food to feed local people and sustain local dollars.
 
***
 
Update - Census work is still fun, though it’s getting quite crowded in the office.  The cool kids work mainly at night, and I’ve made some bitchin new friends. 
 
Lots of unhappy Census form respondants fear the government “in my private life.”  These people usually have internet, cell service, and satellite tv.  I’ve personally been hounded by a satellite company for months (mailers, banners).  Last month they started sending out representatives to knock on my door.  Just like Census workers - only these guys want my money (and my tv / shopping habits). The Census Bureau knowing how much money should be allocated to our community is invasive.  But it’s perfectly okay for our surfing habits to be monitored.  And now, iPhone technology is connected to our credit/debit card. 
 
Either be afraid of it all, or set your sights on higher-minded things.  It’s stupid to fear Census-takers, and stupider still to draw a gun on them.  They are hard-working, entirely LEGAL citizens who DO NOT work for the FBI, HomeLand Security, INS/ICE, IRS, or any other Federal/State authority that gathers information inwhich to prosecute your ass for naughty deeds you may have commited / be commiting.  I know this, because I hire Census-takers.  If they are involved with any of the above-mentioned entities, they cannot work for the Census.  If we catch you smoking a bowl or stripping a stolen vehicle, and then we call the cops - you get off scott-free and WE go to jail. 
It’s that simple.

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