tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24211206830920420682024-02-02T04:53:49.166-08:00Smoke in your faceknow your shitAnna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-60607082732187560372010-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:15:30.865-07:00Save kids from religious zealots!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlXaiGcnkofFrhhiGw8G2QTUL7RrWauB-xACQAxyVQF_pSDPrW7HV37CNFL366RCnwM1siGCK9jEQZmn07kjXySVDJQkpp7PeU8_xpgKBwgJYZjtf-qQ9kdkbXnCpu7Ze2elxjo05o4Xl/s1600/2009-06-01-KillforLife.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlXaiGcnkofFrhhiGw8G2QTUL7RrWauB-xACQAxyVQF_pSDPrW7HV37CNFL366RCnwM1siGCK9jEQZmn07kjXySVDJQkpp7PeU8_xpgKBwgJYZjtf-qQ9kdkbXnCpu7Ze2elxjo05o4Xl/s400/2009-06-01-KillforLife.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474910486381966722" /></a><div>The thoughts of a 7 year-old: </div>
<br />"At the end of the service, the Pastor calls forward people who want healing, cos Jesus healed the sick when he was on Earth. But the same cripples go forward every week. And I asked my mom: "maybe this isn't working?"
<br />
<br />I got in trouble for asking that."
<br />
<br /><div>Ok, maybe Peter isn't PC by calling handicaps "cripples", but he sure as hell knows something is fishy. This is the branch of Christianity Peter has to endure: <span style="font-style: italic;">
<br />
<br />"The Pentecostal family of denominations form one branch of conservative Protestantism within Christianity. A major defining feature of Pentecostalism is their belief in Glossolalia -- the ability to speak "</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/tongues.htm">in tongues</a><span style="font-style: italic;">". Another is the unusual freedom and spontaneity exhibited during their religious services. Otherwise, their beliefs and practices are similar to those of other conservative Christians. They strongly oppose </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm">abortion access</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/homosexu.htm">equality for sexual minorities</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, and </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_marr.htm">same-sex marriage</a><span style="font-style: italic;">." </span> source: <a href="http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_pent.htm">religioustolerance.org</a> </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Cartoon source: <a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-06-01-KillforLife.jpg">Huffington Post</a></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-60083440675373429672010-05-23T09:33:00.001-07:002010-05-23T15:05:40.270-07:00Unborn fetus dolls handed out in an elementary school in Virgina. wtf.What is worse than the extreme Right in the United States? The extreme Religious Right. <div><br /></div><div>From the <a href="http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/cliff-norfolk-va-students-given-unborn-fetu">Crooks and Liars</a> website: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Oakwood Elementary's principal was placed on administrative leave Friday as school officials investigated why </i><i>life like, 4-inch-long plastic fetus dolls were given to dozens of third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students</i><i>.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On Thursday, the school staffer thought to be responsible for handing out the dolls was placed on leave."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>There's a picture of the "doll" these crazies handed out. And if you read the entire post on Crooks and Liars, the blogger goes on to say: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Even though the article didn't mention it specifically, I would be willing to bet the students receiving these "gifts" were girls, not boys, too. That's what we need...to intimidate and indoctrinate the girls at a young age while giving boys a pass. Good job, Virginia. "</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I can only agree with Karoli. If this happened at the school my son was attending, I'd freak out. Maybe that's why I decided to raise my son in Europe where nobody would dream of trying to brainwash kids like that. Without prior parent consent no less. Despite living in a country with a shitload of Catholic holidays (Austria), the majority of the people take it with nonchalance ie good for holidays but not much else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why is a country that was founded on the basis of religious freedom full of such puritanical tyrants? I don't get it. </div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-86891039628965512702010-04-06T07:48:00.001-07:002010-04-06T08:10:36.002-07:00What's new?I have not written anything in a while. Therefore, I expect its time to get on the ball again. What has happened over the past months: <div><br /></div><div>Obama has passed tepid health care reform. Considering the bruha, I still think the passage of this legislation is historical. (Americans can be so retarded, honestly. The way the far right is reacting, you'd think Obama just passed a kibutz mandate or something......geez or a law banning guns, which, in fact, would be a good thing.....but no......it's not going to happen, sadly) </div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah Palin is still around. I posted a comment on a fb's friend status in regards to Ms. Palin, voicing my surprise how anyone can stand listening to her grating voice. Some woman, in turn, responded: "Only women would make disparaging remarks about Palin's voice. " Um, no. Her voice is annoying. Its like nails on a chalk board. Its like a cow in labor. Its like a screeching crow. She not only sounds retarded, she is retarded. I suppose its totally un pc to say that as she has a child with a mental disability. Sadly, I state nothing but the truth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jay Leno is back on The Tonight Show. Since I have no other options, I watch it. Does he have no shame though inviting Karl Rove onto his show? The guy is a liar and doesn't deserve to have his mug on any form of media. