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Total number of comments: 134 (since 2013-11-28 14:42:45)
Showing comments 134 - 101
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- 'Son of a Whore': Video Shows Israeli Troops Cheering After Shooting Unarmed Palestinian
I've seen this awful story a few places now .....what surprises me in each case is the lack of response from readers - wheres the outrage? Is it because people dont really care what happens to Palestinians or that they 'get what they deserve' , or is it a kind of self censorship - a fear that any comment will be seen as being anti Semitic?
- Why are only tinpot War Criminals Punished? What about the Architects of the Iraq War?
Janine Phillis 04/10/2018 at 6:36 pm
There is a direct line from the failure to prosecute the US ( and other complicit countries) for their war crimes and where we are today - with the militarization of police who act with impunity against an unarmed and vulnerable population exactly as their brothers in arms do on battlefields across the world, ready to violently suppress dissent at home as their leaders ( your leaders USA - the ones you elected) charge toward global war with $ signs in their eyes.
While its tempting to put all the blame on Bush, Blair and now Trump we should remember those who had the opportunity and the moral obligation ( if not legal) to call those criminals publicly to account - to cleanse that rot and ensure that it was clear to all - for all time- that what happened was not acceptable EVER - criminal acts for which they would be held to account. But that never happened , Obama was given a Peace prize for NOT being Bush and the US ' looked forward , not back' , not learning from its mistakes ....in fact not being forced to confront them at all.
I fear for the future , for my children and grandchildren . I still remember the promise of a better , more peaceful world - when the cold war ended and there were no more enemies - ok,fewer...it wasn't utopia but there was a promise.....
- Roof, Dear and Tashfeen Malik: 'Self-Radicalized,' 'Terrorism,' 'Lone Wolf' and Double Standards
"Is there a double standard in our public discourse here?" ....I almost doubled over with laughter ! Where is there not a double standard in US discourse and actions?
To borrow a saying from my mother the US "couldn't lie straight in bed" .
- The National Security State gets Real: 9 Ways the US is becoming Bizarro World
Janine 05/20/2015 at 7:20 pm
The list is grimly hilarious ..and yes, extremely predictable to just about anyone/everyone outside of the US.
The one consoling factor over years of US terror being that the USA will invariably 'reap what it sows' and /or Karma will come a knocking.
So then noone outside the US I think is terribly surprised to see that your cops look and act like your army abroad, and very few outside the US will be surprised - or maybe overly sorry - when your army cum police start shooting up wedding parties on your own turf.- exceptional indeed.
- We're all Iraqis now: How Bush's Wars Militarized Baltimore & Ferguson Police
Janine 05/06/2015 at 7:24 pm
The only surprising thing about the police violence in the US is how surprised people seem to be about it ...have they never heard that you reap what you sow. Welcome to Iraq, USA .
- What would Happen if the Int'l Criminal Court Indicted Israel's Netanyahu?
"Without US participation, the ICC is a clown car dispensing victors justice." ( Steven Smith)
You mean like the UN? ...oh no- that's like a clown car dispensing victors justice because the US is a member .
About time to restructure the Security Council and do away with the US veto.
- Israeli Gov't mocks 'Peace Talks' with announcement of 1200 New Squatter homes in Occupied Palestine
Janine 08/12/2013 at 6:57 pm
I'm always interested to see the comments in response to Israeli/Palestinian articles printed here.
There appears to be far fewer responses than to many other similar stories.
Is this really the case? and if it is what is driving this- lack of interest, self censorship, fear(of being labeled anti Semite)?
- Israel's District 9: Its Biggest Ethnic Cleansing since 1948
Janine 07/16/2013 at 8:31 pm
the same reason this article here has only attracted 9 responses....theres no interest and ....well, its Israel.
- US Drone Operator says, 'I became a sociopath', regrets 1626 Killings (Lest we forget)
Janine 06/20/2013 at 10:15 am
Did he really say he 'regrets 1626 killings' ?? I thought he said they were bad guys and they deserved to die ...sounded a bit sad for himself but 'regret' I'm not so sure. Maybe a bit more so if he were put in front of a court.
- We Misunderstood Barack: He only wanted the Domestic Surveillance to be Made Legal, not to End It
Janine 06/10/2013 at 1:00 am
I have to agree .
I've had to assume that the adoration ( and excuses) for Obama have come about because he appears so good compared to his predecessor ....but that was an extraordinarily low base line.
Is there any way to annul the Nobel Peace Prize ??
- Who's the Threat? Western Powers have invaded and Killed Millions of Muslims
Janine 05/27/2013 at 7:28 pm
You can talk about conflict driven by religious difference all you like but most of us -most of the time wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a Christian a Jew and a Muslim unless they offered the info themselves.
In the Balkans there were maybe two big differences as I remember it :
1) they were white Muslims
2) they were on our TV's
....I remember quite vividly the scenes of those starved half naked men behind wire ( and didn't it remind us of other images -another time we said would never happen again?)
- Why Obama doesn't want to intervene in Syria
Janine 05/02/2013 at 8:05 pm
You say that like it is not the norm for the US as well, the only real difference being that the US tend to project that force outwardly , and as you say the 'shows of force' ( that would actually be a rampaging global assault) has become very much 'enervating and exhausting'.
I would long for the day the US stops feeling the need to save us from the boogey men they have had a leading hand in creating but they'd just be replaced by the emerging 'strongman' from behind the bamboo curtain .....nothing new under the sun 🙁
- Top Ten Ways Islamic Law forbids Terrorism
Janine 04/17/2013 at 6:52 pm
Not entirely. Its not just coincidence that there's been a bombing in the US and we have a story about "Top Ten Ways Islamic Law forbids Terrorism". It still reinforces the link between acts of violence and Islam.
What we don't see are articles after every bombing by Christians ( including secular Christians ) trying to convince us that real Christians aren't violent and that such violence would be against Christian belief.
Fortunately there is media in other countries which is more mature and responsible.
- Israel at 65: Welcome to the Neighborhood (Map)
Janine 04/15/2013 at 7:17 pm
And that would be why there's no serious discussion [let alone action] re Palestinians and Israel .
- Iraq 10 Years Later: The Bitter Days Continue because Policy didn't put People First (Al-Sheemary)
Janine 03/23/2013 at 5:21 pm
Thankyou for this essay.
The USA has not learned anything - and will do it again as long as the country remains unpunished.
- Mission Accomplished: Iraq as America's biggest Blunder (Van Buren)
That is absolutely F*'n hilarious...really . Except of course for the part where even this guy who actually understands what a total arse-up the whole Iraq Invasion was still misses the key point - the 'punch line' isn't
"by invading Iraq, the U.S. did more to destabilize the Middle East than we could possibly have imagined at the time. And we — and so many others — will pay the price for it for a long, long time."
The real punchline is that the US used superior power to commit war crimes and go unpunished . That didn't just send a message to the Middle East - it sent a clear message to the whole world - and that is what we will all be paying the price for a very, very long time.
- "Argo" as Orientalism and why it Upsets Iranians
Janine 02/27/2013 at 5:07 pm
And right here is a good enough example of how the (US) media works in shaping your world view and distracting from the bigger/real issues.
63 comments discussing the relative merits of a Hollywood film compared to 2 in response to a previous article about the death of a Palestinian in Israeli custody.
If your biggest concern is whether or not you are getting your political & foreign policy history portrayed accurately in movies all I can say is you have much bigger problems.
- Climate Change is turning Australia Purple with Blazing Heat
Janine 01/08/2013 at 6:13 pm
And looking at that map you think thats where all the major CO2 emitters are based??? There is no 'justice' in the already struggling populations of Central Australian communities sweltering while the likes of Gina Rinehart and her BIG business buddies lap it up in their air conditioned coastal mansions. ( or more likely overseas ski resorts).
As usual it is those with the least power who suffer for the actions of others.
- Senate Wraps up Investigation of CIA Rights Abuses but You'll Likely Never See it (Currier)
Your 'dirty laundry' is not hidden - we ( the rest of the world) are very well aware of the crimes committed by the US - unfortunately there still are people experiencing those criminal acts.
Taking responsibility for those actions and punishing those responsible would not demonstrate a 'US capacity for exceptionalism' - but perhaps a well overdue rejection of that very flawed premise.
- Dear Democrats: If you do That you have to do This
Janine 09/07/2012 at 7:35 pm
"it is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths." ....Israel has proven to be word masters and the fact that this ONLY says the Jerusalem is an Israeli capital will not escape them in the slightest. The only thing that it leaves open to negotiation is how often and how many Palestinians will be allowed entry into the Israeli capital of Jerusalem .
- Is Obama more Klingon or more Vulcan? & Michael Dorn Pitches "Captain Worf"
Janine 09/04/2012 at 7:44 pm
Worrying - You all know entirely too much about Star Trek!
- Top Ten differences between White Terrorists and Others
"4 The family of a white terrorist is interviewed, weeping as they wonder where he went wrong. The families of other terrorists are almost never interviewed."
The family of other terrorists are terrified of becoming 'co accused' or being arrested for 'material support for terrorism' - they don't want to be interviewed - they want to hide and hope they don't get caught up in it too.
11. White terrorists are not summarily executed via drone strike . White terrorists plead guilty and get life in prison .
- If a Jammed Assault Rifle saved Lives, wouldn't no Assault Rifle?
Janine 07/22/2012 at 11:14 pm
Apparently in the US people kill people while in Iraq , Afghanistan Pakistan etc etc it is weapons that kill people ( Damn those smart bombs!) ...either way the solution is simple just don't let people and guns( weapons) mix - the result is nasty.
- Morsi Reaffirms Israel Peace Treaty to Clinton
Janine 07/16/2012 at 9:38 pm
You are so right - there is nothing 'secret' about it.
- Drone Questions for Americans (Jamiol Cartoon)
Janine 06/23/2012 at 7:26 pm
Only if you assume that those are US missiles or that the US is the only one who would use them .
US actions overseas have left the door open to any other country to go after US terrorists (Mr Bush right down to any of his civilian employee torturers ) with a drone strike.
- How Obama changed definition of 'civilian' in secret drone wars (Woods)
Janine 05/30/2012 at 7:00 pm
The term 'military aged males' is not new ...in Iraq the US frequently referred to 'Military aged males ' without being questioned .
