I found this on Blogger's Featured Blogs and laughed my butt off.
Courtesy of Monkey's for Helping at http://monkeysforhelping.blogspot.com
Trackback: http://haloscan.com/tb/djrecon/116441234639920004
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Too funny to not share
I found this on Blogger's Featured Blogs and laughed my butt off.
Courtesy of Monkey's for Helping at http://monkeysforhelping.blogspot.com
Trackback: http://haloscan.com/tb/djrecon/116441234639920004
Anti-harassment policies challenged in New Jersey
This was interesting to read, considering that my final project for Investigative Reporting is on this subject. I thought I might share it.
The New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments on the burden held by public institutions to provide a safe learning environement to students who are bullied.
Blog Cabin covered it nicely.
The New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments on the burden held by public institutions to provide a safe learning environement to students who are bullied.
Blog Cabin covered it nicely.
El- Banco de Wal-Mart. Waxing Philosophical
I am not going to elaborate on this. I will simply break it down.
Wal-Mart is the enemy of the small business, making it an enemy to Republicans.
Wal-Mart is also the enemy of believers in a living wage, making it an enemy to Democrats.
So, who the hell is supporting Wal-Mart? The Independants?
No, apparently, it is the Mexicans.
Wal-Mart will open a bank in Mexico, expecting to begin operation in the secon-half of 2007. Some say that this is going to open up opportunities for competition in Mexico, but I think it is only another facet for Wal-Mart to expand upon it capitalistic quest for global domination - or, should I say oppression.
Credit, as we have seen in the American marketplace has a way of making the economy move, even when there is increases in unemployment, inflation and poverty. But, it does this by making the rich richer and the poor poorer, thus weakening the middle class and threatening the core of democractic society. In a country like Mexico, where the middle class is bourgening and struggling to survive, there is no room for credit and debts.
I don't think this is going to open up opportunities to Mexico. No.
I think this is only going to further subjugate the Mexican people, making them more reliant of American dollars and American job to function.
Wal-Mart is the enemy of the small business, making it an enemy to Republicans.
Wal-Mart is also the enemy of believers in a living wage, making it an enemy to Democrats.
So, who the hell is supporting Wal-Mart? The Independants?
No, apparently, it is the Mexicans.
Wal-Mart will open a bank in Mexico, expecting to begin operation in the secon-half of 2007. Some say that this is going to open up opportunities for competition in Mexico, but I think it is only another facet for Wal-Mart to expand upon it capitalistic quest for global domination - or, should I say oppression.
Credit, as we have seen in the American marketplace has a way of making the economy move, even when there is increases in unemployment, inflation and poverty. But, it does this by making the rich richer and the poor poorer, thus weakening the middle class and threatening the core of democractic society. In a country like Mexico, where the middle class is bourgening and struggling to survive, there is no room for credit and debts.
I don't think this is going to open up opportunities to Mexico. No.
I think this is only going to further subjugate the Mexican people, making them more reliant of American dollars and American job to function.
Pope "Eggs" Benedict and the Turkey. Or, was it Bologna?
Perhaps the media is having a hard time processing the importance of the palpal visit to Turkey.
Reuters is raving about Turkey's "welcome" to the Pope Benedict XVI. United Press International says that the Pope's visit is "easing tensions." But, the Muslims in Turkey don't seem to be singing the same tune.
Let the gainsaying begin.
Reuter's went on to say that fears of large protests were "unfounded." Why, then, were there 3,000 police officers needed to keep order?
If the response was so "positive" to the Pope's visit, why, according to the Pope's own blog, were there only 250 people in attendance at the open air mass he conducted at the shrine at Efes?
(BTW, I think its awesome that the Pope, 79, has a blog, even if it is pure PR. I conjured the image of the Pontiff sitting at an iMac typing away at his Blogger account and laughed for about 15 minutes solid.)
ABC, Small Gov Times, and CNN say that thousands have been in protest since prior to the Pope's arrival. All of them pulled the story from the contradictory Reuters wire.
Nicely done modern media.
Perhaps the coverage should be contradictory. It's fitting, considering that Pope "Eggs" Benedict is under such scrutiny in the Muslim world.
Recall September, when Eggs made a speech in Regensburg, Germany that inflamed the Muslim world quoting 14th Century Christian Emporer Paleologus who said that the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhumane" things. (Read more on this statement)
Muslim protests followed.
