What a nice bunch of people the Sudanese are. (/sarcasm)

I wish Olbermann would let me contribute to his Worst Person segment. Because this surely qualifies the government of Sudan for at least the Silver.

November 27, 2007
Sudan Accuses Teacher of Islam Insult
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov. 26 — The Sudanese police arrested a British schoolteacher and accused her of insulting Islam after she allowed her 7-year-old pupils to name a class teddy bear Muhammad, Sudanese officials said today.

The teacher, Gillian Gibbons, was arrested on Sunday in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, after a number of parents complained, said Rabie A. Atti, a government spokesman.“How can you call a bear Muhammad?” he said. “Muhammad is the holy prophet of Islam.”

Dr. Rabie said the authorities had obtained a letter Ms. Gibbons sent home with students explaining that her primary school class was doing a project on animals and had adopted a teddy bear named Muhammad.
“Her letter said there was an intelligent bear named Muhammad, and the letter instructed parents to take pictures with this bear,” Dr. Rabie said. “This is not acceptable, according to the general opinion of our society.”

In Islam, insulting the Prophet Muhammad is considered a grave offense, and the law of northern Sudan, where Khartoum is located, makes this a crime. The private, relatively expensive Unity School in Khartoum, where Ms. Gibbons taught, educates a mix of Christian and Muslim Sudanese children, and the lessons are in English.

Ms. Gibbons is in jail, pending further investigation, Dr. Rabie said.

“If she is innocent, she will be set free,” Dr. Rabie.

If she is guilty, Dr. Rabie said, she will face punishment, possibly including lashes.

“I hope she didn’t mean what the people thought,” he added, saying it was possible that Ms. Gibbons did not intend to offend Islam.Officials at the school have defended Ms. Gibbons.

“This was a completely innocent mistake,” Robert Boulos, the director of Unity High School, told BBC. “Miss Gibbons would have never wanted to insult Islam.”

According to BBC, Ms. Gibbons, 54, asked a seven-year-old girl to bring in a teddy bear and for her classmates to pick a name for it.

“They came up with eight names including Abdullah, Hassan and Muhammed,” Mr. Boulos said.
When it came time to vote, 20 out of 23 children choose Muhammad, one of the most common names in the Muslim word.

The students then took turns bringing the bear home on weekends, and wrote a diary about what they did with it. According to the BBC, the children’s entries were bound together in a book with a picture of the bear on the cover and a message that read, “My name is Muhammad.”

The teddy bear ordeal comes just a few weeks after Sudanese authorities said that no troops from Scandinavia could serve as peacekeepers in Darfur, where the United Nations is trying to send an expanded peacekeeping force, because Danish newspapers published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad two years ago.

Those cartoons set off riots across the Muslim world and several dozen people were killed.
Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan’s president, said in a recent interview with Al Jazeera that, “We in Sudan declared mobilization against the Scandinavians after the publishing of the offensive cartoons of the Prophet,” and that the Sudanese people would not accept Scandinavian troops because of this.

His rejection of the Scandinavians complicates efforts to bolster the peacekeeping force with appropriate technical expertise. The force is supposed to be predominantly African, according to an agreement Sudan reached with the United Nations and the African Union, but United Nations officials said it was essential to include experts from developed countries and were hoping to send teams from Norway and Sweden.

Okay, so the kids decided on the name, there are most likely kids in the class with that same name, and yet the teacher is likely to get publically whipped. Like the Saudi rape victim who was sentenced to being whipped for being in a situation where rape could take place (And when she protested the sentence, the number of lashes was increased to punish her for wasting the court's time...) this is an example of fundamentalism gone where fundamentalism is sadly wont to go.

Keep in mind that these people (the Saudis, at least) are U.S. allies.

I can't believe no one challenged this.

Watching "Press the Meat" -- er -- "Meet the Press" this morning, I heard something that I can't believe no one on the panel challenged. Rusty -- Tim Russert -- said that it has been observed that the Repigs is that they pay more attention to the Ten Commandments than to the Sermon on the Mount whereas the Dems pay more attention to the Sermon on the Mount than to the Ten Commandments.

Not a single person on that whole panel commented that they both ought to be paying more attention to the BILL OF RIGHTS than to either bit of religious gobbeldy-gook.

I'll try to get a YouTube cap of it later tonight but right now I'm off to show downtown Portland in the rain off to a newcomer from Ft. Collins. I think she's in for culture shock...

