Al Gore on Terry Gross (NPR) now

Osama or Jesus?

Who is this?

See where Iddybud saw this mystery man.

Does your life grow corn?

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Message from the Hopi Elders
Cherokee elder Will Rockingbear visited a group of people at Whistling Women in Winston-Salem, N.C. in May, 2002. At that meeting, Robin Lynne handed us the following urgent message, which she said had come from the Hopi elders.

All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

MORE

(thanks to Patty Ann Smith)

Will Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee tour together?

Andrea Bocelli/Katharine McPhee

From Las Vegas Review Journal:
Meantime, my spy says Andrea Bocelli was so smitten with runner-up Katharine McPhee's voice that he's made it known he wants to take her on his upcoming tour, if the "Idol" producers OK it.

I feel partly responsible for this development, since I suggested she sing with Andrea even before Andrea appeared on American Idol, following in the footsteps of the great Sarah Brightman, rather than the lesser singers who occupied most of the other American Idol contestants. And let it be known that I, for one, think that this would be a tremendous opportunity for Ms. McPhee. And while we all love Taylor Hicks, bless his heart, he could never do the same sort of gig with Sarah Brightman. In other words, America has, once again, allowed personality to trump talent...and instead of an Olympian, we have a swaggering, though goodly-hearted Southern white guy in the top slot. Thank God it doesn't mean anything! If only we could have Taylor and Dubya change places! So much nicer to have a Rhett Butler than a Dukey Hazard, I should think. And do you really think George Junior could or would ever sing "Do I make you proud?" to his own father, whose advice he has ignored to the nation's peril?

Elect Taylor Hicks! Send Kath off with Andrea!

And keep Michael Sandecki away from Clay Aiken. Clay is a Carolinian, like Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Buckminster Covington III. Not just some talentless schlump.

Where are your manners?

It's a whole new world! Get on with it!

The Healing Grass: Marijuana Found to Prevent Cancer

"The largest study of its kind has unexpectedly concluded that smoking marijuana, even regularly and heavily, does not lead to lung cancer."
"We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use," he said. "What we found instead was no association at all, and even a suggestion of some protective effect."
"...marijuana also contains the chemical THC, which he said may kill aging cells and keep them from becoming cancerous."


I guess the message is:
If you smoke...smoke!

Bush & The Republicans: Americans don't trust them

According to Zogby:
Only 3 percent believe Congress is trustworthy; 7 percent think business leaders are; 24 percent say President George W. Bush can be trusted; and 29 percent trust the courts. Three out of four respondents said they trust politicians less than they did five years ago.

OAB Headline Animator

Final American Idol Assessment, May 23, 2006

At round two, it is a tie, slightly favoring Katharine though, as I think people sense that his range is nowhere near that of Katharine's. Twice, Katharine has gone against my prescription, but alas, her performance on "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was so stunningly beautiful, it worked as a "Soft Goodbye", as I had suggested.
Taylor was awfully good on his first song. He really knows how to work a crowd.

Sad to see that Kat did yet another repeat song. While she looked great, her voice was a little worn. She could have chosen an amazing new song, and knocked it out of the park. She didn't. But as Simon generously suggested...remember her second song.

Indeed, I will. It was my first favorite song, and I am delighted that she sang it twice, and beautifully. It was certainly the high point of the entire competition.

For his third song, Taylor did a repeat performance of "Do I make you proud". Very moving. Probably will serve him well.

Katharine could have pulled out the stops and won the competition. Instead, Taylor pulled out the stops, somewhat, and will probably win the competition. In retrospect, I am glad these two made it to the top. They are both the entire package. Stars. And the world will be better for having promoted them.

Looking back over the months, the two songs that were the most beautiful were both performed by Kat. "Rainbow" and "Who wants to live forever?". And as far as looks go...I wonder if anyone in Hollywood has seem Kat's resemblance to the original "It-girl", Clara Bow. Imagine, Hollywood! Clara Bow with a voice! Right in your own backyard!


Clara Bow in your backyard. The Original Kat.

Network of Spiritual Progressives Meet in D.C.

Ray McGovern holds an umbrella for Colleen Ashworth, while I hold an umbrella for him.

The Network of Spiritual Progressives held Washington hostile last week, and began charting a new course for America. Speakers ranged from rabbis, sheikhs, pastors, Buddhists, Sufis, and people from all over the spiritual spectrum. Being there, I was reminded of what the great Sufi leader, Idries Shah once said about the phenomenon and metaphor of mistletoe...

Mistletoe is green year-round, even while the trees wherein it resides has lost its sap. Mistletoe feeds off the tops branches of all the great traditions, and thus stays alive and green. The Network of Spiritual Progressives also feed off the top branches of all the great traditions, and as such will grow and remain green...even while the individual traditions lose much of their sap or life...perhaps too focused on the roots instead of what is highest...


Spiritual Progressives dancing in Lafayette Park

Dancing is not just permitted...it is encouraged by Spiritual Progressives. Indeed...David danced before the Lord with all his might. Why shouldn't we?


Rabbi Michael Lerner talks to Peter Gabel, President of New College

Michael and Peter are two of the leading lights of both Tikkun and the Network of Spiritual Progressives...and I personally would like to thank them again for their Herculean efforts, as well as the wondrous outcomes.


