Clipmarks | thisnamecantbetaken's clips

Pentagon's Secret Budget Numbers

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:19:19 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: Do you hear that strange sucking sound? That's the US taxpayer dollars being sucked into the voracious black hole of the Military Industrial Complex. This secret budget is ON TOP of the announced 600+ billion dollars already allocated. That is a hell of a lot of money!

Bombs or food? Not my choice to make, but are more bombs really what America needs? Really?

Clip Source: blogs.cqpolitics.com

Shocker: Pentagon's Secret Budget Numbers

The Pentagon has been struggling with what to spend money on in light of the coming financial squeeze, and now they have made their choice...everything!

Pentagon officials have prepared a secret budget estimate that they plan to spring on the next president right before they leave town.

It's only $450 billion more than the apparently disingenuous number they put out last February.

With the economy circling the bowl, the next commander-in-chief might want to cast it aside.

But he would have to pay a political price -- and that's the point.

"This is a political document,"

"It sets up the new administration immediately to have to make a decision of how to deal with the perception that they are either cutting defense or adding to it."

The Defense Department's comptroller's office declined to dispute the numbers.

Cdr. Darryn James, a Pentagon spokesman, said it was "premature to discuss future budgets because they were still being worked on."

ACLU: Bush Tried to Create 'Gitmo Inside the US'

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:25:53 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: Everyone who thinks the Bush Administration has stopped these "standard operating procedures", just because the Supreme Court told them to, raise your hand...

Pfftt!!!

Clip Source: rawstory.com

The US military was using the same procedures employed at the controversial Guantanamo Bay prison at other facilities inside the United States where US citizens and legal residents were detained, according to documents released Wednesday.

"These documents are the first clear confirmation of what we've suspected all along, that the brig was run as a prison beyond the law. There was an effort to create a Gitmo inside the United States,"

“Guantánamo was designed as a law-free zone, a place where the government could do whatever it wanted without having to worry about whether it was legal,”

“It didn’t take long for that sort of lawlessness to be brought home to our own country. Who knows how much further America would have gone if the Supreme Court hadn’t stepped in to stop incommunicado detentions in 2004?”

the e-mails suggest that Guantanamo standard operating procedures were being employed in the domestic brigs.

America, Love It or Leave It

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:11:44 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks:

Wherever that is, there will probably be a few American tanks and some bombers and things, but at least you won't be keeping the rest of us awake with your shrill cries over phantoms of lost liberty. There may be other countries with higher standards of living, with better governments more responsive to the wishes of their electorate. Sure, there may be countries where freedom and human rights are more than just catchphrases to be tossed out the window the minute it's inconvenient, such as I admit does happen in the United States now and then (especially now).
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Indeed, with poverty, racism, inequality, a disintegrating infrastructure, corporate control of the government, and the spiralling degradation of the environment, some crybabies could claim that America is no longer the greatest nation in the world.
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If you look on the bright side of things, if you see the ass as half-full instead of half-empty, you realize we've never had it so good.

Clip Source: mwcnews.net

America, Love It or Leave It

It Probably Won't Leave You

So okay, the USA is having little fascisty moments, but let's not go nuts. Many countries torture their prisoners

And who doesn't imprison people without charges or trial? I mean besides the rest of the developed world.

Are any of these countries engaging in surveillance of their entire population? Not as such, but

At least we have phones.

Or how about all you heathen devils across the Pacific?

I'd like to hear a word of gratitude from Europe

Because America probably has troops in your immediate area, and we will not hesitate to kick your ass.

we're having a little case of police-stateitis here in the US,

why should everybody get upset

I'd appreciate it if all you peaceniks would just back off and go exercise your human rights somewhere else.

America is still the greatest country in the world, and if you don't like it, you are free to move somewhere else.

Fox News Upset Over Un-Retouched Palin Photo

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:47:12 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks:

"It's a clear slap in the face!! We're talking unwanted facial hair, pores, wrinkles... this is a gross slap in the face to Sarah Palin!"