The "Sausage-fest" of Vatican cronies apologized. Even after Muslim extremists destroyed a couple of churches and murdered a nun in Somalia, Eggs did not.
On the issue of Christian-Muslim relations, Eggs seems to be set on saying and doing all that the politicians cannot, and speaking with a firm, intellectually conservative voice.
So, why is he in Turkey, a Muslim country? After all, Eggs publically objected to Turkey's application for membership into the EU in 2004, saying the country is "in permanent contrast to Europe."
The media's message: (If you read between the lines)
Eggs and his sausage-fest of advisors still believe that Islam is connected with violence. When al-Qaeda in Egypt spoke out to say that the Pope's visit is part of a "crusader campaign," the Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi translated it as a threat of violence.
He said that they are not concerned, but that "[T]his type of message shows once again the urgency and importance of a common commitment of all forces against violence."
The Issue of Palestine
The Pope is not a Crusader. Rather, he is a firm believer in non-violence. He believes that an intellectual conversion is the only genuine one and that violence corrupts the process of personal conversion.
But, the Palpal history is not unblemished when it comes to Muslim-Christian relations, and when Egg's positions on Islam, Turkey and the EU are brought to the table for a discussion about violence, crusading and Palestine, that history cannot be disregarded.
Eggs recognizes that the Turkish people are different. Unlike the majority of Christians in Europe, they are strong supporters of Palestine. Without a reconcilitation on such a volatile issue in world politics, the two idealogical sides have no place entering into an economic or a political contract.
Forget violence. Forget John Paul's legacy of cooperation and mediation. Forget the EU. The root of this visit is, on the eve of Turkey's enduction into the EU, to remind the world that the Turkish people stand against Israel.
And who better to highlight a religious divide in Jerusalem than the Pope himself?
Reuters is raving about Turkey's "welcome" to the Pope Benedict XVI. United Press International says that the Pope's visit is "easing tensions." But, the Muslims in Turkey don't seem to be singing the same tune.
Let the gainsaying begin.
Reuter's went on to say that fears of large protests were "unfounded." Why, then, were there 3,000 police officers needed to keep order?
If the response was so "positive" to the Pope's visit, why, according to the Pope's own blog, were there only 250 people in attendance at the open air mass he conducted at the shrine at Efes?
(BTW, I think its awesome that the Pope, 79, has a blog, even if it is pure PR. I conjured the image of the Pontiff sitting at an iMac typing away at his Blogger account and laughed for about 15 minutes solid.)
ABC, Small Gov Times, and CNN say that thousands have been in protest since prior to the Pope's arrival. All of them pulled the story from the contradictory Reuters wire.
Nicely done modern media.
Perhaps the coverage should be contradictory. It's fitting, considering that Pope "Eggs" Benedict is under such scrutiny in the Muslim world.
Recall September, when Eggs made a speech in Regensburg, Germany that inflamed the Muslim world quoting 14th Century Christian Emporer Paleologus who said that the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhumane" things. (Read more on this statement)
Muslim protests followed.
The "Sausage-fest" of Vatican cronies apologized. Even after Muslim extremists destroyed a couple of churches and murdered a nun in Somalia, Eggs did not.
On the issue of Christian-Muslim relations, Eggs seems to be set on saying and doing all that the politicians cannot, and speaking with a firm, intellectually conservative voice.
So, why is he in Turkey, a Muslim country? After all, Eggs publically objected to Turkey's application for membership into the EU in 2004, saying the country is "in permanent contrast to Europe."
The media's message: (If you read between the lines)
Eggs and his sausage-fest of advisors still believe that Islam is connected with violence. When al-Qaeda in Egypt spoke out to say that the Pope's visit is part of a "crusader campaign," the Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi translated it as a threat of violence.
He said that they are not concerned, but that "[T]his type of message shows once again the urgency and importance of a common commitment of all forces against violence."
The Issue of Palestine
The Pope is not a Crusader. Rather, he is a firm believer in non-violence. He believes that an intellectual conversion is the only genuine one and that violence corrupts the process of personal conversion.
But, the Palpal history is not unblemished when it comes to Muslim-Christian relations, and when Egg's positions on Islam, Turkey and the EU are brought to the table for a discussion about violence, crusading and Palestine, that history cannot be disregarded.
