The Gay Agenda: Exposed

Okay I admit it. Last night I attended another secret meeting of Faeries for Advancing the Gay Agenda Today (F.A.G.A.T.) With the great advances our efforts have realized recently, I feel it's no longer necessary to operate under a shroud of secrecy. Most Americans already know our true agenda anyway. Why not just be forthright, and operate in an atmosphere of complete transparency?

We are very near our goal of serving openly in the military. Once that objective is complete, we can begin our recruitment and transformation of the armed forces to support and uphold “The Gay Agenda”. Soon, gay marriage will be legalized nationwide, and we can begin teaching “The Gay Agenda” in public schools. Eventually, every teacher in our public schools will be required to pledge their support of “The Gay Agenda”.

Once we have educated a generation of America’s youth on “The Gay Agenda”, we can ban heterosexual marriage altogether. Procreation will be allowed only in strictly controlled laboratories. There, we will create the most beautiful, highly advanced homosexual human race ever. Pack up your survivalist gear and head for the hills. Yes its true America, we are coming after your children. Boolah! Boolah! Boolah!

Notes On Equality and Judicial Purview

On a more serious note...  While I watched the celebrations last night in the streets of California and beyond, I was reminded of a conversation I had nearly twenty years ago. At the time, I had a roommate who'd recently moved here from Canada. We were discussing equal rights for gays & lesbians, and he made a point I've never forgotten: "Gay rights will never be decided at the ballot box, or by legislation. It will be decided in the courts, where it belongs. It is a constitutional question...and as such, it is the purview of the courts." It took me by surprise that someone from another country could so eloquently explain to me, where we would be today.

Personally, I could care less if I ever get the right to be legally married. That is not the issue. The heart of the issue lies in two simple questions: One, Do we believe in the separation of church and state? And Two, are separate laws that purport to convey the same rights, truly equal? 

On the first question, the only basis for opposition to legal gay marriage is religion. However, religion defines marriage within the confines of the religious institution...not government. Conversely, civil law defines marriage within the confines of the institution of government...not religion. The two must remain separate if we are going to maintain true religious freedom.

On the second question, opponents of marriage equality purport that "civil unions" grant the same rights as marriage. That is false, but that is not the issue. Separate can never be equal. That question was asked and answered, long ago. As long as the law sees gays and lesbians as "separate" they will never be equal. And those who seek to define homosexuals as "less than" or "deviant", will continue to legitimize their ostracization, Such an atmosphere will continue to foster hate crimes against our community. "Anything less than equal is just that...less than equal."

Two issues. Separation of church and state. And, separate but equal equality. Everything else is just noise.

Quotes of The Day: On Equality

"The best principles of our republic secure to all its citizens a perfect equality of rights." ~Thomas Jefferson (3rd US President and Author, Declaration of Independence)

"The assertion that 'all men are created equal' was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain, and it was placed in the Declaration not for that, but for future use." ~Abraham Lincoln (16th US President and Emancipator of the Slaves)

"It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority." ~Lord Acton of Aldenham (Author, The History of Freedom in Antiquity)

Clip of The Day: Prop 8 The Musical - Reprise

In a less-than convoluted effort to bring today's blog full circle, I offer some additional satire. This clip was produced during the Proposition 8 campaign by the folks at "Funny Or Die". Full of familiar famous faces, it is both entertaining and enlightening, as any good comedy should be. Enjoy...

Prop 8 - The Musical (3:16)

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

The Flim Flam Man: Jesse Willms

Ran across this really cool website today, called SwipeBids.com. It's full of great penny auctions on stuff like laptops, cameras, iPads, and WalMart Gift Cards. Their registration page has what looks like an actual news report from a legitimate news station, reporting on this great source for bargains. Quotes praising their service are splashed all over the page from The New York Times, the BBC, and others. Logos from nearly every major news outlet appear on the page. 


After watching a couple of auctions close, and seeing the low prices people were getting super products for, I was ready to give it a try. But... first I googled "swipebids, fraud, scam". Wow... did I get a boatload of stuff on this guy. This 22-year old billionaire, yes I said billionaire, is arguably the most notorious online scam artist lurking around the ethernet. And...he is still in business.


Next I checked my WOT "Web of Trust" meter, and sure enough it was red. I highly recommend this great security software for your PC. It operates in the background, and warns you about websites that have a poor reputation. Each time you google something, you see red, yellow and green tags next to each listing...automatically. And if you load the page, you can click the WOT icon in your toolbar for more information on the site. You can download their free "Safe Browsing Tool" here. 