"Any woman who sees this cover would be shocked and horrified! "

Yeah, I'm totally shocked and horrified!! *LOOOL*

The childish antics of the American voting show, never ceases to amaze me. Hahaha!¨Go to the site and watch the video.

*chuckle*

Clip Song

Clip Source: www.crooksandliars.com

FOX News Upset At Newsweek For Printing An Un-Retouched Photo of Sarah Palin

The GOP and their propaganda arm, FOX News, are up in arms over the latest Newsweek cover of Sarah Palin that accompanies this scathing article by Jon Meacham. The article, that points to Palin's "commonness" as a problem to her credibility as a candidate, is less of a concern to the GOP than the fact that they did a close up of her face and did not retouch it to hide blemishes and pores. And you may remember, FOX knows about retouching photos for credibility's sake.

Apparently, they're not as afraid of their supporters reading as they are of them looking at pictures and realizing that Palin's skin isn't peaches and cream perfect.

The Current Financial Crisis Is Only The Beginning

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:57:28 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks:

One could argue that the banking crisis is just the cold sweat, not the flu that follows it.

Clip Song

Clip Source: www.iht.com

The problem is not just that the banking system has been broken by an orgy of foolish lending but moreover that huge swaths of the global economy are predicated on that foolish lending and the consumption it allowed.

The bubble wasn't just in real estate, leaving the financial system holding the bag; the bubble was in consumption.

The banking crisis will have very serious negative effects on the real economy, and the cost will grow.

The core of the issue isn't even solvency. It's the way in which the debt causing the banking insolvency distorted, distended and hollowed out economies around the world.

The banking crisis is extraordinarily dangerous. But the changes in the global economy that are needed are even more profound. Savings rates are going to need to rise

and consumption fall.

The recession will be long and probably ugly.

There is no doubt that the needed changes can happen and that these innovative and creative economies can re-balance. But it is going to be very painful.

Still Undecided? Then Just Don't Vote!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:29:32 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks:

It's a basic political-science axiom that citizens are less likely to revolt if they feel they determined who gets to look down Arianna Huffington's blouse at political soirees.

So feel free not to vote. Just remember, if so many groups' main objective really were to strengthen democracy, America would have gotten rid of the electoral college by now.

Interesting opinion! ... but I'm undecided on this one. I feel very strongly that everyone should always vote, but should we? Is voting for the lesser of two evils, better than not voting at all? Hmm, I'll have to think about this.

Clip Source: www.latimes.com

Don't vote. People will try to guilt you into it, but stay strong and resist. I'm talking to all of you who don't feel strongly about either presidential candidate

Voting is not an act of charity.

It's an entirely selfish act of expressing your opinion and asking for policies you want. If your mere opinion added to our nation's well-being, it would be patriotic to take telemarketing calls.

A high voter turnout doesn't make our democracy work better.

nonparticipation is a legitimate expression of feelings about our political system

You'll be saying that none of the contenders convinced you

not voting is the safest way to assure your right to complain. Because if you do vote, the odds are slightly better than even that you're going to vote for the winner, which will ruin your ability to gripe about him.

The entire ruling class wants you to vote

Casting a ballot tricks you into believing you have as equal a stake in the power structure as the rich and connected.

So feel free not to vote.

Zeitgeist: Addendum

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:35:53 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: "What does Christianity, 911 and The Federal Reserve all have in common?"

If you haven't watch the original "Zeitgeist" yet, you should watch that too.

Clip Source: www.zeitgeistmovie.com

ZEITGEIST: ADDENDUM

NOW RELEASED
10/2/08

Clip Source: video.google.com

Zeitgeist: Addendum - 123 min

[Video]

Scientists Explore New Source of Stem Cells

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:07:30 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken

Clip Source: www.latimes.com

Scientists explore new source of stem cells

Scientists have converted cells from human testes into stem cells that grew into muscle, nerve cells and other kinds of tissue, according to a study published Wednesday in the online edition of Nature.

The stem cells offer another potential alternative to embryonic stem cells for researchers who aim to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's by replacing damaged or malfunctioning cells with custom-grown replacements.