It would probably be more to the point if someone asked how old is 'military aged' ( I'd bet its younger than 18 ) and would you apply those same rules 'at home' since the effect is painting a big target on their backs ??
- US Public Wants out of Afghanistan as 3 Western Troops Killed by Afghan Troops
Janine 03/27/2012 at 5:15 pm
I don't think they've learned anything.
The public ..'our public' are turning against these wars because 'our troops' are being killed. If it was only a case of the 'others' being killed - regardless of numbers ( and in some cases the more the merrier) 'our public' would still be happy as pigs.
Whats amazing ( to me at least) is how many people are surprised when Afghans kill US/NATO troops ..."How ungrateful" they cry, because of course if we had foreign troops conducting counterinsurgency ops on our soil we'd be behind them 100%.
- Why don't we have better Reporting on the Afghanistan Army? It is our Best Hope for Getting Out
Does the Afghan army need to be able to take over from the US/NATO....are their interests the same really? Is it so surprising that the ANA doesn't show quite the same level of enthusiasm for killing its own countrymen and US troops do?
And of course the Karzai government may well be intent on digging in and getting some powerful hardware - as would any puppet when the foreign power behind them pulls out ...I can't recall any sympathizers/collaborators who have been embraced with love by their peers once the occupier/protectors have gone home.
- Israel to Demolish Solar Energy panels for Palestinians
Janine 03/16/2012 at 5:45 pm
And if you really believe that is the same situation as depicted in the article then I'm probably wasting my time trying to explain otherwise. That said, lets give it one more try.
The US and Israel are both sovereign nations, they have laws and regulations about what is permissible which may include regulation over the installation of solar panels . If a citizen if either of those sovereign nations where to ( in this case) install solar panels without a permit then the authorities would be within their power to remove them.
Area C in the West Bank however is NOT in Israel - it is NOT part of Israels sovereign territory ...and that is where your parallel falls down.
- Israel's Atom Bomb Factory in 3D
Janine 03/15/2012 at 5:09 pm
And maybe that Nel comes close to the real explanation of why Israel has 400 nukes and also explains why such a little place has such a disproportionate amount of clout?
Its not as though we haven't all been told ,'never again' - a mad man with 400 nukes might make a few governments decide there are worse options.
- Afghans to US Military: Be at Least a Little Ashamed
Janine 03/12/2012 at 9:50 pm
It is a war of Ideas - bad ones .
- Khamenei Takes Control, Forbids Nuclear Bomb
Its very hard to believe that the US really views any other country as a military threat and yet here we seem to be ,again, moving inexorably towards ANOTHER war. Why?
Could it be that the real threat , the real reason for demonizing, perusing and fighting that 'other' is just a diversion - to unite and draw attention away from the real threat ..the one within your own borders and not so easily 'fixed' with precision guided weapons??
- Afro-Asia, Global South Reject Boycott of Iran
Janine 02/25/2012 at 5:55 pm
I see that we in the North West are not participating in the boycott ( YAY!!) just the sheep though the midlands and Lara Giddings in the south ..no surprises there - the sheep have always been opposed to trade with the middle east.
- Ring of Iranian Bases Threatens US
Janine 02/18/2012 at 6:44 pm
Manufacturing the right job for the wrong tool? ...you think there would be folk who would do something so duplicitous - that would end in "throwing good money, and good men and women and children, after bad."???
- Page: 1
Janine 02/18/2012 at 6:37 pm
Bill I don't know what kind of word game you're playing with your nit picking responses but its very boring.
The US has very large numbers of bases and troops (Assets) stationed in countries around Iran. I recon that if we were to do a quick survey of the troops there we would find two things:
1) they are well aware who the current bogey man is (IRAN)
2) which direction to fire their weapons when/if the order comes (IRAN)
If the positions were reversed the US would be fairly pissy and would be (rightly) wondering what Iran was up to.
Iran has even more justification for being a bit concerned ..there's been a lot of very threatening rhetoric and the US has an earned reputation for throwing its might around...
But of course this could all be wrong and it might just be the case that the US - having such a MASSIVE military has absolutely nowhere to put them and its just an innocent coincidence that large numbers of assets have ended up in the Middle East in the neighborhood of Iran. And I might be Mother Theresa.
- The Generals try to stop an Iran War
Janine 02/04/2012 at 1:52 am
Actually that should be : "oh boy another war. more dead women and children at the hands of young men who have the courage to fight a war but not to ask if they should - whose parents will rally round their Leader to demand vengeance and kill the "Other."
Janine 02/04/2012 at 1:49 am
OMG!! that is the scariest thing I've read ...and scarier still is that it doesn't sound like something so inconceivable given those in power.
'The underlying intent is to ratchet up the pressure on Iran to cave in'...what would that look like? I mean they keep saying that their nuclear program is non military , they have inspectors ...what would they have to do to remove the threat/s against them at this stage?
I suspect it just isn't possible - and not because of 'Iranian Nationalism' - they are being asked/confronted with proving a negative when the other side has already decided that everything they say is a lie.
We've been there before with Iraq but apparently that wont stop the same gambit from working again.
And that is what happens when countries are not held accountable for their crimes.
But surely targeting Iran's nuclear facilities does mean 'taking out' Iran itself ??...I mean noone really thinks that Iran - having had its nuclear facilities bombed ( and probably other sites ) would just sit back and say "ouch that hurt ...betta completely fold and throw myself on the tender mercies of the US and her allies"?
A more easily imagined response would be 'Ouch that hurt...see how you like it when its done to you' before firing off numerous missiles and ensuring the devastating war some seem to be thirsting after.
Who completely rebuilt the Iraqi infrastructure ??? I'm pretty sure the US just destroyed everything, said 'job done' and then handed over the mess.
And keep in mind the cost of the Iraq war was AFTER Iraq had already been severely degraded by decades of war and sanctions AND the majority in that country opposed the leaders.
As for the point made by JfL that we cant "reflexively assume that a bombing campaign will inevitably turn into a ground war" because we have the glowing example of Libya ( and yes there were ground troops ie special forces and no, we haven't heard the end of that adventure yet) ...well one would have to assume you'd be advocating a massive and extensive bombing campaign or there certainly would be a response and what then when you've bombed that country and destroyed its infrastructure ?
And the question would remain ...would Israel feel any safer with a damaged and unstable Iran in the region?
- Iran Hype undermined by Obama Administration Admissions
Janine 01/11/2012 at 6:54 pm
US 'hubris' might be a diplomatic way of putting it but I think its time to be honest and call it what it is - hypocrisy, lying and deceit.
Janine 01/11/2012 at 6:46 pm
And what kind of response would you suggest- I think we can guess how the US or Israel would respond - and it would result in the death of many innocents.
Personally I think it would be nice to see an article in a major news paper with a title like ..."No War - Iran showing remarkable restraint against deadly provocations"
Janine 01/11/2012 at 6:39 pm
'Israel is determined to maintain itself as the dominant regional power' ...( you could change Israel to US, and to a lesser extent - UK , France etc etc)
However , this line in its various forms is repeated often but doesn't make sense and isn't correct.
In the search for influence and maybe safety, these countries seek ( and achieve) Military Hardware Superiority - but nothing else.
I remember reading a quote somewhere ,sometime which went something like " when all you've got is a hammer every problem will look like a nail" - well, the the US has some big sledgehammers but whats it managed to make???
My point I guess is that Peace though Power is a well discredited illusion by now and it'd be nice if we could all grow up and move onto more positive models?
- Iraq's al-Maliki Seeks Arrest of Sunni VP as Terrorist, Parliament in Uproar
Janine 12/18/2011 at 6:59 am
Even if he was behind the bombing would that necessarily make him a terrorist? Are there no plain old political murders anymore?
- Obama/ Maliki Conflicts on the Future of Iraq
Janine 12/18/2011 at 4:28 pm
al-Maliki can't do anything, however it shouldn't be up to him to either . Surely it is the role of the UN to stop powerful and aggressive nations from rolling roughshod around the globe?
Will we ask sometime in the future how we got to this place where the world greatest aggressor OWNS the UN - the body set up to protect us from exactly that happening?
( and on the subject of the UN anyone know whose brilliant idea it was to have the Security Council?? - With veto powers??)
- No War Crimes Trial for Bush/Cheney, While Chirac Convicted on minor Fraud
Janine 12/17/2011 at 12:38 am
I've always thought it was pretty obviously to do with the color of your skin to be honest.
There never seems to be much trouble identifying torture and war crimes when its 'the others' doing it...noone ever suggested that the Rwandans should 'look forward ,not back'.
- Post-American Iraq by the Numbers
Janine 12/15/2011 at 3:33 am
Although I agree with the sentiment I just can't think its ever a good thing to quote Colin Powell - hes either a first class patsy , a sniveling liar or an absolute driveling idiot - either way its telling that he was a US General. Anyone who could stand up in front of the world and present the rubbish he did should not ever have been allowed near anything pointier than a cotton bud.
Seems like a bit of 'splitting hairs ' here.
"She made it quite clear that she was responding to the question of whether the effects of the sanctions were "worth it," not the claim about the number, which she explicitly clarified she didn't agree with." ...she thought the sanctions were 'worth it' in the full knowledge that they had resulted in the death of half a million babies?!
I don't think that can be shrugged of with a 'meh' - collateral damage.
- Israeli Ads against Marriage with American Jews are Part of a Population War
Janine 12/04/2011 at 2:08 am
Awesome!- less black and white sounds like a good thing 🙂
Hmmm, could we put in our order for the 'educated, enterprising and energetic ' ones now then and somewhere else can have the rude, racist, religious extremists ( and tell them not to come by boat- Australia's not keen on boat arrivals)
- Empire by the Numbers
Janine 11/26/2011 at 6:00 pm
Oh , please don't mention this - every time I hear mention of our new visitors I feel a bit sick. And 2500? ....I would bet my big fat arse that in no time there will be 10x that many ( and we'll still be wondering why that could possibly upset the Chinese)
- Likud Government takes Revenge on Palestinians for UNESCO Membership
Janine 11/02/2011 at 8:44 am
How embarrassing - I had hoped our pathetic government (Labor/Liberal- there's no difference) had at least abstained from the vote , but no, seems we are still playing the loyal 'Deputy Sheriff' . (cringe)
- UNESCO Palestine Vote Isolates US Further
Janine 11/02/2011 at 2:20 am
'IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A HOLE, STOP DIGGING."- Why?? this works very well for them - before they were building with no justification at all - now at least they have the pathetic reasoning that they are land stealing/building as 'punishment' - so its open and justified ?!*
So more apt in this case would be 'Change occurs when the cost of doing the same is greater than the cost of changing' ...and right now Israel is gaining land in the West Bank and loosing nothing.
