Archive for March, 2010

Artist’s rendering of the USS New York

by on Mar.27, 2010

USS%20New%20York Artists rendering of the USS New York USS New York

With a year to go before it even touches the water, the Navy’s amphibious assault USS New York ship has already made history. It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The USS New York is about 45 percent complete and should be ready for launch in mid-2007.

Katrina disrupted construction when it pounded the Gulf Coast last summer, but the 684-foot vessel escaped serious damage, and workers were back at the yard near New Orleans two weeks after the storm.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship — designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

It would be fitting if the first mission this ship would go on is to make sure that bin Laden is taken out, his terrorist organization is taken out,” said Glenn Clement, a paint foreman. “He came in through the back door and knocked our towers down and (the New York) is coming right through the front door, and we want them to know that.”

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, La., to cast the ship’s bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, “those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,” recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. “It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.”

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the “hair on my neck stood up.”

“It had a big meaning to it for all of us,” he said. “They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”

The ship’s motto? “Never Forget”

Originally posted 2006-05-21 16:13:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various Comments Off 

WWF Earth Hour 2010-California

by on Mar.27, 2010

* CITIES, LANDMARKS ACROSS CALIFORNIA TO TURN OUT LIGHTS FOR WWF’s EARTH HOUR THIS SATURDAY

“Earth Hour is a unique opportunity for California to demonstrate our commitment to combating global climate change and building a more environmentally sustainable economy. One of the most promising growth industries of the 21st century is the move to a Green Economy, and Earth Hour underscores the need for California to continue our progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a green workforce.” Speaker John A. Pérez

Pérez Leads California State’s Participation in Earth Hour Efforts

3/26/10

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) today lauded the Legislature’s recent passage of ACR 133, a concurrent resolution the Speaker authored that encourages California public employees and businesses to join a growing national and global movement to recognize the importance of energy conservation by turning off non-essential lights tomorrow, Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Earth Hour Logo1 WWF Earth Hour 2010 California

“Earth Hour is a unique opportunity for California to demonstrate our commitment to combating global climate change and building a more environmentally sustainable economy,” said Speaker Pérez. “One of the most promising growth industries of the 21st century is the move to a Green Economy, and Earth Hour underscores the need for California to continue our progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a green workforce.”

Website of Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker


RennyBA has an ongoing list for bloggers to join in celebration of Earth Hour 2010. Drop in and tell Renny hello in the comment area plus leave the URL to your post.

Category: Various 2 Comments 

The Magic is Still There…

by on Mar.24, 2010

The surviving members of Led Zeppelin the 1968 classic rock group performed magnificently during its first reunion. Members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and the manager of drummer Jason Bonham, the son of the late John Bonham not only performed but also showed the world that Led Zeppelin can still produce audio magic. ‘Stairway to Heaven Live’ at the O2 Arena in London on December 10th, 2007 was an absolute hit for the group. It was the very first time they had collected together with making music together as a group in 20+ years. Tickets were priced with the low end starting at £125 (approximately $250). BBC News reports on the event.

Stairway to Heaven
Kashmir
Good Times, Bad Times
Black Dog short clip from the O2 Arena

They said that they weren’t going to tour, yet, according to this article on MTV News, who knows, we may have Led Zeppelin’s magic dancing permanently in our ears again.

Originally posted 2007-12-11 12:42:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various 4 Comments 

Ride ‘Em Hard or Stay at Home!

by on Mar.24, 2010

John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy, are the characters in the new breed of road warriors called “Posers.” Here at Maryannaville, they’re respectfully called ‘Rubs.’ No need to get defensive, folks. It’s all good.

Running as a foursome, they hit the road with the attitude of ‘anything goes.’ Are they ever surprised when they run into a group of Hell’s Angels type of bikers known county wide as ‘Del Fuegos,’ and who just happen to be at their favorite watering hole when the foursome decide to drop in to rest awhile.