Jim Wallis speaking at All Souls Unitarian Church

The Reverend Wallis was among the highlights of the week. He is perhaps the leading voice in the Evangelical tradition to have seen the light, and is now carving a new path.


Cindy Sheehan shares her sentiments, which were also shared by the crowd

While hanging out with Cindy Sheehan, Ray McGovern, and other voices of hope and dissent, it was easy to feel like their bodyguards...knowing how passionate some people are against them. These are good people whose voices need to be heard. They are well worth defending. Strange that some would have the mother of a slain soldier silenced.

Photos by Jude Nagurney-Camwell

Advice for Katharine McPhee on her final performances

I like both of the finalists, and regard this year's finalists as among the best so far. I do, however, think that Katharine is the superior musician, and as such, am favoring her.

Taylor, for his part, is an adept entertainer and soulful singer. When it comes down to abilities, though, I honestly think Katharine could perform songs that Taylor simply could not do. And if she did at least one or two songs that fly clearly over the head of Taylor, Taylor may well defer to Katharine, and subtly signal his own preference for her. I think he is gentleman enough to do that.

The key to Katharine's victory may well be found in the short snippet of her singing duet, in Italian, with Andrea Bocelli. Here, she was clearly superior to everyone else on the show. Sadly, they only showed a few seconds of it.

What if Katharine sang Bocelli's "Con te Partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye) a la Sarah Brightman? That would certainly qualify as "pulling out the stops" -- which she needs to do to win. Taylor probably could not do that song.

Or what if Katharine sang Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk" a la Al Jarreau? Or Gorecki's Third a la Dawn Upshaw? Or any Lisa Gerrard?

Maybe she should bring the house to tears with "Soft Goodbye" from the "Celtic Woman" concert.

Any of these would put her over the top.

As far as non-verbal communication...she needs to focus more on her sexiness, and forget that her grandfather is watching. It makes one clam up.

At first, I thought it would come down to Kellie Pickler and Katharine, then later, Chris and Katharine. Now I'm going to stick with Katharine...and hope that, if she wins, she will bring a wider variety of music to her fans. Imagine your young daughter singing songs in many tongues! This would be a good thing. Kath brings much to the table. I hope she shows her full abilities...and shares them.

Best of luck to Kath and Taylor!

Bloodline of The DaVinci Code

"I ache in the places I used to play." - Leonard Cohen


Dan Brown gets it wrong. Sophie is not the only living descendant of Jesus and Mary the Magdalene; Maudlin Mary; Madeleine; Mary of Magdala. These folks are more wily than Brown or Ron Howard portray. Audrey Toutou was excellently casted though.

It's nice to live at a time where one can say such things and not be locked up or worse. Sadly though, there will be people who will manifest their inner Silas, and take their protest beyond the verbal plane, where more polite people work out differences. Some may be Catholic, but I suspect more will come from the wacky wing of Protestantism. Probably not Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Lutherans and the more cerebral cults.

It's nice to live at a time where one can call these venerable institutions "cults", without fear of beheading, or being marched into the town square in your underwear.

But about the movie...

The book and the movie touch upon matters that are far deeper than can be conveyed in such a short form. I was have wished that Brown would have used Laurence Gardner's "Bloodline of the Holy Grail", which is rich in genealogies, and casts a far wider and deeper net than "Holy Blood, Holy Grail".

I would rather have seen the evolution of the bloodline as it passes through the fascinating lines throughout history. Alas, harder the do product placement. Must keep it present.

But the movie actually does provide flashes back the Crusades, Templars, the early days of the Priory of Sion, and such, and yet, genealogically, there are only about three points of focus: Jesus (then), Sophie (now), and Isaac Newton (in between). And yet Isaac is not shown to be in the line, but rather in the line of protectors of the line; the Rose Line. Roslyn. As head of the Priory of Sion...it was his job.

Regardless of what one thinks of the subject of the movie, one will come away from the experience with some great scenes from Paris, The Louvre, Roslyn Chapel and other intriguing places on the globe. One also gets to look at the lovely new Audrey, whom some will hate just because she is French, and will doubly hate because a French person is depicted as being related to Jesus. There is a roving bigotry in America that lights upon, or rather darkens, in strangely expedient ways. Another story.

For Christianity to keep from devolving into mere Churchianity, it needs to seek out and not shy away from more and more information, knowledge, wisdom. And should it be found that whoops! Jesus had kids, and some are among us today...I should think that their thoughts on the matter might be of at least a passing interest. I think it makes the story more human, and thus easier to relate to. I guess the notion that a hominid could evolve into a more divine being, since it involves evolution, is, anathema.

Were the Essenes descendants of Jesus? Was King Arthur? Robert the Bruce? Seems to me that one would wish that there were indeed descendants, as it could only enrich the world. As such, I see the movie as ultimately hopeful.



in progress...

Al Gore on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in Landslide Performance

The great Al Gore was on SNL playing the President, and you know what? He could just show this to everyone, and be shoehorned into the presidency in a landslide.

Bravo!

But Al...you should have chosen John Edwards!!!

Still time!

Mining the President BACK!

"We're not...mining or trolling through the personal lives of millions of innocent Americans."
...but we ARE mining and trolling through the personal lives of millions of OTHER innocent Americans (he somehow forgets to say.)

Who, besides me, thought that statement sounded fishy?