- Wagging the Dog with Iran's Maxwell Smart
Janine 10/13/2011 at 6:20 pm
"Contain" ???? - they don't want to contain Iran they want to use Iran as a replacement for Iraq ....I mean do you really think the government wants a whole load of angry and unemployed soldiers wandering the streets??
Janine 10/13/2011 at 6:17 pm
How about as a distraction form the 'Palestinian State' which seems to be scaring the begeevers out of both the US and Israel ....and when military states get worried they do the only thing they know how - go to war.
- Al-`Awlaqi Should have been Tried in Absentia
Janine 10/03/2011 at 3:15 am
No, of course not ....and all those Special Forces types are trained to deliver deep muscle massage, Tai Chi and flowers.
In Europe ( and here in Australia for that matter) the Courts don't hand down death sentences but we have plenty of executioners on the payroll and just itching for some work.
Janine 10/01/2011 at 6:49 pm
Ha ha, see how far we have come - to a place where we debate whether or not its necessary for the trial before the execution .
Rest assured that as you wrestle with this thorny issue your government is working to ensure it doesn't arise again, secret courts to hear the secret evidence ending in a secret conviction and inevitable death sentence carried out and celebrated way too publicly.
What exactly did that guy do????- it must have been bad- it must have been truly heinous .......you trust the government that much??
- Helman: The Palestinians Seek UN Recognition
"As a deterrent, Israel has said that such a move would set back the peace process perhaps by years (although the press fails to report why Israel believes this need be so)." ...the same line is pushed by the US , but what does it mean?
Does it mean anything more than - 'it wont work because I'll make sure it doesn't' ???
- London Riots: Its the Economy, Stupid (Not a Clash of Civilizations)
Janine 08/10/2011 at 6:40 pm
yeah sure.....watch the vid - its a great look - not!
- Rebels claim Leader of Feared Khamis Brigade Dead
Janine 08/06/2011 at 7:39 am
everyone is probably way ahead of my understanding of this already but are the 'rebels' civilians or combatants or whatever? I thought the UN intervention was to prevent Gadaffi attacking civilians ( which seems perfectly right) but is that what these guys are?
- 32 Nations Recognize Free Libya
Be fair ....JP has just taken the quote above and applied to to the US
"Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made it clear that it took the US so long to take this step because Washington had been vetting the TNC leadership for signs it was actually committed to democratic elections and was free of radical Muslim tendencies."
Honestly, the suggestion that the US is capable of anything that is genuinely well thought out ( not just 'in the best interests of the US') is pretty laughable by itself - that they take it upon themselves to vet foreign powers , confer the power of leadership to groups in other sovereign nations, even recognize the signs of democracy ( having been so long since they practiced it themselves) - and finally well, yes they should be well versed in recognizing Muslim radicals by now having had so many years creating them 🙁
- The Audacity of the Gaza Flotilla
Janine 06/27/2011 at 8:31 am
And when/if they are criticized they haul out the old chestnut " the UN didn't act - the UN is useless......" rather than taking responsibility for their own selfish actions.
- Time to Begin Leaving Afghanistan
Janine 05/31/2011 at 8:50 pm
Thank goodness- I've been missing your comments 🙂 I was close to giving up on IC - so nauseating has been the War-Fanboy flag waving of late.
About the only thing I agree with JC on is that troops should leave Afghanistan, however unlike him I have never felt that war "morphed into something I could no longer support' - it was always a sh**ful idea - full of vengeance and little else.
Anyway, thanks for the very healthy cynicism.
- Obama right not to Release Usama Photo
Janine 05/06/2011 at 7:55 am
"Then, while Americans have forgotten all the horrible photos that came out of Abu Ghraib, of Iraqis being tortured and abused, the Muslim world has not."
Nor would I want my children seeing them -fortunately it is not about our children though - it is about children/families who are getting to see the results of the US military adventure first hand. For them photographs are just another proof of what they already know from first hand experience.
Janine 05/05/2011 at 5:17 pm
A very good example of setting the bar low . And if they were 'spat upon' then we could still say yes, 'but they weren't spat on twice'.
It is not - and has never been about the photographs/images of 'war pornography' as you put it - but rather the behavior those images depict. Change the behavior - photographs won't be a problem.
- Saif admits Qaddafis are Brutal Foreign Occupiers
Janine 04/19/2011 at 7:08 pm
And the 'military age' was interpreted to just about be any male between the cradle and the grave ( I think it was between 12 -60?) At any rate they were sent back into the city to be legitimatize targeted as 'fighters' ...because as the military spokesman patiently explained "anyone who stayed behind was a fighter'.
- Qaddafi Using Cluster bombs on Civilian Areas
Janine 04/16/2011 at 7:26 pm
Juan, could you please comment on the posts relating to US and UK ( especially) use of cluster bombs in built up areas and how that differs from Gaddafi using them?
- Questions for Glenn Greenwald on Libya and the end of NATO
That is not a moral high horse - USA is the biggest exporter of military hardware.
- Answer to Glenn Greenwald
Janine 04/01/2011 at 12:11 am
You betcha! Its not oil or even military adventurism, that stirs up the electorate but Immigration - particularly Refugees. No government wants the human flotsam of another countries crisis washing up on their doorstep and ruining their chances of reelection.
Much better to 'fight to make it safe' for them to stay where they are - or to send them back to. Though in this case 'safe' is a a very subjective term especially when they're sent back to a country where our troops are still fighting
(and dying) ..hardly what I'd think of as safe.
Janine 03/31/2011 at 8:23 pm
That's not about the war ('morphing') then its about personal realization. If they lied last time why would we assume they won't/aren't lying again?
"...Afghanistan, which has morphed into a war I can't support."
What does it take for a war to 'morph' into something you can't support? At what point did that happen in Afghanistan?
- Obama on Libya vs. Trump, Palin, Bachmann, Romney, Gingrich and Carrot Top
Janine 03/30/2011 at 9:28 am
Maybe a little to do with population as well - Iraq ( population 31 Million ) didn't seem to go real well , Afghanistan - land of Poppies,Donkeys and Mud Huts ( population 29 million) also seems a bit ....'impractical' in retrospect - whereas Libya has a population of only 6.5 million - that's gotta be a more 'practical intervention' ,right??
Janine 03/30/2011 at 9:09 am
'The United States reported a trade deficit equivalent to 46.3 Billion USD in January of 2011'
..America is not 'going bankrupt' and at this stage another $600 million per week isn't going to make a hell of a lot of difference.
Janine 03/30/2011 at 8:58 am
Because then the very powerful military industries which have been doing very well thank you will not do so well- peace ...or even 'sitting this one out' is not good for their bottom line so you will continue as before 'bomb- wring hands- bomb'.
Amazing social conditioning ...a few( too many) years of "Cammo is cool, Bombing is 'surgical' , collateral damage is 'their' fault -patriots don't ask questions -SUPPORT THE TROOPS' claptrap ...it works ,obviously, since now anyone with an ounce of caring and humanity( apparently) is behind the 'Killing for Peace' push.
You would think that if there are so many smart people designing smart weapons there would have to also be at least on or two mildly clever people who could design a blueprint for Peace...how to live harmoniously as Good Global Neighbors?
- An Open Letter to the Left on Libya
Janine 03/28/2011 at 6:49 pm
Or Maybe it's because he's incredibly frustrated.....whatever the case I'm sure from reading the Professors comments in the past he can manage in a bitch fight without your help.
I prefer a non interventionist approach myself - but I'm a leftie liberal pacifist christian vegetarian.
Janine 03/28/2011 at 9:18 am
Bombs are not free. War is a big industry - one of the big US exports ....with things so dreary you should be happy someone is drumming up trade.
& I can't agree with the sentiment of your last paragraph enough - yes, please go home and stop looking after us 🙂
Janine 03/28/2011 at 9:12 am
think less about merit and more about business - not oil - the US other big export WAR ...its like the goose that lays the golden egg.
Janine 03/28/2011 at 9:00 am
What is 'generally pacifist'? ...similar to 'mostly vegetarian' and 'virtually a virgin'????
- It's Official: Tunisia Now Freer than the U.S.
Its common to refer to our diminishing rights as being "whittled away" - it allows us to claim ignorance - when in fact our rights were not taken, encroached ,abrogated or whittled away & certainly not by some big scary bogey man in a Dark Suit ......we just gave them up - a little at a time with none to blame but ourselves.
Since we haven't had the guts to protect the rights we HAD it'll be interesting to see how we fare trying to get some back - I think we could take more than a few lessons from the ME.
- Mubarak Defies a Humiliated America, Emulating Netanyahu
While I recognize and really enjoy the passion of your article you and the majority of your very supportive posters are so oblivious to your overwhelming sense of exceptionalsism that you can't see how distorted your view of the world and the US place and role in that really is.
Your whole commentary is so 'US Wierd' its hard to know where to start but lets try with the title .."Mubarak Defies a Humiliated America, Emulating Netanyahu":
-foreign leaders obviously acting on their own vrs a united America??
-"Humiliated America" ...I dont think so , maybe 'humiliated Obama' 'humiliated foreign office' America is not humiliated- 'America' has another issue entirely.
-'emulating Netanyahu' ..and that'd be because Bibi's not doing what hes told ...in fact saying something much more like "f*ck U" ?? Where's that attitude come from- I always thought that was what the US prided itself on saying to the rest of the world.
Foreign leaders aren't suddenly going crazy - nothings changing - Government , regardless of where it is , and the 'Elites' who back them and profit through that power are exactly the same everywhere including the USA. Just think on the last line in the article:
"We are only one step away of being treated, with "protest zones" and "Patriot Acts" just as badly as the peaceful Egyptian protesters have been." The Egyptian army said it won't fire on the protesters do you believe the US army would not fire on its own citizens - are you one step away or one step past?
Starting wars and killing people ......so where does that leave GW and Obama on the rankings??
