The Sad State of the Health Care Debate

I am the uninsured. I have a job and pay taxes but my employer doesn't offer benefits. I have no access to health care except what I can afford to pay for out of pocket. And that ain't much.

When I can't get to sleep at night, I wonder if I have breast cancer or diabetes or some other treatable disease which could be detected if I could afford to get preventive medical care. But then I know too that even if something was detected, I could not afford to pay for treatment anyway. So I just lie in bed and hope for the best.

Meanwhile my Senator, Jim DeMint, participated in a "Prayercast" this week to ask Jesus to intervene and make sure I get no access to health care. Even if it's just a tiny shitty bit of health care reform, DeMint wants Jesus to stop me from getting it. Although I'm not a Christian, I do believe in many of the teachings attributed to Jesus and from what I understand, he was into helping the sick and the poor, not stomping them into the dirt. Maybe DeMint and friends are praying to some other Jesus - some guy whose fundamental message is "I've got mine, sucks being you", I don't know.

At any rate, the bottom line for me is this: The uninsured are dying every day due to lack of health care. We have no choice but to humbly accept any bone Congress tosses us because otherwise, you know - the death thing. So even though the Senate bill sounds pretty crummy and falls terribly short of expectations - yeah, I want that. Because it's something. And when you have nothing, something sounds pretty appealing. And I'm willing to work on future campaigns to try and elect people who pledge to improve health care for all Americans.

Don't get me wrong, I want the best we can possibly get right now. But whatever that turns out to be, I'm willing to take it because I have no other options. I know that if we don't get something now, it's going to be a long time before we have another chance. Too many of us will have needlessly died by then. We can't wait.

Word

Yesterday afternoon we had C-SPAN on while the clerk was reading the 767 page Sanders Amendment. C-SPAN puts up bits of info on the screen to keep viewers abreast of what's going on. At the time Billy came in, the onscreen info was flipping between two messages:

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) requested the Sanders Amendment be read into the record.
and
Senator Coburn has left the building.

Billy, who doesn't normally get excited about political sausage making, saw that and exclaimed, "That man should be fired - immediately!".

War on Xmas List

I thought it might be easier for everyone if I just post my Xmas list offa Craigslist. In no particular order:

• You know I like torn butts and I can not lie
• I don't usually send in for warranties anyway
• Of course I want something involving the dogs
• I'm not sure if this refers to Iraq or Afghanistan but I want
• I def want to be buried in a zombie casket
• This might be a metaphorical paintball gun, but I still want it
• Us child prodigies gotsta stick together

Veterans Day

Is this the best we can do for our vets?

• 6 preventable deaths a day among veterans due to lack of health insurance
• Vets make up 1/3 of adult homeless male population
• Sen. Coburn (R-OK) is preventing a bill designed to increase health services for vets from coming to the floor for a vote

Two Cents on Prejean's Sex Tape

Here's the thing: If Carrie Prejean had been your average Jane, I would be defending her right to make a masturbation tape and shouting down anyone who tried to smear her for it. Live and let live, you know. But she changed the equation when she went all holier-than-thou on the LGBT community. She could tell others how to live because she had been taught Christian values from the Bible. She knew what was best for everybody else because she herself was a pillar of Jesusy virtue. So I say, suck it Prejean. Or maybe you already did. On video.

Review of MJ Movie "This Is It"

Perhaps more aptly titled than I first thought, "This Is It" is probably not a release MJ would have approved had he lived but it is fascinating and enjoyable nonetheless. For a fan, it's a must see. I'm not sure viewers more casual in their MJ interest would appreciate it as much.

Let me start by saying what the movie is not - It's not a polished performance by any stretch. The songs are frequently stopped for revision and there are many times when he lays off the vocals to save his voice. Nor is it a "full dress rehearsal" as I'd read previously. No one is in stage costume and the only glimpse we get of MJ's stunning costume for "Billie Jean" is on the tailor's table. Still, even "street clothes" for MJ are slightly brilliant - it's not as if he's in sweatpants and t-shirt.

What the movie does offer is a chance to see MJ at work which is truly thrilling. He has an extremely detailed vision of precisely how the finished production will look and sound. Watching him work toward making this vision a reality is captivating. If you never appreciated the genius of MJ before, this movie makes it clear.

The main event of course is MJ's singing and dancing. Despite his extremely thin appearance, and contrary to rumors that he was a shell of his former self, his singing and dancing are total A-game. His voice sounds as good as ever and as I expected, he had reinvented himself in dance once again, with a style appropriate for a 50 year old man. There are fewer dramatic spins and throwing himself to his knees but more fancy footwork and he's absolutely no less amazing to watch than at any time past. There is no doubt, despite the jaw-dropping performances given by his dancers (who are half his age), MJ is the King.

In the end, seeing how vital and brilliant he was in the days leading up to his death, I couldn't help but feel an extra bit of sadness that he's gone. Had he appeared weak or half-hearted in any way, it might have made his death a bit easier to understand. But clearly, had he not surrounded himself with corrupt doctors and yes-men who ultimately yessed him to death, MJ would have been able to realize his vision, execute his scheduled performances and carry on with his family life for a good long time. But now, well - this is it.