It would not surprise me to hear that they have been siphoning money out of American bank accounts. Lookit! These are anti-government businessmen whose bottom line is their own bottom line. But what is good for Enron is not nearly good enough for the American government, I mean ideally. Their job was to drown the government, and Katrina helped them along. To them, Americans are just customers for their products. But their products always have secret ingredients. If it's not nicotine, it is caffiene. If not caffiene, it is oil. If not oil, it is drugs. All kinds. Legal and illegal. Addiction sells.

Imagine walking into a store, and the moment you arrive, their database tells the staff everything about you, even how much money you have in the bank. While not siphoning your account, which they also do, they know with whom to deal, how much to charge, etc. Big Cookie, if you will.

This is BushWorld. But now we hear they are spying on us with satellites, reading our emails, listening in on our conversations, like some snoopy neighborhood gossip.

It is so tedious, having such greedy, selfish, arrogant boors represent the American People, whom I hope is far better than these lowly killers of men, women, children.

But the American People need to mine THEM! Want to see what life was really like on, say, September 10, 2001? Simple! Go to the Internet Archives and type in the website you want to see. But wait! What is this? No records for the weeks before 9/11?!

What is hidden in those weeks? For one thing, the moribund economy.
Whatever it is, the Sunshine President is likely to blind your eye to it.
Welcome to the Misinformation Age!
With George, the Miseducation President...

New CD: Patty Ann Smith: Mystic Dreams

Patty Ann Smith

Carolina artist, Patty Ann Smith, has released her new CD, and it's a winner! Follow that link and score a copy for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Patty sings 11 songs, 7 of which are original, and 4 are classic traditional folks songs. And as good as the traditional songs are...I think her original songs are even better. They really stick in your mind and heart. Simply beautiful! And her husband's guitar work is most excellent as well.

A perfect collection, and a great addition to the library. I'm proud to call her my friend.

From the CDBaby website:

Songs of hope in a bouquet that is rooted in my Irish-American
history of balancing struggle with the joys of music. One of the songs, "Before
He Went To War", was written in honor of my brother, Bob, who served in the
Vietnam War and died in 2003. This and six other songs I wrote that are on my CD
"Mystic Dreams" are statements about the human condition originating from the
lives of ordinary people like myself.

Also, going along with the folk
traditions in a Celtic heritage, I like to be outdoors in nature where naturally
magical things are occurring every minute...even though we don't usually see
them. That's probably why the leprechauns came into being...to help us to dream
and imagine and continue to be creative.

I came from an era that thought
it was on the verge of changing the course of history by transforming the world
into a global community of peace. And despite the many disappointments since
then, I still carry that torch.

Anonymoses' American Idol Assessment, May 9, 2006

Half through and I smell BushWorld. Katharine McPhee is being given undue downward pressure. In the first round, she was, by far, the best performer...and yet she was given low scores. Ask the audience. They roared.

In the Second round, Taylor sings "In the Ghetto" beautifully, and Chris gives one of his best performances. Simon strangely voted it down. Whaddup with Simon? Payola? Utah Olympics? Enron? BushWorld?

Elliott was great with "Trouble". All judges agree...it was fantastic. Simon says he deserves to go to the next round. But they all do. Yay Elliott!

Kat ended the show with "I can't help falling in love with you", and frankly, I am concerned for her longevity in the competition. I still think she is the most gifted of the four, but those judges really do frame how some people remember it. Her first song was far better than they voted...yet again. Will we see more apologies? People should speak out. This is, after all, more important than war with Persia.

As far as who will leave? Very tough call. Not Chris. Not Katherine. And Elliott is the most improved. Adios Taylor!

Holy Man, David Blaine, Awakens World's Heart

While the News says David Blaine failed to bla bla bla, many seem to have missed the spiritual sacrament happening before their eyes. As the crowd, and television audience cheered and cried for David, there was a transubstantiation of water, emanating from David, and channeling through the eyes of the compassionate viewer, who wept at the sight of David having life breathed back into him. David was, himself, moved by the outpouring of love.

Here was his success. His sacrifice gave birth to a world overflowing with love, long overdue.

May his love transform the world.

The end, once upon a time, was just the beginning...

A lot of book for 14.95.

New Law requires that ALL war supporters go to Iraq

WASHINGTON -- In order to better understand America's real attitudes toward the war, Congress passed a law which requires all supporters of war in Iraq or Iran to have at least one tour of duty in Iraq. Sensing that there may have been an erosion of what has been termed "respect for life", the ever-enlightened Congress is hoping that people will think long and hard before casting their yea vote on outcomes that require a diminution of said "respect for life".

"We think that we will get a truer idea of how people are thinking in the heartland, and feeling in the headland. ", Senator Hyperlincoln informs us.

In related news, 95% of Newsmax polltakers think we should bomb Iran.

Line up! March!

Tarheel Tavern: Arse Poetica edition

Catch Arse Poetica's edition of Tarheel Tavern, which covers Immigration, Family History and Heritage, RIGHT HERE.

And enjoy!

BushCo rolls out new product: World War III

The president of BushCo proudly bragged about their latest product, which is ironically called the high-sounding name: "World War III".

I don't buy it. I think this Bush is a used-car salesman who only knows how to sell bad products, and will lie all day, every day, if it helps make a sale for his creditors.

World War III, Shworld War III. What we've got here is a failure to excommunicate.