- Aljazeera's Leaks Reveal Sham 'Peace Process,' Israeli Stonewalling
Janine 01/24/2011 at 6:14 pm
Obama offered to veto 'unpleasant' UNSC votes as part of a deal ...Israel refused the offer since it was nothing the US doesn't already do for nix.
- No News is Good News (for Them)
Janine 01/18/2011 at 5:55 pm
I think the problem stems from this belief .."the world's most powerful country" [and variations of]
If you are the 'worlds most powerful', 'the only superpower', 'the greatest nation on earth' then why would you need to bother with anything else?
Its really not good if you start believing your own propaganda ...some little countries will start doing things you don't know about (until after) and others will start kicking your butt - and you won't know where they hell they came from...and while you're putting down those minor insurrections(with the greatest military the world has ever seen) the worlds other "greatest superpower" ( the one that's been buying your country) will move in and take over your shop and put up a sign that reads " Made in China".
- New Wikileaks: US Knew Tunisian Gov. Rotten Corrupt, Supported Ben Ali Anyway
Janine 01/16/2011 at 9:46 pm
Adam, I find myself agreeing with everything you've written - right up to the point where you see the US as a follower , not a leader...
"After a half-century of sidling up beside torturers and murderers is anyone truly surprised that the United States is now known for practicing torture?"
Unfortunately the US hasn't been 'learning' torture and abuse by 'hanging around with the wrong crowd' as it were - the US has been practicing torture and abuse since the beginning and has exported it to other countries via their military and covert ops. (not to mention the wonderful role model the Prison system continues to be )
The US behavior in this regard has added to an environment which normalizes such practices.
That you haven't noticed any of this before now is just an indication of how bad the stink has become.
Janine 01/16/2011 at 6:29 pm
It is that 'slack' in systems which make them inherently unstable. In politics its the purpose of the 'opposition'- the party not in government to address this 'slack' by drawing attention to it when it becomes too pronounced - that's how the system is kept in trim.[in Australia small Parties hold a balance of power and "keep the bastards honest' ..or at least try] When there is no real opposition there's no checks to put the system back into trim and eventually the whole tears itself apart.
Theres a couple of other posts which ask the same question re Egypt and the US...the same applies to all systems - when they are not balanced they tear themselves apart - -often the drastic actions taken to 'correct' the imbalance at that stage only serve to make it worse - its not a matter of 'if' its just 'when'.
- Over 9,000 Murders by Gun in US; 39 in UK
Janine 01/15/2011 at 5:56 pm
Maybe no 'gun culture' then but guns + culture ...= America??
Perhaps there might be more similarity in gun related deaths between America and Israel??
Janine 01/14/2011 at 7:13 pm
Something which has always seemed interesting to me since the US is so very fond of guns is the way they are apparently viewed by the US military as they deliver democracy and freedom to families in the ME as evidence that those with them are in fact 'terrorists/insurgents/anti government fighters'.
The 'logic' seems to be something like - 'Gun + US American = Good , Gun + anyone else = Bad, Gun + brown skin = kill on sight"
Janine 01/14/2011 at 7:05 pm
You have to be joking!? Guns vrs cars ...that you can't see the absolute difference in design/use/function is frightening ( and to 'outsiders' quite "American")
But for you I will explain the fundamental problem with your analogy ...
Cars are for transporting people and goods from a to b. Cars are sometimes involved in people deaths - almost always the result of accident - I have never heard of a case where a would be murderer went out and purchased a car in order to kill someone with it. Cars replaced the horse and cart as a more efficient means of transport.
Guns are designed for killing people. They are also used for hunting and target practice but they were developed and are primarily used to kill people.There is an argument that goes "guns don't kill people , people kill people" ...this is true but fails to add the obvious point that people with guns kill people- more efficiently (after all that's what they were designed for). Guns replaced the bow and arrow as a more efficient means of killing people in war.
"Guns are not causal to the committing of crimes." No, not to 'committing crimes" but there certainly has to be a direct correlation between the use of a gun in a crime and the likelihood of someone being injured/killed by that gun. And that increases in a mass killing/shooting - minus the gun = less death/injury.
- White Terrorism
Aren't those arguments AGAINST the Terrorist label rather than for? 'Terrorist' is an overused term - to the point now it realistically means little more than 'other'.
Better to call a spade a spade - it was murder - hes a murderer.
- Iran's Oily Revenge on US Drivers, US Troops
Janine 01/06/2011 at 5:27 pm
"President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad must enjoy sticking the West with this winter's high prices, as a little revenge for the sanctions.
Another petty act of revenge has to do with his blockage of petroleum trucks from entering into Afghanistan."
These actually look like measured responses to pretty vengeful [unwarranted] sanctions imposed by the US on Iran.
How else would you have Iran respond Juan?
- Wikileaks: Israelis 'Intend to Keep the Gazan Economy on the Brink of Collapse'
Janine 01/05/2011 at 6:08 pm
"There must be a special place in hell…" fortunately God is infinitely more compassionate and forgiving than us, so since we can't sit back and wait for some kind of Divine comeuppance I have to ask "What can we do?"
- Iraq has a Government: Can we Please Come Home Now?
Janine 12/22/2010 at 4:48 pm
What does : "Iraq has been Lebanonized" mean & was/is it deliberate?
- Egypt: Israel's Nukes Destabilizing to Region (Wikileaks)
Janine 12/15/2010 at 9:52 pm
I always assumed that was a deliberate Israeli maneuver to test their control over foreign media - obviously total since they immediately returned to the old 'alleged' 'rumored' 'unconfirmed' BS.
- Karzai Wishes he had Joined Taliban
Janine 12/14/2010 at 11:44 pm
Often these stories /talk backs seem to reflect a sentiment pretty close to 'damn those ungrateful bastards" . Almost as though the US/Nato was actually invited there in the first place- weird that the locals would be so ungrateful for the death and destruction delivered to their very doorstep.
- Obama Should Let the UN apply Economic Sanctions to Israel
Janine 12/10/2010 at 7:04 pm
Why would you bag out the UN??
I would really like to understand how anyone thinks the 'UN' could act any way other than how its member states direct? ...I mean its a vast committee isn't it? All it really does is reflect the imbalance of power and skewed politics which exist in the world, and which are exerted most overtly by those voting members of the Security Council - the US key amongst them ....surely??
Janine 12/10/2010 at 6:55 pm
Wow Adam - you managed to read a lot into 4 lines! But words are important and are very open to interpretation.
That said could you please explain how Israel would not be a 'Middle Eastern' country ...or how it would be 'European' because I'm pretty sure its in the Middle East not Europe?
- Israelis Jettison Peace Talks in Favor of Massive Land Theft; Brazil, Argentina Recognize Palestinian State
Janine 12/09/2010 at 5:12 pm
Exactly how long is a reasonable amount of time for negotiations???
I think its absurd how the negotiations clock gets reset every time a new US or Israeli leader steps in - The 'Middle East Peace Process' has been going on longer than I can remember - since 1948 in one form or another and with various levels of seriousness and fluctuating levels of background/outright violence.
Time to step back and butt right out - they will find a peace one way or another- & Israel can finally settle in as a Middle Eastern country [which it is] and not a Western [US] satellite.
And we could all get on to marveling about how wonderful peace is ????
- Wikileaks and the New McCarthyism: Maybe we Just Need a More Open Government
for some little while now I've wondered if you've gone a little Rocky Horror Show & taken " a step to the right" ??? Anyway, with that in mind I shouldn't be too surprised that you 'disapprove' of the Wikileaks (tsk tsk ), and I wouldn't have bothered posting except that I think you are just sooooooooo wrong in your analysis and trite dismissal ...."I feel about Wikileaks the way I feel about Ben & Jerry's ice cream as a perpetual dieter. I wish they wouldn't make it, but when I have a bowl, I have to say I really enjoy it."
- its just about free speech isn't it , you don't think its illegal ( yet) ? So do you really think .."I feel about free speech the way I feel about Ben & Jerry's ice cream as a perpetual dieter. I wish they wouldn't make it, but when I have a bowl, I have to say I really enjoy it."????
I think what Wikileaks has done is open a window on the lies and connivance's behind the crimes - what we are seeing in response is governments deciding to slam that shut again in a way that will make the search for truth and accountability - an honest reckoning of the past and map for our future impossible - scary and even illegal.
I would have supposed that as a contemporary historian you would particularly have felt a strong need to protect against closed government , against making knowing a crime.
- Looking for PETN, Scanning Grandma at the Airport, and the Future of Air Travel
Janine 11/22/2010 at 9:01 pm
"But if al-Qaeda and its sympathizers could manage to blow up only a few airliners with PETN, they could have a significant negative effect on the economy and could very possibly drive some American airlines into bankruptcy." ....I'm surprised that you haven't noticed but Mr bin Laden has already succeeded beyond his wildest dreams...it is not just the American airlines which are flying toward bankruptcy but the whole USA. And I might add he would never have been so successful except for the enthusiastic help of American politicians ( whatever ilk) and the entire cast of the USA who have been as happy to throw away their rights as they have been to drop millions and millions of dollars in bombs on people they don't know...well done!!
- Could Wikileaks leave Iraq without a Government?
Janine 10/25/2010 at 12:04 am
No one is being damaged by Wikileaks or the documents -thats the same sort of false rationale we hear too often from the US military/government ... they are being damaged by their own behaviour as evidenced by the documents.
Anyway ,what does it say if he is allowed to continue forming government ?? Don't we want democracy and justice for the Iraqi people ...isn't that why Saddam was put on trial and hanged?
- Will Resumption of Israeli Colonization of West Bank End the Two State Solution?
I really wish it were that people are 'wising up'to the manouvers of the Israel but I dont think thats it. There was a time when (if pressed) they would find a pretence for their abusive treatment of the Palestinians ...they enacted laws which provided cover for them and us.
However, Israel has become so blatant in its excess and exeptionalism that it just can't be ignored anymore. They have got to the stage that they just dont care what 'we' think anymore - they know from years of experience that they will get their way - powers that be will cover their asses.
The Palestinians have very little to bargain with and the US routinley quashes even that - having been forced into negotiations 'with no preconditions' (like hell!) there was never anything to stop the Israelis continuing with building or anything else they might want.