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Catholic Church is once again involved in a child abuse scandel. Ho hum you say? I say high time to impeach the Pope. According to articles I've read in the New York Times and Spiegel International, the Pope formerly known as Cardinal Ratzinger had direct knowledge of abuse cases in the US, Ireland, Germany and Austria. Its time to pull back the curtains and reveal whats underneath. Centuries of corruption, deceit, misogeny and lies need to be tackled head on. And I don't care if I felt sorry for the Pope while I watched about 63 seconds of the Easter Mass........those kids who were abused and muzzled with threats deserve retribution. We are in the year 2010. This is like major future space age time. The Catholic Church is still in the 16th century when it ruled supreme. Lets get with it and blast this hoax into the 21st century. </div><div><br /></div><div>What else? Oh yeah, Tiger 'I am a replicant" Woods is back. Now, thats ho hum. </div><div><br /></div><div>Watch this space. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-59138280335813812132009-12-08T13:39:00.001-08:002009-12-08T13:41:53.884-08:00Extremism in AmericaI received this letter from the ACLU today and I wanted to share this with anyone who cares to read it. I have long believed this topic to be a disturbing part of the American political fabric. <div>Your religious beliefs are your business and has no place in politics. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; ">Dear ACLU Supporter,<br /><br />“Extremism” isn’t just some vague notion or talking point for media pundits. It’s very real, it’s very dangerous, and right now, it’s taking root in communities all across America.<br /><br />From the grandmother who can’t adopt her grandchild because she is gay to the student singled out in his grade school class for expressing his religious beliefs, the consequences of this extremism -- if left unchecked -- can have devastating impacts.<br /><br />The ACLU is taking on these extremist forces at every turn and in every state. But we need you to be there by our side. Be a part of our <strong>Acting Together: 100,000 Gifts Campaign</strong> and send a powerful message: we won’t let extremists use the power of the government to impose one narrow view of morality on the rest of us. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">If you believe religion has no place in our government, take action. There are real consequences to letting extremism gain a foothold in our communities. As just one example, before the ACLU brought suit in federal court, the public school students of Cheatham County, Tennessee were taught that the United States is a “Christian nation,” that the separation of church and state doesn’t exist, and that there’s no such thing as an atheist. Only by having a strong ACLU across the country can we stop this kind of abuse.<br /><br />You can make your support go even further. If you take part in the <strong>Acting Together</strong> campaign, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling its impact.<br /><br /><a href="http://action.aclu.org/site/R?i=Mre3QyiOF3dkOHbNAGNfqQ.." style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(1, 86, 150); ">View the extremism map and take the next step -- make a matching gift donation to the ACLU’s 100,000 Gifts Campaign and get your free “I Care about the Constitution” bumper sticker.</a><br /><br />You’ve been there for the ACLU before. Now, we need you to keep up the fight and join this extraordinary campaign to protect the cause of liberty.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">Thanks for all you do,</span><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" style="width: 282px; "><tbody><tr><td width="63"><img src="http://action.aclu.org/images/content/pagebuilder/29129.jpg" border="0" alt="Anthony D. Romero" /></td><td width="179"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><img src="http://action.aclu.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12631.gif" border="0" alt="Anthony D. Romero" width="113" height="56" /><br />Anthony D. Romero<br />Executive Director<br />American Civil Liberties Union</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-72611241466670663162009-11-13T05:51:00.001-08:002009-11-13T05:51:30.682-08:00Marcus Brigstock on Religion<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UY-ZrwFwLQg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UY-ZrwFwLQg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-76565678645519532522009-11-03T06:50:00.000-08:002009-11-03T12:12:30.327-08:00Is it easier to rule a drunk public? Or a junked public? Vodka vs Burgers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tEKTWNVIlHot7mpP6JKgA-u50eyu4pHzKLd0mO2udlTgyMXRs5t9aYR8bv1PfkLgM7fC9pAeDTP2rg1vGPWUccft7RQZuToay3lVaM30n4aQf6Y20nZ0yWkemaLC0i7seyetHaXcjuKE/s1600-h/1_Absolut+Vodka-+quelle+PR_0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tEKTWNVIlHot7mpP6JKgA-u50eyu4pHzKLd0mO2udlTgyMXRs5t9aYR8bv1PfkLgM7fC9pAeDTP2rg1vGPWUccft7RQZuToay3lVaM30n4aQf6Y20nZ0yWkemaLC0i7seyetHaXcjuKE/s400/1_Absolut+Vodka-+quelle+PR_0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399894179986612610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcEhjCrKfM4elmJWBIQg4tPGQMIW5oAYAiRrH_k_EHhJ6eFZJHcnkdB3Agrb0_q-H-0VGIwMnpmiVWSxu2a9OuoeiciL-N7sKCy5B_7SMwzvElW9ZKCJOj7-ybuJMfd4PGXulpMiTACM0/s1600-h/greasy-burger.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcEhjCrKfM4elmJWBIQg4tPGQMIW5oAYAiRrH_k_EHhJ6eFZJHcnkdB3Agrb0_q-H-0VGIwMnpmiVWSxu2a9OuoeiciL-N7sKCy5B_7SMwzvElW9ZKCJOj7-ybuJMfd4PGXulpMiTACM0/s400/greasy-burger.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399894071745725618" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/world/europe/03alcohol.html?ref=todayspaper">Russia tries, once again, to rein in Vodka Habit</a>. A great article from today's NYT's. Somehow, thought it fitting, as its cold outside and grey.......just the right time of year to take up drinking. </p><p class="MsoNormal">(The below is a short summary of the article and my corresponding theory)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Above-average alcohol consumption has been a problem in Russia for centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Catherine the Great seemed to condone it, as this statement she made reflects: <i>It is easier to rule a drunk public. [</i>Um, I think her tactics have been adjusted to modern times, fat food replacing liquids with the similar side effects: turning brains and muscles into mush.