Making America Great Again!

Cowardice
Are you serious?
Apologies for freedom, I can’t handle this.
When freedom rings, answer the call!
On your feet, stand up tall!
Freedom's on our shoulders, USA!
Enemies of freedom face the music, c'mon boys, take them down
President Donald Trump knows how to make America great
Deal from strength or get crushed every time

C'mon!!! Any song that begins with the word cowardice has to, has to be great! And let's not forget The Donald's impeccable war credentials- he got a medal for neatness in military school while racking up his five deferments.

Remembering The Fall Of Rome (And It's Batshit Crazy Leaders)

As a kid I always wondered how mighty, kick ass Rome pretty much allowed itself to fall apart and rot from within as the barbarians trolled the gates. Of course, once you start reading just how insane its Caesars really were, you soon start asking yourself- just how was it that Rome managed to survive as long as it did?

Of course, our modern, interconnected world experiences everything at a considerably accelerated rate. And I have been amazed at what this country has been able to endure just in my lifetime, including a President who (while definitely not insane), at least kinda knew he was dumber than a rock in some round about, dry drunk kinda way- and didn't give a damn how many people lost their lives in his little macho military fantasies. Now we got someone running who not only doesn't have the slightest clue, but who actually thinks himself more intelligent than all human life combined. And even scarier, if such a scenario is even plausible (and it is)- there are people who actually think believe he is, while others simply revel in the fact that he'll forever be the ever lovin' dick that he truly is... (just like them- except w/o his $).

Civilizations in the final stages of decay are dominated by elites out of touch with reality.

          -Christopher Hedges
 

Season's Greeetings!

Nevada Assemblywoman Michele Fiore's (R) interpretation of Matthew 5:5.

Currently clocking in at about 40% of capacity from my most recent loss to the flu (think Rousey/Holms, the extended version), I was aching to return to normal society- but alas, that feeling for human vitality and normalcy were cut short with last week's insanity. A sickening, deadening insanity that has metastasized into what now flauntingly mocks normalcy. Ignorance, fear and neglect begetting a violence so mindless that it in turn erodes the sanity and response of those of good will still remaining. So we never address the root cause(s), never attempt to dialogue, never ever dare to even consider a reset.

It's so easy to point at those 'dumb' kids shooting hell outta each other in every inner city in this country. They never learn, it's just their lot- just don't dare make same said and simple observation when it comes to the world at large... the one adults roam and rule.

So we will continue to threaten and arm ourselves for: prevention, protection, retaliation. Our planet is dying all around us, but not to worry: kick back with your Big Gulp, Supersize that Happy Meal, and make sure ya got enough hollow points to outlast your fries- You're Good To Go!!!

The Face Of Ignorance

Whether it's White Supremacist Nazis burning books, or Jihadi crazed fundamentalists- this is what IGNORANCE looks like... and it always leads to, is concurrent with, was preceded by, a blatant disregard for the value and sanctity of life itself.

Like A Jig... With Funny Sounds, Right?

What's everyone getting all riled up about??? When I say, "Look at that dumb ass HONKY making like an idiot!" All I mean is... "Look at that idiot in the pick up honking his horn for no good reason!"

PS- A penny for his thoughts...

How Not To Save Yourself From... The Hanging Tree!

This article in Wonkette about the further adventures of a clueless software graphics firm called SeaSalt & Co, and their latest product called the Hanging Tree, is both hilariously funny, and accurate. They wanted to go with a dark, foreboding and maybe, just maybe... controversial image to highlight and announce their new, absolute pride and joy.

And as is so, so true so many, many times before- what do you do when you dig yourself a hole too seemingly big to crawl out of? Why... dig yourself a much, much deeper one!

Via Petapixel- where yours truly contributed "a few" choice comments of his own...

I'm Not A Scientist...