Horror Film Classics: Sometimes They Call Back

So my parents just did something they'd never done before in their lives - they called one of their Senators. Joe Lieberman to be exact. They each called and told his office they want him to support the President's health care reform bill with a strong Public Option. I got the phone number for them and I gave them a script of what to say (at their request, they were nervous). My Dad copied down the script and then they each called. They called me afterwards, so proud of themselves. Then a few minutes later, my Mom calls me again. She wanted to share that after we last hung up, their phone rang and my Dad asked my Mom in all sincerity, "God but you don't think that's Joe Lieberman, do you?!" My Mom and I just about fell out.

Stop the Honor Killings by US Insurers

The health insurance companies have a stranglehold on the insured and women in particular have been garroted just for being female. (For women who are uninsured, fuggedaboutit.) Whether women are being told to get sterilized in order to obtain health insurance, or having their policies canceled after they get breast cancer, or denied insurance altogether due to a "pre-existing condition" of having been beaten by their husbands, it feels like insurance companies are misogynistic fat cats from Hell. Meanwhile our elected officials laugh at us while pocketing big bucks from the insurance industry and voting to maintain the status quo.

But enough about those of us lucky enough to still be alive despite what feels like a war on women by the insurance companies and their Congressional BFFs. Let's remember Crystal Lee Sutton who was forced to go without treatment for her brain cancer for months while she fought with her insurance company. She died in September 2009. 17 year old Nataline Sarkisyan's Mother fought with her insurance company over their denial of a recommended liver transplant which the insurer finally approved the day she died in 2007.

How are these different from so-called honor killings? A woman becomes a victim by virtue of her gender and "dishonors" the reputation (profit margin) of her family (insurance company). Therefore, she must die to restore honor (profit). This is tradition. This is the system men have designed for us and we must live by. Unless...

Take Action - Call your Representative and both your Senators and tell them you support President Obama's plan for health care reform. And get your sound minded husbands, partners and male friends to call too. We want an end to discriminatory practices against women by the insurance industry. Equal rights to health care for an equal chance to live!

Child Abuse?

The lawyer for the Balloon Family says making the parents do the perp walk in front of the media would be akin to "child abuse". I'm not so sure. Maybe child abuse might be better defined as telling your kids to lie to police so your family could get a TV show and then dragging them on a vomit media tour to promote the hoax. Perhaps seeing the parents perp walked before cameras might be educational for the kids, teaching them the concept of consequences for actions and providing a dose of true reality TV.

I'm a Vegetarian

but we are in a recession and $1.69 for 2 pounds is a really good price

Action Alert: SC Senators Vote Against Constitutional Rights of Rape Victims

Both of South Carolina's Senators voted against the Franken amendment to allow rape victims to have their day in court, even if they work for a government contractor. It passed anyway.

Tell the Senators what you think of their votes:

• Sen. Lindsey Graham on Twitter
• Sen. Graham's contact info for snail mail, e-mail and phone
• Sen. Graham will host a Town Hall Meeting on October 12 at 6:15 pm in Greenville, SC.

• Sen. Jim DeMint on Twitter
• Sen. Jim DeMint's contact info for snail mail and phone (online form for e-mail here)

It Does

The National Association of Free Clinics is a non-profit group working to bring health care to Americans who need it. Donate like someone's life depends upon it. Because, you know...

Xmas List

I love koi.

Smithereens

Breast Health

It's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which means:

Women are reminded to perform monthly self-exams

If you have health insurance, your plan probably covers mammograms. Get one.

If you don't have insurance and can't afford to pay out of pocket for a mammogram, find a program that offers low or no cost screening in your state.

Honey and the Moon

OK Maybe I'm Juvenile

for enjoying this game but, there ya go.

Always Check

...the inside of your toilet paper rolls before throwing away

MJ Movie Trailer

Since I think I've posted it everywhere else on the web already...

Be Seeing You Jim Carroll

I Want the Angel

By Jim Carroll and Brian Linsley

I want the angel
Whose dreams are fatal
They cause the snake's milk to run and curdle

I want the angel
Whose darkness doubles
It absorbs the brilliance of all my troubles

I want the angel
That will not shatter
Every time I whisper, Girl it does not matter

I want the angel
Who's got the proof
She signals her devotion from the rails on the roof

I want the angel
That comes to stay
She don't let lawyers and ambition lead her away

I want the angel
Whose eyes are raving
Who takes what I'm giving and not what I'm saving

I want the angel
Whose bones are so sharp
That they can break through their own excuses

Well, to be a blind man,
Hey, that would be a fine thing
Then I could dream at night of total strangers
And all the music would be so spaceless
And all the women would be so faceless,
They'd be so faceless they'd be like old film
Just like old film I never did process

I want the angel
That knows the sky
She got virtue, she got the parallel light in her eye

I want the angel
That's partly lame
She filters clarity from her desperate shame

I want the angel
That knows rejection
Who's like a whore in love with her own reflection

I want the angel
Whose touch don't miss
When the blood comes through the dropper like a thick red kiss

If I could break through I could be certain
But this obsession is like some fiery curtain
All the numbers reduced to zero
And those who died young, they are my heroes
They are my heroes, they took the walk
Where the heart made sense and the mind can't talk

I want the angel
Whose child don't weep
She's got dreams designed for eternal sleep

I want the angel
That will not change
Into a four-legged monster in love with the strange

I want the angel
That never chooses
And don't come running back every time she loses

But I want the angel that never loses

© Earl McGrath Music/Jim Carroll Music ASCAP (1980)

Lemons into Lemonade: Joe Wilson Edition

Thumbs down:

What Rep. Joe Wilson (R- SC) did last night

Why he was factually wrong

His history of dumbass-edness

Thumbs up:

Contribute to Rob Miller, Joe Wilson's opponent in 2010 election.