<i> ]</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, drinking in Russia has increased to staggeringly high levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It may not be visible on the streets, as police efforts to remove drunks from public places is now more effective.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The average Russian consumes 4.75 gallons of <i>pure alcohol</i>, compared to the United States, which is less than half that amount. Ok, the US makes up for that discrepancy via junk food. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Result: life expectancy way down, productivity of work force way down, health care costs up. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This ingrained tradition of vodka, the main drink of choice, has hindered Russia in its development, especially since the opening up to Western Capitalist ventures.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">President Dmitri Medvedev is marching down the path toward sobriety. Several other leaders before him attempted, more or less unsuccessfully, the same thing. Well, except for Boris Jelzin. Where's Jelzin, when you need him? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The tradition of high alcohol consumption and anti-alcohol campaigns also go back centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Its intrinsic with the history of this sprawling country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the most spectacular failures were Gorbachev’s measures. He ordered stores to empty their shelves of vodka and historic vineyards destroyed. That didn't go down well. Short term relief, long term bad for Gorbachev. Empty shelf law revoked. Vineyards were goners for good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">President Medvedev is determined to succeed where others before him have failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I think he might. He's short. Short guys are way ambitious. </span>No matter how much this habit is intrenched in Russian culture, Medvedev says that other countries with similar habits have managed to address the problem. (um, which ones?)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Among the suggestions that could bring about a long term alleviation of the situation: heavier taxation and the closing of unlicensed distilleries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A half a liter of vodka currently costs approx. $2. (See, and thats why fat food should be taxed and prices increased) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In Russia, unlicensed distilleries produce half the vodka people drink. To make matters more difficult, the protective hands of corrupt officials further undermine the reduction of these operations.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Nemstov, of the Moscow Psychiatric Research Institute, a leading alcohol expert (they have an alcohol expert? wow), says it would be foolish to simultaneously put constraints on beer sales. People will drink, no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Add to that the fact that the breweries, for the most part, are owned by foreign corporations and they spend millions to lobby government officials. Its so nice to know corruption is an international language. </p><p class="MsoNormal">At the various drunk tanks located throughout the country (where drunks are brought in to sober up), the fines are still reminiscent of the Soviet Times: $3.50 is hardly enough to scare anyone off of being caught again. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Just like $5 for a super jumbo grease fat flab sodium nitrate offensive isn't gonna scare the junk food addicts off. </p> <!--EndFragment-->Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-4771219704276778812009-11-01T03:29:00.000-08:002009-11-01T07:56:36.459-08:00An awesome post by Bob Cesca and why we need to stop eating crap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMqInaXTCHu2gKFTHixlRC4eAdP_HeiS-iFoeZC1RwHmxpfINd_R5Hw-H7SgSHWeOsvk6KT3l_Z5biaM_KV57fOnkbIYMwILa11GVZ4sN91qQhRCvl5MYOUtqfCW7B8osc_wrsCmSgAjz/s1600-h/2007-05-06--world-fatness.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMqInaXTCHu2gKFTHixlRC4eAdP_HeiS-iFoeZC1RwHmxpfINd_R5Hw-H7SgSHWeOsvk6KT3l_Z5biaM_KV57fOnkbIYMwILa11GVZ4sN91qQhRCvl5MYOUtqfCW7B8osc_wrsCmSgAjz/s400/2007-05-06--world-fatness.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399111486572028354" border="0" /></a><br />Bob Cesca is one of my heroes and certainly one of the best writers on American Politics out there today. Well, in my humble opinion. His <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/we-cant-reform-health-car_b_337615.html">lastest blog for the Huffington Post</a> points out the underlying decay (one of several unfortunately) festering in our health care system.<br /><br />Everyone is talking about the Health Care Reform bill, and rightly so. Noo one (in their right mind) can deny the fact that its a complete train wreck, and if this chance now isn't grabbed by the balls, we doomed, doomed I say (to paraphrase a fed ex ad). Sounds funny, but its not. And its going to happen. The doomsday thing. And its coming faster than The Day After Tomorrow.<br /><br />Bob Cesca gets to the core of the issue - our eating habits. A few weeks ago, Congressman Alan Grayson of Florida stated in his gutsy speech in Congress: Republicans plan is for Americans to "not get sick." Or if you do, "die quickly". I think it was either Keith Olbermann or Rachel Maddow who pointed out, that, in fact, its in the insurers interest to <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> die quickly. But to keep you alive as long as possible, to milk your illness, delay demise at all costs, thereby increasing their profits all around.