So if I had even the slightest sense (of humility), I really would keep my fucking mouth shut (if only to spare myself the embarrassment)- but since so many of my fellow colleagues in Congress are also bought and paid for by oil companies, and our constituents actually believe in talking snakes and FOX News- what's to stop me!?!?

If Ya Still Need A Reason...

 

Photo: Noah Addis

Still have your doubts, not quite convinced on why you should get on your freakin' knees and give thanks... Check out this illuminating essay by Noah Addis at Fraction mag.


When I first visited Europe in the early 80's, I was amazed to discover this foreign realm of the future where lights went on and off automatically as one entered and exited a room- a magical, logical land of the future I said to myself! Meanwhile, here in 21st USA we still unabashedly burn our office lights bright even when no one is to be seen on floor after floor...

 

 

So before ya start to yellin' at how other people are mucking up the world- just keep in mind the world's all time user and abuser of the world's resources...

 

 

Too Crazy, Too Lazy To Fix...

 Or better yet:

"'No Way to Prevent This,' Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens."
 --The Onion

This is a country at war with itself for profit. This is a country at war with itself because its ruling elite is too cowed, or too well-bribed, or too cowardly to recognize that there are people who are getting rich arming both sides, because the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, so you make sure that it's easy for the bad guys to get guns in order to make millions selling the guns to the good guys (emphasis mine).    --Charlie Pierce

But two of the notable quotes from one of the better pieces I've seen written on the reoccurring atrocities we now take in accustomed seasonal stride. By golly, if we were an agrarian society we could now dispense with star sightings and seasonal shifts, relying instead, on our regular bloodletting of the innocents to plant and harvest our crops... like the virginal offerings of olde to the troublesome gods of fertility.

The Daily Show
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“I don’t recognize the United States government as even existing.”

Cliven "USA" Bundy 
Photo: Scott Watson

I'm sure used to seeing the whole "Love it or Leave it" crowd wrap itself within the flag, but for a guy who straight out swears he doesn't even believe in the United States- Cliven Bundy sure does go outta his way to drape himself in the very symbol of what he doesn't believe in one whole heapin' helpful! And, of course, while he rails against "Negroes on government subsidies," he has no problem unlawfully using government assets for personal gain to the tune of several million dollars.

But then, these are the armed, demented morons that the Republican Party has embraced and unleashed upon us all...

"Everybody Knows God Controls The Weather & God Is Super Angry"

Portrait of An American Politician

Bit late with this, but then, this has been an ongoing joke since Republicans purposely chose to dumb down our electorate late last century. Must give credit where credit's due- great job guys! We are the laughing stock of the world- and these are the same ignorant, arrogant bastards who will crack racist jokes about natives in "deepest, darkest Africa" and their... uncivilized superstitions.

I'm also gonna go out on a limb (and not a very long one at that) and bet the person above would have no problem cracking lesbian and trans-gender jokes. Go figure...

No- WE Are Broken...

Not just the ocean.  The simple fact is- we cannot exist without it...

Photo: Dimitar Dilkoff

At the end of this century when people no longer have access to what was once the biggest source of protein on... earth, some will ask why we allowed our biggest giver of life to turn into an open sewer where only jellyfish can survive amidst the tons of floating plastic, garbage and other detritus. They will ask why we simply watched it happen, allowed it to happen, and still did absolutely nothing- knowing full well that we cannot possibly survive without it.

And all we'll be able to say is... because we're human; and when you come down to it, killing is what we do best. Oh, we can build and create, sing and even love, but killing is what we're best at. Sometimes it makes no matter what we kill, or how we do it, long as there's something left to kill: human, plant or animal. We can always ask why later...

http://theterramarproject.org/

http://saveourseas.com/threats/overfishing

Photo: Kambou Sia

Rep. Randy Neugebauer Needs To Have His Flag Shoved...

... far enough up his ass till he finally apologizes to that park ranger, the American people and better make it humanity as a whole considering the lengths he will go to fabricate excuses for his own insidious treachery. The sad fact is that there is no flag big enough for this HYPOCRITE, loser extraordinaire to hide behind. And, of course, immediately after blaming an innocent person for his own actions, this coward writ large immediately turns and runs- lest he be forced to defend the "logic" of his baseless accusation.