Mr. Willms recently settled a lawsuit with Microsoft for software piracy, and is also being sued by Symantec. The guy even has the nerve to direct his attorneys to sue consumer watchdog websites for negative remarks about him. If you're interested in learning more about online scams, and the lawsuit filed against Jesse Willms by Oprah and Dr. Oz, check out this news video clip Just Think Twice, from CTV. (12:43) 

Quote of The Day: Charles Simmons

"For the most part fraud in the end, secures for its companions repentance and shame. ~Charles Simmons

Clips of The Day: Online Security

If you're new to the internet experience, or if you just feel you don't have a good grasp of the security issues involved, these are for you. Each clip is a concise, easy-to-understand, illustrated explanation of basic internet security. They are produced by CommonCraft. Just click on their name and you can look through their full library of informative video clips.

Phishing Scams in Plain English: (3:05)

Secure Passwords Explained: (3:27) 

Quote of The Day: Mahatma Gandhi

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Building a Dream Network 1.1 (The Modem)

This is part two of a series I'm writing on building my dream network at home. I'll be posting updates as appropriate, until the entire network is completed. You can find the complete series by clicking on this tag: Dream Network

Note: Wherever I feel it's appropriate, I'll be providing wiki-links on terms you may not be familiar with. I've done hours and hours of research to put this list together. Hopefully, I can help a few people out with their own situation. As noted in my previous article, I welcome your input, advice, comments or questions. Please send email to: networkplan(at)comcast.net.

This issue covers the selection of a modem. Based on quality, user ratings and future growth capability, I've chosen the Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem. While this product offers features not mentioned here, following are the basic criteria for my selection. As much as possible, these are listed in order of importance. (The first feature weighing heaviest, and so on.)

1. Approved model. This model is on the Comcast List of Approved Modems for high-speed internet service. You should check with your provider for a list. Your provider is not responsible for connection viability between your devices. But they are responsible for a viable strong signal your modem will accept. You should utilize a device they approve, to maintain their support for your connection.

2. DOCSIS 3.0 capability. This is the newest generation international telecommunications standard. DOCSIS 3.0 supports the latest Internet Protocol version (IPv6), offering increased speed and security. While its possible to upgrade to DOCSIS 2.0+IPv6, it requires a firmware upgrade to the modem. Meanwhile, IPv6 is the standard on DOCSIS 3.0. Additionally, 3.0 is capable of channel bonding, which allows multiple downstream and upstream channels to be used together at the same time by a single subscriber. Finally, I've confirmed that I'm already receiving a DOCSIS 3.0 signal, even though Comcast only hooked me up with a DOCSIS 2.0 modem. {Grrrr}

3. GigE connectivity. Eventually, I hope to stream high-definition video and live TV on my network. To accomplish this, it's important that I have ultra-high speed, wired connections available, starting at the wall. While pricey, it makes no sense to install 10/100 data transfer connections that will have to be eventually replaced. The new GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) transfer rates of 10/100/1000 will eventually the standard, and are already available on many devices.

4. Ratings and Reviews. As of this writing the SB6120 is the best selling modem on Amazon, where 383 users give it an average 4.5 star rating. It also has an alaScore of 92/100 at alaTest.com.

5. Two year warranty. An excellent warranty from Motorola.

Motorola SB6120 Specifications Data Sheet - English (222Kb pdf)
Motorola SB6120 Quick Start Guide - English (2Mb pdf)
Motorola SB6120 User Guide - English (2Mb pdf)

An excellent video review of this modem: (4:38)


If you can't get enough, this video from Motorola discusses the future of video quality, content and delivery, and DOCSIS 3.0's role in it: (4:07)


Next Installment: Dream Network 1.2: The Router

Clip of The Day: Craig on Self-Help

If you follow my blog, you know I'm a big fan of Craig Ferguson. While I generally enjoy motivational literature and "self-help" books, it's amusing how many people make big bucks just regurgitating the same old ideas. In a recent monologue, Craig gave his viewpoint on the subject. (9:04)

Quote of The Day: Abraham Lincoln

"The problem with quotations on the internet, is that the sources are hard to verify." ~Abraham Lincoln

Building a Dream Network 1.0

Late last week, my internet connection went dead. After spending the weekend checking connections, testing equipment and four (count them) phone calls to Comcast Technical No-Support, I scheduled an appointment for a techie to come to the house. Apparently, my equipment is just so old it can't keep up anymore. The new modem he installed is is the Ambit U10C018, costing me $5.00 a month rental. I can buy one for about $40.

