While the putatively "liberal" media hyperventilate about a few words Barack Obama uttered in San Francisco last Sunday, lost in the din were the remarks at a fundraising dinner for Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and his compatriot Representative Geoff Davis who represents the good people of Northern Kentucky. Senator McConnell called Obama "incredibly naive" and Representative Davis called him a "snake oil salesman." But the truly offensive and, yes, "elitist," statement came from Davis when he said: "I'm going to tell you something. That boy's finger does not need to be on the button."
The good news is that Davis's campaign manager, immediately recognizing the racist nature of his boss's words, delivered an unambiguous apology to Obama's Senate office. The bad news is that the reconstituted Solid South under one-party Republican rule has not shaken its old Jim Crow roots.
This incident demonstrates why Obama is a powerful candidate for the general election. I mean, when was the last time you heard a Republican "apologize" for anything that comes out of his or her mouth? The GOP's Southern wing must be careful to silence its instinctive racism. Karl Rove's voter suppression tactics targeting African Americans are well documented. Remember John McCain's "black baby?" How about the "hands" political ad for Jesse Helms or the Willie Horton ad for Bush the Elder? Allen Raymond, the turncoat Republican operative, spilled the beans on the racist tactics the GOP is now expert at deploying.
And what about the high-flying Republican governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour? He's a former chair of the Republican National Committee, and he is always yucking it up with the Council of Conservative Citizens. The CC of C is the reconstituted "White Citizens Councils" of yesteryear during the era of racial segregation, and guess what, they're all Republicans. George W. Bush campaigned for Barbour in 2003 even though the CC of C had splashed photos of Barbour attending one of their barbeques all over its web site.
I guarantee you that if Obama is the Democratic Party's nominee the CC of C types inside the Republican Party are going to be difficult to muzzle because the thought of a black man with his "finger on the button" is just too much for them to bear. Congressman Geoff Davis just exposed the tip of the iceberg.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Alicia Keys Backtracks On Gangsta Rap Conspiracy Claims
NEW YORK — Alicia Keys says she's not a conspiracy theorist. In a statement issued Tuesday, Keys said she was clarifying "comments that were made during my recent Blender magazine interview since they have been misrepresented."
According to an interview in the magazine's May issue, the 27-year-old singer says: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist." She also is quoted as saying that she wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead."
"We stand by our story," Blender spokeswoman Kate Cafaro told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"My comments about `gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music," Keys said in a statement issued by J Records. "The point that I was trying to make was that the term was oversloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the `gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues."
As for the AK-47 remark, Keys said Tuesday that AK-47 is a nickname given to her by friends "as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, `killing 'em dead' on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."
When AP attempted to reach Keys last week about the Blender interview, her publicist, Theola Borden, said the singer was on vacation and unavailable for comment.
The multiplatinum star behind the hits "Fallin'" and "No One" most recently had success with her latest CD, "As I Am," which has sold 3.4 million copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
According to an interview in the magazine's May issue, the 27-year-old singer says: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist." She also is quoted as saying that she wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead."
"We stand by our story," Blender spokeswoman Kate Cafaro told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"My comments about `gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music," Keys said in a statement issued by J Records. "The point that I was trying to make was that the term was oversloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the `gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues."
As for the AK-47 remark, Keys said Tuesday that AK-47 is a nickname given to her by friends "as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, `killing 'em dead' on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."
When AP attempted to reach Keys last week about the Blender interview, her publicist, Theola Borden, said the singer was on vacation and unavailable for comment.
The multiplatinum star behind the hits "Fallin'" and "No One" most recently had success with her latest CD, "As I Am," which has sold 3.4 million copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Jamal Dajani: Obama Bin Laden?
Here we go again! Dean Singleton, a publisher, founder of the NewsMedia newspaper group and chairman of the board of the Associated Press news agency, had a question for presidential candidate Barack Obama about his policy on Afghanistan.
"Can you imagine shifting a substantial number (of US troops from Iraq) to Afghanistan where the Taliban has been gaining strength and Obama Bin Laden is still at large?"
I thought Obama handled it well as he calmly replied, "I think that was Osama bin Laden."
Mr. Singleton clutching his head, answers: "If I did that, I'm so sorry."
Now Obama could have said, "It's Obama you moron." But he did not. Or he could have fired back and screamed, "Now you know why people are bitter...because of idiots like you." But he didn't.
Anyways, Arab media was entertained...
Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report at Link TV
Watch: Obama a Winner in the Middle East
"Can you imagine shifting a substantial number (of US troops from Iraq) to Afghanistan where the Taliban has been gaining strength and Obama Bin Laden is still at large?"
I thought Obama handled it well as he calmly replied, "I think that was Osama bin Laden."
Mr. Singleton clutching his head, answers: "If I did that, I'm so sorry."
Now Obama could have said, "It's Obama you moron." But he did not. Or he could have fired back and screamed, "Now you know why people are bitter...because of idiots like you." But he didn't.
Anyways, Arab media was entertained...
Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report at Link TV
Watch: Obama a Winner in the Middle East
Arlen Specter Cancer Returns: Hodgkin's Disease Discovered By Doctors
"Senator Arlen Specter today announced that he has been diagnosed with an early recurrence of Hodgkin's disease," the senator's office announced in a statement today. "Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymph system."
Senator Specter's recurrence was diagnosed based on a routine follow-up PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) which showed small lymph nodes in his chest and abdomen. A follow-up biopsy of one of the chest lymph nodes was positive for recurrence. A bone marrow biopsy was negative.
Senator Specter has had no symptoms of Hodgkin's disease aside from the PET scan findings. Based on the location of the recurrence and the absence of symptoms, his lymphoma is considered stage IIIA. This is significantly less advanced than his Hodgkin's disease when it was originally diagnosed in 2005, when it was stage IVB. At that time, he was treated with 6 months of ABVD chemotherapy, and obtained a complete remission which lasted 3 years. Senator Specter will now receive the Stanford V protocol of chemotherapy weekly over the next 12 weeks.