Scientists have also derived flexible adult stem cells from skin, amniotic fluid and menstrual blood.

They are theoretically superior to traditional embryonic stem cells because they can be obtained directly from male patients and used to grow replacement tissue that their bodies won't reject

The cells also have an ethical advantage in that they do not require the destruction of human embryos.

it remains to be seen whether the germline stem cells are able to form as many kinds of functional cells as embryonic stem cells.

Diamonds: Not Just Wealth but Health?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:05:40 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken

Clip Source: www.dailygalaxy.com

Diamonds: Not Just Wealth but Health?

diamonds have a real intrinsic value other than "looking pretty", with mass-produced nanodiamonds helping to cure cancers.

Certain chemicals can greatly reduce the risk of lingering cells restarting all the cellular trouble after a tumor has been removed. The problem is that getting those drugs into the system can either result in flooding the entire body with the agent, with all manner of unwanted effects, or using site-specific implanted patches which give up their contents all too quickly.

Unless they're made of nanodiamonds. Thanks to their large biocompatible surfaces, the clusters of mini-gems can hold large reserves of many different kinds of agents which are slowly released over a period of months.

researchers at MIT are also working on using gold as a cancerbuster.

It seems that in this new age of information and nanotech, even gold and gems have to find new jobs. Better ones.

Brits Value Sex And In-Laws

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:23:35 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: Okaaay... if the Brits are not uptight and there's a market for it, then why no plans for a service for homosexuals? Especially if they're looking for new market opportunities?

Hmm. Naaah, Brits are uptight. Study or not. *LOL*

Clip Source: www.reuters.com

Being too tired for sex is less of a problem for married Britons than for U.S. or Australian couples

Brits place more importance on agreeing on how to handle their in-laws

married people in Britain are also more satisfied with how they share household chores and how much time they spend together.

stereotypes of uptight Britons sleeping in separate beds were outdated. "Research indicates that British people have moved beyond that."

U.S. couples tend to laugh together, exchange ideas and confide in each other more and kiss more

They also have more arguments, get on each others' nerves more and talk about divorce more

Australians report most overall happiness with their marriages

EHarmony specializes in matching heterosexual singles

matched by

algorithms

Clip Source: www.reuters.com

Religion as a self-select is much less important in the UK than the U.S.

the company would consider starting a service for homosexuals

"We are always looking for new market opportunities" -- but had no current plans to do so.

The Saddest Sad Songs Of All Time!

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:13:49 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: I picked a few of my favourites. See the list and lyrics at the site. I couldn't get through life without music as a backdrop. Where would we be without it? If you need a rest from politics, just copy/paste a title and go youtubing. Even sad songs can make you happy.

I heard this song when I was a little girl and my Dad told me it was about a dog (that probably drowned) and I bawled my eyes out! I still do!

Anyway, remember. Jumping off cliffs not allowed! .

Clip Song (Not sad, even!)

Clip Source: www.popculturemadness.com

The Saddest Sad Songs Of All Time!

The odd thing about sad songs is that they can be happy songs as well. That song that meant everything good with the old girlfriend can make you cry with the opening notes today.

Sometimes that sad song can indicate an upcoming hope, or desire to to climb out of that sad situation. I've always believed that without the sad stuff, we'd never appreciate the good stuff.

Everything ever created by man has been made so by some driven need he didn't have.
Or, to impress a girl.

Sad songs are the stuff that fuel our dreams to become reality.

Alone Again, Naturally - Gilbert O Sullivan

Clip Source: www.popculturemadness.com

What a sad song. Although we don't recommend it, it is the perfect song to listen to before jumping off a cliff or waiting for the train to reach the end of the track that you're sitting on.

Clip Source: www.popculturemadness.com

Send In the Clowns - Judy Collins

I'm Not In Love - 10cc

Two Beds and a Coffee Machine - Savage Garden

You'll Think Of Me - Keith Urban

This Used to be my Playground - Madonna

Mass UFO Sighting Predicted - Oct 14, 2008

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:17:04 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks:

I believe they feel they have no choice but to show themselves as we verge on self-annihilation, genocide and toxic poisoning. The truth of our inter-galactic lineage will become common knowledge. If I am to believe the vision, the truth of our intergalactic lineage will cause humanity to take one wild ride.