Anyway, I decided I was long overdue for a network upgrade. My router is also way out-of-date, and wired. It's time to go wireless. One piece of advice I've never forgotten about computer hardware: "buy the most advanced technology you can afford." Well some of the pieces I've picked are more than I would like to spend, but I've set a goal to complete my new network within 18 months. That means buying one new device every 3-4 months. Of course I'll revisit my later purchases, but I wanted to map out a plan first. It feeds my mild OCD. {"Did he say mild?"}

Note: Wherever I feel it's appropriate, I'll be providing wiki-links on terms you may not be familiar with. I've done hours and hours of research to put this list together. Hopefully, I can help a few people out with their own situation.

Eventually, I'd like to be able to download or stream movies, music and live TV from the internet to my network and my television. Also, I hope to buy an Ooma VOIP hub for phone service. If I cancel cable TV and Vonage, I'll save about $135 a month, which will pay for my shiny new next-generation dream network! Aha! I welcome your input, advice or comments. Please send email to: networkplan(at)comcast.net.

Selection of my dream machines was driven by three overriding criteria:

1. Get the fastest (home) products now available. This includes DOCSIS 3.0 modem capability, 802.11n wireless connections, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity on every component possible. All meeting IEEE Standards.

2. Make sure each device is backwards compatible. I don't want to buy something in the middle of my project that brings everything down. So, I am planning to build the network from the "wall" inward. (i.e. modem, router, storage, printing, users.) As each installation succeeds, I'll know I'm good from that device back to the wall. (For instance, my computer has an on-board Wireless-G card, which will work backwards until I choose to upgrade it.)

3. Choose products with strong USER ratings and support. Experience has taught me that relying on techies, whether they "support" your equipment or your ISP is unreliable at best, and futile at worst. Seeking help and advice from other Users is more apt to bring a successful solution. Sharing a popular device with potentially millions of others, reserves that opportunity.

4. Green Technology. Yes, I know I said three criteria. But when available, green technology had a considerable impact on my decision. Particularly in the case of the NAS (Network Attached Storage).

Next Installment: Dream Network 1.1: The Modem

Clip of The Day: Murray Hill Inc. for Congress?

This clip may be presented as satire...but don't be so quick to laugh. The truth is that unless we pass a Constitutional Amendment reversing Citizen's United v. Federal Election Commission, this could become a reality. If you don't know that case you should.

Citizen's v. FEC, is the case about which Obama appropriately chastised the Supreme Court during his 2010 State of the Union address. Perhaps second only to 9/11, this ruling will likely be the most important political event in my lifetime...and possibly yours. Corporations are not people. They are faux-identities empowered by the people, to conduct business. All of their rights, and their responsibilities, are defined by the people through legislation and codification, governing their right to exist. Originally, corporations were intended to survive only for a short defined duration. We cannot allow them to pursue rights independently from those who supposedly govern them.

Restore the first amendment to the people. Sign On: Don't Get Rolled.

Murray Hill Incorporated is Running for Congress: (1:14)

Coming Out Black: Observations from Wanda

Wow. I can't believe it's been so long since I posted anything here. I've been distracted. Today, I was surfing the net and came across this cool website called Blog Catalog. It's a collection of everything under the blogosphere in one location. So I had to join. Well, apparently they're going to have a live person read my blog, so I just knew I better post something now. I'll start trying to post something at least once a week again.

The thing I like most about comedy, is that when it's done well it subliminally sends some message or teaches some lesson, about humanity. Yesterday I was looking at clips on YouTube and came across some Wanda Sykes clips from her HBO show I'ma Be Me, (which I have not seen). Generally, I like Wanda. But I wouldn't consider myself an avid fan. These particular clips though, are really good. So I thought I'd share them for your enjoyment. They are all very short.

Coming Out Black (2:15):


Organ Donation & Cremation (0:46):


Reverse Discrimination (0:56):


Respecting the President (2:00): (Don't miss the punchline on this one.)

Happy Tuesday! (I Think)

In the Greek world, Tuesday is considered unlucky (The Fall of Constantinople). Also unlucky in Spanish-speaking cultures, where a proverb translates as "On Tuesday, neither get married nor begin a journey." Conversely in Judaism, Tuesday is considered particularly lucky, because the paragraph about this day in Genesis contains the phrase "it was good" twice. In the Thai solar calendar, the name for Tuesday translates literally as "Ashes of the Dead".

Its a vicious cycle. I think I'll just stay home...and listen to some Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Quote of The Day: Liam Neeson

"I'm not the kind of actor that would know what my character had for breakfast last Tuesday." ~Liam Neeson (Actor)

Clip of The Day: Lynyrd Skynyrd

From Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour. Tuesday's Gone.