It is expected that Senator Specter will continue to perform all the duties of his office as well as his activities associated with his candidacy for re-election.
Senator Specter's oncologist, John H. Glick, M.D. of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, said: "Senator Specter has an excellent chance of again achieving a complete remission of his Hodgkin's disease. Senator Specter's early diagnosis of his recurrent Hodgkin's disease has a five- year survival rate of 60 percent. He is in superb physical condition, with a normal physical examination and blood work, no symptoms of disease, plays squash regularly and follows a careful diet." Dr. Glick is Professor of Medicine at Penn and a nationally renowned expert in Hodgkin's disease.
Senator Specter said: "I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good. I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin's, from which I've been symptom free for 3 years." Senator Specter had successful surgery for a brain tumor in 1993, which recurred in 1996 and was successfully treated. In 1998, in the middle of a re-election campaign, he underwent bypass surgery and post-operatively suffered cardiac arrest, from which he fully recovered. "I've beaten some tough medical problems and tough political opponents and I expect to beat this too. I look forward to getting through this treatment and continuing to serve the people of Pennsylvania," Specter said.
Specter recently published a book, "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate," chronicling his long-time struggle with Hodgkin's disease. During an appearance on "Hardball" with Chris Matthews earlier this month, Specter brought along a photo of himself shaking President Bush's hand to illustrate one of the lessons of his book.
In the photo a bald and visibly ill Specter can be seen shaking hands with a clearly reluctant Bush, who noticeably keeps his distance with his arm fully extended. "He's keeping you at arms length," Matthews laughed. Why was he doing so? Specter offered several theories of what might have been going through Bush's mind at that moment, for example: "He's the chairman, I guess I got to shake his hand."
Watch the clip.
MSNBC
Senator Specter's recurrence was diagnosed based on a routine follow-up PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) which showed small lymph nodes in his chest and abdomen. A follow-up biopsy of one of the chest lymph nodes was positive for recurrence. A bone marrow biopsy was negative.
Senator Specter has had no symptoms of Hodgkin's disease aside from the PET scan findings. Based on the location of the recurrence and the absence of symptoms, his lymphoma is considered stage IIIA. This is significantly less advanced than his Hodgkin's disease when it was originally diagnosed in 2005, when it was stage IVB. At that time, he was treated with 6 months of ABVD chemotherapy, and obtained a complete remission which lasted 3 years. Senator Specter will now receive the Stanford V protocol of chemotherapy weekly over the next 12 weeks.
It is expected that Senator Specter will continue to perform all the duties of his office as well as his activities associated with his candidacy for re-election.
Senator Specter's oncologist, John H. Glick, M.D. of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, said: "Senator Specter has an excellent chance of again achieving a complete remission of his Hodgkin's disease. Senator Specter's early diagnosis of his recurrent Hodgkin's disease has a five- year survival rate of 60 percent. He is in superb physical condition, with a normal physical examination and blood work, no symptoms of disease, plays squash regularly and follows a careful diet." Dr. Glick is Professor of Medicine at Penn and a nationally renowned expert in Hodgkin's disease.
Senator Specter said: "I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good. I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin's, from which I've been symptom free for 3 years." Senator Specter had successful surgery for a brain tumor in 1993, which recurred in 1996 and was successfully treated. In 1998, in the middle of a re-election campaign, he underwent bypass surgery and post-operatively suffered cardiac arrest, from which he fully recovered. "I've beaten some tough medical problems and tough political opponents and I expect to beat this too. I look forward to getting through this treatment and continuing to serve the people of Pennsylvania," Specter said.
Specter recently published a book, "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate," chronicling his long-time struggle with Hodgkin's disease. During an appearance on "Hardball" with Chris Matthews earlier this month, Specter brought along a photo of himself shaking President Bush's hand to illustrate one of the lessons of his book.
In the photo a bald and visibly ill Specter can be seen shaking hands with a clearly reluctant Bush, who noticeably keeps his distance with his arm fully extended. "He's keeping you at arms length," Matthews laughed. Why was he doing so? Specter offered several theories of what might have been going through Bush's mind at that moment, for example: "He's the chairman, I guess I got to shake his hand."
Watch the clip.
MSNBC
Friday, June 13, 2008
New York Times Plans Layoffs "Within The Core Newsroom"
The New York Times announced that it's all but a done deal that the paper will have to layoff staffers in the newsroom.
The drop-dead deadline is fast approaching for the staffers in The New York Times newsroom to raise their hand and volunteer for a buyout. An internal memo from the paper's assistant managing editor, Bill Schmidt, just went out and said that "we expect" that the buyout numbers aren't looking good and that for the first time the paper will be forced to cut the newsroom through layoffs.
"While layoffs have become all too common across our industry, this is the first time the newsroom as a whole has confronted that blunt reality, and we approach it with a heavy heart," he said in the e-mail.
The drop-dead deadline is fast approaching for the staffers in The New York Times newsroom to raise their hand and volunteer for a buyout. An internal memo from the paper's assistant managing editor, Bill Schmidt, just went out and said that "we expect" that the buyout numbers aren't looking good and that for the first time the paper will be forced to cut the newsroom through layoffs.
"While layoffs have become all too common across our industry, this is the first time the newsroom as a whole has confronted that blunt reality, and we approach it with a heavy heart," he said in the e-mail.
Jamal Dajani: Obama Bin Laden?
Here we go again! Dean Singleton, a publisher, founder of the NewsMedia newspaper group and chairman of the board of the Associated Press news agency, had a question for presidential candidate Barack Obama about his policy on Afghanistan.
"Can you imagine shifting a substantial number (of US troops from Iraq) to Afghanistan where the Taliban has been gaining strength and Obama Bin Laden is still at large?"
I thought Obama handled it well as he calmly replied, "I think that was Osama bin Laden."
Mr. Singleton clutching his head, answers: "If I did that, I'm so sorry."