If you’ve ever been in a jam while on an out of town run with your friends, you’ll be laughing your ever lovin’ arse off with this Touch Stone film. It’s a great comedy film you’ll enjoy watching especially if you can relate to anything these Foolios put themselves through while staying true to their own principles.

Wild+Hogs Ride Em Hard or Stay at Home!

Originally posted 2007-03-10 22:16:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various Comments Off 

Daily Kos is on the ball! (as usual)

by on Mar.24, 2010

Thanks to Daily Kos, here is something we all will want to join. Nancy Pelosi’s 70th birthday. It just happens to be this Friday, March 26th.

roses 300x180 Daily Kos is on the ball! (as usual)Given how much serious ass she kicked in herding cats, twisting arms and otherwise corralling 219 Democrats into passing the most sweeping (if flawed) overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system in 45 years, I thought it would be a great idea to do a repeat of the famous 2004 Barbara Boxer Rose Campaign to celebrate Speaker Pelosi’s 70th birthday.

So, I took the easy route: I simply contacted the same national florist delivery service that was used 6 years ago, got a callback from Tina at Coast to Coast Florist, and lo and behold, we’re all set!

So, here’s the deal:

Coast-to-Coast Florist is gonna give us the same special pricing that they gave for the Boxer campaign: Just $10 to send 3 roses direct to Speaker Pelosi’s Washington D.C. office! To add your order, simply call: 1 866 596 1860. You can send more than 3 roses, but it’s a flat $10 per batch of 3.

They’ll take your name and credit card info, and you’ll be all set.They can take orders right up through Thursday evening. All roses will be delivered to her D.C. office on Friday, as a combination Thank You/Happy Birthday from those of us who admire her amazing accomplishment in pulling this thing off.

Other ways to say thanks:

Join the facebook group wishing Speaker Pelosi a happy birthday and thanking her for healthcare reform. (Must log in after following link.)

Write her a thank you note.

Category: Various Comments Off 

Harris Poll: Republican attitudes on Obama

by on Mar.23, 2010

At The Daily Beast, John Avlon opined on the new and very scary Harris GOP poll:

57 percent of Republicans (32 percent overall) believe that Obama is a Muslim 45 percent of Republicans (25 percent overall) agree with the Birthers in their belief that Obama was “not born in the United States and so is not eligible to be president” 38 percent of Republicans (20 percent overall) say that Obama is “doing many of the things that Hitler did” Scariest of all, 24 percent of Republicans (14 percent overall) say that Obama “may be the Antichrist.”

Avlon interpreted the poll results as,  “Obama Derangement Syndrome—pathological hatred of the president posing as patriotism.”

What truly gets my goat is that these same people believe that our America was founded on Christianity. And don’t even try to discuss the First Amendment or the Treatyof Tripoli. I’ve even heard by an elder that American history isn’t to be trusted.

statue of liberty crying 150x150 Harris Poll: Republican attitudes on ObamaAre they psychotic or jes’ fookin’ ign’ant?

Worthy of mention:

Republicans act like a bunch of fucking babies

Category: Various Comments Off 

Wonder if Newt’s Going to Jail For the Truth?

by on Mar.22, 2010

Originally posted 2007-07-24 07:36:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various Comments Off 

"Loggerhead turtle nests lag, green and leatherbacks are up"

by on Mar.22, 2010

“Florida’s beaches lost a substantial amount of loggerhead sea turtle nests in 2007, giving the state its lowest nest count in 17 years, wildlife officials reported.”
Read on

Originally posted 2008-04-20 09:08:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various Comments Off 

w00t!

by on Mar.21, 2010

cam1 150x150 w00t!

Hooray! Hooray! This is could almost be a red letter day!

Overall, health care reform may not be perfect as of today, however we’ll get closer than where it has been ever! After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Today is the beginning of a fabulous start. Moreover, below is a standardized letter sent out en mass from no doubt from one of President Obama’s aides. However, it’s the message that is important to every American. And before anyone gets too swept up in a wave of euphoria read the linked article. In it are facts about what the bill will and won’t achieve. Reality is often much less than what political spin tries to claim. Read the health care bill facts here.

