Elizabeth Warren's First Senate Ad

Elizabeth Warren is quite possibly the only politician I'm excited about. Well, her and Alan Grayson. If I lived in either Massachusetts or Florida, that would be okay. But Nevada's choices aren't quite as exciting.

Captain Obvious: Penn State Scandal Has Nothing to do with "The Gays"

When there is a pedophile scandal involving boys, gay people wince, for multiple reasons. Chief among them is the horror imposed on the little boys, against their will. Secondarily--and quite a bit down the concern meter, but still wrenching--is the false equivalence drawn by many (usually, conservatives) between pedophilia and homosexuality.
 
If you have any interest, you can find copious confirmation that some strong conservatives draw a parallel between teh gay and kid diddlers. Just go to FreeRepublic.com, and go to the ridiculously named "Homosexual Agenda" section. You'll find that the hardcore tea bagger crowd draws no distinction.  But there is one.

If you found out that there was a coach who molested a bunch of little girls, you wouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion that there was a heterosexual problem. But when it is a coach and boys? Many minds go there. Even when there is no scandal to use as a touchstone, many conservative minds go there. "Gays can't reproduce, so they recruit," they'll say. Uhhhmmmm, no. Not necessary. Plenty of gays to go around. Most gays were molested, they'll say. But, then they'll also claim that lesbians were molested by men. So, which is it?

Most troubling with the uber-conservative equivalence between pedophilia and homosexuality, is the blindness to force vs. consent. If you dare read the commentary at conservative sites, you'd have to believe that gay people do not see that distinction. When in fact, it is more likely for sexual harassment and abuse claims to be leveled at heterosexuals.


Pedophilia, whether performed by ostensibly straights or gays is a vicious, nasty crime, performed against kids against their will. Pedophilia is not a sexual orientation. It is a sexual pathology. Performing sexual acts against minors (who are unable to legally give consent) or others against their will is always wrong. There is no evidence that pedophilia is any more prevalent amongst heterosexuals or homosexuals. In fact, I think it is--and should be--insulting toward gays or straights to claim that either is more likely to molest a child. I believe that molesters belong in their own category, and I believe they've got what's coming to them.

I'm insulted by the fact that the FreeRepublic site puts all of the Penn State stories under the banner of "Homosexual Agenda." But I'm not surprised. FR is a knee-jerk site, with very little thought, and a whole lot of emotion. From the whole Penn State story, I am of course most upset by the lives that have been damaged. But I'm also really pissed off that a bunch of knuckle-draggers are going to blame this on people like me.

Like Me on Facebook! Follow Me on Twitter!

"You like me!"

If you're on MySpace, do you have a time machine?

But c'mon now! I've been around for over 4 years, and my Facebook/Twitter numbers are pathetic! Help me out here!

Michele Bachmann Wants Reparations from Iraq

I only caught a bit of Michele Bachmann on Sunday morning, before wisely shutting off the TV, and doing something productive. But I did catch the bit below, and actually yelled out, "oh, come on!" Hey, Michele! We invaded them!

[Excerpt]

Bachmann Wants Iraqis To Pay ‘Several Million Dollars Per Life’ For Every American Who Died In Iraq 



In an interview this morning with Meet the Press’ David Gregory, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) repeated her claim that the Iraq should pay America for the privilege of having their nation invaded and occupied for most of the last decade — and then doubled down by calling for Iraq to pay millions of dollars for each American killed in that country . . .

Read more at: Think Progress

Blast from the Past: The Days When ABC, NBC and CBS Ruled

I grew up a media savvy kid in an era when there wasn't much of it. We had three major television channels, with the dubious addition of PBS (which kids hated unless they were pre-schoolers), and the odd local channel. In the mid-to-late 70s we got cable, but even that was public affairs programming, and a couple more independent channels. This meant mostly reruns of The Lucy Show and The Andy Griffith Show.

These days, broadcast television networks are still prominent, but they have to struggle for dominance with original programming from AMC, HBO, Showtime, USA and FX. As you can see, most of them are still very fond of alphabet soup.

But back in the day, the big three were king. They'd jockey for position, and once and a while one would serioiusly tank for a few years. But they were all we had. For a pop culture kid, a lot of the "network stars" stuff really hit home. The slogans, the logos. I ate it up.

Did You Know There Was Another GOP Debate Saturday?

Stop smiling, Newt, your surge is temporary. Image from CBS News

Yeah, I didn't either. It was on CBS, and it was the tenth one. I think we're only about half-way through, and nobody's dropped off! Of course, when you consider that the "flavor of the month" has changed so frequently (with Newt Gingrich on the rise?), it isn't surprising that they're holding on. After all, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul and Rick (don't Google me) Santorum haven't had their turns yet!

[Excerpt]


CBS News/NJ GOP debate: Winners and losers

The CBS News/National Journal debate Saturday night was the first to focus on foreign policy, and it generated fewer fireworks - but more substance - than many of its predecessors. For that reason we aren't going to simply list winners and losers this time around and instead discuss the candidates' performances - though we're still putting those we thought did best at the top. . .