Freedom of Press vs. Right to Privacy

I'm just curious. When did we decide, that it's okay to give the press access to courtroom proceedings during celebrity divorces? What public good does that serve? Or, is this not the ultimate violation of privacy? What if the media decided to cover your divorce? What about the impact on the children involved? I'm just sayin'.

I Had A Dream: Check That, A Nightmare

One night during this past week, I went to sleep a socially liberal, spiritually enlightened, passionate, capitalist American. The next morning I turned on my television, and discovered I had transformed into a godless, America-hating, fag-loving Marxist. Well, at least they got one out of four right.

Problem is, I had a bad dream that night. People around the country were glued to their televisions...watching the breaking news. Leaders from the democratic and republican parties were joined in hand with leaders from Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. They were mourning over some catastrophic event, where a huge number of lives were lost, and property destroyed. They were pleading for an end to divisive, rhetorical politics. Calling for a "New Era" of statesmanship, unparalleled in our history.

Does anyone remember Timothy McVeigh? Oklahoma City? The Murrah Federal Building? Am I the only one who sees what's coming down the road? To assume, or make accusations, that anyone whose ideas differ from yours hates their country, is not only irresponsible...it is dangerous. Freedom of Speech is guaranteed by our Constitution. But in my Civics class we learned that with rights, come responsibilities. Not least among those, should be consideration of the impact your words will have.

Please don't let your words be the spark, that ignites the torch of some wingnut we will condemn together tomorrow. Honor the memory of the 168 people who died in Oklahoma City, as we approach the 15th anniversary of their senseless murders.

Quote of The Day: Author Unknown

"One of the most curious things about American politics, is that without a single historical exception, a partisan is invariably a member of the other party." ~Author Unknown

Clip of The Day: Buffalo Springfield

"Everybody look what's goin' down...nobody's right, if everybody's wrong..."
A little music for the moment. (2:39)

Community College Students No Losers

Recently, a close friend and I were talking about her high-school senior's plans for college. After putting off applications for the 2010-2011 school year, she is now faced with attending community college next fall. Unfortunately she is hesitant, out of concern over being labeled a "Loser".

Having an associates degree from a community-college myself, I took exception to this. While I know she didn't mean to infer that I'm a loser, I understand her frustration, given the judgment one faces in a peer-pressure environment. There are also many other young students out there facing the same questions. So, I decided to research some facts that might help them with their decision.

Let's begin with the cost of college tuition. Anyone who listens to the news knows that costs have gone through the roof. Average tuition at a four-year public college this year is $7,020, and at private colleges it has risen to $26,270. Compare that with the average annual cost at a community college of just $2,540. You can see where this is going.(1)

Next let's talk about admission priority at four-year colleges. While I can't speak for other states, many of them do offer programs similar to those at California's UC and CSU campuses. Upper division transfer students at California community colleges have the highest admission priority of all students applying to the UC and CSU. This includes those from four-year institutions, and intercampus transfers.(2)

Let me repeat that: Upper division community college transfer students have the highest admission priority of all students. During the 2008-2009 school year, nearly 64,000 students transferred to UC and CSU combined, while 20,000 students transferred to independent colleges. In fact, over the past five years, the University of California has admitted on average, nearly 8 of every 10 California community college students who apply.(3)

So, let's talk about the prestigious UC colleges. California's UC system offers some of the most well-respected colleges in the country. These include UC Berkeley, UCSF and UCLA Medical Schools, and Hastings College of the Law. Unfortunately, with recent increases tuition at UC is expected to exceed $10,000 per year this fall.(4)

The good news is that UC is contemplating a proposal that would streamline bachelor degree programs through a combination of increased summer school offerings and reduced requirements. The goal being to graduate a portion of full-time students after three years. Do the math: by attending a community college in combination with summer school and upper division transfer, a student could potentially complete a bachelors degree at UC for approximately $15,000 in tuition costs. That's no Loser plan.(5)

In closing, I'd like to introduce you to some of the other "Losers" who've attended community colleges across the country:

James Belushi, Actor/Businessman
Rita Mae Brown, Author, Playwright
Carol Browner, (Former) Administrator EPA
Benjamin Cayetano, Governor, State of Hawaii
Francisc DeMasi, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Normandy
David Donald, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
Carla Dove, Ornithologist, Smithsonian Institution
Maureen Dunne, Rhodes Scholar
Douglas Fields, Director of Research, NIH
Robert Gibson, Space Shuttle Commander, N.A.S.A.
Parris Glendening, Governor, State of Maryland
B. Thomas Golisano, Chairman and CEO, Paychex, Inc.
Rich Karlgaard, Publisher, Forbes, Inc.
Joyce Luther Kennard, California Supreme Court
Kweisi Mfume, President, NAACP
Harry Reid, US Senator, Nevada
Martha Simmons, President, Suntrust Bank
Shawntel Smith, Miss America 1996
Olympia J. Snowe, US Senator, Maine
Esther Tomljanovich, Minnesota Supreme Court
John Walsh, Host of "America's Most Wanted"
Allen Weiss, President, Walt Disney World Resort
Jim Wright, Former Speaker of the House
Richard Zahn, President, Shering Laboratories