Speaking of unfortunately necessary re-makes

Phil Ochs' "Cops of the World" spoke to the hearts of many of us during the Viet Nam debacle.




Ochs isn't around to rewrite his song to suit the times. I'm not sure he needed to, but some guy named Ryan Harvey did. I find it inferior to the original but I applaud the attempt. (It's obviously a pre-2004 rewrite.)




(This video was originally found on the Portland indymedia website but I don't recognize the location, the singer, the song, or the occasion. Not that I've been to every rally in the entire metro area but that one looks particularly large and I've only missed one of those, one that was too early on to have included some of the references in this song. If anyone recognizes where this is from, I'd love to know. Just to satisfy my own curiosity.)

I was SO hoping Paxton would write this one.

And so wishing he didn't have to.





For those old enough to remember where this came from, here's the original:





(There's just something about Texans becoming Preznut....and not a good something....)

Now I have to wonder when Pete Seeger will unwrap this one, and complete the destruction of the myth that Iraq bears no resemblance to Viet Nam.

Attn: American news media--this is NOT acceptable!

I watched the news this weekend. I read the NY Times on Sunday. I scan the Oregonian (I'd read it if the writing were above a fourth grade level...)

So why did I learn about THIS on Air America this afternoon, and still had to go to Reuters to get any news about it at all? (BBC also had a decent article, not as long as Reuters but still decent. As did the Chinese newspapers, the Irish newspapers, the PAKISTANI newspapers, and I stopped looking at that point because it was all too depressing.)

Protesters call for end to Iraq war

Sat Oct 27, 2007 7:04pm EDT

By Chris Michaud

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anti-war demonstrators marched in a dozen U.S.cities on Saturday to call for an immediate end to the war in Iraq and a cut-off of funding by Congress.

The "national day of action," sponsored by the United for Peace and Justice coalition, attracted throngs of protesters in cities from Boston and New Orleans to Chicago and Los Angeles on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Senate's vote authorizing the invasion of Iraq.

Wet weather dampened the turnout in New York, but thousands braved the rain for the anti-war event in Manhattan, where protesters carried signs reading "End the war now," demanding a cutoff of its funding;"Healthcare, not warfare;" and calling for the impeachment of President Bush for "war crimes."

One contingent began its trek in New Jersey, marching across the George Washington Bridge en route to a rally in Manhattan's Union Square, where speakers included anti-war veterans and families of servicemen in Iraq.

Leslie Kielsen, a local UPAJ organizer, said the "half a trillion"dollars spent on the war was money that could have been used for education, housing and to feed the hungry.

The demonstrators, who included labor unions activists, also spoke out on issues including nuclear weapons and what some see as the increasing likelihood of U.S. military intervention in Iran over its escalating nuclear program.

They then marched peacefully to Foley Square near some of New York's largest courthouses and federal office buildings for another rally. En route, they observed a two minute period of silence to honor the war dead.

In Chicago, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at Union Park for the march to Federal Plaza. Democratic Reps. Danny Davis and Rep. Jan Schakowsky both told a rally before the march they would oppose any further funding for the war in Iraq without a formal withdrawal date.

"Do not let the political leaders divide us," Veterans for Peace National Executive Director Michael McPherson, a Gulf War veteran, told the crowd.

"Figure out ways to work together even though we might have some differences. We must stand together on these issues."

Mike Carano, 53, the Ohio co-coordinator for the Progressive Democrats of America, said "This isn't just a thing where a number of people come to (Washington) D.C.

"This is across-the-country sentiment about ending the occupation,redirecting funds for needs in this country, our attempt to get Congress to stand up and have its prerogative to cut funding, to take charge. That's our hope."

A second rally was slated to follow the march, while a group of mothers of active U.S. soldiers planned to hold a counter-demonstration, local media reported.

Organizers said demonstrators in San Francisco were expected to number as many as 100,000.

Protests were also slated for Seattle, Salt Lake City, Orlando,Philadelphia and even Jonesborough, Tennessee, home to a company that is the largest producer of weapons that use depleted uranium.

(Additional reporting by Benjamin Klayman in Chicago)

I suppose it's all my fault for not watching BBC news over the weekend.