<br /><br />And I tend to agree with that assertion. In fact, I think its part of master plan between the health care (care, actually a blasphemy in this context), pharmaceutical companies and the food industry to create a nation of sick blobs.<br /><br />Just today, an <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125702881246120983.html#">article in the WSJ</a>, states that during this recession, Americans are getting even fatter because they are buying the cheap foods. Why are bad foods cheap? Well, as we can see, they will end up in your shopping cart and they will eventually make you sick. So, who profits? The makers of this stuff that doesn't deserve the term "food" and contains not only absolutely no nutrients, they contain ingredients Frankenstein might have come up with. And a bit further down the food chain of corporate voraciousness, the insurance companies, the hospitals, the Pharma industry. Thats my conspiracy theory.<br /><br />And its not really that far-fetched, if you think about it.<br /><br />Most know, the US is one of the "fattest" countries around. All you have to do is travel a bit to see the difference. I did an experiment once, stood in one place in the center of Seattle, and took photos of passers-by. Not great at statistics here, but I'd say that 95% of the people who passed me by were fat. Obese fat.<br /><br />America is the land of extremes: anything is possible. Unfortunately, the anything possible philosophy goes both ways. You get the extremely overweight, mostly people who cannot afford (or think they cannot afford healthy options) and the other extreme, the super skinny buffed plastic surged Barbie creations we get to see on all media outlets as the supposed "goal". That's how we are <span style="font-style: italic;">supposed</span> to look like. That's what we are lead to believe is the ideal.<br /><br />Well, I can tell you, both extremes are just plain wrong and bad for your health. In between these two huge dichotomies, are the evil empires. The afore-mentioned industries. Add to that the livelyhood of fitness centers, sales of diet books, weight watcher programs, sales of magazines and fad crash diets......the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong, I am not railing against self-help books and articles and endorsement of good health. What I am against is the creepy pervasive stench of intentional dumbing down to keep all these industries growing at an alarming rate and to the tune of huge profit margins.<br /><br />Why is it that in the poorer areas of cities, the streets are plastered with fast food joints? Giving the residents easy access to the worst options possible? Does the over excessive consumption of fizzy drinks, salty foods, artificial additives manipulate the common sense gene? Can someone explain to me how it makes sense to opt for a bag of potato chips as opposed to an apple or a carrot? That buying a can of diet coke, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Powerade, Sprite, 7up is preferable to just drinking plain water? What is happening to this country? Why is a burger preferable over a bowl of rice? Or oatmeal? Or vegetable soup? There is no argument that makes any of these processed foods preferable over things that actually grow on trees or sprout out of the ground.<br /><br />Its not rocket science to chrissake to know this. If it doesn't grow on trees or bushes, if its manufactured, its <span style="font-style: italic;">bad</span> for you. And by bad, I am talking death-threateningly bad. Cancer, diabetes, obestity. The percentage of people with diabetes, cancer and major health problems are one of the highest in the world. <span style="font-style: italic;">In the world.</span> Currently, the US ranks nr. 3 after India and China on diabetes. Certainly, not all diseases can be attributed to nutrition or the avoidance of certain foods. Nevertheless, a decent diet and occasional exercise can only be a positive thing, surely. <br /><br />The effect of these products do not only affect your physical well-being. US ranks nr. 1 in mood disorders, according to <a href="http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/ranking-america/4b52f700d94860e7be548b8b47a4e79f">a report </a>. Over-sugared, over-salted, over fizzified........is that a surprise? Healthy mind means healthy body and vice versa.<br /><br />Use your common sense. Go back to the roots. Take that literally. People, do not let your health be gradually undermined by these Big Brother tactics, because thats what this is. You are nothing without your health. You do not need fitness centers, you do not need Weight Watchers, or Jenny Craig, or Dr. Kildare. You need common sense. And if that gene is recessive, something needs to be done to educate parents and children. If you've got the money to pay a monthly fee to LA Fitness or whatever - great. But a run or brisk walk in the park is free. No excuses.<br /><br />According to some reports, the USA ranks nr. 1 in people over 15 with a BMI of over 30%. While all this information can be misleading as some state, you don't need to look at statistics. Just look around you.<br /><br />You know, I totally get it, in times of recession, there is depression. And a lot of us look for comfort food. Hey, I do. I eat cheeseburgers, I eat fries. I drink Coke Zero. I don't work out everyday. Far from it. But I think I have a healthy balance. And I can thank my mom, who was a constant ranter against all processed foods. Anyone rememer Jack Lalanne? Well, I do.<br /><br />And people, its grassroot time here. Not talking about the retards being led by the corporations out there "tea bagging". I am talking about food that grows........and is not manufactured.<br /><br />Easy, right? Seriously, you can have all the money in the world, the greatest job, you can have it all, but you cannot buy health. Thats where it starts. Your body is the only thing you've got that is truly yours. And should be treated with the utmost care.Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-7036054119185838802009-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:002009-10-26T14:25:16.232-07:00just a quick note to myself.......I haven't posted in a while on this my most favorite blog. I love politics. And while I haven't posted, I continue to follow closely all that is going on - the health care bill, Afghanistan, Iraq, The Middle East, that racist dude who's head of the BNP, that racist talk radio disguised as a news channel Fixed news, and the re-resurfacing of that blood lusting evil zombie of a Cheney. <div><br /></div><div>Yes, I keep up and will post something substantial this week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Promise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Note to myself: politics are <i>awesome.</i> And thank you Bart. </div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-57023048223144961632009-10-12T09:38:00.001-07:002009-10-12T09:43:43.293-07:00This guy should be easy to find<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6acDvpH5BJvOBk5Ks160M30w96jrvDkNfrmJVKyiVVPbU78ekEPhuGnb1xs3uNsW35n0tYw-QJcefmvRN-8G71Qdlw2U3BqEN0_pBSE5lmwW6M_4KpdgqXsLNz77xl9prARDA30uRkS7/s1600-h/AfghanTallwanted.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6acDvpH5BJvOBk5Ks160M30w96jrvDkNfrmJVKyiVVPbU78ekEPhuGnb1xs3uNsW35n0tYw-QJcefmvRN-8G71Qdlw2U3BqEN0_pBSE5lmwW6M_4KpdgqXsLNz77xl9prARDA30uRkS7/s400/AfghanTallwanted.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391754164514600578" /></a>Seriously, how difficult can it be to find a tall, black-haired Afghan with a shrapnel wound? Question, is, what do you do if he decides to wear sunglasses? Or an eye patch?Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-70827400316026682692009-10-01T10:53:00.000-07:002009-10-01T11:15:27.498-07:00Can we get Ironman in here to beat some sense into any Democrat voting against the Public Option?<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-30-2009/democratic-super-majority'>Democratic Super Majority</a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:250804' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/09/23/ron-paul-on-the-daily-show-tuesday-sept-29/'>Ron Paul Interview</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-85118300931204434982009-09-30T03:50:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:38:10.347-07:00I forget what this is about, but since its Jon Stewart, it must be of critical importance<table style="font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="360" height="353"><tbody><tr style="background-color:#e5e5e5" valign="middle"><td style="padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a target="_blank" style="color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style="height:14px;" valign="middle"><td style="padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;" colspan="2"><a target="_blank" style="color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-september-29-2009/where-the-riled-things-are">Where the Riled Things Are</a></td></tr><tr style="height:14px; background-color:#353535" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right"><a target="_blank" style="color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign="middle"><td style="padding:0px;" colspan="2"><embed style="display:block" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:250791" width="360" height="301" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" bgcolor="#000000"></embed></td></tr><tr style="height:18px;" valign="middle"><td style="padding:0px;" colspan="2"><table style="margin:0px; text-align:center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" height="100%"><tbody><tr valign="middle"><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes">Daily Show<br />Full Episodes</a></td><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor</a></td><td style="padding:3px; width:33%;"><a target="_blank" style="font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/09/23/ron-paul-on-the-daily-show-tuesday-sept-29/">Ron Paul Interview</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-14903797342825096512009-09-27T08:44:00.000-07:002009-09-27T13:19:54.171-07:00Lets put some perspective on ACORNI was listening to Friday's <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/">Rachel Maddow show</a>, and I am soooo glad she is covering this ACORN thing and will continue to do so over the coming days.<br /><br />Here a summery of what was discussed and said. Her guest on this segment was <a href="http://www.thenation.com/directory/bios/jeremy_scahill">Jeremy Scahill</a>, correspondent for "The Nation" and author of the book "Blackwater, the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army"<br /><br />Firstly, going after or singling out one individual organization is against Article one of the constitution. Its called the "Bill of attainder" and just means that you can´t target one individual or one specific group. <div><br /></div><div>So, the DEFUND ACORN ACT, the Republicans and some Democrats staunchly support, has a bill of attainder problem. You can't pass legislation that targets one individual or one specific group. The congressional research service has looked into this DEFUND ACORN ACT, and well, they found probable cause that it does. So, it looks like, this act, which the jokers at Fox News just love screaming about to their sheep herd, is unconstitutional.<br /><br />Basically, it means, if the Republicans want to use this Defund Acorn Act as their platform in the run up to the 2010 elections, they have to go after everyone. If they want to cut off funding for any organization who has ever violated government regulations or filed fraudulent paperwork with any government agency, that can´t only be enforced against Acorn.<br /><br />Lets put some perspective on all of this.<br /><br />What does ACORN actually do:<br />(there is an excellent op ed by <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/23/AR2009092303679.html?referrer=facebook">Harold Meyerson</a>, of the Washington Post, shedding more light on this community organization): <div><br /></div><div>- ACORN is the nation's largest community organizing group </div><div>- working to raise the minimum wage</div><div>- working to limit the interest and fees that banks charge homeowners</div><div>- working to expand the electorate (they registered 1.4 million voters for the 2007-2008 electorate campaign) </div><div><br /></div><div>ACORN has received $53 million over the past 15 years government funding. In comparison, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halliburton">Halliburto</a>n gets $53 million <i>every single day</i> for the war in Iraq.