More Cowbell

American Street

Mining the Internet Archives/Wayback Machine

GoCarolinas Messageboard with Mike Collins
GoCarolinas shared political messageboard (pretty funny, with Anonymoses and Iddybud.)
Broken Link
Dec 14, 2001
Feb 01, 2002
Jul 10, 2002 *Aug 02, 2002 *Oct 17, 2002 *Dec 03, 2002* Feb 10, 2003 *Sep 21, 2003*


Birdfinger, August 2000
Birdfinger, March 2001
Birdfinger, Special Amerigeddon Issue (pre 9/11)
Birdfinger, January 2002
Birdfinger, 2002
Birdfinger 2003

8.0 Massive Earthquake hits Tonga; Tsunami Warning Issued!

May 3, 2006 — LONDON (Reuters) - An earthquake measuring eight hit the Tonga islands, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Web site said on Wednesday and a tsunami warning was issued for Fiji and New Zealand.

The earthquake was at 1526 GMT, said the Web site monitored in London. It was not immediately clear what damage it caused but a report on Sky Television said it was felt in several islands.

The earthquake struck 95 miles south of Tonga's Neiafu island and 1340 miles north east of Auckland, New Zealand, USGS said.

An earthquake in December 2004 off Indonesia caused a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed more than 200,000 people in several countries. - Thanks to ABC News

Anonymoses' famous American Idol Assessment

Kat conjures Kellie, Elliott ready to go, Paris does sexy, Chris channels Bocelli and Taylor sings Something.

On the first round, Chris Daughtry is winning. His voice and presence filled the room like no other.
Almost too boring to comment upon.
It's so...Kellieless.

Highlights: Paris toys with sexy. Kat screws up and knows it.
Taylor dances and rocks out. Elliot shows his soft side, successfully, I think.
He grows on you.

Kat does Kellie

Paris should pull out the stops with the sexy. Speaking of which, Kat does a Kellie, and wins unanimous approval. Much sexier than her first song. She did the entire song on her knees and sitting on the floor. Very cool.

Chris's voice gave out on the second song. Taylor does the Beatles and confesses his love for them. Should be a good omen.

The funniest moment was Elliott Yamin, who sang a song about "let me go home" after which he ran across the stage to whathisname the host...bypassing the judges. I honestly think he is ready to go. Just when I am getting used to him.

When asked how the night was, afterwards, they were not all that enthusiastic. I think they miss Kellie Pickler, who really did bring a lot to the table.

Regis & Kellie (Pickler)

Kellie fans will be glad to know that she will be making a return appearance on Regis and Kelly at 9am.
Maybe Regis will offer Kellie Kelly's job...

Wait and see!

As for who goes home...I think I might penalize Taylor for not choosing a song from the current top 40.
Cheating (or carelessness) is not exemplary behavior. The poetic ending would be Elliott.

Buy Anonymoses' Book, "The Great Chain of Conversation"

ONLY $14.95!
See Details

Are you one of these?

Cosmic John Edwards : First Blogger President

OxyContin: Rush's Monica

Rush's Monica

No one believes Rush Limbaugh anymore.
The drug-induced crazy talk deemed bad for families.

American families are wising up to why so many young people are addicted to drugs. And the culprit seems to be none other than America's most famous drug addict, Rush Limbaugh. "He has the worst family values of anyone I know or can imagine. For years he has been lying to us, and who wants their kids to grow up to be liars and drug addicts? But not only that, he represents the way the rich are treated differently. He, like the Bush Administration, has lost all credibility."

Kellie Pickler reaches her level, and fails to reach top 5

North Carolina Beauty Runs into Wall

There are differences between the great and the almost great. Andrea Bocelli broke the code. By bringing PBS quality vocals to FOX, he raised the standard, and only Katharine really rose to the occasion. Chris seemed willing to learn, but it all seemed new to him. I suspect Bocelli was new to everyone there, except Katharine. This is the difference. It's important to search high and deep when expanding one's repertoire. You give points for growth, but preparation is better than learning on the job. Paris also seems quite prepared for her few years alive.

I think Kellie sacrificed her place that others may stay longer. She didn't try to hide her mistakes. I think she is an innately classy and brave woman, and Lord knows she is beautiful to boot. And while she may not be quite ready for concerts, she could, and probably will, burn up some TV sets with rock/country videos.

Stay nice and everyone will help you...

It's interesting to ponder what the remaining five might be thinking.
I bet there is a good deal of secret wishes that someone else wins. Each have reasons why they could think that they deserve to win, except maybe Chris, who I think is astonished he has made it this far. One reason he is so likeable.
Taylor is the oldest, and thus should be rewarded per seniority. Paris is youngest and thus has the greatest shelf life. Elliott has had to overcome great odds. Katharine probably has the best training and range...and looks. I wonder who they would pick, if put to a vote...

Kellie was at her best when she was at her sexiest, like in the picture above. Last night, however, she looked like a 50s maltshop girl. A regression, as was the song. Meanwhile Kat was channeling Sharon Stone. Maybe she will resist the urge to go backwards.