Its sad and humiliating to watch the whole charade - especially to know that we're part of it - Abbas should pack up while hes still got a little pride left.
- Rumsfeld, Bush and the Supreme War Crime
Janine 09/24/2010 at 8:40 pm
"That the United States has failed to come to terms with its war crimes in Iraq only sets us up for a repeat performance." - it should not be up to the USA to 'come to terms' with its war crimes - it had demonstrated previously that it is unable/unwilling to do so.
" For a nation that lives by laws and the esteem of allies to act like an outlaw will ultimately undermine its own foundation." - you obviously have a differnt persepective than I . The USA ( as above) has committed war crimes previously demonstrating a total disregard for 'laws' . Though I will say the USA has been very quick quoting and applying the same laws to others ( looks alot like double standards)
"It is like playing golf in a bathroom– you're going to end up with a lot of self-inflicted bruises." - this line perhaps sums up the whole underlying problem. The implication that its all about the USA ...wow- you'll end up with 'alot of self inflicted bruises'. Its NOT like playing golf in the bathroom - its like giving kinder kids guns - a whole lot of OTHER people are going to get killed.
Janine 09/24/2010 at 8:27 pm
That quaint notion of 'Rule of Law' is all that holds civilisation together ...just because you can't reach that lofty ideal ( its not really) or impinges on your ability to wage war the way you might like - doesn't mean its outdated or wrong.
In fact that is the evidence that it is very much needed - what is lacking is the will and ability to strive to enforce it - equally and consistantly.
- Obama dismisses Iran War Prospects, overrules Clinton
Janine 09/21/2010 at 3:21 am
And you would listen to a thing that man uttered this time round because he "seems determined to redeem himself" - hes' either a liar or an idiot - maybe even both.
- 50 Dead, 128 wounded in Iraq Attacks
Janine 09/20/2010 at 8:43 pm
I'm sorry what was that last little bit....."small war crime"??????
- Amnesty: 30,000 Held in Iraq without Due Process;
Evidence of Abuse
Janine 09/14/2010 at 8:19 pm
I thoroughly agree except 'treated' should be 'treat' ..... it isn't over yet.
- Top Ways 9/11 Broke Islamic Law
Janine 09/12/2010 at 8:37 am
....see what I mean- now you have a whole lot of talkback about about this religion vrs that religion + terror , big in there being discussion of 'Islamic Terror' . It doesn't help.
Language Matters-
Headlines ( and stories) like "Top Ways 9/11 Broke Islamic Law"are not all that helpful in separating peoples perceptions of the Twin Towers attack from being a Muslim/Islamic attack, in fact every time you link the two things ( positively or negatively) it reinforces this connection.
( if we had 9 years of 'Christian Extremist' stories people would be avoiding churches )
It would be more helpful if you were to have an article "Top ways 9/11 Broke International Law" and then continue the story referring to the perpetrators as what they are - criminals, attackers,murderers.
- Top Stories More Important than Quran-Burning Nut Job
Janine 09/11/2010 at 1:06 am
"There is no doubt that American soldiers have killed innocent Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they don't shout "In the name of Christ" or "Christ is great!" while they do it." - No , thank goodness they are acting purely out of - what exactly? Greed ( they all get paid) Revenge ( many have been quoted as saying they signed up after 9/11) or perhaps with no motivation at all exept than to follow orders - thats just soooooo much better?!
"Imagine if, in the leaked video of Apache helicopters gunning down Iraqis, the gunners had been chanting about the grapes of wrath and God's swift sword." ...No instead we heard them laughing and chattering away like a bunch of adolescent schoolboy bullies - nice.
Janine 09/10/2010 at 9:05 pm
Isn't this just a natural outcome of the totally unquestioning support demanded for 'our troops' - where any questioning is immediately equated with a lack of patriotism or worse.? Along with Rules of Engagement which sentence civilians to death for making the troops nervous (they can shoot if they feel 'threatened'???? they're soldiers FFS!)
In such a protected environment its a natural development that the boundaries will be pushed ...a little at a time until you just can't hide what they've become.
Don't be so surprised ...do you recognise your government anymore - same deal.
- The Invisible Deluge in Pakistan (Cole in Tomdispatch)
Janine 09/09/2010 at 7:07 pm
Perhaps the hypocrisy of USA groups organizing aid for a county which is currently being demonized and bombed by their own government would just be too much....or put more simply maybe Americans don't want to waste their money on saving people their tax dollars are going to be spent on killing anyway.
- They used to Burn Catholic Churches, now they Burn Mosques
Janine 09/09/2010 at 7:39 pm
Most Americans might be indifferent to this story, and I'm sure most Iranians also think their economy is the biggest issues there however I believe you are wrong.
The way your country is viewed by the rest of the world will ultimately make or break your economy. Put simply - if you were an employer would you give a job to the Dove Church Pastor ? Right now his is the voice of the USA around the world -a country currently known for two very nasty wars+++ and Guantanamo Bay- other countries might get a bit shy about doing business with what appears to be such a big mouthed bully.
(+ it might also not be news there but we have all noticed USA bringing their own special brand of freedom and democracy to other countries as well)
- Iraqi Soldier Kills 2 Americans, Wounds 9
I was wondering a similar thing.
The article has so little detail ...there is always some background as though there must be some recent incident/personal link /hidden terrorist leaning as though it is the only way to explain why one of the natives would go mad and shoot the good guys.
I wonder how many US troops have not been killed because the Iraqi was able to swallow their pride ......again.
- 'Burn the Qur'an Day' Endangers US Troops: Petraeus
Actually, I think its much more likely to endanger unarmed ,very upset Afghani civilians than heavily armed and always very nervous American troops.....but I don't suppose that'd worry the good Christian folk @ the Dove Outreach Center.
Doesn't the USA have any 'Hate Speech ' or 'Racial Vilification ' laws ???...& yes, I know it's religion not race..this time, but surely stirring up such hatred is covered by some kind of law?
- Iraqi Military Acts Swiftly to Avert Minibus Bombing at Rusafa HQ
Janine 09/06/2010 at 7:39 pm
Have I missed something or is this a private argument?? I can't see anything in Christiane's post about the US State Department or the US as a 'Superpower" ??? But for what its worth I don't think we'll have to wait a century for that jaunt to end - in fact does anyone else use USA and Superpower in the same sentence anymore?
- Republican National Committee Slashes New York Muslim Cabbie
Janine 08/26/2010 at 10:25 am
"I repeat that it is the Gingrich's and Lazio's (and Malkins) who created the atmosphere in which this kind of incident occurs." ...Did they? or did they merely give voice to the dark thoughts of (too) many which were already there just waiting for the first person to to utter it aloud - to give it legitimacy ?
Looks like the closet racists are 'coming out' ...wonder what that parade will look like.
- Dear Rev. Graham: Obama was not born a Muslim and neither is anyone else
As a parent used to dealing with childish arguments I think the correct response to claims Obama is a Muslim is ...."and so???" (vacant look, turn back and engage in other activity/conversation)
Any other response gives credibility to the the notion of the (bad) 'other' ....a group to whom we must (actively) prove we don't belong thus demonstrating their 'differentness'/'otherness'.
Don't buy into it.
- Israeli and Lebanese Armies Trade Fire; at least 4 Dead
Janine 08/04/2010 at 7:30 pm
Why not? They would respond the way they have been trained to .....soldiers think with weapons.
- US Military Mission in Iraq ends not with a Bang but a Whimper
Janine 08/03/2010 at 7:43 am
"Now if only the Afghan parliament would negotiate a similar SOFA for that country, and the other war could be wound down as well."
Why is the onus on counties invaded by the USA such as Iraq & Afghanistan to negotiate a SOFA to give that same invading force a face saving pass out? ....Doesn't that just demonstrate the absolute moral bankruptcy of the whole venture, like " We are really tired of destroying your country now because you are just sooooo ungrateful but before we go you must thank us profusely and ask us very...... very nicely"
And did the Iraqis gain anything at all from being 'saved' from the tyranny of Saddam?
- War is Theft: Pentagon cannot account for $8.6 Billion of Iraq's Reconstruction Funds
Janine 07/29/2010 at 2:34 am
Iraqis should reimburse the USA for bombs dropped on their homes, bullets used to kill their families?
janine 07/28/2010 at 9:29 pm
You thought the Iraqis were going to pay for the destruction USA wreaked on their country? - all the USA should be getting is a bill for war reparations.
- Repubs Plot Israel-Iran Apocalypse and the Collapse of the US Economy
janine 07/25/2010 at 4:10 am
Do you think that will stop them- I don't think they ask permission very much and care less what the response is?
- Israeli Court Punishes Palestinian-Israeli for Passing
Janine 07/22/2010 at 8:35 pm
It doesn't look racist , the application of this (ridiculous) law in this situation is racist.
I would like to know if she clearly asked him if he was Jewish or not ( I don't think she did - just assumed from the name).
For this law to NOT be racist it would also have to be equally applied to all those other common little deceptions like :
suit and tie- appears to have money/job
no ring- unmarried
nice smile- must be a nice guy
not drooling - must be intelligent
And what would a law like this do to 'consent'? - wow, glad I'm not teaching safe sex there.
- Advice for General Petraeus on the Rules of Engagement:
It's Neither/Nor, Not Either/Or
Janine 07/20/2010 at 6:48 am
Don't say stuff like that- if they stop doing Counterinsurgency they will start doing Full Spectrum Warfare (or whatever ridiculous title overwhelming killingpower has these days).
Lets just hope that USA rides the Military Machine onto the scrapheap of Empire BEFORE too many more (tens/hundreds of) thousands of lives are so thoughtless and needlessly destroyed.
- Palin on the Ground Zero Mosque vs. the Founding Fathers
Janine 07/19/2010 at 7:26 pm
Perhaps while were on the topic of language - its use and abuse perhaps we could start to reign in some of the - well, quite sensational and provocative language that has become so commonplace but goes to show that maybe we're all often guilty of speaking without thinking first.
A fine example has appeared numerous times in these feedbacks- 'Ground Zero' ........actually the site of the Twin Towers attack . Think about the connotations of this title and how it might sound to people in other countries perhaps which have suffered far worse attacks - catastrophes. What does this phrases use say about how the user views their place in the world?
