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Back tomorrow we have suffered a bereavement in the family.

Blazing Car Attack At Glasgow Airport

An amateurish but nonetheless serious attack at Glasgow airport

There has been a separate incident at Heathrow but details are sketchy at the moment.

Update

And Betty Says Goodnight

Actually she says she doesn't give a boop.

But she does.

A Poem

I thought something a little different to end the day and perhaps in future I might post one or two more pieces of poetry. It is nice to escape now and then, I remember when life was all verse, my own as well as others.
A scene from my camera.


"TO A POET A THOUSAND YEARS HENCE"

I who am dead a thousand years,
And wrote this sweet archaic song,
Send you my words for messengers
The way I shall not pass along.

I care not if you bridge the seas,
Or ride secure the cruel sky,
Or build consummate palaces
Of metal or of masonry.

But have you wine and music still,
And statues and a bright-eyed love,
And foolish thoughts of good and ill,
And prayers to them who sit above?

How shall we conquer? Like a wind
That falls at eve our fancies blow,
And old Maeonides the blind
Said it three thousand years ago.

O friend unseen, unborn, unknown,
Student of our sweet English tongue,
Read out my words at night, alone:
I was a poet, I was young.

Since I can never see your face,
And never shake you by the hand,
I send my soul through time and space
To greet you. You will understand.

By James Elroy Flecker (1884-1915).

There's No Taste Like Bad Taste

Bid today on this one-of-a-kind Sam Bass designed NASCAR-themed Gibson guitar. This custom-made electric guitar is autographed by NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne and international recording group Hinder. Design features Kasey Kahne, Hinder, and NASCAR on TNT logo.

Be the one and only person to own this beautiful piece of craftsmanship!

London. Second Car Bomb Discovered

Police say two separate explosive devices have been found in cars parked in London's West End.

Amusing Bit Of Trivia. Paris Hilton Mika Brzezinski

The lady is justifiably pissed, good on ya girl.

US newsreader Mika Brzezinski has attempted to burn her script live on television in protest at being made to lead her bulletin on Paris Hilton. story. video

Bizarre Twist In Benoit Case

In what was a poorly thought through prank or an eerie forewarning, someone apparently reported the death of Chris Benoit's wife on Wikipedia — the online open source encyclopedia — more than 14 hours before police discovered her body, along with her son's and husband's, at the pro wrestler's Fayette County home. more
Update

Serious London Bomb Threat Averted

The fuckers are at it again.

Police say the area will be closed for some time Police remove car

A car bomb planted in central London would have caused "carnage" if it had exploded, police sources have said.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the car, packed with 60 litres of petrol, gas cylinders and nails, in the early hours in Haymarket. more

Not Quite An Apology. Kucinich Yap Yap The Elf

If I'm not all together ready to apologise for slagging off Yap Yap in the past then I suppose I should at least stop calling him Yap Yap. So consider it done, but "The Elf," well as unkind as it is it is rather descriptive and that's the trouble isn't it, how seriously does anybody listen to an elf?

Pity really then that he's not a short foot taller for Kucinich does actually talk sense on occasion, what his talk sense to talk drivel ratio is I really have no idea but I dropped on this short clip this morning where he discusses the carving up of Iraqi oil, I can't attack his argument at all at all.

And then a little later on I read this batshit crazy proposal by the House H. Res. 523, all I can say about the resolution, or more specifically the House is, what fucking planet are you living on?
And whilst the House is busy putting on a production of this farce it's the Elf that comes up with the goods and shows wisdom way beyond his four foot eleven.

**"There is reasonable doubt with regard to the accuracy of the translations of President Ahmadinejad's words** in this resolution. President Ahmadinejad's speeches can also be translated as a call for regime change, much in the same manner the Bush Administration has called for regime change in Iraq and Iran, making this resolution very ironic," Kucinich said.

Kucinich attempted to insert into the Congressional Record two independent translations of the speech from The New York Times and Middle East Media Research Institute, which contain significant differences in the translations of the speech compared to the resolution before the House. However, Members objected formally and the attempt was blocked.

"When I learned of these translations, I felt obligated to bring it to the attention of the House. It seems that much has been lost in translation. Members have a right to know of the translations and the refusal to permit them to become a part of the Congressional Record does a disservice to Members." more

Spoken like a true statesman, I can't take that away from him. But what then? he goes on to vote yea for the goddamn resolution. I despair of you Elfkin.