Book Art by Anonymoses

Tony Snow joins Sgt Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band

Sgt. Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band

It was many years ago today
Sgt. Pecker taught the bland to pay
They've been going out and out of style
But they're guaranteed to raise a pile
So may I introduce to you
The fact you've blown for all these years
Sgt. Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band

We're Sgt. Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band
We hope you will enjoy the blow
We're Sgt. Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band
Sit back and let the Enrons go
Sgt. Pecker's Homely, Sgt. Pecker's Homely
Sgt. Pecker's Homely Farts Club Band
It's wonderful to drink beer
It's practically a pill
You're such a homely audience
We'd like to take your home with us
We'd love to take your home

I don't really want to stop the show
But I thought that you might like the blow
The speaker's going to suck a bong
And he wants you all to suck along
So let me introduce to you
The one and only Tony Snow
And Sgt. Pecker’s Homely Farts Club Band

Ally McBeal crashes Boston Legal set

On tonight's episode of "Boston Legal", a character from "Ally McBeal" (John Cage) appears and threatens to shoot Denny Crane. David E. Kelley was the writer and producer of both Boston-based shows.
I had suggested they do such a thing on their message board. Do they really read those things?

Anonymoses' American Idol Assessment: April 25, 2006

Sex Appeal: The Secret Weapon

Stunning Katharine McPhee gets shafted by the judges. Simon says something about back pocket, making me think Paula may be taking bribes. Kat also sang Italian opera with Andrea, just as I had predicted on April 11th.

Katharine's strong point is that she could and would probably do Sarah
Brightman, Linda Eder, Dawn Upshaw, and the high end of the vocal art. Kellie
might not know to do such things, and be sucked into being a bottom-feeder. Let
us hope not.
Perhaps they will be given the opportunity to do some high art. This would
certainly serve as a shake out. Why not see if they can handle America's very
best singers? We've been everywhere else!

But she also flashed the audience, exposing her undergarments to a grateful public.

Elliot Yamin was masterful, and even looked great. A little work on the jacket gape, but otherwise, he has a Tony Bennett appeal, and a great voice. He certainly came up, along with his clothes (excluding the tie) this week. He should sing "Send in the clowns".

Kellie Pickler was okay. She needs to be more original in her song choices, and should have taken advantage of Bocelli. Kat did. Kellie didn't. It will probably hurt her. Strangely, I think Kellie is more interested in eliciting sympathy, which is fine. She is still young at heart. She needs to realize that study is a serious matter, and that intellection is a good tool for study.
Keep the heart and looks, gain a head. You'll go far. Bonnie Raitt, Nancy Griffith, Celtic Women, Lorena McKennit...would all be good for you, I predict.

Paris Bennett was excellent. A step up for her, I suspect. For a variety of reasons, she may well win it. But Katharine was still the best as far as being the total package. It would be fun to see Paris perform some Josephine Baker or Neenna Frelon.

Taylor Hicks looked better than ever, but sang worse than ever. Milking the George Clooney resemblance is a smart thing. Try some tai chi moves and top shelf songs...or scat! Al Jarreau would be way cool. And something challenging, like Blue Rondo.

Chris Daughtry was brilliant. He may well win it all. I wish he would do "Working Class Hero" or "Einstein on the Beach". "Shining" bu Badly Drawn Boy would be a great one for Chris, as well as would be "I'd love to change the world" or "Hail to the Thief".

Culturally, Katharine wins, since she is the most flexible in the upward dimension. Love to hear her do some Eder, Gerrard, Upshaw, or even Cranberries or Bjork.

Kellie and Taylor seem most vulnerable now, ear-wise anyway.

I wonder, finally, if the judges are trying to talk Kat down, so to speak. She is turning into Rita Hayworth, and they don't see it.

Sex appeal is the secret weapon that only a few of the remaining can use with any great success. Kellie and Katharine, mainly. And it may save them, if they don't hide it under a barrel.

Better turn on the heat before it is too late! You'll have the eyeballs.

Classic 24: "This country doesn't deserve to suffer. You do."

God

The First Lady is God. The President is only George W. Bush.

Tonight is the best so far. Find a way to see it.
Think Hamlet.

How on earth did Charlie Logan win the amazing Martha in the first place? She totally outclasses him, and she is not even a murderer. She is as beloved as her husband is despised. Maybe she will become President after her pathetic husband is hauled off to Gitmo...

CIA Official Reveals Bush, Cheney, Rice Were Personally Told Iraq Had No WMD in Fall 2002

Think Progress ? 60 Minutes

BRADLEY: So, in the fall of 2002, before going to war, we had it on good authority from a source within Saddam’s inner circle that he didn’t have an active program for weapons of mass destruction?

DRUMHELLER: Yes.

BRADLEY: There’s no doubt in your mind about that?

DRUMHELLER: No doubt in my mind at all.

BRADLEY: It directly contradicts, though, what the President and his staff were telling us.

DRUMHELLER: The policy was set. The war in Iraq was coming, and they were looking for intelligence to fit into the policy, to justify the policy.

Charlotte Observer Blogs: From Preamble to Amble

The Pulitzer Prize winning Charlotte Observer now has several bloggers on their staff. But it was not always the case. In some ways, they had to be drawn into the blogosphere kicking and screaming. Well, sort of...