Janine 07/19/2010 at 3:38 am
V.Good 🙂
Much funnier though if there wasn't the ever lingering fear that this woman ( and/or others of her ilk) are influencing USA politics and could one day be President - kinda wipes the smile off your face eh?
- Abbas: Israeli Colonization Impedes Start of Direct Talks
Janine 07/13/2010 at 2:05 am
Good luck with that though I'm pretty sure ( and sad) that you could safely write the words "Greater Israel" across the map now and save yourself the trouble of updating down the track.
As for SA I'm pretty sure they had plenty of people from both inside and outside the country making some unmistakable 'red flag statements' which contributed greatly to the time when "the politicians instead chose life, and the soldiers and fighters stood down."
- June Deadliest Month for NATO in Afghanistan;
Congress cuts Civilian Aid by $4 bn.
Also, the 'cost overruns' etc that you describe are blackmail pure and simple .....you want the job done/finished so you pay. To anyone looking at this system of deliberate under quoting , bonuses ( for actually delivering what is agreed!) ,and extra charges to cover 'cost overruns' to would clearly be corrupt.
janine 07/01/2010 at 8:06 pm
Yes, it would be very nice if someone could explain to me the difference between 'tipping' - which appears to me to be pretty compulsory ( at least in the USA) and a bribe ..is it to do with timing - one paid prior to service delivery the other after, or is it just dependent on who is telling the tale?
- Obama's MacArthur Moment? McChrystal Disses Biden
Janine 06/22/2010 at 8:40 pm
Maybe McChrystal is looking for a future move into politics......I get the feeling there's plenty of ex military types who recon they know just what the USA ( and the rest of us who have to share Earth too) need, and they'd have plenty of backing.
- Petraeus Memo Widens scope of US Military Covert Operations in ME
Janine 05/25/2010 at 10:14 pm
Thank goodness- I was wondering if I was the only one who had noticed. I've been in 'Shock and Awe' as a result of things which have in the past/ and continue to take place in the USA for years.
The atrocious laws , attitudes towards your own citizens - the way the most vulnerable are treated/disregarded.... None of what has happened in the last decade ( since September 11) should be a surprise to anyone as it is merely a more visible continuation of what was happening before.
If you didn't complain then I think it may be too late now - look to your poor and disenfranchised - its where the future is.
- Why Economic Sanctions on Iran will Fail
Janine 04/19/2010 at 5:33 pm
this should be turned into an online competition or something ...it might even get some people thinking...asking...
Iran is our arch enemy because ........it's easy to spell.
Iran is our arch enemy because........we can't find Nauru.
Iran is our arch enemy because........all the other crazy, gun totting, lunatics are on our side.
I'm sure there are some good ones clever people 😉
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text:
Many airlines charge expensive fees that make the costs of flying too high for some travelers. Airline fees can add significant costs to your ticket price. Therefore, airlines should be more transparent in the costs of tickets - reducing the amount of fees charged to flyers. In short, airline fees are too high.
It is the airlines fault, you should not have to cancel and rebook a ticket to change a name, it should just be editing an item on a database, and does not and should not require canceling and rebooking of tickets this is just an excuse to charge money for old rope. Why doesn't Ryanair simply charge people a £1million "administration fee"? It is simply not the case that, having entered into a contract, a business can then simply charge anything they like in "administration fees"... This is the reason banks have severely curtailed the eye-watering fees they once used to whack people with and also the reason card charges (effectively a form of 'admin fee') have reduced dramatically. The fee has to bear some reality to the actual costs incurred. The trouble is that because the law is stacked in favor of business and not consumers, such outrageous "administration fees" can only be challenged retrospectively, by which time the customer has risked losing the goods or services they paid for. What is needed is for criminal laws, rather than civil ones, to be applied, so that when a business attempts to bully and shake down a customer for an innocent mistake in this way, the Police deal with them as severely and swiftly as they would any other common fraudster.
The fees airlines charge for changing travelplans or changing the name on a ticket are utterly ridiculous and impossible to justify, especially when they do everything possible to avoid printing tickets and place that burden on the consumer. In an age with airlines making record profits thanks in poart to low fueel prices, their profits will grow even higher at the expense of the traveler.
We pay so much at the airport due to gas prices and TSA. TSA is kind of useless we learned after the events here in Miami. Gas is a cost of doing business and needs to go into the ticket price. I think this guess was being ridiculous but also smart.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ABC Online wrote:RAA road safety manager Charles Mountain said under current penalties, drivers receive a $437 fine for running a red light while a cyclist is charged just $54 for the same offence.
He said the disparity between the penalties needed to be addressed.
"The potential for both of those instances is for a serious outcome, so in those cases there does need to be a much closer alignment between the fines for cyclists and drivers," he said.
"The fines are very low by comparison to a similar fine for a motorist and same sort of thing using a mobile phone."
See this thread [url=http://bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=87399]SA cyclist beat-up by The Advertiser[url] for more


text:
Boiler tube maintenance is a time-consuming process for many industries dependent upon extensive heating and cooling technologies. Some boilers contain thousands of boiler tube bends that must be separated, inspected and, where necessary, replaced to ensure energy efficiency while preventing downtime. Industries affected by this issue include mining and energy, primary processing and manufacture, oil and gas processing as well as food, beverage and chemical industries.
The inflatable Pronal flexible lifting cushions from Air Springs Supply are used to part the pipes to replace defective components during programmed maintenance to maintain optimum system reliability.
In a specific instance, Pronal cushions measuring 1020mm x 320m and exerting up to 24 tons of initial force at a maximum of 7 bar were quickly deployed to repair in-service problems in boilers, each incorporating extensive piping with 2000 bends. Routine maintenance established that at least 10% of the bends needed replacement. This major undertaking benefitted greatly from the increased efficiency and safety delivered by the Pronal cushions.
According to National Sales and Marketing Manager of Air Springs Supply, Mr James Maslin, the work simply involved inserting the Pronal bag in between the bends and inflating them to smoothly open up the gap required. Once inflated, maintenance staff inserted padding to secure the gap for safety, and went about their work. The new operation was completed with more safety and in about 20% of the time required previously.
Mr Maslin says the highly diversified range of lifting cushions provides an easily transported and cost-efficient alternative to hydraulic actuation and craneage across a wide range of industries.
The flexible lifting bags are used to perform various mechanical functions such as pushing, pressing, guiding, clamping, blocking, damping, lifting, moving, wedging and materials handling. Since they have no sliding seals, the lifting bags are ideal for high reliability applications in lightweight process lines or for mobile operations in construction, engineering, mining and maintenance.
Key features of Pronal flexible lifting bags:
- Manufactured from plastomer and elastomer coated fabrics vulcanized in a vacuum at 140ºC
- Designed for loads up to 70 tons to perform various mechanical functions
- Easy to integrate into mechanical systems such as presses, moulds, conveyors, handling robots, lifting tables and other machinery
- Compact when deflated for easy transport and storage
- Reduced overall dimensions allow use where small gaps (down to 20mm) are required
- Very easy to adapt to tasks, requiring minimal setup
- No costly additional equipment required where standard factory air or mobile compressed air is available
- Available in standard square and rectangular shapes (100 to 1000mm side dimension), one or more stages, and up to 7 bar inflation pressure (12 models)
- Customised rectangular, tubular or round shapes of diverse sizes available on order
- Multiple accessories available to adapt equipment to different industrial, engineering and physical requirements


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Apple launched new iPad, the third generation of mobile device, on 16th March, 2012. It is the revolutionary gadget from Apple which is known as the best combination of iPhone and iPod. We want to say that it comes with stunning retina display and 5MP iSight camera. The ultrafast 4G LTE iPad is priced at $499.
Apple New iPad Key Features:
- Retina display
- 9.7-inch display with IPS technology
- Dual-core Apple A5X
- Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
- Bluetooth 4.0 technology
- 5-megapixel iSight camera
- Autofocus
- Tap to focus
- Face detection in still images
- Video recording
- Photo and video geotagging
- Built-in 42.5-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
- 30-pin dock connector port
- 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack
- Built-in speaker
- Microphone
- Digital compass
New Apple iPad 4G is available with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage. Customers can buy an iPad AT & T and Verizon Carriers. It is available in Black and White colours. Both Careers offer up to 5GB data uses per month at $50.
Apple New iPad Price:
16GB - $499, 32GB - $599 and 64GB - $699
16GB - $629, 32GB – 729 and 64GB - $829
Customers can ships in 1-2 weeks. HD videos, movies, photos, books, magazines, and many other contents can be stored on the new iPad.
In a recent research of www.pcworld.com, it is found that battery life of iPad 3 is not equal to iPad 2. It last with only 5 hours and 41 minutes. It is nearly 2 hours less than iPad 2. It has produced a chart also on the battery life. In the chart, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi is on the top.
In another graph, it has shown the camera compatibility. In the camera quality, Apple iPad 3 is the best. The new iPad is all about retina display. It makes your gaming experience more enhanced. So, there is a new gadget from Apple known as new iPad which comes with 4G LTE, strong camera and enhanced display.


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Consistent hydration and warmups are a really great way to keep your voice from getting raw, but what if you need a short term solution?
If you want to take marketing your music to another level, then I can't recommend enough John Oszajca's music marketing manifesto. My favorite aspect of his complete program was his stance on email marketing, where he really leverages the that "1000 true fans" philosophy.
His website is a bit hokey (Flaming guitars? Seriously?), but his program really shows independant artists how to get a leg-up on signed artists.
A "raw" voice often feels like you just can't seem to sing as high as you would like to. I find that it's quite a "phlegmy" feeling, meaning it feels like there's a lot of snot in your throat.
When your voice is raw and not-warmed up, you will find that the tone of your voice is not as nice, and you will have a lot of trouble singing as high as you would like to.
In addition, you'll have an overall feeling of lack of vocal control. You won't really be able to do what you want to do with your voice, it's really frickin annoying.
I want to make sure that we don't confuse this type of raw with a strained voice though. Sometimes you might strain your voice to the point where it physically hurts or stings. The only solution for you at that point is to drink lots of water/honey, and let your voice rest.
What I'm talking about is when your voice feels weak, kind of like when you wake up in the morning and you can't make a very strong fist with your hands; the muscles just don't seem to work the way they ought to.
You might even just be recovering from a bit of a cold! It doesn't really matter why your throat is raw (unless you're in the MIDDLE of a cold, in which case you should rest and stop singing), what matters is how you can fix it.