Eggs recognizes that the Turkish people are different. Unlike the majority of Christians in Europe, they are strong supporters of Palestine. Without a reconcilitation on such a volatile issue in world politics, the two idealogical sides have no place entering into an economic or a political contract.
Forget violence. Forget John Paul's legacy of cooperation and mediation. Forget the EU. The root of this visit is, on the eve of Turkey's enduction into the EU, to remind the world that the Turkish people stand against Israel.
And who better to highlight a religious divide in Jerusalem than the Pope himself?
Aviation, radiation, signs Boeing aiding US nuclear build-up.
This report just came across the Reuters Wire:
Low levels.
Let us examine a few other common items that emit low levels of radiation.
Televisions
Microwaves
X-Ray Machines
Medical Wastes
Smoke Detectors
Some types of old glass and ceramics
Foods that contain Potassium
And, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, so does your drinking water.
So, the next time there is a detection of "low levels of radiation" on board a plane, let us suggest that the flight attendants turn off the video-screen, microwaves and smoke detectors. Tell the pilot to turn off his radio. And, heck, have the caterers remove all of the bananas from the plane. Then, run the test one more time.
Since it seems that there are "low levels of radiation" everywhere we turn, it makes you wonder, why were these planes really grounded. Perhaps they are facing the same problems as American Airlines did with there MD80's. They announced the grounding of 22 plains yesterday when they found paint in the fuel system.
Is this a coincidence?
Here is another thought. The MD80 is a Boeing product. The three planes grounded by British Airways were B767's, also Boeing's.
Ironically, at this time, the companies stock is trading at $88.75 per share which is up 0.78, Boeing Cheif Exec. James McNerney met with Zeng Peiyan, the vice-premier of China, and the company signed new contracts with Singapour Airlines and Air Berlin. Boeing is also a producer of weapons for the United States military.
Perhaps this is our answer to why there were "low levels of radiation" on the British Airways planes. Incidently, nuclear chemicals can leave traces of "low levels of radiation" on weapons that have been manufactured in the same plants.
Boeing is no stranger to nuclear technology. It was a Boeing B-29 that dropped the bombs over Hiroshima.
And, Boeing is also an active participant today's military. Most recently, they built a "Small Diameter Bomb" which is revolutionizing the industry by allowing more artillary to be carried by Air Force Bombers. And, that is just what they are telling the media about, and they were awarded the contract to help build the next model of the F-22 Raptor.
Check out Defense Industry Daily to see what else they are working on.
And, perhaps you should wear your radiation suit the next time you board a Boeing plane. I heard that "low levels of radiation can cause testicular cancer.
LONDON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - British Airways (BAY.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday that "very low traces" of a radioactive substance had been found on two of its aircraft being examined in a police probe into the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
The airline said in a statement that three B767 short haul aircraft were taken out of service for forensic examination. Initial results showed "very low traces of a radioactive substance on board two of the three aircraft."
Read more!
Low levels.
Let us examine a few other common items that emit low levels of radiation.
Televisions
Microwaves
X-Ray Machines
Medical Wastes
Smoke Detectors
Some types of old glass and ceramics
Foods that contain Potassium
And, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, so does your drinking water.
So, the next time there is a detection of "low levels of radiation" on board a plane, let us suggest that the flight attendants turn off the video-screen, microwaves and smoke detectors. Tell the pilot to turn off his radio. And, heck, have the caterers remove all of the bananas from the plane. Then, run the test one more time.
Since it seems that there are "low levels of radiation" everywhere we turn, it makes you wonder, why were these planes really grounded. Perhaps they are facing the same problems as American Airlines did with there MD80's. They announced the grounding of 22 plains yesterday when they found paint in the fuel system.
Is this a coincidence?
Here is another thought. The MD80 is a Boeing product. The three planes grounded by British Airways were B767's, also Boeing's.
Ironically, at this time, the companies stock is trading at $88.75 per share which is up 0.78, Boeing Cheif Exec. James McNerney met with Zeng Peiyan, the vice-premier of China, and the company signed new contracts with Singapour Airlines and Air Berlin. Boeing is also a producer of weapons for the United States military.
Perhaps this is our answer to why there were "low levels of radiation" on the British Airways planes. Incidently, nuclear chemicals can leave traces of "low levels of radiation" on weapons that have been manufactured in the same plants.