PREAMBLE - Anti-Blog Rant from Charlotte Observer Columnist and the Aftermath
excerpts:
Meanwhile, speaking of Carolina and blogging and the related conference, let’s not pick just on those who see blogging as a panacea. A blog-based economy can’t replace textile jobs. But really, is blogging as nefarious as a semi-coherent Charlotte Observer column would have you believe? Observer staffer John McBride wrote a beaut headined Will blogs liberate us or just bog us down? (password required). Just what qualifies McBride to knock blogging? It’s more of a social thing than a technical thing. Who cares if his column identifies him as an applications analyst with Microsoft training? Maybe he also holds a Ph.D. in sociology, but from afar, this guy strikes me as totally clueless about the possibilities of the Net’s many-to-many mode. Read a rebuttal from Anonymoses, aka David Beckwith, spotted via Ed Cone’s blog.

Related: Anonymous finally got his wish, from David Hoggard, as well as coverage of the blogger’s conference in Chapel Hill from the Barber Shop Blog, Science and Politics and others. You can also hear Dave Winer–the blog-based economy guy–via an MP3 from a Greenboro blogging conference recorded by audioactivism.org. Actually I think he did a pretty good Phil Donahue routine in drawing the audience out.

AMBLE - Charlotte Observer Bloggers
BLOG You Write The Caption - Kevin Siers
BLOG This Old State - Jack Betts
BLOG The Naked City - Mary Newsom
BLOG Tom Talks - Tom Sorenson
BLOG Tommy's Table - Tommy Tomlinson
BLOG From the Hip - Crystal Dempsey
BLOG Paid to Party - Tonya Jameson
BLOG Idol Thoughts - Jen Aronoff
BLOG Girl About Town - Emily A. Benton
BLOG Games N Gadgets - Langston Wertz Jr.
BLOG Out of the Red - Amy Baldwin
BLOG On the S.C.ene - Various bloggers
BLOG Inside the Panthers - Pat Yasinskas
BLOG Inside the NBA - Rick Bonnell
BLOG Life in the Turn Lane - David Poole
BLOG Stork-Raving Mad - Tracy Curtis

17 blogs! Not too shabby! But why am I not on there??
(My email is baruchthescribe at yahoo dot com . Give me an offer I can't refuse.)

It should be noted that John McBride now hosts the excellent "Under the Water Tower" blog.

Proof the President has no Class

Rule #1: When you meet the leader of the oldest continuous civilization in the world who basically owns you...do not tug at his sleeve. Do not pinch him. Do not grab him in any way, even if you are losing balance.


(hat tip to bildungblog)

33% of US trusts Bush. 5% of US trusts those who trust Bush.

Maureen (Mo) Gilmer

Mo Gilmer

From the Library of Phat Robertson

Ten Years Behind

"I'd love to nuke the world"
Dubya Bush & Ten Years Behind


Everywhere is freakin' Larries
Dykes and fairies, tell me where is Hannity...
Faxed the rich, peed the poor
Blame it all on Michael Moore.

I'd love to nuke the world
But I don't know what I do
So I'll leave it all to you...

Population keeps on bleeding,
Nation building still more needing economy...
Wife is funny, lies are money,
Beaches sunny, Hume leads media monopoly.

I'd love to nuke the world
But I don't know what I do
So I'll leave it all to you....

World pollution, still no solution
Sinstitution, electio-cution...
Just black and white, rich and poor
Them and us, start the war!

Rush Limbaugh boasts: "9/11 was NOT a Tragedy!"

and mocks Senator Kennedy for calling it a tragedy

At around 1:50PM today, the megaphone of the reich, boasted that "9/11 was NOT a tragedy", after Senator Edward Kennedy said that it was a tragedy.

Rush is living proof that you can't buy class.

Katharine McPhee is the American Idol to beat

Anonymoses' American Idol Assessment, April 18, 2006

Simon was spot on tonight, as were all of the judges, pretty much, tonight.
Kelly was the one to mess up, and she and everyone knew it, and Kat soared to heights beyond even that of the others, who were, in the main, very good tonight.

California Katherine takes the night. But Chris Daughtry also does well, since he has been splitting the North Carolina vote with Kellie. One even wonders if Kellie intentionally messed up so that Chris, and maybe even Katharine, might fare better. She may actually prefer that someone else wins.

Taylor Hicks was, as Simon said, "pure magic" but only at the end of the song...where he proved why should be up there. What started lame, wound up powerful and moving.

Paris Bennett did a beautiful job but, as Simon alluded, her off-song presence is lacking. Perhaps a product of her youth and inexperience.

Elliot and Ace did fine jobs, but neither have attained the heights of Kellie, Kat, Chris or Paris.

If Kellie is not punished for her slip up this week, I suspect Eliot or Ace will walk.

Chris, Kat and Taylor move up this week, and Kellie is newly vulnerable.

Great job all!

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Shining

"Shining"
lyrics by Badly Drawn Boy

Faith pours from your walls, drowning your calls
I've tried to hear, you're not near.
Remembering when I saw your face
Shining my way, pure timing...
Now I've fallen in deep, slow silent sleep.
It's killing me, I'm dying...
to put a little bit of sunshine in your life.

Soleil all over you,
Warm sun pours over me,
Soleil all over you,
Warm sun...

Now this slick fallen rift came like a gift,
Your body moves ever nearer...
and you will dry this tear, now that we're here,
And grieve for me, not history...
But now I'm dry of thoughts, wait for the rain,
Then it's replaced, sun's setting...

and suddenly you're in love with everything...

Soleil all over you,
Warm sun pours over me,
Soleil all over you,
Warm sun...

American Idol, John Edwards, demonstrates his removable ear.