There's your solution right there. Gargle some Listerine for 30 seconds, and you'll find that your voice is a lot easier to control, and you'll also find yourself straining it a whole lot less. I'm of course talking about the intense Listerine, not any of this new "less-intense" garbage. You'll be wanting the stuff that makes you cry.
But there's a bit of a caveat here:
This is not a substitute for getting a vocal coach. You cannot substitute this for keeping your throat hydrated, and for doing constant warmups on your voice.
The best way to have a healthy voice is:
I would also recommend getting a vocal coach if you have the money, as that is going to be the best way to improve your performance.
But if you just need to get rid of that raw throat right now, try Listerine. You'll be surprised at how well it works as a short term solution when you have an emergency and need an extra boost on your voice.
My free 48-page guide to building your band's website will take you from start-to-finish in setting up a professional website for your band. It covers:
Enter your name and email below to get this free guide today!
My name is Andrew Muller. I love creative art, music, television shows, movies, video games, and a good story.
If you had to find me somewhere, you would probably find me down at O'neils home cooking eating an organic sweet-potato bun breakfast sandwich with ham.
Among my friends, it's a "Muller Classic Move" to eat Mcdonald's at 2am because it's cheap and open 24/7. The joke here is that I'm an idiot.
I play drums, guitar, piano, and I write & perform music for My Goal Is Telepathy. Take a listen to the latest sound here.


text: Here are Tomorrow's Headlines from the South Bend Tribune. About 200 Marine reservists left South Bend for California this morning. That's where they will train before being deployed to Iraq, where they'll clear roads and sweep for roadside bombs. The Tribune's Jim Rider captured SS/FL these emotional good-bye photos and reporter Brent Forgues (For-gus) has the story. The reservists are part of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion. A prosecution witness in the Osco triple murder trial refused to testify today. Stephen Bethel is serving prison time for robbing two local convenience stores. The robberies happened a few months after the 1990 murders of three employees at the South Bend Osco. Years ago, Bethel told police he knew who killed them and it wasn't Christopher Allen, whose on trial for the murders. Bethel refused to answer questions about it on the stand. The University of Notre Dame rewires its dorms. Hundreds of miles of cable are going into the buildings, some of which are historic. Students this fall will have cable television service and faster Internet connections. We'll tell you what it takes to make it happen. In sports,we'll have coverage of the International Basketball League games in Elkhart. And the Silver Hawks play at home tonight, weather permitting. For the South Bend Tribune, I'm Ed Ronco.


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SC State Fair Offers Hot Early Bird Deals
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 1:57 PM by Mandi Engram
What's included? ($110 value for $55)
- 5 admission tickets
- 2 ride vouchers
- 10 $1 off food coupons
The fine print:
Offer ends August 31, 2011. Tickets will be mailed through the SC State Fair office. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. Tickets can be redeemed any day at the fair. Buy as many as you need. Note: Ride vouchers may be exchanged for a POP (pay-one-price unlimited) ride wristband on weekdays (M-F) or 28 ride tickets; on weekends (Sat. & Sun.) the ride voucher may be exchanged for 28 ride tickets.
Purchase Family Fun Packs
Enter to Win:
South Carolina State Fair is also giving away five Family Fun Packs. Enter through the sweepstakes tab on their Facebook page before August 26, 2011 at 12:30 pm EST for your chance to win!
Enter the Sweepstakes
Make a weekend of your fair adventure and book a hotel online.


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I wasn't into the RPGs way back when the original Final Fantasy game came out on the Famicom, but I still feel like I've played the game in one form or another a dozen times now. Let's see... there's the PlayStation version in Final Fantasy Origins, the Game Boy Advance version in Final Fantasy I&II Dawn of Souls, and the mobile version. Okay, maybe three times.
Of all the remakes, the PSP version seems like it could be the ultimate. Square Enix has redone the sprites and 2D visual elements so that they look sharp and distinct on the PSP's screen. The overworld map also looks nice and clean compared to what we're used to seeing of the SNES-style psuedo-3D effect. On the whole, the game's visuals look like they were designed specifically for the PSP, without attempting to hide the retro nature of the material.
Gameplay is... well, it's the original Final Fantasy. You start off by selecting four warriors, choosing one of six classes for each, and giving each a name (you can also have the game automatically select a name for you). You then head off on the most basic of RPG adventures. You can't really expect the complexities of a modern day RPG, but that may be a good thing, especially for a portable system like the PSP.
Square Enix has seen fit to include include many of the features and bonuses that have made their way into past remakes, plus some new ones. Starting up the game, you'll find the PlayStation's CG intro movie. From the Game Boy Advance, you'll find the added Soul of Chaos dungeon, along with a PSP-exclusive dungeon, the "Time Labyrinth," where your characters' HP slowly depletes as you advance. Yoshitaka Amano fans can look forward to an art gallery.
Options include the expected message speed settings and the ability to switch movement between the thumb pad and the d-pad (either way, character movement is strictly digital). In a big surprise, Square Enix has also included, in addition to the Japanese options for kanji or no kanji, an option for English! Switch to English mode, and the game completely does away with Japanese characters. This should make life easier for importers.
The only problem I've noted so far is that the loading isn't as optimized as it could be, with your first fight upon entering a dungeon or heading out to the world map making the game pause for a few seconds.
Aside from that, this PSP remake feels like the perfect way to sample the earliest Final Fantasy of them all, assuming you haven't already done so through one of the previous remakes.


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What can I say? Absolutely brilliant! Great service, fantastic communication and nothing was too much trouble.
Great dealership with a courteous and professional service. A massive thumbs up to Sally and all the team at Mototechniks
First time I've been in, very helpful and friendly. A great showroom with a good selection of bikes and also a great range of accessories all under one roof.- Paul Cook
Proud owner of an MT09 and incredibly happy with the service provided by mototechniks. Thank you Sally for making it such an easy and stress free process. Five Star service!- Paul Turner
Mototechniks is a thriving motorcycle centre and Premier Yamaha dealer in Stowmarket. As Suffolk's leading motorcycle sales and service centre, we've built an enviable reputation for specialising in a wide range of performance bikes and BMW's. Large showroom housing the complete Yamaha range and an impressive fleet of demo bikes available for test rides! Low rate finance deals tailored to suit your budget.
For our talented technicians, working with bikes is a real labour of love and that's reflected in everything we do – from minor alterations through to full restorations. We stock an impressive selection of new and used motorcycles and can even help you decide on the best bike for you.
Our 4 expert technicians can tackle almost any job and have years' of experience working with all the latest and greatest in technology and techniques. You'll enjoy the peace of mind that the technician working on your bike is as passionate about biking as you are and is experienced in working with a wide range of makes and models.
Our fully equipped workshop offers first-class MOTs, even a while-you-wait service for busy bikers, servicing and repairs. You can also choose from a range of accessories in our online shop, from clothes to helmets, spares to accessories – you'll find everything you need to help you enjoy the open road.


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Carolina Prime Pet Inc. Announces Recall Of Priority Total Pet Care All Natural Bullstrips
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -November 20, 2012 – Carolina Prime Pet Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of dog treats, is voluntarily recalling the following product:
Priority Total Pet Care All Natural Bullstrips in a 5-count package
Lot Code: 20082712 S 3195 and Lot Code: 20090312 S3195
The UPC can be located on the back label of each package. The lot Code is located on a sticker on the back of each bag of the 5 count product.
This lot of product has yielded a positive test for Salmonella when tested by the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture. Carolina Prime Pet is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to this product.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Priority Total Pet Care All Natural Bullstrips are sold in Safeway stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington DC and Wyoming as well as Vons, Pavilions and Pak 'N Save stores in California; Randalls and Tom Thumb stores in Texas; Genuardi's stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and Dominick's stores in Illinois. This product was distributed from about the first of September until now.
Customers who purchased the recalled dog treats should discontinue use immediately, and return items to the purchase location for replacement, refund, or discard.
No other products are included in this recall.
For further information, please call Carolina Prime Pet Inc. at 1-888-370-2360. (Mon-Fri. 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST)
Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm329165.htm?source=govdelivery
Related News
The problem with all these poisonous recalls is that the mfg. only reimburse the retailers for the product. The product is at the retailers and they must spend their resources to destroy.
In the case of the Diamond dog food recall at least here locally is that these feed stores do NOT want to have to pay to destroy the product.
They are calling Animal Controls and Shelters to co
E take the food as a donation and the poor animals sitting in our broken shelter system are forced to eat food that makes them sick and most never receive medical care- get sick and die.
Broken, indeed, and what you mention is a disgrace. Americans spend $1 billion annually funding municipal shelters, where 14,000 animals are killed each day, often, merely for lack of space. Moreover, these recalls get very little attention from the general public, unless they are tuned in to the issue, such as through this site. Independent retailers do very well, but you can find recalled products in large stores all the time.
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See Demi Lovato's Moving Speech on Mental Illness at DNC
Demi Lovato delivered a moving speech regarding mental illness and a need to improve the quality and availability of medical treatment during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention Monday in Philadelphia.
"Like millions of Americans, I am living with mental illness, but I'm lucky: I had the resources and support to get treatment at a top facility," said Lovato, who spent time in a treatment center for bipolar disorder and anxiety. "Unfortunately, too many Americans from all walks of life don't get help, either because they fear the stigma or they can not afford treatment.
Lovato also called on politicians to support laws that would provide access to improved health care for all those suffering with mental illness. "Untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences including suicide, substance abuse and long-term medical issues," Lovato said. "We can do better. Every one of us can make a difference."
"I stand here today as proof that you can live a normal and empowered life with mental illness," the singer added. "I'm proud to support a presidential candidate who will fight to ensure all people living with mental health conditions get the care they need to lead fulfilling lives. That candidate is Hillary Clinton. Let's make her the next president of the United States of America."
Following her speech, Lovato then treated the Philadelphia crowd to a live performance of her single "Confident."


text: Huawei Honor 7X Coming To The US Phones Nov 20th 2017, 16:00 Read Full Story Following recent launch of the Mate 10, it's sub-brand Honor has now announced a new device to its ranks - the Honor 7X. The successor to the old Honor 6X comes with dual-camera, a 5.93-inch "FullView" display and a mid-range price. If you do not want to empty your wallet


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New Yorkers would see an end to tax-free clothes and shoes under $110 as Albany searches for revenue to balance a state budget that's nearly three months late.