Boeing is no stranger to nuclear technology. It was a Boeing B-29 that dropped the bombs over Hiroshima.
And, Boeing is also an active participant today's military. Most recently, they built a "Small Diameter Bomb" which is revolutionizing the industry by allowing more artillary to be carried by Air Force Bombers. And, that is just what they are telling the media about, and they were awarded the contract to help build the next model of the F-22 Raptor.
Check out Defense Industry Daily to see what else they are working on.
And, perhaps you should wear your radiation suit the next time you board a Boeing plane. I heard that "low levels of radiation can cause testicular cancer.
Daily Martini: Mai Tai's and Malibu Sunset
I know, I know, I've been slacking. But, it's my final finals week. Please forgive me.
Thinking of Thanksgiving in Ventura, CA always inspires me for something tropical, so here are a couple to add to the collection.
This one is for all of the lovers who always dreamt of Hawaii, but never managed to make it there. A recipe that should be common knowledge if for no other reason than it has a cool name.
The Mai Tai Martini:
1 1/4 oz Light Rum
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3/4 oz Pineapple Juice
3/4 oz Sour mix
1/4 oz Grenadine
1/4 oz Orgeat Syrup
Shake well, serve in a chilled cocktail glass with cherry and pineapple wedge garnish.
For those of us without an extensive liquor selection, there is a wonderful subsitute.
The Malibu Sunset Martini
1 1/2 oz. Coconut Rum
3/4 oz. Sloe Gin
Shake well, pour into chilled cocktail glass and float 3/4 oz. pineapple juice. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge.
Enjoy
Thinking of Thanksgiving in Ventura, CA always inspires me for something tropical, so here are a couple to add to the collection.
This one is for all of the lovers who always dreamt of Hawaii, but never managed to make it there. A recipe that should be common knowledge if for no other reason than it has a cool name.
The Mai Tai Martini:
1 1/4 oz Light Rum
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3/4 oz Pineapple Juice
3/4 oz Sour mix
1/4 oz Grenadine
1/4 oz Orgeat Syrup
Shake well, serve in a chilled cocktail glass with cherry and pineapple wedge garnish.
For those of us without an extensive liquor selection, there is a wonderful subsitute.
The Malibu Sunset Martini
1 1/2 oz. Coconut Rum
3/4 oz. Sloe Gin
Shake well, pour into chilled cocktail glass and float 3/4 oz. pineapple juice. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge.
Enjoy
Monday, November 20, 2006
Daily Martini, Pomegranate
Van Gogh Vodka has, perhaps, the most complete selection of flavored vodkas on the market - and it keeps growing. Latest added to their collection is Pomegranate. It is absolutely fabulous.
I had a chance to sample it at Byblos, an Arab hookah bar here in Philly.
Give it a try.
Pomegranate Citrus Cosmo
1 1/2 oz. Pomegranate vodka
1 oz. Triple Sec, Gran Marnier
1/2 oz. Pomegranate juice
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice.
Serve in a chilled cocktail glass with orange slice garnish.
Enjoy.
CNN conducted an unofficial internet poll that I found interesting. As of 3:38 pm EST today, there were 90,192 responses - which was what caught my eye.
The question:
Do you agree with Rep. Charles Rangel that bringing back the draft would deter politicians from launching wars?
38% - Yes (34,503)
62% - No (55,689)
I'm curious, where do these 34,000 people live?
The question:
Do you agree with Rep. Charles Rangel that bringing back the draft would deter politicians from launching wars?
38% - Yes (34,503)
62% - No (55,689)
I'm curious, where do these 34,000 people live?
Some injuries in Iraq are unseen, many unreported.
Staff Sgt. Raymond Lee recieved a head injury when a roadside bomb blew up his humvee. A coma rendered his military career over.
This South Carolina produced report was a captivating retelling of the soldiers story. But, what I found disturbing in it is a statement, buried in the middle amidst a bunch of mundane detail about Lee's instant messaging habits: the Pentagon "refuses to release information about soldiers injured in Iraq" for fear that the information may be beneficial to the enemy.
Two questions: How? And, why?
I can't think of any reason why the type of injuries sustained by our military men would be of any benefit to the so-called enemy. Perhaps details about when and where incidents that involved injuries would be problematic, but statistics themselves?
I don't buy it.