Nonny's American Idol Assessment, April 11, 2006

anonyMoses ponders the Idols


Twilight of the Idols

I'm still moved by Katharine McPhee's beautiful performance of Queen's "Who wants to live forever?". So far, she is the one who deserves victory. Then comes Chris Daughtry, who was also preternatural...

(Sorry. Had to get back to the tube. Now hours have passed.)

As I was saying... Katharine had the most beautiful performance, and Chris made a strong, remarkable, comeback. Katharine may well have made a good choice in picking the more sedate song, but I frankly enjoy her hip action and flirty side. Lord knows Kellie has that side down, as she showed once again with her Reader's Digest condensed version of "Bohemian Rhapsody".
You can't bore someone into buying your product, and Kellie never expects you to. It will take her to, or next to, the top. Kellie and Katharine are the stars. Queen should scoop up Chris.

Paris was beautiful and sweet, but something tells me her youth will send her back for more life training.

When you have a case where all the people left have great voices, you begin whittling away at the visual aspects of idoldom. This is where Elliot gets cut. Then Bucky. Then Taylor. Paris is then cut because of youth, and we're left with Kellie and Katharine. I'm hoping for a draw.

Katharine's strong point is that she could and would probably do Sarah Brightman, Linda Eder, Dawn Upshaw, and the high end of the vocal art. Kellie might not know to do such things, and be sucked into being a bottom-feeder. Let us hope not.

Perhaps they will be given the opportunity to do some high art. This would certainly serve as a shake out. Why not see if they can handle America's very best singers? We've been everywhere else!

The Immigrant Problem in America, circa 1650

The year is 1650. English immigrants are pouring into North America with no letup in sight. They have babies and spread their kind even beyond the edge of the shore, which makes one think that they don't plan on going back any time soon. I hope that these newcomers at least realize whose place this is, and not start to think it is somehow theirs. But these are strange people, with short memories. They are also very "boundary-oriented" people, and like to build fences between themselves and others, as well as just between themselves. Not the friendliest of people.

Tribal chiefs are saying that we need to consider deporting these uninvited aliens. After all, they say, the white man does not respect the land or God's bounty thereupon. But I disagree. I do not think there will be many more of them. We should let them stay. Teach them the ways of Blackjack.

MORE ON THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF THE ENGLISH ALIENS
AND HOW THEY TURNED THE TABLES
IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF...

anonyMoses
Conscience of the Blogosphere

Dare this man be censured?

Granted, he is the greatest thing since sliced bread...
but do we really need a thing for a President?

Anonymoses' American Idol Assessment, April 4, 2006

My initial assessment is that it will probably come down to 3 people.
Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler and Paris Bennett. They are all the complete package. I'd love to see them join forces but suspect each will do smashingly well on their own.

Edwards Without Delay

Open your Third Nostril: Read the Moomin' Light Edition of Tarheel Tavern

The theme for this week's Tarheel Tavern is "strong opinions" - any kind of strong opinions, positive or negative. It's part of what I like about blogging - finding out what people really think. - Moomin Light

Ready for some strong opinion? It IS Sunday, after all!
Well head on over to Moomin's edition of...
Tarheel Tavern
"Don't just eat a hamburger. Eat the Hell out of it!"




*hat tip to Bob Dobbs and the Church of the Subgenius

The Opinion Age

The Opinion Age, the stunted little brother of the Information Age, is moving into adolescence.
Allow me to let my literary brother to speak my thoughts:

(George Bernard Shaw from "Man and Superman"

DON JUAN. "Pooh! why should I be civil to them or to you? In this
Palace of Lies a truth or two will not hurt you. Your friends are
all the dullest dogs I know.
They are not beautiful: they are only decorated.
They are not clean: they are only shaved and starched.
They are not dignified: they are only fashionably dressed.
They are not educated they are only college passmen.
They are not religious: they are only pewrenters.
They are not moral: they are only conventional.
They are not virtuous: they are only cowardly.
They are not even vicious: they are only "frail."
They are not artistic: they are only lascivious.
They are not prosperous: they are only rich.
They are not loyal, they are only servile;
not dutiful, only sheepish;
not public spirited, only patriotic;
not courageous, only quarrelsome;
not determined, only obstinate;
not masterful, only domineering;
not self-controlled, only obtuse;
not self-respecting, only vain;
not kind, only sentimental;
not social, only gregarious;
not considerate, only polite;
not intelligent, only opinionated;
not progressive, only factious;
not imaginative, only superstitious;
not just, only vindictive;
not generous, only propitiatory;
not disciplined, only cowed;
and not truthful at all--liars every one
of them, to the very backbone of their souls."

Not intelligent, only opinionated? Sound familiar?
Sounds like, well, ME, doesn't it!
(But that is just my opinion!)

Who was it that said: "Thinking is better than knowing, but seeing is better than thinking."?

White Supremacist Rush Limbaugh calls Rape Victims "Ho's"

Notorious civil rights foe, Rush Limbaugh, on his radio show today, referred to the Duke rape victims as "ho's" -- a derogatory term meaning "black whore". Granted, the apologist, and eventual fall guy for BushWorld, says a lot of things you might expect from a drunken college fratbrat, but Mr. Limbaugh dropped out of college three decades ago. Like so many childstars, Rush is stuck performing the same schtick to the same schmucks show after show,year after moribund after. No wonder these folks don't believe in evolution. They never evolve!