So, what do you think? Want to join these Losers?(6)

Postscript: After publishing this article, I was discussing it with a friend of mine who has an extensive background in college admissions. Ron Clement is the former Director of Graduate Admissions at Mills College in Oakland, California, and former Dean of Admissions at the University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Illinois. He confirmed that nearly every state university system has preference programs for community college transfers. He went on to say that he would give young people one piece of advice: "Community Colleges certainly welcome losers, but they are not the exclusive population."

Sources:
(1) Trends in College Pricing, 2009, College Board
(2) About the California Community Colleges, CaliforniaColleges.edu
(3) Advice for California Community College Transfer Students, CaliforniaColleges.edu
(4) UC President Recommends Huge Tuition Increases, SFGate.com
(5) UC Panel Proposes Three-Year Bachelor's Degrees, Los Angeles Times
(6) Notable Alumni, American Association of Community Colleges

Quote of the Day: Susan B. Anthony

Quote of the Day: "If all the rich and all of the church people should send their children to the public schools, they would feel bound to concentrate their money on improving these schools until they met the highest ideals." ~Susan B. Anthony

Clip of The Day: Dumbest Millionaire Contestant

Just remember that College may provide you an education, but it doesn't necessarily make you smart. Young Chase Sampson from Nashville demonstrates that for us here: (1:25)

Employment Non-Discrimination Act: Overdue

In this economy, can you imagine losing your job not because of layoffs, not because of performance, but because of who you choose to love? Believe it or not, it is still legal in 29 states to fire someone simply because of their sexual orientation.

My friend Cleve Jones is leading a petition drive, urging Speaker Pelosi to bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act up for a vote. This important legislation is long overdue. Please join us by signing on to the petition. It takes about 30 seconds: Speaker Pelosi: Pass ENDA.

Jerry Brown: 6.6 Million Californians Say No

The San Jose Mercury News reported today, that California republican state senators are urging Attorney General Jerry Brown to join the lawsuit against the federal government over health care reform. The article notes that "Christine Gaparac, a spokeswoman for Brown, said the attorney general had not yet seen the letter sent Monday by state Sen. Tom Harman, a republican from Huntington Beach who says the overhaul violates the principle of federalism."

As discussed in my article "Railroad Reality: No Red Dogs" yesterday, the health care reform passed on Sunday is not perfect...but it is a start. Trying to circumvent it now may set us back another decade in reform progress. A better solution is to engage congress and the electorate in discussions for improving, and building upon, the legislation already passed.

According to the California Health Care Foundation, the state currently has 6.6 million citizens that are uninsured...the highest in the nation. Following is an excerpt from their December, 2009 report on California's Uninsured:

"Over the past 21 years, the percent of uninsured Californians under age 65 has continued to rise as employer-sponsored health insurance has declined. Between 1987 and 2008, employer-sponsored coverage declined 9%. Although Medicaid and individually purchased coverage partially offset this decline, more than 20% of Californians remain uninsured.

The problem, though national, is more prominent in California, which has a lower percentage of individuals with employer-sponsored coverage and a higher proportion of uninsured. And because of California's large population, the number of people without insurance — 6.6 million — is the highest of any state."

Attorney General Brown is a candidate for Governor of California. If you feel as strongly as I do about this issue, urge him to refrain from joining this assault on the victory for California's 6.6 million uninsured. Let him know his decision may impact your vote in the election. You can contact him here. Following is the text of the email I sent to Mr. Brown. Feel free to use part or all of the text:

"Mr. Brown: On behalf of California's 6.6 million uninsured, I urge you not to join the lawsuit against the federal government over the recent health care reform victory. While not perfect, this legislation is a milestone in the long battle to secure health care for all Americans. Over the next few years, we can work hard to improve upon the bill that passed. But to scrap it entirely is a slap in the face to the most vulnerable among us. Please understand, that your decision will weigh heavily upon my vote for Governor."

Quote of the Day: John Kerry

"Fixing our healthcare system as a whole is our primary challenge, and to make it happen you need to get engaged - to pound the pavement, get your hands dirty, endure real sacrifice, take on antiquated thinking and help lead the public debate." ~John Kerry, U.S. Senator

Clip of The Day: Banned Condom Commercial

This is an old clip, but just in case you missed it. Funny.