**Farsi Anybody?**

**My original reporting of the translation, the last link in the post takes you to the article.

Now I have to search for a non elf graphic. !!! I have it, whatever his shortcomings there's nothing wrong with the Elf's taste in women.


I'm such a rotten sod I couldn't resist this "Alan Ladd" type photo.

Scary Judge: Posner

A TOP-RANKING US judge has stunned a conference of Australian judges and barristers in Chicago by advocating secret trials for terrorists, more surveillance of Muslim populations across North America and an end to counter-terrorism efforts being "hog-tied" by the US constitution.

Judge Richard Posner, a supposedly liberal-leaning jurist regarded by many as a future US Supreme Court candidate, said traditional concepts of criminal justice were inadequate to deal with the terrorist threat and the US had "over-invested" in them. more

Stop! You're Hurting My Head

There can be a downside to asking questions, sometimes we are given an answer we don't really want to hear, as in a few home truths for instance, let's face it none of us is perfect.

And another downside is not what you ask but who you ask, for the world abounds with snake oil salesmen, charlatans and others of dubious character.

It is therefore that we must tread a cautious path when seeking truth and enlightenment regarding our dear Mother Earth and the stars about us, for there are those that would give us Christiananswers in reply to our quest for knowledge.

Christiananswers and I have crossed paths before today and it wasn't my intention to actually write specifically about them when I embarked on creating the first post of the day. But as is the way of things we can easily wander from our intended path, or in the case of Christiananswers get led up the garden path. Is this phrase in common use in America, to be led up the garden path? I only ask out of interest.

As I say this isn't an intended post but I am just going to point you to a couple of answers from our dear (Thou shalt not lie) Christian scholars.
I point to these two answers for no other reason than I became engrossed in reading what they had to say about Young Earth and the Universe.

There be dozens of such "answers" throughout the site, read a few more if your intellect can stand being assailed.
More later.

Cock A Doodle Doo

I don't know what the South is coming to, pretty soon a fellow won't be allowed to marry his sister.

Louisiana.

Marty Kaplan. Bong Hits 4 Bush

Kaplan, always a steady read.

Not A Fan Then? Coulter and Slimeball

Seems we have another one that's not impressed. (See the Rude One for a proper rant)

Desperate TV producers, caught in a competition for ratings, are clearly without shame.

Chris Matthews, a knowledgeable and experienced commentator, is under ratings pressure at MSNBC. The result is a descent into the foulest gutter available -- inviting on Tuesday the ignorant, vile, garbage-mouthed Ann Coulter for an interview.

Georgia Industry Booming

Georgia had the third-largest growth rate in inmate population in the country last year, according to a federal report issued Wednesday.

Forty-two states and the federal system reported increases, with the largest jumps in Alaska (9.4 percent), Vermont (8.3 percent) and Georgia (8.1 percent).

Padilla: A Show Trial Worthy Of Any In History

Having read the beginning of the LA times article reporting on a ten year old Bin Laden video being played for the jury the Times goes on to report:


(Judge) Cooke told the jury before and after the interview was played that the defendants weren't on trial for any involvement in the Sept. 11 hijackings that killed nearly 3,000 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a fiery crash in Pennsylvania. The clip was shown only to help them determine the "state of mind" of Jayyousi and Hassoun, Padilla's alleged recruiters, at the time they were alleged to be running a North American terrorist support cell. She added that the Bin Laden interview shouldn't be considered in judging Padilla because there was no evidence he ever saw, heard or discussed it.



Is this a bad film script or what, "The jury shall disregard that last statement" how many times have we seen that one play out in the movies?

Unsurprisingly then that:

Defense attorneys argued against playing the CNN video, calling the images of the world's most wanted man inflammatory, prejudicial and irrelevant because the defendants weren't charged with threatening U.S. citizens or territory. Despite Cooke's caution to the jury that the trial doesn't involve Sept. 11, veteran trial consultant Philip K. Anthony said the video likely had a profound effect on the jury.


No kidding.
LA Times.


I forgot to post this screen capture that I took, just a little example of "Fair and Balanced" water carrying from Fox.

Well He Would Wouldn't He

Have a bit of a headache that is.

Boop And The Wee Folk

The Rude One Is Pissed

Severely pissed and in fine form.

Geek News. New Super Computer

The figures are staggering.