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, lets take a look at the other 600 War corporations on the government payroll. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fraud: <a href="http://blackwaterbook.com/">Blackwater</a> (they defrauded the government to the tune of 55 Million dollars under one contract and they have several contracts with the government)<br />Murder: 5 Blackwater contractors have been charged with murder of US troops.<br />electrocuting 17 US troops: KBR </div><div>running a prostitution ring out of Bosnia: Din Corp. They were never defunded - in fact they received a new contract from the US Air force to the tune of $200 million (on top of the$ 915 million contract they already have) </div><div><br /></div><div>It gets better: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg,_Brown_and_Root">KBR</a>: has just been awarded a new contract despite the deaths of US soldiers in Iraq (and an ongoing investigation)<br /><br />All the above continue to receive "spectacularly lucrative contracts".<br /><br />All of the above are not at all worried about being cut off from government funding<br /><br />Its all political, its not about upholding the law.<br /><br />To reiterate, Acorn registered 1.4 million people to vote, has 400,000 workers across the US. They work with and for the poor and working class. They have no lobbying power in the form of massive campaign contributing powers. </div><div><br /></div><div>ACORN has continuously been charged with bogus allegations of voter fraud. All of them unsubstantiated.<br /><br />What is an actual election scandal? 25 - 40 cents of every dollar spent on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan (thats 2.5 billion per week) go directly to these defense contractor corporations. And they in turn contribute campaign dollars to the Republicans and the Democrats. They in turn continue to fund their operations.<br /><br />You want to hold individuals accountable for heinous crimes? Look no further than Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld and the crimes against humanity that have been committed in the form of do-it-yourself-change-the-law-to-make-torture-legal memos. Or Erik Prince, the head of Blackwater and crusader against Muslims.<br /><br /></div><div>Members of these corporations are responsible for murder, child prostitution and gross misconduct.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crimes of ACORN pale in comparison. The workers that fell for the right wing conservative sting - the pimp and prostitute thing - have been dismissed for their misconduct. I say thats enough punishment. Besides, as long as the war corporations continue to go un-confronted - this ACORN attack is a farce and ridiculous.</div><div><br />Going after ACORN is like a bully kicking a puppy and make a big detour around the growling doberman pincher with the blood still dripping from his chops.<br /><br />Its cowardly and despicable. </div></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-11034955710610483792009-09-25T04:06:00.000-07:002009-09-25T04:10:51.114-07:0049 seconds if you need a laugh right now.<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-september-24-2009/intro---jon-pronounces-blagojevich'>Intro - Jon Pronounces Blagojevich</a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:250275' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-17-2009/heal-or-no-heal---medicine-brawl'>Healthcare Protests</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-9701460117182224702009-09-25T03:43:00.000-07:002009-09-25T03:47:19.558-07:00Join Us in the Fight to protect the Interests of those poor poor Health Insurance CEO's....<div>Will Ferrell in a PSA on why CEO's of health insurance companies need their own mini zoo. And private jets. And five houses. And a salary and bonuses to protect all these simple necessities of life. </div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVk4f_Vxik&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVk4f_Vxik&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-63536028895864269862009-09-24T03:33:00.000-07:002009-09-24T03:34:24.929-07:00The secret plan that made Joe Wilson famous<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YbsuU4oDR90&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YbsuU4oDR90&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-56830053608223894082009-09-18T13:31:00.000-07:002009-09-18T13:35:55.476-07:001984I am finally reading this book. And its going to be scary. Because what George Orwell wrote back in the mid 20th century, is already true. Its come true. Will let you know how I fare. Wiser, but more despondent? I hope not. I don´t want this to be the dance on the volcano. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5EGGyAN3hK0ocMRfmUgxGVgE3RWlVIHy-h_nTB_hx-M6ndjxMRiaCekXnrSWth7Gto0kOQ-xncgdus4HqkqClf7N-nLhJhE4xakJInPYFaLXt7Ahycou3XTUqinruJbKUoqnxVm4kUO-/s1600-h/1984.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5EGGyAN3hK0ocMRfmUgxGVgE3RWlVIHy-h_nTB_hx-M6ndjxMRiaCekXnrSWth7Gto0kOQ-xncgdus4HqkqClf7N-nLhJhE4xakJInPYFaLXt7Ahycou3XTUqinruJbKUoqnxVm4kUO-/s400/1984.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382908163677574866" /></a>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-63763696875199103652009-09-14T08:36:00.000-07:002009-09-14T08:38:35.214-07:00Robert Reich explains why we need a public option<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tatiana.lensky#/video/video.php?v=160544446109&ref=nf">Robert Reich explains why we need a public option</a> (kind of a public option explanation for dummies) <div><br /></div><div>Its short. Watch it. And listen. So Two out of your five senses are required. Not too much to ask I hope. </div><div><br /></div><div>Its in your best interest. </div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-47551762535698859772009-09-10T09:23:00.000-07:002009-09-10T09:35:20.749-07:00Best Three Superheros of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH4IGZpEUqZa-qSGO6apwmMnOfbGaa42F5tfB273ABkV9DLyj4_dRhgyvJAli07E5lqA7ED31gLgYK2Ko3BWtKPtud7h_NVf8DK0-4Y-vissq7qwdyeKmRPydyz9B1cpApct-DuRCaRD-/s1600-h/picoftheweek.