Something is better than nothing especially when people are dying from lack of adequate health-care additionally, health care doesn’t include health care access. Many will be disappointed however, more health care is available now than there has been in a historical sense. We have to start somewhere so let it begin. See how your Rep voted.

Now on with today’s show:

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee — 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

MA –

For the first time in our nation’s history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we’ll finally start reducing the cost of care — creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we’ve faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right — and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

ps- Will he or won’t he pull a rabbit out of his hat?

Category: Various Comments Off 

It’s that time of year!

by on Mar.21, 2010

maxine.jpg.scaled.500 Its that time of year! 0hotflash Its that time of year!

Category: Various Comments Off 

Medicare for all Americans!

by on Mar.21, 2010

Congressman Alan Grayson has called on Speaker Pelosi to allow for a vote on his bill to allow Americans to buy into 9197681786029154147.jpeg   1 500 1 500 cb94de6a  150x150 Medicare for all Americans!Medicare. Medicare is efficient, effective health care and every American should have the right of choice. I signed the petition.

If you agree, join Rep. Grayson, along with thousands of other Americans on this bill. Together, we can urge Speaker Pelosi to allow this vote.

http://www.wewantmedicare.com

Thanks!

Category: Various Comments Off 

Both strange and funny apply

by on Mar.20, 2010

insert%20evil%20laugh%20here Both strange and funny apply

Originally posted 2006-06-20 10:39:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various 1 Comment 

Quiz

by on Mar.18, 2010


You Are Alice
alice Quiz

You are curious, brave, and inquisitive. You can’t help but be interested in the world around you.

You are a bit of a loner and a total daydreamer. Your inner world is very colorful and vivid.

At times, your real life seems dull and completely unbearable. You wish you could escape to a whole other world.

While you have a wild spirit, you are quite gentle and polite. You tend to observe more than act – and you tread lightly.

Category: Various Comments Off 

by on Mar.15, 2010

narcissus Loneliness is more than being alone. In fact, many, if, not most, folks enjoy solitude. Loneliness is a sense of missing and longing for some kind of human interaction (even if you are in a crowd or in an “empty shell marriage”). The kind of contact missed varies greatly such as, one could miss one particular person or one kind of social interaction (e.g. at work or old friends or emotional intimacy in a love relationship) or social activity in general. Indeed, some writers distinguish between social loneliness, which is not being part of a group of friends, and emotional loneliness, which is not being intimate with or able to depend on anyone. Aloneness can also be spiritual –a feeling of separation from God–or existential –an awareness of our individual separateness. All forms of aloneness contribute to depression. Existentialists believe, as did Thoreau, that aloneness is the human condition meaning that we are born alone, we alone direct our lives, and we, in the same sense, die alone. Sure, lives touch and even join for a while, but you remain a separate person. These therapists say that being alone is important for gaining perspective and growth (Moustakas, 1961). Thus, they distinguish between loneliness, which is wholesome, and the fear of being alone. It is real scary feeling alone filled with the feelings of void. Some people are people addicts, they can’t stand to be alone. Most learn to be one’s own best friend. One only gets to realize and know one’s capacity of being one’s own “best friend” when one is alone and not participating in any type of social roles or expectations.

Originally posted 2006-05-05 10:46:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various 2 Comments 

A Butterfly’s Natural Struggle

by on Mar.15, 2010

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly and soon a small opening appeared. For several hours he sat and watched the butterfly as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther.

The man not knowing but wanting to help the butterfly took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand enough to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. But, neither one happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

In his kindness and haste the man did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggling required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Moral of the story?
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If nature allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, we would become crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have and should have been. Without resistance, we can not fly. Freedom and flight will only come after we first struggle with building the strength we need for the flight itself.


Originally posted 2007-04-01 00:07:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Category: Various 2 Comments