They're coming! I'd love a wild ride. Heh heh...

Clip Song

Clip Source: www.ufodigest.com

Blossom Goodchild’s Predicted Mass UFO Sighting: Will it Force Disclosure to Occur?

rumors of an upcoming mass televised UFO sighting over American skies are taking the Internet by storm.

Blossom Goodchild, an Aussie actress and author, has the international Ufology community on its ear with channeled information concerning the eminent appearance of a massive extraterrestrial spacecraft for October 14th, 2008.

Calling themselves ‘The Federation of Light’, these Beings from another world have stated to Goodchild that they intend not only to make themselves known, but also to remain more or less in place for a full 72 hour period, thereby providing the media with ample opportunity to once and for all capture on film evidence that will silence the skeptics and debunkers forever. The predicted rendezvous point? Alabama.

Whoa.

she isn't the only one making the prediction.

By the year 2008, the fact that we are not alone in the universe will be made undeniably clear to everyone on the planet.

The U.S. Soldier's Creed

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:26:46 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: The previous version:

I am an American Soldier.
I am a member of the United States Army -- a protector of the greatest nation on earth.
Because I am proud of the uniform I wear, I will always act in ways creditable to the military service and the nation it is sworn to guard.
I am proud of my own organization. I will do all I can to make it the finest unit in the Army.
I will be loyal to those under whom I serve. I will do my full part to carry out orders and instructions given to me or my unit.
As a soldier, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored profession--that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom for which my country stands.
No matter what the situation I am in, I will never do anything, for pleasure, profit, or personal safety, which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my country.

Clip Source: en.wikipedia.org

The U.S. Soldier's Creed is a set of values and morals that all United States Army personnel are encouraged to live by. It provides a brief overview of the ethics and morals of the U.S. Army.

The Soldiers Creed was approved in its current format

on the 24th of November of 2003.

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

Some soldiers shout "hooah" at the conclusion of the Soldier's Creed

Murder By Tweezers

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:32:49 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: It was an accident. .

Clip Source: www.upi.com

Police: Friend killed by tweezers

MOSCOW, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Police allege a teenager from Ulyanovsk, Russia, fatally stabbed her best friend with a pair of tweezers.

"It was a frenzied, mad attack. You would not imagine the damage a pair of tiny eyebrow tweezers caused the poor girl," an unidentified police officer told the Daily Mail in a story published Monday.

Kristina Danilova, 18, allegedly flew into a rage after her childhood friend, Olga Samoilenko, 18, told her she was ugly and would never get a boyfriend, the Mail reported.

Police said Samoilenko was stabbed more than 100 times with the tweezers and bled to death, the Mail reported.

Danilova, who allegedly called the stabbing an accident and then told police she didn't remember the attack, remained in custody Sunday, the Mail reported.

Child Abductions Plague China

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:33:58 GMT

clipped by: thisnamecantbetaken
clipper's remarks: This is so tragic... 200 a day!!

Clip Source: mwcnews.net

China is struggling to cope with a wave of child abductions which sees more than 200 babies and toddlers being stolen every day, according to some estimates.

It is a lucrative business in which an abducted girl child can fetch $1,200 and a boy anything up to $5,000, more than the average annual salary in urban China.

"It's too easy for the gangs. For a little money they can buy a birth certificate and then permanent residency for a child thousands of kilometres away," Sun said.

"The government has created this environment."

One-child policy

"The one-child policy has skewed preference for boys and this is pretty much an undercurrent of this current problem, this current tragedy," Amalee McCoy, a child protection consultant with the UN's chidren's fund Unicef, said.

"Where they end up, it is purely speculation a lot of the times, but a lot the anecdotal evidence seems to show that they go to families who are really wanting to have a boy child.

Other children end up abroad

or into slavery.