Read more at: CBSNews

Low Carb Recipe: Curry Cauliflower "Rice"

I'm just past two months on this round of Atkins, and have lost about 25 pounds, with my starting weight being at or above 180. Two things have helped me achieve success this time: 1) I convinced The Other Half to join me a few weeks ago, and 2) I've gotten far more creative with my menu.

I covered a few of my new dishes earlier, and you can find them (and other links to yet more ideas) here.

This particular recipe is easier than most, and quite delicious.


CURRIED CAULIFLOWER FAUX "RICE"


1 medium-to-large head of cauliflower
4 tsp. curry powder
Green onions
Olive oil
3 cloves crushed garlic (or equivalent)
Cubed ham, beef, chicken or other meat (optional)


With a food processor or cheese grater, grate cauliflower head into rice-sized pieces, and set aside. Dice green onions (as many as you want), and sautee with garlic in olive oil in a large skillet. If you're using meat (or tofu, I suppose), cube or shred it, and put into skillet with the already cooking onions and garlic. If your meat is already cooked, go to the next step. If not, stir the meat with the onions and garlic until it is cooked. Then, pour in your riced cauliflower. Keep the skillet hot from the sautee, and just keep stirring the cauliflower together with the other ingredients, until it starts getting soft. Stir in curry powder, making sure it gets equally distributed. Continue to cook, taking a taste-test to see if it's ready. My skillet time was about 20 minutes on a big burner. It's doubtful that you'll over-cook it, so just cook it until it tastes ready.


This new cauliflower dish is one of many (again, more here), and isn't the last I'll try. For the Atkins dieter, you get to eat something that will more than pass for a rice dish. It's as good as the rice dish. The Other Half said, "We're going to have to add this to our regular dishes." It's that good. Enjoy!

Over Time with Bill Maher, November 11, 2011

Ep. 232: November 11, 2011 - Overtime

Jim DeMint is an Asshole

Portrait of a douche nozzle, from Huffington Post

But, then again, you knew that, right?  If you need any more proof that this jackass has partisanship ahead of country, this infamous quote: "If we’re able to stop Obama on this it will be his Waterloo. It will break him," oughtta do it.

[Excerpt] 

Jim DeMint: Veterans Hiring Bill Is A Democratic 'Trick'  



Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) distinguished himself Thursday as the only senator to oppose a measure aimed at hiring veterans, calling it a "trick" by the Obama administration and Democrats.

He knew his decision wouldn't be popular, but still cast the lone vote against an amendment to grant employers tax breaks worth up to $9,600 for giving a veteran a job. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Murderer of Gay Rights Leader Given 30 Years in Uganda

Image from source, Raw Story

Many times--particularly in America, where we know more about the stories--crimes committed against gay people are not punished with much of a sense of justice.  Harvey Milk's murderer, for instance, got five years for manslaughter, even though he murdered Milk in cold blood. It was later termed "the twinkie defense" and is famous for its audacity.
 
So, it is with great surprise that we find a similar story with a more satisfying ending.

[Excerpt]


Uganda jails murderer of gay activist for 30 years

A Ugandan court has sentenced a man to 30 years in jail for the brutal slaying of a leading gay rights activist, a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor said Friday.

Enoch Nsubuga admitted beating prominent campaigner David Kato to death with a hammer at his home outside Kampala in January, but claimed that he had been reacting to unwanted demands for sex. . .

Read more at: The Raw Story

Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the link

Blogger Down! Back Later.

This post is merely to explain my lack of fresh posts at the moment. I injured my leg last night (hurts a lot, all internal), and I have a headache. So, I'm not in the bloggitty mood. I will be mid-day Friday, I'm just sure of it! So, please, drop by later. Thanks.

Has AOL Punk'd Anti-Gay Web Site?

You just know that half the people (at least) who are regular
readers of Americans for Truth would rather go to the above
sites! Click to embiggen.

Okay, so I went to this homophobic site, AmericansforTruth.com, which is less telling than their official name, Americans for Truth about Homosexuality. Of course, "truth" is not what this group is about. It is an obsessive-compulsive "we hate gay, gay is evil, why is gay everywhere, we can't get away from the gay, gay, gay!" site. It's fairly disgusting, but also stupid and darkly humorous.

Anyway, I was curious if these strangely obsessed folks had anything to say about the very, very gay episode of Glee that aired on FOX (!) tv this week. But for some reason (what a shame) the site was down. But look at what my AOL suggested as similar sites puts up as targeted ads! The funny part is, there is nothing in this group's web address that indicates the gay. I have to wonder if this is intentional.

Frivolty Break: Bird Murmuration in Ireland

Ahhhhh.... Maw Nature. She's too cool.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

The End of the Tea Party?

Image from source, Salon

Have you ever gotten a glass of iced tea at a restaurant that was "skunky?" I mean bad tasting, bad smelling. A taste you can't put your finger on, but it's kind of like spoiled tomatoes? People who know the food industry have told me that is what happens when the tea maker hasn't been cleaned out in a while. It just gets skunky.