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEH4IGZpEUqZa-qSGO6apwmMnOfbGaa42F5tfB273ABkV9DLyj4_dRhgyvJAli07E5lqA7ED31gLgYK2Ko3BWtKPtud7h_NVf8DK0-4Y-vissq7qwdyeKmRPydyz9B1cpApct-DuRCaRD-/s400/picoftheweek.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379875466338701826" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000195/">Dr. Peter Venkman</a></b>: Let's show this prehistoric bitch* how we do things downtown... THROW IT!</span></div></b><div><br /></div><div>* Joe Wilson</div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-80015254460115093702009-09-09T10:38:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:42:46.411-07:00Obama's speech to school kids. And everyone else too.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i3pD4gSuN28&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i3pD4gSuN28&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DG8vnt0EfZ4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DG8vnt0EfZ4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-87028773549305639402009-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:002009-09-08T14:44:32.127-07:00has everyone gone insane?<div>Actually, I think its unfair toward elephants to be compared to our right wing nutbags. And how is it, that its being hailed as a "controversial" speech? On news channels around the world? huh? Honestly, what <i>is</i> this world coming to. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdYO-XQBh_OxaGRpMViG3NbjMtp3o4GhXDDe0b1YMe1xiCYxx3JJKGWBW6xiUAROViwmlksypIcs1s6FCiE_Olv28wWLTg9mP52gVDhTbuTbU3f4Jn4ZX9sSH0aT9X-xKw3jMbdyItNcC/s1600-h/090908_ed.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdYO-XQBh_OxaGRpMViG3NbjMtp3o4GhXDDe0b1YMe1xiCYxx3JJKGWBW6xiUAROViwmlksypIcs1s6FCiE_Olv28wWLTg9mP52gVDhTbuTbU3f4Jn4ZX9sSH0aT9X-xKw3jMbdyItNcC/s400/090908_ed.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379214277133354754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This cartoon courtesy of <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2112318/fr/nl/">Slate.com</a></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-50543856589617263442009-09-07T07:38:00.000-07:002009-09-07T07:42:59.051-07:00Keith Olbermann's call to reason. Get any dirt you can on Beck. There should be a pretty huge pile of dung.<div><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/9/6/777880/-Send-Me-Everything-You-Can-Find-About-Glenn-Beck">Send me everything you can find about Glenn Beck</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Keith Olbermann is calling upon us all to speak softly and carry a big popsicle. In other words, read the above article or blog or whatever you want to call it and find anything you can on Glenn Beck. This guy needs to be exposed for the lying fool of an idiot he is. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am with you KO. All the way. (don´t you just love things like this? Rally for right ie as in WHAT is right as opposed to what is so wrong, it defies morals, decency and reason. ) </div></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-44706003740787734702009-09-06T02:23:00.000-07:002009-09-06T02:31:35.110-07:00This is what Robert Reich thinks Obama should say at his address on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009<div>I read this on <a href="http://robertreich.blogspot.com/">Robert Reich's blog</a> and am re-posting what Mr. Reich wrote. Mr. Reich was the 22nd Secretary of Labor and is currently professor at University of California at Berkeley. He is also author of the book "Supercapitalism" which I am definitely going to buy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><i>1. I will not stand for a bill that leaves millions of Americans without health care. It's vitally important to cover all Americans, not only for their and their childrens' sakes and not only because it's a moral imperitive, but because doing so will be good for all of us. One out of three Americans will experience job loss and potential loss of health insurance for themselves and their families at some point. One out of four of us who have health insurance is underinsured --unable to afford the preventive care we and our kids need on an ongoing basis. And those of us who don't get preventive care can get walloped with diabetes, heart disease, and other major illnesses that wipe us out financially, or force us into emergency rooms that all of us end up paying for.<br /><br />2. The only way to cover all Americans without causing deficits to rise is to require that the wealthiest Americans pay a bit extra. The wealthy can afford to make sure all Americans are healthy. The top 1 percent of earners now take home 23 percent of total national income, the highest percentage since 1928. Their tax burden is not excessive. Even as income and wealth have become more concentrated than at any time in the past 80 years, those at the top are now taxed at lower rates than rich Americans have been taxed since before the start of World War II. Indeed, many managers of hedge funds, private-equity partners, and investment bankers -- including those who have been bailed out by taxpayers over the last year -- are paying 15 percent of their income in taxes because their earnings are, absurdly, treated as capital gains. We should eliminate this loophole as well, and use it to guarantee the health of all.<br /><br />3. Finally, I want a true public insurance option -- not a "cooperative," and not something that's triggered if certain goals aren't met. A public option is critical for lowering health-care costs. Today, private insurers don't face enough competition to guarantee low prices and high service. In 36 states, three or fewer insurers account for 65 percent of the insurance market. A public insurance option would also have the scale and authority needed to negotiate low drug prices and low prices from medical providers. Commercial insurers now pay about 30 higher rates to providers than the government pays through Medicare, because Medicare has the scale to get those lower rates. A nationwide public option could get similar savings. And those savings would mean lower premiums, deductibles and co-payments for Americans who can barely afford health insurance right now.