Now Obama could have said, "It's Obama you moron." But he did not. Or he could have fired back and screamed, "Now you know why people are bitter...because of idiots like you." But he didn't.
Anyways, Arab media was entertained...
Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report at Link TV
Watch: Obama a Winner in the Middle East
"Can you imagine shifting a substantial number (of US troops from Iraq) to Afghanistan where the Taliban has been gaining strength and Obama Bin Laden is still at large?"
I thought Obama handled it well as he calmly replied, "I think that was Osama bin Laden."
Mr. Singleton clutching his head, answers: "If I did that, I'm so sorry."
Now Obama could have said, "It's Obama you moron." But he did not. Or he could have fired back and screamed, "Now you know why people are bitter...because of idiots like you." But he didn't.
Anyways, Arab media was entertained...
Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report at Link TV
Watch: Obama a Winner in the Middle East
Alicia Keys Backtracks On Gangsta Rap Conspiracy Claims
NEW YORK — Alicia Keys says she's not a conspiracy theorist. In a statement issued Tuesday, Keys said she was clarifying "comments that were made during my recent Blender magazine interview since they have been misrepresented."
According to an interview in the magazine's May issue, the 27-year-old singer says: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist." She also is quoted as saying that she wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead."
"We stand by our story," Blender spokeswoman Kate Cafaro told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"My comments about `gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music," Keys said in a statement issued by J Records. "The point that I was trying to make was that the term was oversloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the `gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues."
As for the AK-47 remark, Keys said Tuesday that AK-47 is a nickname given to her by friends "as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, `killing 'em dead' on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."
When AP attempted to reach Keys last week about the Blender interview, her publicist, Theola Borden, said the singer was on vacation and unavailable for comment.
The multiplatinum star behind the hits "Fallin'" and "No One" most recently had success with her latest CD, "As I Am," which has sold 3.4 million copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
___
On the Net:
Blender:
According to an interview in the magazine's May issue, the 27-year-old singer says: "`Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. `Gangsta rap' didn't exist." She also is quoted as saying that she wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck "to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead."
"We stand by our story," Blender spokeswoman Kate Cafaro told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"My comments about `gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music," Keys said in a statement issued by J Records. "The point that I was trying to make was that the term was oversloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the `gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues."
As for the AK-47 remark, Keys said Tuesday that AK-47 is a nickname given to her by friends "as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, `killing 'em dead' on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation."
When AP attempted to reach Keys last week about the Blender interview, her publicist, Theola Borden, said the singer was on vacation and unavailable for comment.
The multiplatinum star behind the hits "Fallin'" and "No One" most recently had success with her latest CD, "As I Am," which has sold 3.4 million copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
___
On the Net:
Blender:
Joseph A. Palermo: "That Boy's Finger Does Not Need to Be on the Button"
While the putatively "liberal" media hyperventilate about a few words Barack Obama uttered in San Francisco last Sunday, lost in the din were the remarks at a fundraising dinner for Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and his compatriot Representative Geoff Davis who represents the good people of Northern Kentucky. Senator McConnell called Obama "incredibly naive" and Representative Davis called him a "snake oil salesman." But the truly offensive and, yes, "elitist," statement came from Davis when he said: "I'm going to tell you something. That boy's finger does not need to be on the button."
The good news is that Davis's campaign manager, immediately recognizing the racist nature of his boss's words, delivered an unambiguous apology to Obama's Senate office. The bad news is that the reconstituted Solid South under one-party Republican rule has not shaken its old Jim Crow roots.
This incident demonstrates why Obama is a powerful candidate for the general election. I mean, when was the last time you heard a Republican "apologize" for anything that comes out of his or her mouth? The GOP's Southern wing must be careful to silence its instinctive racism. Karl Rove's voter suppression tactics targeting African Americans are well documented. Remember John McCain's "black baby?" How about the "hands" political ad for Jesse Helms or the Willie Horton ad for Bush the Elder? Allen Raymond, the turncoat Republican operative, spilled the beans on the racist tactics the GOP is now expert at deploying.
And what about the high-flying Republican governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour? He's a former chair of the Republican National Committee, and he is always yucking it up with the Council of Conservative Citizens. The CC of C is the reconstituted "White Citizens Councils" of yesteryear during the era of racial segregation, and guess what, they're all Republicans. George W. Bush campaigned for Barbour in 2003 even though the CC of C had splashed photos of Barbour attending one of their barbeques all over its web site.
I guarantee you that if Obama is the Democratic Party's nominee the CC of C types inside the Republican Party are going to be difficult to muzzle because the thought of a black man with his "finger on the button" is just too much for them to bear. Congressman Geoff Davis just exposed the tip of the iceberg.
The good news is that Davis's campaign manager, immediately recognizing the racist nature of his boss's words, delivered an unambiguous apology to Obama's Senate office. The bad news is that the reconstituted Solid South under one-party Republican rule has not shaken its old Jim Crow roots.
This incident demonstrates why Obama is a powerful candidate for the general election. I mean, when was the last time you heard a Republican "apologize" for anything that comes out of his or her mouth? The GOP's Southern wing must be careful to silence its instinctive racism. Karl Rove's voter suppression tactics targeting African Americans are well documented. Remember John McCain's "black baby?" How about the "hands" political ad for Jesse Helms or the Willie Horton ad for Bush the Elder? Allen Raymond, the turncoat Republican operative, spilled the beans on the racist tactics the GOP is now expert at deploying.
And what about the high-flying Republican governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour? He's a former chair of the Republican National Committee, and he is always yucking it up with the Council of Conservative Citizens. The CC of C is the reconstituted "White Citizens Councils" of yesteryear during the era of racial segregation, and guess what, they're all Republicans. George W. Bush campaigned for Barbour in 2003 even though the CC of C had splashed photos of Barbour attending one of their barbeques all over its web site.