The proposal was another dicey step in the fiscal crisis for lawmakers, all of whom face re-election this fall; a recent poll found that 8 in 10 New Yorkers are dissatisfied with state government.
Two state officials said the measure under discussion would expand the state's 4 percent sales tax on clothing to purchases of footwear and clothing under $110, which are currently exempt. One of the officials said the proposal would eliminate that exemption in coming months through the end of the fiscal year, then restore it at a lower level Jan. 1. That level has not has not yet been determined, according to the official.
Additionally, the state would not offer any tax-free holidays for back-to-school shopping and other occasions that have accompanied past changes in the clothing tax.
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
Democratic Gov. David Paterson wouldn't discuss details of revenue proposals.
"They have some proposals on the table," Paterson said after a closed-door meeting with Democratic legislative leaders. "Frankly, they don't sound bad."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver would only say that a number of options were discussed.
Paterson said tax, fee and other increases are needed in part because New York may lose at least a portion of $1 billion it expected in Medicaid reimbursement from the federal government. Paterson had planned to use that money to help close the state's $9.2 billion deficit.
Silver said he hopes to get a budget passed within days, before Paterson's deadline of Monday to impose one.
Lawmakers would be forced then to accept Paterson's budget provisions as part of an emergency spending bill or shut down government.
The budget so far includes raising the cigarette tax to the highest in the nation, $1.60 added to the current $2.75 per pack tax with New York City tacking on an additional $1.50 in local tax. In additon, Paterson's proposal to cap all local property taxes — among the nation's highest — appears unlikely at this point.
The revenue proposal surfaced as a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday found a record 83 percent of New Yorkers are dissatistifed with their state government and half would vote their Assembly member and senator out of office this election year.
"The resentment is bigger than we've ever measured," said the poll's executive director, Maurice Carroll.
That's a concern for lawmakers, who have each already had more than $18,000 in salary withheld under law since April 1 budget deadline was missed.
Now they face a vote that will shape many of their election campaigns this fall. Allowing Paterson, who is not seeking election this year, to impose a budget might be better than being responsible for one that cuts school aid, lays off teachers, cuts other services and raises the cigarette tax. But being part of the first Legislature to allow him to do so might not be much better.
The Legislature has so far approved Paterson's emergency spending bills over the last three weeks, but those budget bills had general support by the Assembly and Senate. Monday's emergency bill could include Paterson's more controversial $1.4 billion cut in school aid as well as his plan to give the State University of New York more autonomy including the ability to set its own tuition. Rejecting Monday's bill, would shut down government.
"Senate Republicans will not vote for any budget that includes new taxes, fees or borrowing," said Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos of Nassau County. If that holds, the GOP would require all 32 Democrats in the Senate to vote for the budget bill if it is to pass.
A key Democratic senator, Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx, said an increase in the sales tax may not get support from him or his conference because it's a regressive tax.
"The governor has backed himself into a corner with a deadline, nobody else has accepted that deadline," said Espada, the Democrats' majority leader. "This end game, it's a very dangerous game the governor is playing."


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Offered for sale is a pair of finely cast Louis XV style bronze candelabras featuring six branch-formed convoluted candle arms. The late 19th C. candelabras are raised on a vasiform standard, mounted to a square plinth and raised on four animal paw feet.
They are in excellent condition and are very heavy and substantial with a wonderful even patina to the bronze. They are perfect for use on a long dining table or sideboard, as they are equally beautiful from all angles.
Size: 25" Height by 12" Diameter.
32 other shoppers have this item in their Cart or Wish List
Antiques, Decorative Items, and Fine Art for everyone- from the new collector to the connoisseur
MOVING SALE... on until December 31st, 2018, Don't miss out! Lay-a-ways will not apply for items reduced 25% or more.


text: I'm not sure about the right terms to use, so I'll just explain what I want to do. I rooted my Droid a few days ago, tried out Cyanogenmod, then switched to Bugless Beast which I plan on sticking with. How do I get rid of the old backups off my SD card? I opened the folder in my PC and the folders listed under "Clockworkmod > Back up > (different dates) are taking up a good chunk of space. Is it safe to delete all them aside from the most recent one? Or can I just create a new backup if I ever flash a different ROM? Sorry I'm still new to this, and I really don't want to do something thats going to brick my precious droid


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Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle – Even Chow Yun-Fatt is Impressed!
Among the many popular prawn noodles stalls in Singapore, Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle from Pek Kio Market and Food Centre stands as a strong contender amongst its competitors. Despite serving bowls of prawn noodles up to tens of dollars which might come as a surprise to some, it has undoubtedly won the hearts of many Singaporeans across the island with their heavenly prawn noodles.
Building on its 65 years of legacy at Pek Kio Market and Food Centre, it has opened another outlet at a prime location, Esplanade Mall. Their signature big prawn Noodles, available in dry or soup, is a must-try.
Surely, we were not left disappointed. The Mee Kia noodles, which was specially made for Wah Kee Prawn Noodles, were cooked to al dente and had a great QQ texture. The lard and chili provided the extra Oomph to the noodles, making it even more flavourful. Soup noodles are also available, but we highly recommend trying the dry version.
Finally, introducing the star of the day- succulent prawns sitting in a bowl of heavenly broth. The prawns were perfect, slightly firm yet bouncy with a slight crunch texture upon biting into it. Dip your prawns into the specially crafted spicy sauce for the extra kick!
The owner shared his secret recipe of using 6 different types of prawns and completely no meat to prepare the broth for 4 hours. The sweetness and richness of the prawns came through upon the first sip of the broth. A slight spice kick and hint of garlic elevated the dish further, and left us feeling satisfied.
There are 4 sizes available: Regular, Medium, Large and Extra Large, priced at $6, $12, $20, $30 respectively. Only the regular and medium sized portions were priced slightly higher by $1 and $2 than the Pek Kio stall respectively, which is reasonable in our opinion. Upon comparison, the prawns found in the $20 portion were sweeter and more flavourful than the ones in the $12 portion.
Expect to be indulge in a wide array of new creations and special dipping sauces prepared in-house daily at this branch! Seafood lovers will be glad to know that this place could be your next heaven. Grilled or steamed options are available, with the choice of 2 complimentary sauces.
If you appreciate raw oysters, definitely tuck into the Fresh French Oysters ($4.50 per piece) and Fresh US Oysters ($3.50 per piece). The fresh oysters were fresh, juicy and plump. The oyster dishes come with a choice of 2 sauces from a selection of 4 sauces – the classic Tobasco sauce, Sawadee sauce, Ponzu sauce and Sichuan sauce. Perhaps, you could give the tangy Ponzu sauce a shot if you're spoilt for choice. Any additional sauces will cost an extra $2. Although we were served the freshest catch of the day – Canadian Oysters instead, feel rest assured that the restaurant promises to deliver the freshest to you. If you're in the mood, feel free to pair your seafood with their comprehensive selection of wine.
Doesn't this dish remind you of the typical oyster cakes that we are familiar with? We personally felt these Oyster Croquettes ($12 for 3 pieces) were pretty tasty. The dish came with 2 dipping sauces – Soya Mayonnaise and Chili Barbecue. Prying the crispy exterior open which reveals the oyster is like discovering a rare pearl in an oyster.
The Blue Mussel With White Wine ($30) was a relatively mediocre dish in terms of aesthetics and taste. There were no hints of white wine at all, and the steamed mussels were not the most flavourful that we have tried. For that price tag, you may want to save your stomach space for better dishes.
This Grilled Squid ($15) was one of the highlights among all the dishes we sampled. It was served warm and had a fragrant aroma. Upon service, the flesh looked very tender and moist, and indeed, it was. The sweet juices of the squid were locked in well, but go ahead and have yours with the special dipping sauces for extra flavour.
Wah Kee Prawn Noodles has put their own spin on Singapore's local favourite dish, Rojak, by injecting in some East-West influence with strawberries. The Rojak Salad ($12) makes for a perfect appetiser if you are not a fan of seafood. The dough fritter pieces were crunchy and slightly chewy in the centre.
For dessert, the Black Glutinous Rice with Coconut Ice Cream ($5) was nothing much to shout about. The coconut ice cream was a letdown as it lacked the fragrance and richness that we were looking for. Perhaps, you may want to give this a miss and look for other dessert options.
Be sure to check out this classic hawker favourite at Esplanade Mall from 3 December onwards at 11am and don't miss out on Wah Kee's opening promotion – the Regular size (UP $6) is going at only $5 and the Medium size (UP$12) at $10. After all, the queues at this restaurant are expected to be shorter than the ones at the Pek Kio stall.
Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, #01-13C, Singapore 039802
Phone: 6327 9187
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 2.30pm (lunch). Sun-Thu 5pm to 10.30pm (dinner). Fri, Sat & Eve of PH 5pm to 11.30pm (dinner).
Note: This is an invited tasting.
One Comment Hide Comments
Ordered 3 bowls through the iPad and all orders were wrong!!
Order a medium size and it came small one. Staff can't even tell what size it was.
Order no bean sprouts for all. All came with bean sprouts.
Ordered 1 with soup, all came with no soup.
Came back 2nd round with wrong order again
Totally lost the mood to eat after the major screw up.


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Roper's Bar & Grill (formerly Jake's Grill): Join us and enjoy all of our new renovations. Same great food, service and view! Open for breakfast from 7:00am (6:30 weekends) and for lunch 10:30am – 5:00pm (bar open until dark).
BlackHorse Golf Club is a perfect place to call home. The Unlimited Play Program can take you there.
BlackHorse Golf Club offers 5 types of Unlimited Play Golf Memberships starting at $240:
- Individual
- Family
- Executive
- Executive Plus
- Corporate
Membership Benefits
- All daily green fees
- Use of shared golf cart
- Unlimited range balls and use of practice facility
- Monthly member events
- Fourteen day advanced tee times
- Discounted greens fee for guests
- Member discounts on retail purchases
- GHIN handicap management
Pay for the year and receive a 10% discount on your membership.
Click Here to request membership information or contract Neil Sherrod at email@example.com or at 832.220.5219.