Things that make you go, hm.

'Russia reduced its oil supplies to the Czech Republic by half for “technical reasons”. The cut came just after the Czechs agreed to host an American missile-defence radar. Strangely, the technical reasons did not affect oil supplies to any of the Czechs’ neighbours.' -The Econmist

To my imaginary audience--Sorry, I know it's been awhile

But now I'm back to let you know...wait, wait--so not trying to go Motown.

But I am back, and apparently tumor free--yeah! Still, though, the mysteries surrounding the dubious health of your author is ongoing, with of course only the finest minds this side of the Hudson (that's right, I've now got a doctor in Manhattan, bitches) working on it. I should be cured, or at least diagnosed, in no time! Ch'yeah, right. Whatever, I'm breathing.

And, according to one marine I saw last night in a great documentary about the military on the US/Mexico border, I'm breathing "freedom" that he and his fellow military folk around the world have given to me. Thanks! That's right: can't buy it in a store, not even at Wal-Mart (and I thought they had everything), there's no 1-800 # to dial or infomercial to explain how to use it--maybe there should be. No, freedom is only served up by the men and ladies in uniform. (This reminds of the scene in "A Few Good Men" when Jack freaks out about Tom's inability to handle his truth...yeah, somebody does have to stand on that line w/ a gun; doesn't mean they have to be a dick about it.)

Barring our own experience in such a uniform, I'm guessing McDonald's doesn't count, and actually being "down in the dirt" w/ said marine, we (you and I) can't say "piss" (or was it he doesn't give a piss? Oh well, something about piss) to him and his buddies for shooting a high-school student tending his goats (cute, right?) and carrying a .22 rifle (this is Texas; you're given one w/ your birth certificate) near his home on the border.

FYI: there were four marines w/ M-16's in full camouflage and well hidden, yet they were "under fire" to the point that one of their lives was being threatened. Fuck off! Can anyone yell excessive force? I can. The goat boy couldn't possibly have seen them from where he was, standing completely out in the open--also, not something a "criminal" or "attacker" or "drug-smuggler" or "terrorist" is likely to do. He thought he was firing at an animal or wild dog--which is why he had the gun. Oh, and did I mention that the one shot the young man fire toward them, "down range," was fired twenty minutes before he himself was shot and in a different location? Hmm. Nice.

Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Scientists have determined that 7 out of the 8 past years the total # of baptisms in the US has decreased.

Stop yer bitchin!

"Gasoline is also cheap compared with other essential fuels. A Starbucks venti latte costs the equivalent of $23 per gallon, while Budweiser beer runs $11 per gallon."

(from Slate.com--thanks Dad)

Private Dicks

It takes diff'rent strokes to move the world...



-The Economist

This is so very lame:

In June 2004, the American Bar Association's (ABA’s) Justice Kennedy Commission called on Congress to repeal mandatory minimum sentences, particularly with respect to drug crimes. "Mandatory minimum sentences tend to be tough on the wrong people," said Stephen Saltzburg, who chaired the commission. The commission's report noted that the average federal drug trafficking sentence was 72.7 months in 2001. By comparison, the average federal manslaughter sentence was 34.3 months, the average assault sentence was 37.7 months, and the average sexual abuse sentence was 65.2 months. (thanks Mandatory Madness Coalition)

There are many other disturbing facts mandatory minimums as well--to be continued.

Be'liver' or Not?

Just getting to this now, Bill, thanks. What do you think about it?

It's a toughy. Especially in this girl's case as she was brought here illegally as a young child. Not her fault or crime. $490,000 a pop for a liver? And she's gotten four so far? I had no idea livers are so chintzy.

More importantly, here, should the legal status of a person be a determinant in prioritizing recipients of organ transplants? How about prisoners? Should a teacher get one before a heroin addict? A rapist before a murderer?

Sheesh. This is waaaay too much to think about on an empty stomach. Lunch time.

Getting right what's wrong with Wright

As usual, The Economist has the best take (I've come across) on a purely American issue. No one wins in the the Obama/Wright affair, most certainly not the clownish preacher. (Wow man, you're sooo radical for mocking JFK!) Except, of course, the white establishment, in this case Clintonia, the likes of which the reverend purports to fight against. Good job!

post-heart-attack blues (in lower-case, dm--the saddest of all chords, really)

all and all, the mend is going well. as far as how and why? no, not a cocaine fueled all-nighter, though I know at least half of the doctors would have loved that; something to explain away the anomaly of a 31 year-old heart-attack. sorry folks, not that easy. sure, a rough (i.e., drug-fueled) early twenties, a light smoking habit, a burger here and there, but, of course, let's not forget--heart attacks have been killing/debilitating my kin (though I'm head of the pack) for as long back as we can look. and, duh, I'm just super-special like that.

The boys are at it again.

Will they ever learn?

Osama bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, accused Iran of trying to “discredit” al-Qaeda by spreading a conspiracy theory, widely held in the Middle East, that Israel—and not al-Qaeda—was behind the attacks on America in September 2001. Mr Zawahiri had previously accused Shia Iran of seeking to spread its influence in the Middle East at the expense of the Sunnis.

- The Economist April 2008

Let the MF Burn: Part II

Italy supports national airline.

US separate private airlines.

Fuel prices rise,

riders decline.

So, there's this band you might not of heard of...

But I think they're both going to be HUGE one day: Radiohead

Weird name, I know, but I just have feeling about them.

Check out Radiohead totally rocking out in their studio on Pitchfork.tv (thanks to FREEwilliamsburg), and then get a blast from the past with the guys playing as Conan O'Brien's first musical guest ever (big up to brooklynvegan).