I guarantee you that if Obama is the Democratic Party's nominee the CC of C types inside the Republican Party are going to be difficult to muzzle because the thought of a black man with his "finger on the button" is just too much for them to bear. Congressman Geoff Davis just exposed the tip of the iceberg.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Cameron Diaz's Dad Dies Suddenly
TMZ has learned that Cameron Diaz's father died suddenly early this morning.
We're told the 58-year-old Emilio Diaz, a popular resident of Seal Beach, Calif., recently developed the flu which then turned into pneumonia. We hear his death was "shocking" as Emilio was in "terrific health." Diaz is currently filming her upcoming flick "My Sister's Keeper." A source on the set tells us production on the film was shut down today.
Emilio was a second generation Cuban-American who worked as a foreman for an oil company. He had a bit part in his daughter's film "There's Something About Mary" as "Jailbird."
 | 快来用音乐为奥运加油 得奥运会、演唱会门票 |
Cameron Diaz's Dad Dies Suddenly
TMZ has learned that Cameron Diaz's father died suddenly early this morning.
We're told the 58-year-old Emilio Diaz, a popular resident of Seal Beach, Calif., recently developed the flu which then turned into pneumonia. We hear his death was "shocking" as Emilio was in "terrific health." Diaz is currently filming her upcoming flick "My Sister's Keeper." A source on the set tells us production on the film was shut down today.
Emilio was a second generation Cuban-American who worked as a foreman for an oil company. He had a bit part in his daughter's film "There's Something About Mary" as "Jailbird."
| 快来用音乐为奥运加油 得奥运会、演唱会门票 |
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Mine-clearing campaign moves forward in BiH despite deaths
Black and White Figure Studies — the female nude in artistic .Galleries of black-and-white figure studies of female nudes by an assortment of photographers. [AVS membership required to view the photos]
black and white photosI am a big fan of black and white photography. All of the photos I take are taken in color but then edited in Photoshop Elements to achieve the best contrast for .
Colorize Black and White Photos - Add Color to Photographs, Restore .Colorize Black and White Photos with BlackMagic. Add color to black and white photographs with this easy to use digital photo software utility and image enhancement software.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) — The prosecutor’s office confirmed on Thursday (March 20th) that five people have been arrested on terrorism. Five arrested on terrorism charges in BiH
Reinforcing the importance of the country’s new mine-clearing campaign, six sappers were recently killed in one week. The country must move forward with the campaign, however, for public safety and the future of tourism. Mine-clearing campaign moves forward in BiH despite deaths
Tornado Warning For Garland, Saline and Hot Spring Counties (KTHV Little Rock)
I love “The Matrix”. I must have seen it 12 or 13 times and I always get tingles up my spine when that first green WB logo comes on.
I think the Universe really wanted me to see it - I actually got free tickets to an advance screening from the back of a radio station truck, but then managed to forget about this (maybe I didn’t believe I was worthy of the freebies?) and only realised I had missed the session the next day!
read more
The Prison for Your Mind
A young Eva Ionesco from Artnet.com
Bethany Mattek: “hanging out”
Doppler Radar | kgw.com | News for Oregon and SW WashingtonLive Doppler Radar for Portland Oregon and Southwest Washington . HealthWebCenter. Local experts provide the latest information on Healthcare issues that matter to you
KARK Weather ALERT (KARK Little Rock).A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 930 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL SALINE.EAST CENTRAL GARLAND AND NORTHEASTERN HOT SPRING COUNTIES. AT 849 PM CDT.NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO INDICATE A TORNADO. THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR LAKE CATHERINE.MOVING NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.
Amy Fisher, Porn Star
whatsup@uptownmag.com (Uptown Magazine)Let us know about your happenings! Contact us at: , Fax: 949-4376. Mail: Attn Whats Up, #1465 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0W9. No phone calls please. Deadline for submission to listings is Monday at 9 am. Listings are free but placement cannot be guaranteed.
Bad-ass babes on roller skates (Creative Loafing Charlotte)By Brittney Cason.The Charlotte Roller Girls are recruiting skaters . think I should try out? Yeah right, are you kidding me? Have you been to a bout? If you like NASCAR for the racing and wrecking, or football for the tackling and scoring, then you’ll love roller derby because it’s kinda like that . but with women on roller skates. The player with the star on her helmet is the scorer and .
photo courtesy of PR Photos/www.prphotos.com
Amy Fisher was reportedly a star at the Las Vegas porn convention. She and her husband arrived in Sin City promoting their sex tape that he put out there after being so angry with her for seeing her ex-lover Joey Buttafuocco again. However, after they got back together, Amy wasn’t angry about the sex tape release. In fact, she might’ve been thrilled her husband was so resourceful and decided to promote the tape as well.
According to Cindy Adams of the NY Post Page Six, there are rumors that the classy couple are hoping they’ll get their very own reality/sexuality show. Well, since it seems anyone can have a reality show these days, why not?
Source Amy Fisher, Porn Star
Artest, Jackson Suspended Seven Games Apiece
Gabbo Design
We Dudes!
A detailed understanding of key chemical reactions that take place in interstellar space has been provided by groundbreaking research at two US Department of Energy national laboratories and two European universities. New light cast on key chemical reactions in interstellar space
The NBA announced today that Stephen Jackson of the Golden State Warriors has been suspended without pay for seven games for pleading guilty to criminal recklessness, in violation of the law of the State of Indiana, and Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings Artest, Jackson Suspended Seven Games Apiece
Old World Market : Fine Food & Wine : HomeOld World Market is a gourmet food and wine shop located in downtown Valparaiso, featuring the best in imported and domestic foods, cheeses, wines, and beers. We also offer .
Panasonic Sells its 100 Millionth Cell Phone in Japan (PC World) (Addict 3D)PC World - Panasonic has become the first cell-phone manufacturer to ship 100 million units in the Japanese market, it said Thursday.
Protests Begin In San Francisco, Dalai Lama Issues Statement to Tibetans
"I think this is just a preview. I think there will be a lot more than this city is prepared for."
link: http://www.reuters.com/article...