Seems like as good as a metaphor for the tea party as any. Except that the tea party was merely a rebranding of the hard-core conservatives in the first place.


[Excerpt]


This is what GOP brand poisoning looks like 

The most recent national survey from the Quinnipiac Polling Institute suggests a serious image problem for the Republican Party, with just 28 percent of voters saying they have a favorable view of the GOP and 57 percent saying they have an unfavorable one. Tuesday night offered a demonstration of why this is, with voters in several states siding against some of the most prominent faces and ideas of the Tea Party-era Republican Party. . .

Read more at: Salon

Notable Quotable: Right-Wing World Edition

"I would rather have Sarah. Or Cain. But I would pull the lever for Gov. Goodhair.


At least he's got balls enough to shoot a coyote when out jogging with his dog."

--by JRandomFreeper (gone Galt), from FreeRepublic.com, one of the purest distillations of the tea party on the internet. 


Yep, Perry should be President because he's got balls, and shoots animals. Brilliant.


Source: FreeRepublic

Perry Can't Name Third Agency He'd Axe

Destined to be one of the most famous flameouts in political history.

The Ridiculousness of Sanctity of Marriage Supporters

Futurama Style...

Futurama
No on Infinity
www.comedycentral.com
Comedy Central Funny Videos Funny TV Shows

My Mitsubishi Galant is on the Most Stolen List?

In the first several months of ownership, my 2009 Mitsubishi Galant (bought in 2010) was featured in several posts on this blog. While I really like my car, I'm aware that it is considered an also-ran--at best--to the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. The first edition of my model debuted in 2004, and is still being produced as a 2012 model. There have been changes, but basically it is the same car. So, imagine my surprise to find my car the sixth most stolen car!

Honestly though, I'm not sure how people even steal cars anymore. You've got to have the key with the chip. . .those suckers are expensive. And who are you going to sell a hot Galant to? Who's going to go to the trouble of stripping or forging the VIN on a Galant? I get the Audi, the Mustang, even the little Honda sports car. But a Galant?

[Excerpt]


NHTSA: Audi S8, Shelby GT top list for theft rates

The Audi S8 topped the government's list of highest theft rates among new cars in 2009. And the Toyota Camry, which was 2009's best-selling car, was the most-stolen new car that year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracked the theft rate among all new 2009 passenger vehicles stolen that year, and just released its report. . .

Read more at: The Detroit News

Maine Restores Same-Day Voter Registration

Image from source, Raw Story

Okay, so is the good news for Democrats in this off-year election just the pendulum swinging back after 2010, or is it a reaction to Republican overreach? Or does one follow from the other? Anyway, given all of the attempts to restrict various voting rights around the country, it's nice to see one that got undone.

Sidebar: I hope one of Herman Cain's accusers comes from Maine, just to set up the joke, "Bangor? I hardly knew her!"

[Excerpt]

Maine voters restore same-day voter registration


The citizens of Maine on Tuesday repealed a recently passed law requiring voters to enroll at least two days before an election.

With more than three-quarters of the state’s precincts reporting, 60 percent of voters had rejected the law, according to the Bangor Daily News. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Herman Cain's Alleged Unwanted Sexy Time Keeps Coming

Black Walnut with two scoops of vanilla.
Image from Politico.

Herman Cain's biggest problem (aside from the possibility that he really did sexually harass and assault several women) is that he's such an unpolished politician, he has no idea how to handle it. His obvious instinct is to obfuscate (lie). Then he'd change his story (usually with another lie), while insisting that his story has been consistent. He's also very fond of using language that is too precise. Like saying things like "exonerated" or that there was "nothing" to any of the charges, that they had been found "baseless." Hmm, baseless charges that begat at least two large payouts to the claimants?

And then he just makes stuff up. He's made up a big "Democrat machine" that is smearing him (oddly, factual revelations of past charges is a smear), then grudgingly acknowledges he--again--doesn't have facts to back that up. I used to say that George W. Bush reminded me of what would happen if my step-dad were pushed onto a stage, and told to be the President. Well, ol' Herman is like my dad on a bender. I've heard he's not ready for prime-time. But he's not ready for BET. Or even Comedy Central (okay, maybe that one).

Oddly, the right-wing spin machine has decided that Cain is a saint, and that all the women are fame whores. . .or just whores. They've decided that sexual harassment is always a fraud. They're standing by their man. If I were them, I'd be as worried about his greenness, his dimness and his willingness to lie as I would be about the allegations.

[Excerpt]


For Herman Cain, two named accusers; one flat denial
Offering a stout response to two women who have accused him of acting improperly, GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain said Tuesday that he’s not a sexual harasser and will not allow the swirling controversy to derail his campaign.

“The charges and the accusations, I absolutely reject,” he said. “They simply didn’t happen. They simply did not happen. . .”

Read more at: Politico