<br /><br />We'll see.</i>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-26993421649193411142009-09-04T11:44:00.000-07:002009-09-04T14:34:32.303-07:00Why is it so complicated?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiy8guq3f1pilBQGDAjSyWSEXkxDFXOjvYFumLfCrkOcUEdChcRGul0378QZSc2Cv1Z-yO31qgUEKXxsCAZUxAEt7FshJvma2ywJp1adc5CfT22TvRgGBfdnCzNHPvYZuHycLTArDhpt2/s1600-h/elephant.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiy8guq3f1pilBQGDAjSyWSEXkxDFXOjvYFumLfCrkOcUEdChcRGul0378QZSc2Cv1Z-yO31qgUEKXxsCAZUxAEt7FshJvma2ywJp1adc5CfT22TvRgGBfdnCzNHPvYZuHycLTArDhpt2/s400/elephant.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377728760846987746" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Why is American Health care so complicated? Its like, you need to be a astro physicist to even figure it out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, maybe I am not the best person to explain it. In fact, I am not even going to attempt it. My mission these past weeks, since the exponential rise in screetching against any type of reform from the "Just say no to anything the Obama proposes" crowd, has been to truly understand the system. I know its completely fucked up. In fact, its archaic.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">America is really weird. I say this in the kindest way - sort of. I mean, I am American. But I have lived a lot outside of the US. My personal encounters with health care have been through companies based in Europe, for the most part. And when I was working in the States, I wasn´t covered. Luckily, I never had to go to the doctors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Europe, it just seems a bit simpler somehow. You get a job, you are insured. No matter where you work. Part-time. Full-time. You get a card - like a chip card - with all your medical history immediately accessible for any doctor you care to visit. You take that with you to the doctors. Thats it. You don´t pay anything. And when you get a prescription, you pay a minimal fee - depending on your insurance coverage. Around $5 per prescription. And you don´t have to fill out endless forms about any pre-conditions and tosh like that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Holland, for example, there were certain stipulations, like you had to go to a GP in the district you lived. Dentists you could chose whomever. The company I worked for was American, and we had pretty decent coverage. I paid about 200 $ a month - taken out of my wages automatically. For dental care, I had to pay up front and was reimbursed for just about everything. Dental hygiene, fillings (the best on offer), teeth whitening......everything. It was awesome. In Germany, it was a similar system. Here in Austria, its a single payer system ie pretty much like the NHS. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can go to any doctor you choose, you can go to any hospital you want, you don´t pay for anything upfront. And if you want extra special care, then yes, you can pay an additional fee on a pay-as-you go basis, to see doctors quicker or avoid longer waits. In general, I have to say, the waiting time is bearable. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No system is perfect. But the US health care system is just broken. Its like <i>no</i> system. I cannot believe a country that invents ipods and iphones and MacbookPros and the best junk food <i>ever</i> cannot come up with a system that works and is understandable for all. More importantly, available for all. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't take my word for it: keep informing yourself. Frontline from PBS does a pretty good job, although it does take them hours. But worth it. <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundamerica/view/">Sick Around America.</a> </div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-53130584566184990832009-09-03T13:39:00.001-07:002009-09-03T14:18:38.002-07:00so, what else is new?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy42Hd3GcPSaIwaeUzjUekIeICnYe-0S__2DflzxsCK3itkJb7oHoyN1wjKeEdDa2iokjnrGG3Ky4_PV6AIVVQVU_d9tQZpzKddq38aBeiCk4AmBiNzwS5hLhfKaXay-NLNX1df-bEHrdk/s1600-h/obamaschoolkids.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy42Hd3GcPSaIwaeUzjUekIeICnYe-0S__2DflzxsCK3itkJb7oHoyN1wjKeEdDa2iokjnrGG3Ky4_PV6AIVVQVU_d9tQZpzKddq38aBeiCk4AmBiNzwS5hLhfKaXay-NLNX1df-bEHrdk/s400/obamaschoolkids.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377353158743574706" /></a>well, all is well on the whacko front. Foaming at the mouth, steam coming out of their ears, heads spinning - the constant racist brigade has struck again. Actually, they insult anyone's intelligence if they claim anything besides outright coneheadness.<div><br /></div><div>Jason Linkins views <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/03/obama-schoolchildren-spee_n_276544.html">here. </a><br /> <div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2421120683092042068.post-26028985847234838642009-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:002009-08-31T13:59:56.294-07:00Dick, you offend the hell out of me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_weYQj32yxNKnhsvvGG1KW9RwbAWyp39VnqRplbCvIJLOp5Ui9SkzDYcf617ZheZis_HePyST9U_2X1daNe52vvxIg-2pSz3Km02NwPBymc2KrrEEP4jzyCnsIba773BnVK8_QnlZijn7/s1600-h/badnews3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_weYQj32yxNKnhsvvGG1KW9RwbAWyp39VnqRplbCvIJLOp5Ui9SkzDYcf617ZheZis_HePyST9U_2X1daNe52vvxIg-2pSz3Km02NwPBymc2KrrEEP4jzyCnsIba773BnVK8_QnlZijn7/s400/badnews3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376232700951163986" /></a><br /><div>The marble bust is cracking. And the truth will come out. Course, not, if you watch Cluster Fox anti-news, which would make it lies that get a 24 hour voice. I am beginning to think Rupert Murdoch made the ultimate deal with the devil. And Cheney was along as his sidekick. No joke. </div><div>Partisan torture probe?? Partisan? If only. IF only. Mr. President, <i>please</i> be partisan. </div>Anna Anacondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11078444614834999812noreply@blogger.com0