This was one San Fransican's reaction to yesterday's breath-taking protest by proponents of a free Tibet who scaled the Golden Gate Bridge:
The protesters had this to say when contacted by the media:
The climbers, who included Laurel Mac Sutherlin, 30, and Duane Martinez, 27, of Sausalito, made their way 150 feet above the roadway, some 370 feet over the water, to hang Tibetan flags and 40-foot-long banners that read "One World One Dream," "Free Tibet" and "Free Tibet 08."Reached by cell phone as he dangled from the bridge, Sutherlin said he was worried that the torch's planned route through Tibet would lead to more arrests and that Chinese officials would use force to stifle any visible dissent.
"The leaders of China have said they'll maintain order at all costs, and we know what that means - bloodshed and violent oppression," he told the Associated Press. "If the IOC allows the torch to proceed into Tibet, they'll have blood on their hands."
Martinez said he and Sutherlin, who are partners, have been involved in the Tibet issue before - both were arrested by Chinese authorities last year. In April 2007, Sutherlin and three other Americans were taken away after holding up a banner at a base camp on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest that read, "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet 2008."
link: http://www.marinij.com/ci_8847...
Meanwhile, a "re-education campaign" is already under way in Tibet:
Buddhist monks, civil servants and public school students have been instructed to attend special classes in the virtues of Chinese rule and the evils of their exiled leader, the Dalai Lama. In these classes, the Tibetans read and recite from texts that denounce the Dalai Lama as a "political reactionary" and a "betrayer of the motherland."snip
Clashes that erupted last week in Sichuan province's Ganzi prefecture (known as Kardze to Tibetans) were reportedly triggered when the head of the Tongkor Monastery objected to Communist Party teaching materials that criticize the Dalai Lama. Tibetan activists say eight people were killed in the April 3 incident.
Nevertheless, Communist officials insist that the program be expanded.
Touring a monastery last week, the deputy Communist Party chief for Tibet, Hao Peng, called for strengthening "patriotic education so as to guide the masses of monks to continuously display the patriotic tradition."
link: http://www.latimes.com/news/pr...
In the midst of the latest protests the Dalai Lama has issued a statement to the Tibetan people:
The English translation to this statement is as follows:
While extending my warm greetings to all the Tibetans in Tibet, I would like to share some of my thoughts.1. Since March 10 this year, we have witnessed protests and demonstrations in almost all parts of Tibet, even in a few cities in Mainland China by students, which are the outburst of long pent-up physical and mental anguish of the Tibetans and the feeling of deep resentment against the suppression of the rights of Tibetan people, lack of religious freedom and for trying to distort the truth at every occasion, such as saying that Tibetans look towards the Chinese Communist Party as the "Living Buddha", is an ultra leftist statement and smacks of Han chauvinism. I am very much saddened and concerned by the use of arms to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of Tibetan people's aspirations that have resulted in unrest in Tibet, causing many deaths, and much more causalities, detention, and injury. Such suppression and suffering are very unfortunate and tragic which will reduce any compassionate person to tears. I, however, feel helpless in the face of these tragic incidents.
2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well as Chinese who have lost their lives during the current crisis.
3. The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of China's propaganda that except for a few "reactionaries", the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life. These protests have made it very clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbor the same aspirations and hopes. These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected. These protests highlight the need to find a way to resolve the issue through "finding truth from facts". The courage and determination of those Tibetans who have, for the greater interests of Tibetan people, demonstrated their deep anguish and hopes by risking everything is very commendable as the world community has acknowledged and supported the spirit of these Tibetans.
4. I deeply appreciate the acts of many Tibetan government employees and Communist Party cadres who have, without losing their Tibetan identity, shown grit and sense of what is right during the present crisis. In future, I would appeal to the Tibetan Party cadres and government employees not to look always for their personal benefit, but to work for safeguarding the larger interests of Tibet by reporting the real sentiments of the Tibetan people to their superiors in the Party and try to give unbiased guidance to the Tibetan people.
5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the present ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution could be reached. We should create an opportunity for their efforts to bring out positive results. I know you are being provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice.6. The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue. I have made repeated appeals for an independent and respected international body to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am sure this independent body will uncover the truth. If the People's Republic of China has any basis and proof of evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world. Just making allegations is not enough.
7. For the future of Tibet, I have decided to find a solution within the framework of the People's Republic of China. Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The whole world knows this. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense. However, I have said it from the beginning that the Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet.
8. The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged. I feel the Tibetans should not cause any hindrance to the Games. It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people. On the contrary, we need to foster trust and respect in our hearts in order to create a harmonious society, as this cannot be built on the basis of force and intimidation.
9. Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People's Republic of China and not with the Chinese people. Therefore we should never cause misunderstanding or do something that will hurt the Chinese people. Even during this difficult situation, many Chinese intellectuals, writers and lawyers in Mainland China and other parts of the world have sympathized and shown us their solidarity by issuing statements, writing articles and offering pledges of support that is overwhelming. I have recently issued an appeal to the Chinese people all over the world on 28th March, which I hope you will hear and read.
10. If the present situation in Tibet continues, I am very much concerned that the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people. Because of my moral obligation and responsibility to the Tibetan people, I have repeatedly asked the concerned leadership of the PRC to immediately stop their suppression in all parts of Tibet and withdraw its armed police and troops. If this brings result, I would also advise the Tibetans to stop all the current protests.
11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetans who live in freedom outside Tibet to be extra vigilant as they voice their feelings on the developments in Tibet. We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as violent. Even under the most provocative of situations we must not allow our most precious and deeply held values to be compromised. I firmly believe that we will achieve success through our non-violent path. We must be wise to understand where the unprecedented affection and support for our cause stems from.
12. As Tibet is currently virtually closed and no international media is allowed there, I doubt my message will reach the Tibetans in Tibet. But I hope through media and by word of mouth, it will be passed on to the majority of you.
13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appeal once again to Tibetans to practice non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might be.