Railroad Reality: No Red Dogs

Well folks, what can only be described as an exercise in mediocrity, finally passed through congress last night. If you listen to right-wing pundits, it sounded like a railroad. More realistically, I'd compare it to a '93 Chevy Malibu. Built to market for the masses, but sorely lacking in design integrity.

Frankly, I'd like to have seen more republican involvement in the process. But to say the democrats "railroaded" the package through? What other choice did they have? When, or how, was anything approaching reform going to pass if not now? This country is facing a crises of colossal proportion in health care delivery. And, the reconciliation process referred to as the railroad vehicle, has been utilized by republicans more often than by democrats. (Another misinformation campaign.)

Why is it that when we need centrist ideas and bipartisan effort to resolve an issue, we always see the Blue Dogs rise up. Where are the Red Dogs? Where are the truly centrist bipartisan republicans? I thought they existed. Now? Not so sure. Out the rich varied palette of communities across all 50 states, constituents are represented by no less than 178 republican congresspersons. How many of them voted for reform? Zero. Nada. Zilch. Now you tell me: that isn't lockstep obstructionism?

Don't get me wrong. I'm pleased that after decades of failed attempts, at least something resembling health care reform finally passed. Problem is, this legislation does little more than subsidize health care insurance corporations at taxpayer expense. They will be getting millions of new customers over the next five years. Think that's a mistake? Think the fat cats at WellPoint and Humana aren't tickled pink about this bill? That's because they had more of a voice in it's construction than you did.

So what's next? HealthReform 2.0 is what we need now. To address some of the core issues that were left out of this bill. Incentivizing preventative care would be first on the list. And yes, some form of tort reform. Standardized digital billing and records would drive down costs. But, the bottom line is we can't stop now. Don't stop engaging. Don't stop writing congress. Tell them real cost control is what we need next. And we need it now.

House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory

Quote of the Day: John McCain

"I fully recognize that Republicans have in the past engaged in using reconciliation to further the party's agenda. ~John McCain, U.S. Senator

Clip of the Day: Bullsh*t Breaking News

If you follow my blog, you know I harbor no love affair with the Media. The following clip from my favorite news source, "The Onion News Network", satirizes one of the reasons I'm disillusioned. WARNING: Highly Explicit Language (2:01)

Breaking News: Some Bullshit Happening Somewhere - watch more funny videos

Quote of the Day: Mahatma Gandhi

"It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Philosopher (1896-1948)

Recipe for Healing Tonic

If you're feeling bad, and need some healing potion, this beats anything you can buy in a bottle. I've given this recipe out many times, so I thought I'd put it up here. You will need:

Clove of Fresh Garlic
Stem of Fresh Ginger
Honey (Preferably Raw)
A Fresh Lemon
Tincture of Echinacea (Available at most pharmacies, or health food stores.)
Shot of Brandy (Optional)

Peel 3-4 pieces of garlic...do not cut, crush or dice it. Remove the bark of the ginger with vegetable peeler or paring knife, in order to expose the "meat". Place the garlic and ginger in a small pot with about 3-4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Pour the tea into a cup, and squeeze 1 or 2 wedges of lemon juice into it. Add a generous amount of honey, as the tea will be nasty without it. Add 1-2 droppers full of echinacea. The brandy is optional, but will help you sleep. Drink 3-4 cups a day (not with brandy in all of them! LOL) You will feel 100% better within 48 hours.

Quote of the Day: Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Philanthropy is commendable. But, it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which makes philanthropy necessary." ~Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil-Rights Leader (1929-1968)

Philanthropy for Everyone: Part Two

This is a continuation of the article I wrote yesterday, Philanthropy for Everyone: Part One. We each have the opportunity to actually participate in philanthropy. The pepsirefreshproject provides $1.3 million each month in grants to individuals, organizations and corporations who submit their ideas for funding. By voting for your favorite ideas (up to 10 votes each day), you have a voice in which projects get funded. Is that awesome or what?

Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the second five on my list. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.

#6: talbert House Community Correctional Center
Proposal: Provide GED Preparation Materials to At Risk Youth
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Butler, Warren & Clermont Counties, OH
talbert House Community Correctional Center is a non-profit agency that offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation to the community. The education department works hard to help students who were unsuccessful in previous exposure to school settings and dropped out. We offer a 2nd chance to them.

#7: Minga
Proposal: Educate Youth about the Child Sex Trade
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Brookline, MA
My friends and I learned that in the U.S. the average age of entry into prostitution is just 13 years, and that more than 325,000 children are exploited each year. We decided to take action, and founded a nonprofit group called Minga. This year we want to produce PSAs to more directly reach youth.