If my rant sounds a tad obscene- it's not half as pathetic as what these Tea Party Bastards disseminate each and every day, spreading their hateful, lying bile, conceived from the most purposely ignorant misinformation, whenever and where ever they can. And as soon as they reap what they sew... there they are- blaming someone else!

What is it that their Christian god says about hypocrites???

China Must Be Held Accountable!

11,417 Sharks Are Killed Per Hour.

The Chinese government must be called on its wanton, en masse torture and slaughter of sharks (not even gonna get into how their penchant for ivory is practically guaranteeing the extinction of elephants- within out lifetime). And it has to happen NOW! 

And Steven Speilberg, who delighted in demonizing these animals, should be leading the charge with a few of his multi-millions in trying to save the very animals that made his name, fame and fortune before they're wiped from the face of earth...

  

400 ppm

I won't be around when it hits 1,000 come the end of the century- wonder how many Republicans will be around then living in their gated hill top communities watching the peasantry float by in the valleys below and, of course, blaming them for their woes...

History Negates Itself

Recently there's been a rash of ludicrous and embarrassing racial faux pas that were originated by people of color- ridiculing people of color. There's really no excusing this, but alas, there is a reason- the proverbial dumbing down of America, a sad but all too true reality that ranges from the highest  pantheons of power (remember a recent president?) to the most impoverished of inner cities. Too many people in this country (black, white and brown) are woefully ignorant of even the most recent history- forget basic science, general geography, and good ol' common sense... In fact, one of the excuses most often heard is that it was never "intentional." As if no harm, no foul strictly because- it wasn't purposely "intentional." I was aiming for the apple- you gonna blame me!? Serious?

First, there was the Accidental Racist fiasco by LL Cool J, "If you forget the gold chains, I'll forget the iron chains." Really, LL? A few hundred years of beatings, killings and slavery all made good because a few folk had the bad taste to wear too much bling? That's an even trade off? Then there was the Lil Wayne debacle- talk about going well the hell outta your way to demean your own! And finally (if only), there's Tyler The Creator. For all the above- your blatant ignorance does not translate into our misinterpretation; if you do not know the baggage, weight and history of the tools you use, and the work you create- do not dare blame those that do!

Hopefully, the time will come when you gather the resolve to enlighten yourselves and act with some measure of responsibility, respect and dignity- and still challenge and break the boundaries of the powers that be (not work in their favor). Mandela, Malcolm, MLK- they weren't about the bling, they weren't about how much money they could make in their lifetime. They were about sacrifice, dedication, doing for those that couldn't- even Ali voluntarily gave it all up at the very height of his power... because it was the right thing to do. The concept of such self sacrifice would never dare enter your mind.

I know you are the product of a racist, third rate education system that had no real interest in your success. I realize the incredible odds you've overcome to get where you are. Obviously, you are people of certain talent, no one is denying that- but that doesn't give you license to spread ignorance and misogyny, all the while demeaning your own for the sake of profit, excuse me- "art."

If you can't hear what Dr. Boyce is saying, if your child sized ego can't differentiate constructive criticism from just plain "hatin'," it really shows just how long a road you have yet to travel...

Republicans Are Out Of Their Minds...

Out of their ever lovin'  minds... (except for the ones who actually orchestrate and propagate that madness) like evil genius extraordinaire Lee Atwater (Karl Rove's mentor- 'nuff said), who first incorporated the hordes of Evangelical Christians into the Republican fold- all the while mocking and ridiculing them behind their backs...

Out Of The Furnace- Worst Movie I (N)ever Saw

So I get free passes for a screening of an about to be Hollywood extravaganza called Out Of The Furnace. We wait on line, sign our names, their non disclosure forms, provide ID and personal info, and just before we enter, we're told we have to hand in our cell phones for which they will not be responsible. Confiscation is not in their literature. Mine's a cheap ass dumb phone but my wife balks at first with her iPhone before finally relenting.