The Dalai Lama
link: http://www.dalailama.com/news....
Please keep all sides of this conflict in your thoughts, prayers and meditations.
Monday Night Twilight: Bronze Medal Edition
Hey all you fellow EENRs out there this fine Monday evening! This is poligirl and it's that time again - time for the Monday Night Twilight!
(The photo at the left was taken by a chap who goes by the moniker "Fort Photo" on Flickr. It's titled Crescent Moon Sunset on Yellowstone Lake. The photographer has many more beautiful pics on Flickr if anyone is interested in viewing them.)
A lot, and not much of it good, has been in the news lately about the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.
I am ambivalent about the Games taking place there; I'd rather have them not, and I lean toward some kind of boycott, but I also feel for the athletes especially those that are getting older... But I digress, this is, after all, the Monday Night Twilight, not the Evening News & Commentary. So onward! :D
Now, I am a lover of the Olympics, always have been; we watched them every year (or rather, every four years back then) when I was younger. I am partial to the Winter Olympics; not really sure why, could be because my parents met in their ski club (more like the bar after the ski club meeting, lol)...
Anyway, I thought that in addition to those wacky story links as always that I would ask you all a couple of questions as well...
So, questions first cuz I'm just plain nosy...
What season are your favorite Olympics?
What sport is you favorite in the Olympics?
Have you ever been to an Olympic event?
Where were you favorite Olympics held?
Who is your favorite Olympic Athlete?
Will you answers here gain you the Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal? (hehehe)
and now, without further ado ("thank god" you all are screaming!) here are the weekly wacky links for all you west coasters, insomniacs, and night birds...
Well, I'll start out with an Olympic one; one that I would say thank god to if I were going (pun intended): no more squatting
Talk about expensive haircuts! Sheesh! No tip for this hairdresser
A kind discount from our friends in Rome: Sub Prime victims discount
I wish we could have this day everywhere: Quieter commute
Dr. Suess via the Onion: A Plea (h/t to a commenter I cannot remember over at brand x)
One for the For Crying Out Loud file: Now I have to buy a whole new Atlas dammit!
And finally, in the "you'd think this would never get banned category" No cake for you
So, Twilighters, how you doin'?
McCain Calls Iraq Withdrawal a Failure of Leadership
Yesterday John McCain gave a speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He stressed the importance of staying in Iraq for the long haul and spoke about the need for more funding for the occupation. Great. He wasted no time in attacking plans for a withdrawal from Iraq:
"To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests, and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility," he said. "It is a failure of leadership."
A failure of leadership got us into Iraq in the first place. I'm also surprised that the Iraqi people are considered the most vital interest to John McCain. If that's the case, maybe he should honor the Iraqi people's wishes and start supporting a withdrawal.
McCain made sure to spend some time fear mongering and attacking Democrats for supporting a withdrawal. From Raw Story:
McCain warned against the swift withdrawal of troops advocated by Obama and Clinton, saying Iraq could quickly become a terrorist haven."These likely consequences of America's failure in Iraq would, almost certainly, require us to return to Iraq or draw us into a wider and far costlier war," the Arizona senator said.
I'm not saying that a withdrawal won't be difficult. However, we can't militarily make any progress on the ground. Why should we sacrifice our soldiers for a conflict that has to be settled by the Iraqi people? The interesting part of this speech is how many times McCain contradicts himself:
People deserve a candid assessment of progress in Iraq as well as of the serious difficulties that remain and of the consequences of hasty withdrawal."
I agree with McCain on this. The American people deserve an honest assessment of the realities on the ground. We deserve to know whether the "surge" really did work and how much or how little political progress has been made. We also deserve to know who is doing the majority of the fighting in Iraq without being told it's Al Qeada. We deserve to know that there can be no military solution and only a political solution in Iraq. We deserve to know that the Iraqi people do not want us to stay and occupy their country, like Republicans John McCain and Mike Pence like to suggest.
McCain goes on to show us how much of a straight talker he is:
"The dramatic reduction in violence has opened the way for a return to something approaching normal political and economic life for the average Iraqi,"
Normal political and economic life for the average Iraqi? There is no dramatic reduction in violence in Iraq. Just one day prior to McCain's speech, we lost seven American soldiers. We've lost 48 soldiers in the last thirty days. There was fighting in Basra between the Shiites and now the fighting is erupting again on the streets of Baghdad. Iraqi people don't want to leave their homes and you call the state of affairs in Iraq, "Approaching normal?" McCain goes on to talk about the importance of telling the truth to the American people:
"I do not believe that anyone should make promises as a candidate for president that they cannot keep if elected," McCain told the crowd of about 130 people, mostly veterans."
I think we should take McCain at his word. He's promising to keep the Iraq War going. That should be enough for every American to vote for the Democrat in November.
Updated (3x): "The Flame of Discord" Doused in Paris
From The Press Association:
Protesters have forced police to extinguish the Olympic torch amid heavy demonstrations as it set off across Paris.Officers in jogging gear who had been escorting the flame put it out and took it on a bus, apparently to get it away from the protesters.
The flame, which started out at the Eiffel Tower amid tight security, was being carried down a road next to the Seine near demonstrators carrying Tibetan flags when the relay was stopped.
link: http://ukpress.google.com/arti...
Sky News has footage of the security guarding the torch, including the police on rollerblades:
There are official outlets in France who are dubious, at best, about the sybolism of the Olympic torch today:
"The flame of discord" was how two national French newspapers described it in their front-page headlines, while the front of the left-leaning Liberation daily was covered with a picture of the Olympic rings turned into handcuffs.
link: http://afp.google.com/article/...
Paris City Hall, which is on the route, has hung a banner saying ``Paris Defends Human Rights Throughout the World.'' Only a handful of demonstrators gathered near the foot of the Eiffel Tower for the start of the relay.
link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...
The BBC has more footage of the protests:
It is being widely reported that the Paris-based group, Reporters Without Borders, has promised a day of "spectacular" protests.
Stay tuned.