The latest number cruncher is capable of operating at so called "petaflop" speeds - the equivalent of 1,000 trillion calculations per second. more

No Bond For Genarlow Wilson.

It sounds like a point of law, never to be confused with justice.

A Douglas County Superior Court judge says Genarlow Wilson is not eligible for bond in his child molestation case, a new development that could keep Wilson behind bars for several months to come pending an appeal

Judge David Emerson issued an order Wednesday canceling a July 5 bond hearing for Wilson.

Update: Kill Him Quick. They Have Done, Jimmy Bland Executed

A terminally ill death row inmate who had less than a year to live was executed Tuesday evening in Oklahoma, sparking a new debate over whether sick inmates should be put to death or allowed to die of natural causes.

Jimmy Dale Bland, 49, was killed by lethal injection shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, soon after the Supreme Court rejected his last, 11th-hour appeal. Bland had a fatal case of lung cancer that had spread to his brain, and had undergone radiation treatment and chemotherapy, his lawyer, David Autry, told ABC News. Bland would have died in six months, Autry said. more
Previous

Shylock. There I have another bad match: a bankrupt, a prodigal, who dare scarce show his head on the Rialto; a beggar, that was used to come so smug upon the mart. Let him look to his bond: he was wont to lend money for a Christian courtesy. Let him look to his bond.

Salar. Why, I am sure, if he forfeit thou wilt not take his flesh: what's that good for?

Shy. To bait fish withal: if it feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge.

The Merchant of Venice.

The Left Has Prissy Little Fucks Too

Stroll on! how repressed can you get?

And don't miss the nipple on the woman to the right of Coulter - it's simply bizarre that any human being would dress in public like that. You really have to see it live on TV, it's inappropriate as hell, and actually quite apropos of the entire broadcast (and typical of a Republican Coulter fan - no marriage for me, but feel free to flaunt your nipples in public).......Article




Well, then I live in a very different universe from a lot of you. Because people I know would find a woman dressed like that totally inappropriate. I suspect a lot of you, in your heart of hearts, know exactly what I'm talking about. Tell me, you'd have no problem with your daughter, wife, or partner (or mother) dressing in public like that? I just find it very hard to believe that the majority of you really think, in your heart of hearts, that that's appropriate dress in public. John Aravosis (comments Section)

More Arse Talk From The Boy Buggery Club

Christ all bleeding mighty we've only just consigned Limbo to the theocratic trash can and now we get this pearl from the sodomy and idolatry club, what planet are they living on? stroll on!



Human-animal hybrid embryos conceived in the laboratory - so-called “chimeras” - should be regarded as human and their mothers should be allowed to give birth to them, the Roman Catholic Church said yesterday.

Yap Yap The Elf Is He Right? ; Kucinich

Making fun of Dennis Kucinich is about as much sport as getting into a slap fight with a no-armed man. For me the high point of his eccentricities will always be one that occurred while I was covering the 2004 NPR Democratic primary radio debate in Iowa. In the middle of a long-winded explanation on some such policy initiative DK whipped out a pie chart to underscore his point.

A pie chart.

Visual aids in a radio debate.

Anyway . . .more

Whatever You Say Dubya

One delusional war criminal gives a testimonial about another delusional war criminal, what a pair of wankers.

The president told the Sun: "Tony's had a great run and history will judge him kindly. He's a very talented man for whom I've got a great deal of respect."

Mr Bush added: "I've heard he's been called Bush's poodle. He's bigger than that.

"We are working together to achieve global peace in the face of enormous danger. This kind of thing is just silly ridicule and that's how I treat it." more

Iran: The Cruelest Nation The Never Ending Evil

As Amnesty International calls for an end to child executions in Iran I wonder to what avail their pleas.
Little I shouldn't wonder, the regime in Iran is addicted, it feeds it's addiction with the life's blood of it's victims, no horror is too great to feed it's insatiable appetite for cruelty, pain and misery.
It is a beast that has no place on this earth, but it is a special beast, it is a thinking beast, it thinks enough that it will not stop it's evil but try to hide it from the world by carrying out it's unspeakable barbarity behind the walls of a prison, behind the walls of a prison shut away in a room they stoned a woman to death.
They are disgusting creatures.