That information would be valuable only to war protestors who would argue, as CNN did, that there would be far more deaths and casualities reported in this war if not for the brilliant efforts of medical staffers to keep our boys alive.
This South Carolina produced report was a captivating retelling of the soldiers story. But, what I found disturbing in it is a statement, buried in the middle amidst a bunch of mundane detail about Lee's instant messaging habits: the Pentagon "refuses to release information about soldiers injured in Iraq" for fear that the information may be beneficial to the enemy.
Two questions: How? And, why?
I can't think of any reason why the type of injuries sustained by our military men would be of any benefit to the so-called enemy. Perhaps details about when and where incidents that involved injuries would be problematic, but statistics themselves?
I don't buy it.
That information would be valuable only to war protestors who would argue, as CNN did, that there would be far more deaths and casualities reported in this war if not for the brilliant efforts of medical staffers to keep our boys alive.
Pesbyterian Church needs to make up its mind. Its getting queer
The Presbyterian Church dropped charged against Janet Edwards, a Presbyterian minister who oversaw a gay marriage in June 2005. The commission hearing the case decided on November 15 that charges against Edwards had been brought past the deadline to file.
The constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reserves marriage for a man and a woman, although ministers may bless other types of “holy unions.”
Sounds a lot like the Democratic party to me.
Waffling.
USA Today Blogger got it right... slightly left of center.
Kristen Powers, a blogger a USA Today argued that the Clintonian Era ushered in a new kind of liberal, and more importantly, a new kind of Democrat: the centrist Democrat.
This election cycle, the Dem camp spoke about faith, God and actually had nominees on the ballot who oppose abortion. They are growing more fiscally conservative. Perhaps this is in reaction to the neo-con believe in debt spending, but more likely, it is a party in jeopordy of losing its identity by meandering too close to the middle of the road.
Check it out, she nailed the ballot and the liberal misgivings.
Not surprising, the reactions in posted comments did as well by missing the point.
This election cycle, the Dem camp spoke about faith, God and actually had nominees on the ballot who oppose abortion. They are growing more fiscally conservative. Perhaps this is in reaction to the neo-con believe in debt spending, but more likely, it is a party in jeopordy of losing its identity by meandering too close to the middle of the road.
Check it out, she nailed the ballot and the liberal misgivings.
Not surprising, the reactions in posted comments did as well by missing the point.
Truth.com
Mike Seate of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review laid out a plea to our public officials: Come Out Already.
His article mademe think of two things: My Aunt Sharon and Gray Davis. Remember him?
His article mademe think of two things: My Aunt Sharon and Gray Davis. Remember him?
Yeah.
I understand that Mr. Davis kept an apartment in West Hollywood, a window-dressing wife and a fetish for twinkies.
Are you surprised?
I mean, like Seate said, you mean to tell me that this guy can't find a date... or even better, where is his "wife?"
Arizon Sen. John McCain expresses concern about party platforms, I'm concerned about his.
John McCain is my choice for president in 2008. Let me just put that out there.
But, I a must say I am a bit concerned with his positions. Why?
He believes in small government.
He opposed the war in Iraq, but now that we are there, he has taken a stance that we have to finish what we started in order to preserve stability in region.
McCain does seem to have a firm grasp on his strengths. According ot a Business Journal report, he told a conservative political action committee this week that he felt the party's greatest strength was in the weakness of the Democratic party.
"The election was not an affirmation of the other party's program. Try as hard as I could, I couldn't find much evidence that my Democratic friends were offering anything that resembled a coherent platform or principled leadership on the critical issues that confront us today," McCain [said].
McCain wants a return to traditional Republican values of limited government. He says he has faith in the conservative nature of Americans. I like it.
Here are my concerns.
McCain is governor of the only of eight states to reject a ban on gay marriage this midterm election. I need to know if he accredits this to the conservative belief in limited government, or if he recognizes that there is a significant liberal contingent in this country that wants to see equal rights for everyone.
Second, he says he believes in small government, but he wants us to stay in Iraq and embed American personnel in their police force. This says American Colonialism to me.
I hope to hear a clarification on how he justifies these positions... soon.
But, I a must say I am a bit concerned with his positions. Why?
He believes in small government.
He opposed the war in Iraq, but now that we are there, he has taken a stance that we have to finish what we started in order to preserve stability in region.