There ARE protests going on. But the media won't cover them. This has GOT to stop! The media has to report NEWS, not the pablum the Administration approves of. Protests this size are not the stuff of indymedia reports only. They're news. You don't have to agree with the protester's aims to know news when you see it, do you?

If the fucking corporate media whores are going to avoid this kind of thing because they don't consider it news, then I demand they stop covering anything the lunatic religious right does.

Not only is Edward R. Murrow spinning in his grave, but so is Ben Bradlee. And he's not even dead.

Joe McCarthy, on the other hand, is apparently digging himself out of his grave with his bare hands, the better to celebrate his posthumous victory over the US Constitution.

I'm going to drown my sorrows in lentil stew now.

If you read nothing else I've ever linked to, read this!

I realize I have a miniscule readership. But there are some folks out there reading my occasional rants and/or silliness.

This is neither. Ian resigned from the military with only three years to go before he could retire with full benefits. It would take quite a lot to make someone with that many years invested in his service just drop it. Ian was pushed too far. And while he's not alone, he's got a wife who won't allow him to punish himself and push himself too far. So he's resigned. Others don't have that kind of support to allow them to. Read what he has to say about all this.

This is dedicated to the SOB in the SUV who cut me off at high speed yesterday

I can forgive. See? It's a funny song!

My baby cousin has some good things to contribute to the conversation

Revealing the Total Guiliani
By Andrew Kirtzman
Sunday, March 18, 2007

After first misreading his intentions andthen underestimating his strength, waves of pundits are continuing to view Rudy Giuliani's lead in Republican presidential polls as some kind of giant misunderstanding.

But the fact is that the former New York mayor is the front-runner in the race and a huge new force in American politics. The time has come to stop wondering whether he's for real and start asking a far more important question: What kind of president would he be?

(Cont'd at link above.)

I'd stopped paying much attention to Andrew after the flurry of comments about his front page of the society section of the NY Times wedding announcement. (I do regret that the photo is missing in the Times' archive because, while Andrew does bear a remarkable resemblance to Stephen Colbert, the stand out item for me was that he was marrying a particularly good looking guy.) So last night I decided to search on his name again, just to get caught up on what the baby of the family is up to. I'm really glad I did.

Andrew has great qualifications for commenting on Giuliani. Read the article whether you support Giuliani's candidacy or not because as the Repig front-runner, his information needs to be known by everyone likely to be affected by him as candidate, if not as President.

I really need to give Donnie Deutsch another chance.

Ann the Man Coulter was the Bronze winner in Olbermann's "Worst Person" last night. I really wanted to hear her say what my secret lover Keith (whom I have to share with so many women, not the least of which is Stephanie Miller) discussed.





I never gave Donnie Deutsch a second thought. I think I'll pay more attention to him in the future. I may or may not like him but anyone who can go up against Mr. Coulter and emerge with neither blood nor spittle on the set deserves a second look, IMNSHO.

BTW, Ann the Man apparently felt the need to demonstrate her gender to Deutsch way back when. This one is mostly soundless and in slow motion. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Stolen from another blogger, but with respect

I found this after following a twisted trail, and must spread the word even further.

Courtesy of Ain't Christian?

Apr 11, 2007

10 Best reasons Gay Marriage is wrong:

1. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Britany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6. Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

I suggest turning down your speakers a bit before watching this.

I've never seen four people agree with one another about the topic that's supposed to be under discussion so much yet argue so loudly and belligerently amongst one another.

Warning: Lars Larsen is in this clip. So is Larry King. And so is Randi Rhodes. That's all the warning you get.

I have GOT to try this!

Found on the Cooking Vintage blog. Got to save it somewhere; might as well save it here and hopefully share it with one or two people.

Ambrosial Tomato Salad

Several mixed tomatoes--whatever you have in your garden or market basket

A good olive oil; I used about a teaspoon per cup of tomatoes

A squeeze or 2 of honey

A pinch or 2 of salt, to taste

Whatever herbs need pruning in the garden: I've used dill, basil, mint, cilantro, and sometimes a combination, depending on the day. My favorite combination was mint and opal basil.

Chop the tomatoes; if you're using cherry tomatoes in the mix, cut them in half so that they absorb the flavors. Sprinkle with salt and let sit while you gather your herbs (the salt draws out the tomato juices, which in this case, you don't want to discard, but savor). Add olive oil and honey and the chopped or torn herbs. Eat immediately, preferably outside on a day of the perfect temperature (for me that would be a nonhumid 82).