According to this senior member of IRI’s judiciary, “stonings are carried out precisely in accordance with Islamic traditions, but they are not executed the way they once were. And they are less frequent than they used to be. Nonetheless, they are still carried out in Tehran. For example, last year, a 32 year old woman named Masomeh who had been charged with having relations outside her marriage, was stoned in a room in Evin prison. Members of the judiciary repeatedly denounced newspaper reports that Masomeh had been stoned to death, even though they were fully aware that she had been exectued by stoning in Evin prison.” more

More from Iran.

Currently, there are eight women sentenced to death by stoning and 32 facing execution by other means, five of them are below the age of 20.

According to a source familiar with Fatemeh's conditions in Tehran's Evin prison, the judge who sentenced Fatemeh to death has taken it upon himself to personally visit Fatemeh in jail to inform her that she will soon be hanged.

Executions and barbarity Iran Focus

Troy Davis Looses Appeal

Monday 25th June. Amnesty

Scientology! Not Impressed Say The Germans

Nor with the wee shite making a movie over there.

Scientology masquerades as a religion to make money, Germany said, but leaders of the church reject this.....





Scientology has been monitored in Germany in the belief that its activities are "directed against the free democratic order" in the country. more



Scientology, join up here.
Please bring wallet

Padilla: No Proof. Screenplay To Follow?

I have followed the case of Jose Padilla since he was arrested in March 2002 at Chicago ’s O’Hare Airport. It’s such a screwball case that it’s hard to take seriously. The storyline reads more like a Mel Brooks screenplay than a serious prosecution of a terrorist suspect.

But, then, Bush was never serious about terrorism anyway—not really. It’s just a smokescreen to hoodwink the public. Remove the color-coded scare tactics from Bush’s rhetoric, and there’s nothing left but a delusional sociopath pitching tax cuts for the GOP. more

A Jesusy Jail Tale and Some Other Disturbing Statistics

I'm all for rehab but why does it have to be Jesus based? Jesus might save in these cases, but it's not the soul I'm thinking of, more the the mortal flesh, take up a course in Jesus and get moved to a special (shanks frowned upon) wing. more

The government spends billions to lock people up for some of the most trivial reasons imaginable and then spends millions to bring them some Jesus.

Follow the links and read about how the Jesus Nation is treating its own children. Don't sound very Christian to me.

http://www.wsws.org/news/1998/may1998/kids-m16.shtml

http://www.wsws.org/news/1998/feb1998/5yrfel.shtml

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/nov2005/pris-n05.shtml

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/feb2005/juve-f19.shtml

Update: I knew I had a more comprehensive article tucked away in the labyrinth.


Life was different in Unit E at the state prison outside Newton, Iowa.

The toilets and sinks — white porcelain ones, like at home — were in a separate bathroom with partitions for privacy. In many Iowa prisons, metal toilet-and-sink combinations squat beside the bunks, to be used without privacy, a few feet from cellmates.

The cells in Unit E had real wooden doors and doorknobs, with locks. More books and computers were available, and inmates were kept busy with classes, chores, music practice and discussions. There were occasional movies and events with live bands and real-world food, like pizza or sandwiches from Subway. Best of all, there were opportunities to see loved ones in an environment quieter and more intimate than the typical visiting rooms.

But the only way an inmate could qualify for this kinder mutation of prison life was to enter an intensely religious rehabilitation program and satisfy the evangelical Christians running it that he was making acceptable spiritual progress. more

Flight 77. Pilots For 911 Truth

Pilots for 9/11 Truth obtained black box data from the government under the Freedom of Information Act for AA Flight 77, which The 9/11 Report claims hit the Pentagon. Analysis of the data contradicts the official account in direction, approach, and altitude. More

Interesting film, a touch technical in parts but necessary to make their point. film 65 minutes.

I don't to get involved in this but there are things that makes a fellow wonder.

The Planet Is Fucked

The Independent.

Genarlow Wilson: Group Offer $1m Bond

Kind of renews your faith in human nature. story

Fisk On Blair And On The Money

Robert Fisk, always the the realist and always on the money.

I suppose that astonishment is not the word for it. Stupefaction comes to mind. I simply could not believe my ears in Beirut when a phone call told me that Lord Blair of Kut al-Amara was going to create "Palestine". I checked the date - no, it was not 1 April - but I remain overwhelmed that this vain, deceitful man, this proven liar, a trumped-up lawyer who has the blood of thousands of Arab men, women and children on his hands is really contemplating being "our" Middle East envoy. more










Graphics:

http://www.parliament-square.org.uk/about.html