McCain does seem to have a firm grasp on his strengths. According ot a Business Journal report, he told a conservative political action committee this week that he felt the party's greatest strength was in the weakness of the Democratic party.
"The election was not an affirmation of the other party's program. Try as hard as I could, I couldn't find much evidence that my Democratic friends were offering anything that resembled a coherent platform or principled leadership on the critical issues that confront us today," McCain [said].
McCain wants a return to traditional Republican values of limited government. He says he has faith in the conservative nature of Americans. I like it.
Here are my concerns.
McCain is governor of the only of eight states to reject a ban on gay marriage this midterm election. I need to know if he accredits this to the conservative belief in limited government, or if he recognizes that there is a significant liberal contingent in this country that wants to see equal rights for everyone.
Second, he says he believes in small government, but he wants us to stay in Iraq and embed American personnel in their police force. This says American Colonialism to me.
I hope to hear a clarification on how he justifies these positions... soon.
More election follow-up: Nearly the worst report I have ever read.
I hate to bring disrespect to other people's writing, but if this is the product we are printing, there is no wonder why the public is not interested in news anymore.
John Smith is the editor of the Religion section of the Reading Eagle. He wrote a report on the key issues that brought voters to the polls this midterm election, headline: "Moral issues key in election results."
It seems that the point he was trying to come to was that voters were displeased about the moral stances of the candidates, and this was there primary motivation in hading to the voting booth.
Quote, after quote, after quote.
There is no rhyme or reason here.
In fact, the truth that I came to out of quotes in Smiths' report is this: First, middle Pennsylvania, like middle America is far more conservative than the rest of the state; and second, more people turned-out because they were dissatisfied with the status quo.
We're at war, John, and everyone hates it.
Remember.
I think what John was trying to say is that voters do have an array of issues on their collective radar, but he failed to convey the message effectively, because he failed ot recognize the growing disconnect between rural and city life. He may have hit his audience in Podunk, PA, but it was dishonest and incomplete.
Check out the same argument, more complete and sure of itself, from a city dweller.
Now if we could only merge these two discussions.
The Philadelphia Inquirer tried, but they missed by making the same mistake as John Smith in Reading: a declaritive statement about the political landscape. It is a good assessment though, if we are forced to make an educated guess.
John Smith is the editor of the Religion section of the Reading Eagle. He wrote a report on the key issues that brought voters to the polls this midterm election, headline: "Moral issues key in election results."
It seems that the point he was trying to come to was that voters were displeased about the moral stances of the candidates, and this was there primary motivation in hading to the voting booth.
Quote, after quote, after quote.
There is no rhyme or reason here.
In fact, the truth that I came to out of quotes in Smiths' report is this: First, middle Pennsylvania, like middle America is far more conservative than the rest of the state; and second, more people turned-out because they were dissatisfied with the status quo.
We're at war, John, and everyone hates it.
Remember.
I think what John was trying to say is that voters do have an array of issues on their collective radar, but he failed to convey the message effectively, because he failed ot recognize the growing disconnect between rural and city life. He may have hit his audience in Podunk, PA, but it was dishonest and incomplete.
Check out the same argument, more complete and sure of itself, from a city dweller.
Now if we could only merge these two discussions.
The Philadelphia Inquirer tried, but they missed by making the same mistake as John Smith in Reading: a declaritive statement about the political landscape. It is a good assessment though, if we are forced to make an educated guess.
Wikipedia Blocked in China
Less than one week after lifting a year-long ban the infamous user-created and edited encyclopedia, the Chinese government has again denied access to Wikipedia in several areas of China.
The People's Republic of China reportedly blocked access to the site in October of last year to prevent over-exposure on controversial issues such as Tibet and Taiwan. The block was officially lifted in the english version on October 21, and the Chinese version on November 13.
But, many users report recieving an error message when trying to access the site. Residents and reporters in the region believe this is a false message, that the government is still regulating access on the site.
Read more.
The People's Republic of China reportedly blocked access to the site in October of last year to prevent over-exposure on controversial issues such as Tibet and Taiwan. The block was officially lifted in the english version on October 21, and the Chinese version on November 13.
But, many users report recieving an error message when trying to access the site. Residents and reporters in the region believe this is a false message, that the government is still regulating access on the site.