Please keep all sides of this conflict in your thoughts, prayers and meditations.
UPDATE: It appears the protests are working, as IOC President Jacques Rogge has made his strongest statement yet regarding the need for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Tibet:
Jacques Rogge's statement - his strongest to date - comes in the wake of repeated attempts to disrupt the Olympic torch relay. Police in London arrested 37 people for public order offenses as the flame passed through the city yesterday and protesters have already gathered along the route through Paris today.snip
"I'm very concerned with the international situation and what's happening in Tibet," he told today's meeting.
"The torch relay has been targeted. The International Olympic Committee has expressed its serious concern and calls for a rapid peaceful resolution in Tibet," he said.
He said that violence "for whatever reason" was "not compatible with the values of the torch relay or the Olympic Games", adding: "We need the unity of the Olympic movement to help us overcome the difficulties. Our major responsibility is for offering good games to the athletes who deserve them."
link: http://www.buzzle.com/articles...
UPDATE (2): It is now being reported that the torch has been extinguished on three separate occasions in Paris:
Despite beefed-up security, anti-China protests have forced officials to stop the Olympic relay in Paris for a third time, extinguish the flame and put the torch aboard a bus.The latest suspension came after police spotted a crowd of demonstrators on a bridge they were approaching, the Associated Press reported.
The relay, which resumed shortly after each of the two interruptions, began from the Eiffel Tower, where several hundred people carrying Tibetan flags and signs reading "Save Tibet" gathered to demonstrate.
link: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/amate...
The torch seems to be heading through Paris in fits and starts, which may make this a very long day for French police attempting to escort it through the streets, "...akin to what would be given to a high-profile head of state". Stay tuned.
UPDATE (3): Reuters is now reporting that the torch relay has been called off in Paris:
PARIS (Reuters) - Chinese officials called off a chaotic relay of the Olympic torch through Paris on Monday after thousands of pro-Tibet protesters tried to block its path and the flame had to be extinguished at least twice.Police said the Chinese authorities organising the five-hour passage of the torch had decided to give up the road relay after demonstrators protesting against China's crackdown on Tibet constantly snarled its progress and forced lengthy delays.
Separately, Chinese officials also cancelled a reception at Paris city hall:
Mayor Bernard Delanoe told reporters the Chinese had cancelled a planned reception for the torch at Paris city hall at the last minute after a banner supporting human rights was hung from the facade of the building."The Chinese officials decided they would not stop here because they were put out by Parisian citizens expressing their support for human rights. It is their responsibility," he said.
link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/...
Next stop, San Francisco.
Updated: Tibet, and Panic In The Streets of London
Londoners awoke on a lazy, snowy Sunday morning to images of protest flooding their television screens, including one moment when a protester was almost successful in dousing the Olympic flame as it was carried by British celebrity Konnie Huq:
The Guardian reports on some of the chaos that ensued in attempting to carry the Olympic torch through the city:
Police were forced to bring in reinforcements to marshal the Olympic torch relay through London after a series of protests along the 31-mile route by demonstrators angered at China's human rights record. More than 35 people have been arrested, all for public order offences.snip
At several times during the day protesters threw themselves in front of the runners and there were also scuffles between police and demonstrators. At one point, the torch procession even went the wrong way down a one-way street and was forced to turn round.
When the bus travelled along Oxford Street, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell stopped it in its tracks by jumping into the road holding a sign saying "Free Tibet, free Hu Jia". "The arrest last week of human rights activist Hu Jia shows that China is not fulfilling its human rights commitments which were part of the deal for them to get the Olympics," Mr Tatchell said. "At the very least, world leaders should boycott the opening ceremony and athletes should wear Tibetan flags when they go on the podium to receive their medals." Mr Tatchell said he was detained by police but released with a warning.
link: http://sport.guardian.co.uk/ne...
The Times UK reports that, "flour bombs were thrown as officers struggled to restrain the demonstrators" outside the British Museum, while "at least a thousand" protesters were gathered at Number 10 Downing Street. Video posted on YouTube confirms the mass of humanity gathered there:
And the protests continued throughout the day:
Protesters and the media followed the torch towards Parliament Square as police surrounded the bearer en masse.England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was given the flame and headed towards Westminster Bridge - walking rather than running because of the mayhem. Camera crews, photographers, members of the public and outraged protesters were bundled out of the way as police frantically tried to clear a path and struggled to maintain control of the situation.
Later, the violinist Vanessa Mae was supposed to arrive at the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank by boat, but this part of the route too was abandoned and instead she carried the torch in on foot for a ceremony attended by Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman.
link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t...
Additional video taken from the protests shows the Chinese attendants attempting to guard the flame flanked by London police in yellow jackets:
The Times UK covers previous statements from British politicians asking Gordon Brown not to participate in the torch carrying ceremony:
Earlier, campaigners and politicians called for Mr Brown to boycott the relay."It is deeply sad that the Chinese through their brutality in Tibet have contaminated the Olympic ideal," said Norman Baker MP, president of the Tibet Society, in a statement on the Free Tibet Campaign's website.
Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told the BBC: "It's wholly inappropriate that Gordon Brown is participating in this torch-bearing ceremony today."
link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t...
British comedienne Francesca Martinez explains to the BBC why she pulled out of the relay:
As she eloquently stated, any social or political change only occurs when all of us as individuals get together and fight for a better world. Many similarly minded people took to the streets of London today to show their solidarity with the people of Tibet and activists like Hu Jia.
As one protester shared his thoughts on using this event to make a statement with a reporter from New York Times:
One of the protesters who sparred verbally with pro-China groups in Trafalgar Square was David Phillips, a 25-year-old American from Austin, Tex., who said he had worked for six months at the American embassy in Beijing two years ago. Now working at a travel agency in London, Mr. Phillips said he had witnessed human rights abuses in China at first hand. "There are serious human rights violations going on, and you can't ignore that," he said. "And this is an appropriate place for us to voice our feelings."
link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04...