Like an ex-conservative friend of mine said just today: You can't trust Rush because he ALWAYS defends Bush. He doesn't have his own mind." Imagine how Rush must feel being of one mind with a man who makes Dan Quayle seem intelligent! At least Quayle never ordered the killing of thousands of people. His stock has actually risen because of Bush.

The great thing about listening to NPR, say, instead of Rush and his clones, is that you hear the full spectrum of opinion, from the best minds of our time, but you also get the added benefit of information, knowledge, wisdom, and good music. Not the adolescent misinformation and hyperventilations of a man still acting out his college fantasies, and clones.

Rush talks about manliness, but if he were a real man he would stand up to Bush once in a while, and take a chance. But alas, he is bought and paid for. He MUST say the things he says, or he is history. He is the man who could have been a Man, but chose excess instead.

What is full, empties. It's a fact of nature. And he's been full too long.
He should get out while he's ahead.

The first time ever I saw your face...

When I first arrived in Green Witch Village, I thought I had arrived in Greenwich Village, except I was surrounded my mountains, streams and otter. Lots of otter. More otter than you can shake a spear at. So don’t bring your spear. Bring someone else’s if you must, but do not, I repeat, do not, bring your own. Especially not the ruby-tipped one.

I had heard stories about how magical, even mystical, the mountains of North Carolina were, but I thought it was all legend…until I saw, and felt, for myself, the natural power of this ancient and venerated land…which, by the way, is in danger of being divvied up and sold to the highest bidder.

To find the actual village, you will require a guide of high spiritual caliber. If and when you are ready to go, that guide will appear, and whisper the words “Go go” into your left ear. It will be on a Sunday, and probably in the late afternoon.

You will then need to promptly slip into your go-go boots and miniskirt (or kilt), and follow him, blindfolded, on the back of a horse name Wildfire or Trigger. Sometimes Larry.

Do not press your go-go heels into the horse, as he would remind you of the story of Neitzsche or Kundera’s Karenin.

Please leave your cell phone in the nearest trashcan.
You are about to live.

See more progress on: Green Witch Village

Jill Carroll is free, saying she was treated mercifully

Jill Carroll

A Carol for Miss Carroll

A lot of people in the world are rejoicing today. I am one of them.
The Christian Science Monitor journalist, Jill Carroll, was released, unharmed, and says that she was treated well during her captivity. This is the kind of victory everyone celebrates.
May we, in turn, show some mercy. It's the right thing to do.

American Idol 2006: Tips for the contestants

Ace Young (Ace Jung), Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry (Chris Dawtry), Elliott Yamin (Eliot Yeaman) , Katharine McPhee (Katherine Catherine McFee), Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa Hundley (Huntley), Paris (London) Bennett (Brokeit) and Taylor Hicks (Tailor Hyx).
These are the archons of celebrity; the Mozarts of our evening; Life Itself. Perhaps I overstate. I wish them all the best of luck, but wish they would dare to be extraordinary.

Were I to give each one of them one piece of advice it would be this:
Taylor...focus on your resemblance to George Clooney.
Ace...Do some James Taylor.
Bucky...your ancestors were the king's musicians in the court of King Charles. Widen and deepen your musical palate.
Chris...Keep going, even if you don't fit the American Idol mold.
Elliot...Consider theatre or comedy. They need singers too.
Lisa...you are still young. Maybe too young even. Your time will come.
Paris...you too may be too young, but your personality makes me think of you as a TV personality.
Mandisa...You might be better off pursuing opera or movies. You may be too good for American Idol.
Kellie...lose the stupid and emphasize the radiant sexiness.
Katharine...Stay yourself and quit wearing frumpy clothes.

In figure skating, the skater's routine is limited by the music. If you can find something classic, memorable, slightly complex, emotional and widely popular without being overdone...you should benefit from the utilization of priorities in song selection.

Meditate and do tai chi before performing so you will not appear wooden and mentally elsewhere or discombobulated.

At this point, you have to perform at your highest, as the standards have risen with each paring away.

Remember Robert Frost's dictum: "No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No joy in the writer, no joy in the reader."

The same applies to your performance. Bring us joy. Make us cry.

But remember...you are all winners, and all will benefit greatly from the experience and exposure. Don't fret if you lose, since you've actually won already.

Love what you are doing.

Meet the New Boss

ENCEES: North Carolina Blog Awards

FROM THE WEBSITE:

The ENCEES (here's the clue... NC) is designed specifically for them. All the hard slogging pajamhadeen, right here in North Carolina. They will hardly be mentioned in the National Awards. Here's Their Chance.The Format is the same as the Biggies, so you'll be familiar with the process...make your nominations in the Comment section. We'll run this first phase for a week or so, to establish our candidates. Twigs and Seeds will keep the Awards Diary at the top of the Front Page all week, with updates. When this phase is concluded ...the Runoff. Spread the Word, and...Good Luck!

Alt.Primetime by Rah Bourbon

From Huffington Post' Contagious Festival
BROKEBACK BUSH
Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad
Impeach the Smirking Liar
Democrats Get Balls

OTHER FINE VIEWING
Cheney watches his cheerleaders
Open the Government
Tom the Dancing Bug
How do you describe Bush?

(Hattip to Rah Bourbon for the links)