Can anybody help?

I have no idea if anyone ever reads this blog, so this is a combination request for help and plea for attention.

Can anyone who uses Blogspot and knows the ins and outs please let me know if I can get my blog stats and if so, how? I just want to know if anyone is reading this at all.

A negative answer won't stop me from posting because, frankly, I like my own prose. But I wonder how much I information I really need to add for others to read. I know how I think and why. But do you?

Update on Kenneth Foster

I have no idea if anyone reads this blog or not. But if anyone does, I want to be sure to say that Kenneth Foster (see posting about him a few back) was not executed. His sentence was commuted at the last minute, give or take an hour, by the Governor of Texas. As one of his supporters said, he was sentenced to die under a law that is essentially, "like punishing someone for not being psychic." (Quote from University of Texas Professor Dana Cloud.)

This doesn't let Texas off the hook as having a dreadful attitude towards people convicted of crimes most other states view as non-capital. But it is a step in the right direction.

Good humor (and I don't mean ice cream) websites

I don't know about anyone else but I needed a good laugh this morning. And a few websites came my way via various friends to provide just that.

Bulletproof Baby is just adorable. In a sick and twisted kind of way, of course.

Marry Our Daughter has to be a hoax. It just HAS to be one.

I'm a Doctor Who fan. And I like LOLCats. I'm not alone. So the combination was inevitable. While there are lots of LOLWho selections, this is the first time I've seen them combined. And so well, at that.

Last night I served my vanilla lavender ice cream (well, it was really ice milk since I tried to go healthy with it in view of the preggo pre-diabetic in the group) and learned two things. One is that ice milk made in my ice cream maker never gets creamy. The other is that I can make damn tasty ice cream. I wish I had a recipe, but I didn't write it down. Sigh!

Good frikkin' Grief!

There are so very many things to say "good fucking grief" about these days. But this one takes the proverbial cake.

Texas Man Set to Die for Role in Murder

Kennth Foster, a Co-Conspirator in a Brutal Assault, Will Be Executed Today
LIVINGSTON, Texas -- Aug. 30, 2007

Condemned prisoner Kenneth Foster acknowledges he and his "knucklehead" friends were up to no good as he drove them around San Antonio in a rental car and robbed at least four people 11 years ago.

"It was wrong," Foster, 30, said recently from death row. "I don't want to downplay that. I was wrong for that. I was too much of a follower. I'm straight up about that."

Their robbery spree, while they were all high on alcohol and marijuana, turned deadly when Foster followed Michael LaHood Jr., and his girlfriend to LaHood's home about 2 a.m. Aug. 15, 1996. One of Foster's passengers, Mauriceo Brown, jumped out, walked up to LaHood, demanded his wallet and car keys, then opened fire when LaHood, 25, couldn't produce them. LaHood, shot through the eye, died instantly.

Brown and Foster, tried together, were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Foster is set to die Thursday evening, 13 months after Brown, 31, was strapped to the same death chamber gurney in Huntsville for lethal injection.

************

WTF????? I knew Texan officials liked to kill people but this is just beyond my belief!

I didn't realize he was a rocker...

Oh, wait, he's not.

Thanks to Blue Gal for posting this so I could enjoy it and share it further.

Someone finally figured out a way to market the cure for PMS

And they did it the RIGHT way.

WTF is going on here?

Gonzales to Get Power In Death Penalty Cases

Rules Would Expand Fast-Track Authority

By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2007; Page A02

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, under political siege for his handling of the U.S. attorney firings and other issues, is to get expanded powers to hasten death penalty cases under regulations being developed by the Justice Department.

The rules would give Gonzales the authority to approve "fast-track" procedures by states in death penalty cases, enabling them to carry out sentences more speedily and with fewer opportunities for appeal if those states provide adequate representation for capital defendants.

(cont'd at link above)

Let me see if I have this right. In today's Washington DC, the more you seem to be doing wrong, the more authority you get. The worse your job performance, the greater your reward.

I am beyond outrage. I've come full circle all the way to baffled.

A tactic used in America since long before the Salem Witch Trials

I hadn't noticed this because it went through with so little fanfare. Meaning, no fanfare at all. Thanks to Jill at Brilliant at Breakfast for opening my eyes.

I have no words. Just read it. And weep.