Please keep all sides of this conflict in your thoughts, prayers and meditations.
UPDATE: The Guardian has a timeline of the protests available here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worl...
Among other things, protesters were asked to remove t-shirts and signs that the police considered "inflammatory". Expect calls for investigations on this to be forthcoming.
Pre-Emption as a Legal Standard??
Today's New York Times carries an article about the new wave of drug company "pre-emption" for products later shown to be unsafe. Under what is becoming the state of affairs under the Bush administration once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug for marketing, consumers lose their legal right to sue for damages when the approved medication is shown to be faulty. The exemption may be upheld by the courts even if the data submitted to the FDA in advance of approval is shown to have been misleading or incorrect.
The particular drug under discussion today is Johnson & Johnson's birth control patch marketed as Ortho Evra. From the website
The particular drug under discussion today is Johnson & Johnson's birth control patch marketed as Ortho Evra. From the website
Studies examined the risk of these serious blood clots in women who used either ORTHO EVRA® or birth control pills containing one of two progestins (levonorgestrel or norgestimate) and 30-35 micrograms of estrogen. Results of these studies ranged from an approximate doubling of risk of serious blood clots to no increase in risk in women using ORTHO EVRA® compared to women using birth control pills.The increased risk is associated with the higher levels of estrogen (which are known to be associated with heart attack and stroke) released by the patch as compared to low dose pills. When the drug was first marketed and the company released its findings, the amounts of estrogen reported were decreased by 40%. The FDA waited six more years until November, 2005, to warn the public of the increased risk.
The FDA has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years as a result of what appears to be an overwhelming workload and management structure which does not allow full examination of drug applications. The agency relies on drug companies to be forthright and honest in their applications. The agency has neither the time nor the resources to test every drug for which a marketing application is made.
The real issue at work here is the legal right of an injured consumer to seek legal recourse. The companies argue once the FDA approves a drug all legal rights to damages are lost. In effect the company is protected by the government's shield of approval. Plaintiff attorneys argue
Our lawsuits are the ultimate check against the mistake made by the government, or fraud made by the companies against the government, or just an underfunded bureaucracy stretched thin.And so the battle continues.
As recently as February, FDA commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach
acknowledged that the agency faces a crisis and may not be "adequate to regulate the food and drugs of the 21st century."This is a situation which must not be allowed to continue. The government is our protector in instances like this. The government has a place in seeing consumers are safe from the corporate marketing pressures pushing profit over all else. If we cannot trust our government to see our drug supply is beneficial, what ever are we to trust?
The Bush administration has for all its time in office been a protector of corporate versus individual rights. The time has come for a real change. Corporations deserve a measure of protection in order to play on a level and fair field. But the consumer deserves the same rights to protection and fairness. We must see to the reinstitution of regulatory means which guarantee the safety of our pharmaceutical supply as well our food and environment.
We as a nation must not allow corporate profit taking to become the final rule of law. We must not allow the courts to be taken out of the process. We as citizens deserve the protections of justice for all. There can be no justice when legal recourse is removed from the process.
Peace.
Reminder for one and all. I am running for Congress, DE-AL. Please check out the website or the ActBlue page and support the effort. Your help is needed for the effort to succeed. Contributions of all sorts, both moral and monetary are most appreciated.
Women win $33M in Class Action Suit on Wall Street
Many think that the sexual discrimination struggles for women are over. However that is not the case. And often women have to take strong legal action to make their point. It usually is a long and disruptive battle that many give up on. On Friday there was another significant victory for women.
It seems that past lessons were not learned well by the financial giant:
Three women who challenged the discrimination in the male dominated finanacial institutions on Wall Street, in particular, Smith Barney, one of the industry's largest brokerages, have finally won a settlement
that will compensate thousands of underpaid female employees and marks another step in the fight against sexism, bullying and unequal pay on Wall Street.
Renee Fassbender Amochaev, Deborah Orlando and Kathryn Varner tried to resolve this issue long before the desperate action of filing a law suit in 2005. When they first complained about the fact that
they were being fobbed off with the least lucrative client work, while the men shared the richest clients among themselves, they were initially ignored, then ridiculed - and ultimately forced out.
It seems that past lessons were not learned well by the financial giant:
Smith Barney had already promised to install anti-discrimination policies as part of an earlier legal settlement in 1998. In that case, women at a New York branch of the business had alleged a macho culture ruled over by a bullying boss who cultivated a fraternity house environment. Drinking parties were held regularly for mainly male brokers, where they drank bloody marys from a barrel and subjected female colleagues to lewd pranks. The revelations shamed Wall Street and analysts believe Citigroup, Smith Barney's parent company, had to pay out more than $100m in damages that time, with millions more in "diversity training" for its managers.
Although there have been some improvements in the atmosphere of the offices, Kelly Dermody, the trio's lawyer, had these words yesterday
"I wish I could say that we are coming to the end of the era of sex discrimination lawsuits, but there are major institutional problems that remain on Wall Street. There is a lot less gross sexual harassment than 10 years ago but the dollars-and-cents issue of pay and promotion, and other barriers to women, they still remain."
What made Citigroup settle? It always is a money issue and bad publicity is bad for business:
by this year 2,500 current and former employees had swung behind the class action and were demanding redress for discrimination against them. With that momentum, Citigroup decided to stop fighting.
Initially Citigroup claimed the women got "all that they were worth" but now they seem to recognize the problem
As part of the settlement, Smith Barney is to appoint a diversity monitor and an industrial psychologist charged with re-educating the "good old boys".
Often to get resolution to issues people have to be brave and step up to challenge injustice in the work place. This is especially hard for women but I am heartened to see these cases come forward and see the women winning. It may mean that women in other workplaces get treated more fairly or that they get the courage to challenge the status quo.
Tuesday….
Good Morning….I am racing this morning…I need to go to NYC for tonight’s show…so….blog away…and I will check back soon….
…also, read the blogroll of newspapers on the right hand side of GretaWire..
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