Read more.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Daily Martini, Hairy Navel
My brother thinks he's a drinker, but he's 29 years-old and still orders Fuzzy Navel's at the bar. I mock him out on a regular basis. This one is for him.
Hairy Navel Martini
1 1/2 oz. Orange vodka
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 oz. Orange Juice
Serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Top with soda. Garnish with orange slice.
Hairy Navel Martini
1 1/2 oz. Orange vodka
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 oz. Orange Juice
Serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Top with soda. Garnish with orange slice.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Daily Martini, Kyoto Martini
Kyoto Martini
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Melon Liqueur, Madori
1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
Squeez of lemon juice.
Serve in a chilled cocktail galss with lemon twist garnish.
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Melon Liqueur, Madori
1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
Squeez of lemon juice.
Serve in a chilled cocktail galss with lemon twist garnish.
Vodka v Gin Martini's
You may have noticed that I don't post recipes for gin martini's. Reason being, I prefer vodka over gin any day of the week and twice on Sunday's. Not to mention, gin has a tendancy to be drier than vodka, detracting from the flavor of added ingredients. I would rather have a full tasting martini than one designed to overcome the dry nature of the central ingredient.
Both gin and vodka contain ethanol, the same substance in red wine that has been proven to reduce blood pressure. They are the lowest of all alcohols in calories, which make them good for your diet.
But, gin is often distilled with juniper berry's, which help in maintaining a healthy uriniary track. The problem with them is their potential to deplete potassium. It has been debated among herbalists, but I am not taking my chances.
Both gin and vodka contain ethanol, the same substance in red wine that has been proven to reduce blood pressure. They are the lowest of all alcohols in calories, which make them good for your diet.
But, gin is often distilled with juniper berry's, which help in maintaining a healthy uriniary track. The problem with them is their potential to deplete potassium. It has been debated among herbalists, but I am not taking my chances.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Daily Martini, AppleWood
A Cheryl Ellis original, this one is dynamic and uninspired by any other drink I have ever tasted. Fantastic with a Pecan-crusted chicken salad, topped with cranberry-raisins.
Apple Wood Martini
1 1/4 oz. Apple Vodka
3/4 oz. Madori Melon
1/2 oz. Creme de Mint
1 oz Apple Juice
1/4 oz. Rose's lime
Sever in a chilled cocktail glass.
Enjoy.
Apple Wood Martini
1 1/4 oz. Apple Vodka
3/4 oz. Madori Melon
1/2 oz. Creme de Mint
1 oz Apple Juice
1/4 oz. Rose's lime
Sever in a chilled cocktail glass.
Enjoy.
Same sex marriage bans pass in seven of eight states.
The count is still going on, but it appears Arizona was the only state to reject a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage yesterday. Still, there is no reason to be disheartened.
Althought the ban was passed in South Dakota, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Colorado and Virginia, it was not by an overwhelming margin. Look at the numbers.
(in percents, for ban/against ban)
Arizona: 49 / 51
Colorado: 56 / 44
South Carolina: 78/ 22
South Dakota: 52 / 48
Tennessee: 81 / 19
Virginia: 57 / 43
Wisconsin: 59 / 41
Average: 61.7 / 38.3
Take the Bible-belt states of Tennessee and South Carolina out of the mix and the numbers are even tighter.
Average: 54.6 / 45.4
Pretty close to an even split.
What does this mean? Though the American people may not yet be ready to hear same-sex couples say 'I Do', they are not ready to write discrimination into their constitutions. While this is not necessarily a giant leap for homo-kind, it is a small step toward equality.
Althought the ban was passed in South Dakota, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Colorado and Virginia, it was not by an overwhelming margin. Look at the numbers.
(in percents, for ban/against ban)
Arizona: 49 / 51
Colorado: 56 / 44
South Carolina: 78/ 22
South Dakota: 52 / 48
Tennessee: 81 / 19
Virginia: 57 / 43
Wisconsin: 59 / 41
Average: 61.7 / 38.3
Take the Bible-belt states of Tennessee and South Carolina out of the mix and the numbers are even tighter.
Average: 54.6 / 45.4
Pretty close to an even split.
What does this mean? Though the American people may not yet be ready to hear same-sex couples say 'I Do', they are not ready to write discrimination into their constitutions. While this is not necessarily a giant leap for homo-kind, it is a small step toward equality.
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