#8: Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco
Proposal: Train disabled persons to become Yoga instructors.
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: San Francisco, CA
I've been leading Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco for ten years. I've also been teaching yoga to people with disabilities for 14 years. I found that many of my students with disabilities had overcome amazing obstacles and were ready to become yoga teachers themselves.

#9: The Tommy Foundation
Proposal: Educate & Support Autism Families across U.S.
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Lancaster, PA
The Tommy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the autism community and the family unit as a whole. From offering presentations on advocacy and communication, to direct one-on-one assistance and awareness events, we serve the entire community. Based in Pennsylvania, but we serve the entire U.S.


#10: Music National Service - MusicianCorps
Proposal: Fund musician corps teaching in public schools.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco
Music National Service (MNS), creates music programs that reach, teach and heal. MNS is piloting a musical peace corps called MusicianCorps. MusicianCorps serves in public schools and other high-need settings. MNS was named a 2008 "Top-Ten Social Innovation to Strengthen U.S. Communities" by the Aspen Institute. MNS currently serves Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, San Francisco and Seattle, with plans to expand.

Quote of the Day: Bertrand Russell

"The qualities most needed are charity and tolerance, not some form of fanatical faith such as is offered to us by the various rampant isms." ~Bertrand Russell, English Logician and Philosopher (1872-1970)

Philanthropy for Everyone: Part One

Like many kids, when I was young I dreamed of one day becoming rich. Typical dreams of big houses, fancy cars and exotic vacations. When I matured into young adulthood however, those dreams changed. I realized that if I were rich I could have something far better than material comforts...I could have the power to impact change, to improve the plight of others. I dreamed of becoming a philanthropist. I know, it's crazy. But read on....

Now you and I both have the opportunity to actually participate in philanthropy. The pepsirefreshproject provides $1.3 million each month in grants to individuals, organizations and corporations who submit their ideas for funding. By voting for your favorite ideas (up to 10 votes each day), you have a voice in which projects get funded. Is that awesome or what?

Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the first five on my list. I will publish Part Two tomorrow. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.

#1: WaggleForce Job Clubs
Proposal: Get 10,000 people back to work.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
WaggleForce is led by Tory Johnson, CEO of Women for Hire, Workplace Contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, and New York Times best-selling author. She is joined in this grassroots effort by a team of experienced career club leaders, trainers and multimedia gurus dedicated to job search success.


#2: DonorsChoose.org
Proposal: Refresh libraries in public schools across America.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Started in a Bronx high school, we improved public education by enabling every teacher to be a change-maker and any citizen to be a philanthropist. Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn.


#3: EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof)
Proposal: Distribute mobile homeless shelters.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Los Angeles, CA
EDAR is a nonprofit organization that provides mobile shelters to the homeless. Based on a cart design, the EDAR unit allows for storage and mobility during the day. At night, the EDAR unfolds into a one-person bed, providing shelter and an alternative to a cardboard box or cold concrete.


#4: Sav-A-Vet.org
Proposal: Provide more housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Lindenhurst, IL
Sav-A-Vet.org is a nonprofit organization that provides free housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement personnel in exchange for taking care of retired military working dogs that would otherwise be euthanized after service.


#5: One World Youth Project
Proposal: Expand to 3 U.S. Universities in 2010
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Washington, D.C.
One World Youth Project facilitates high quality partnerships between schools for cultural exchange and collaborative service-learning toward the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. OWYP is preparing the next generation for a globally-integrated world.

Sarah Palin, Anti-Intellectualism & Statesmanship

Being from the South, I've long struggled with feelings about intellectualism. My viewpoint is considerably more liberal than many of my relatives back home. At times, some have confessed resentment toward the "liberal elite" and coastal inhabitants, for their generalizations of more conservative southerners in "fly by" cities.

The truth is, most of my relatives have more education than I have. I've never harbored any intellectually superior delusions about myself. Furthermore, I'm convinced that our political viewpoints are closer than any of us would openly admit. However, the constant drumming of 24-hour rhetorical soundbites from the media, keep us focused only on our differences.

This frenzy leaves individual citizens, and more importantly politicians, little time for exploring common ground. Political hacks and also-runs are constantly vying for the next big headline by inflaming the electorate. This keeps their careers secure, and their speaking fees high. This destructive partisan climate makes progress grind to a halt. The opposite of partisanship in not bipartisanship, it is statesmanship...a virtue rapidly waning in our country.

Columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr. of the Miami Herald, recently wrote an opinion piece titled Dear Sarah: Say it is So, Run for President. The column was picked up by numerous newspapers across the country. The backlash has been considerable, and I would agree that Mr. Pitts does little more than mire in the muck.

Amidst his satirical and sometimes tasteless rants however, Pitts does articulate an important point. That intellectualism is not something we should revile in a candidate; nor is down-home common sense. They are both important attributes, and both deserve their due consideration. This is precisely the message I have been trying to wrap my head around for some time. Following is the excerpt I refer to:

"No, you [Sarah Palin] represent the latest iteration of an anti-intellectualism that periodically rises in the American character. There is, historically and persistently, a belief in us that y'all just can't trust nobody who acts too smart or talks too good -- in other words, somebody whose ``general persona'' indicates they may have once cracked a book or had a thought. Americans tend to believe common sense the exclusive province of humble folks without sheepskins on the wall or big words in their vocabularies.

I don't mock those people. They are my parents, my family elders, members of my childhood church. I honor their native good sense, what mom called ``mother wit.'' But if it is insulting to condescend to them, it is equally insulting to mythologize them.

More to the point, something is wrong when we celebrate mental mediocrity like yours under the misapprehension that competence or, God forbid, intelligence, makes a person one of those ``elites'' -- that's a curse word now -- lacking authenticity, compassion and common sense."

Quotes of the Day: Robinson and Lincoln

Partisanship is our great curse. We too readily assume that everything has two sides and that it is our duty to be on one or the other. ~James Harvey Robinson

Honest statesmanship is the wise employment of individual manners for the public good. ~Abraham Lincoln

Playing For Change: Fannie Mae

You may have heard of Playing For Change..."a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. Music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race." One of the goals of my blog is to help promote understanding, love, and peace. So, I occasionally feature selected episodes of their journey. You can view the all the episodes I've posted to date here.

The caption for this next performance reads:
"Grandpa Elliott has been delighting New Orleanians and tourists alike with this song from his regular perch at Toulouse and Royal for years. He begins this song the same way he always has, but when the rest of the PFC Band joins in at the first chorus, you feel it in your chest! This is the first live performance song by the PFC Band we have posted for our community to enjoy. It clearly conveys the energy and love this amazing group of musicians shares with their fans each time they perform. We hope you'll join us for one of their shows soon, so you can experience it in person!"

Episode Fourteen: "Fannie Mae: Live in Los Angeles". (5:12)

Clip of The Day: Star Wars 90 Second Synopsis

I posted this on facebook recently. Thought I'd post here as well. This is just too cute. A 3-year old gives us a 90 second synopsis on Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Enjoy!

Happy Valentines Day

There are so many versions of this...Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Chaka Khan, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, etc. etc. But for you...no less than two, of my favorite versions. First up, an incomparable Valentine, from the incomparable Sarah Vaughan. (My favorite version):

And now, my favorite version (for the instrumentals), from one of my Top Ten all time favorite movies, The Fabulous Baker Boys. Performed by Michelle Pfeiffer, accompanied by the amazing pianist Dave Grusin. Enjoy!

Hope everyone's day is filled with Love and Joy. Happy Valentines!

Quote of the Day: Bumper Sticker

"What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?" ~Bumper Sticker

Superbowl Commercial Faves

Tried to post these clips on facebook, but they would only link, not embed. So here are my two favorite Superbowl commercials for those who missed them. They also have fullscreen toggles in the corner:

Volkswagen:


And Doritos:

Amidst Despair: Inspiration

Thanks to my friends who've encouraged me to be patient. That inspiration and passion for my blog will return. At least for today, it has.

In the face of every shared experience we've endured as a nation over the past decade, we dare not imagine our country facing the level of devastation witnessed in Haiti. Individually and collaboratively, we reach out to help a nation in despair.

Regardless of social, economic, political or spiritual differences, I hope we can rally as one behind the efforts of the current administration. To give every muscle, every hand, every mind, and every dime we can spare. Of particular note, thanks to the 4,000+ registered nurses taking unpaid leave to travel and volunteer for the relief in Haiti.

Every bead of sweat has impact far beyond Haiti's borders. It is this nature of our common humanity that speaks loudest, to those in the furthest of quarters. Each dollar spent there speaks tenfold, that of one spent in Afghanistan. It speaks about what we value most as a people, as a nation, as an idea.

Taking this moment to turn from our own problems and unite, might give recent wounds to our pride some time and space to heal. And perhaps, close some of the divisiveness we've created amongst ourselves.

Amidst despair, today we look appropriately for inspiration, to someone who was more than a great preacher or a great activist, but a great philosopher. The Quote of the Day:

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift, is approaching spiritual doom." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.