•  All non-camera cell phones and pagers must be off or on silent mode during the screening.

• No audio or video recording devices will be allowed into the theater, including but not limited to camera phones and PDAs. If you attempt to use a recording device you will be removed from the theater immediately, forfeit the device and you may be subject to criminal and civil liability.

Then they inspect my bag... "Sorry you can't bring in a camera." I explain it's OK, that it's just a film camera. The female inspector hesitates, and then simply advises me not to take it out during the movie. I, of course, agree but a second guy interrupts, "Sorry, no electronics." I politely explain it's not "electronic," it's a film camera that can only takes stills. A third guy says, "Sorry, no electronics." I explain a little more slowly, with more enunciation and clarity in my voice that this is, in fact, a manual, film camera. "Sorry, no electronics of any kind." Now the kid's pissed! I take the camera out, show them, ask if they see an LCD screen anywhere. "We're just following rules- No Electronics!"

I switch tactics. I agree with all three that everyone should follow their rule, it's a very fine rule, one that should be followed by all, and for good reason; we just happened to get off on the wrong foot here- since clearly... This It Is Not an "Electronic!" "Sir, you cannot..." They continued their inane mantra, and by now the wife has retrieved our cell phones, grabbed me by my sleeve and is guiding me out the Exit door under the watchful eyes of security as I continue on about: still vs video, film vs digital, electronic vs...

Bullets, Guns And Fantasies...

After the recent shooting in the Colorado movie theater, there were hundreds, thousands, millions of postings from gun enthusiasts throughout the good ol' USA proudly proclaiming: how much safer we would all be if only more of us were strapped, how they could have personally saved everyone in that theater if only they were packing, how a trained, well armed and responsible citizenry could be easily counted on to reduce and negate any such occurrences from ever happening now and forever...

And despite this most blatant, blood red, proof positive that these idiots do not know what the hell they are talking about, they will continue to tout (and people will continue to believe) their moronic, self delusions as absolute truth- a truth every bit as accurate as these trained policemen's aim.

National Geographic Chases Its Own A**Hole

This Linda Hamilton look-a-like is supposed to somehow blind you into watching this pathetic program.

I don't have cable, but since everyone knows Nat Geo is a Grade A, serious class act- I just had to see the 2 hr. premiere of Nat Geo Chasing UFO'S last night. Luckily, I had a neighbor who would indulge my enthusiasm. Finally, we would be treated to a high tech, scientific, no bullshit, Nat Geo UFO Investigation Extravaganza!!! Yes, sir- everyone knows... Nat Geo does not fuck around!

I profusely apologized and left before the first hour was up. It was the same, very sad and very tired ghost searching, Bigfoot hunting in the dark and oh so scary woods exploitation formula. What was that? Did you hear that! Whoa! What the f... was that!? Did you see that? 

Yes- I have... A hundred, thousand times before- although never had I seen it from the likes of a supposedly reputable and fact based name brand. And name brand is all it was, and all it served to demean.

One eyewitness showed very clear video of a UFO (yes, that was exactly what it was- an Unidentified Flying Object) he shot from his backyard. Cool! Next stop- video analysis, right!? Certainly, with today's latest computer/digital technology they could at the very least determine if it was doctored- at the very, absolute least! Cut to commercial, and when the Linda Hamilton Terminator impersonator returns, she proclaims that they were instead... "Kickin' it old school" by investigating newspaper accounts in the local library, which in turn leads to an 1891 account of a meteor exploding locally and scattering fragments all over the neighborhood- which they then proceed to look for a hundred years later... at night!

That's right, this 'serious, in depth investigation' didn't even return to perform the most cursory digital examination of said video- and I was supposed to stay for another hour!?!?

Sarah Connor/Linda Hamilton- T2