Rob Miller on Twitter

Rob Miller's campaign site

Heh:

New message each time you load page

Tu mientes!

Let's Play Oddball

You know that guy who died on a school bus in the AK wilderness? Well have I got a great idea!

Wal-Mart employees in China take shoplifting very seriously:

[...] a customer died at the hands of Wal-Mart employees who suspected her of stealing.

And that's just someone they suspected.

Jesus now on Mars. (I don't see it. I never do. That's why I'm going to Hell I guess.)

FL police inadvertently assist burglar with heavy lifting

Inventors: Keep focused on the important things

My "Bigger than Watergate" Expose on Socialist Indoctrinators

While the Cons get their panties in a bunch over Obama's upcoming speech to indoctrinate America's youth into Socialism encourage kids to stay in school, I thought it might be a good time to expose some other evildoers:

1. AK Governor Sean Parnell - you know the guy that Sarah Palin left in charge of Alaska? Socialist.

2. Penguins - they look so charming in their tuxedo feathers but you know what? Socialists.

3. Mr. T - I pity the fool that don't know this guy's a Socialist.

4. Canadian Government - I guess no one is surprised by these Socialists.

Woe Be Gone

Where all the women are strong, the men are good looking and pets have a public option.

Religion Explained

I think this is an explanation everyone can agree upon.

Movie Recs

I watch a fair amount of movies and unfortunately forget them very quickly. Here are a few I watched this week that haven't yet exited the grey mass:

"Let the Right One in" - non-traditional treatment of a vampire's quest to live in modern society, two thumbs up

"Party Monster" - based on true story of drug addicts known as Club Kids in late 80s/early 90s NYC, one thumb up because the movie seemed to assume you knew the details of the case (or at least read the Wiki entry), which I didn't. There is an impossibly annoying website as well.

"Night at the Museum" - this was pretty much what I thought it would be. Ben Stiller is a continuous cycle of hits and misses for me but the hits (scene with monkey slapping face) are worth it, one and a half thumbs up

MJ Sighting

The first of what I presume will be many:

Is There Any Such Thing as a "Fact" Anymore?

This has been bothering me for awhile.

Maybe it's just me getting older but it seems like things - at least some things - used to be a little better defined and the cause of less dispute. We used to call those things "facts". I'm not sure if they exist anymore.

Food industry activists argue that "sustainable farming" is a matter of opinion - what one person calls "sustainable" may not qualify as such to another person. This falls under the "puppy mill" category - that is, no real definition of the term and therefore a target for argument from all sides.

What about subjects that are written out, at length, for all to read such as the various health care reform bills? There should be some "facts" there and yet, we seem to hear differing interpretations. Even when those interpretations have been soundly and widely debunked (e.g. the "death panel" claim), they live on as "facts" to many who oppose health care reform.

As someone who enjoys following court cases, I used to think something like DNA evidence was generally accepted as "fact". Now though, it seems like all one side has to do to refute DNA evidence is get an expert to testify using terms such as "junk science". I actually saw an attorney argue recently that because the lab worker who conducted the DNA testing in the case made a typo in her report, she could have made other errors - implying that perhaps the DNA test results were incorrect. While I might dismiss this argument out of hand, I can easily picture a juror mulling the words "reasonable doubt" over in his head.

As I said, maybe I'm just getting nostalgic for the non-existent good ol' days but there is something very appealing to at least half my brain about the phrase "Just the facts, ma'am".

Let's Play Oddball

If you're gonna be a fake nurse, you might as well strive to be the best

I'm sure this man is fun to live with

Sears Rep's explanation on this is pretty good akshully

That chick had a major hard-on for that soccer ball

NM man charged after hooking up with his car while 2 kiddies watched

Nuh-uh Dick Armey!

If this week's Meet the Press wasn't enough of a Dick Armey smackdown for you, The Raw Story keeps bringing those good vibrations:

In his opening remarks, Armey claimed that Democratic activist group MoveOn.org had "ran those ads" comparing President George W. Bush to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
[...]
At no point did MoveOn promote, "run" or even publicly condone the video which Armey's group now circulates. The clip Armey attributes to MoveOn was apparently submitted as part of a contest to help determine how the group should advertise against the Bush administration in the run-up to the 2004 election.

MJ News Tidbits

The LAPD and DEA continue their raids with glacial swiftness. Anyone who knows he's guilty would have had time to shred docs, compost the remains, fertilize a vegetable garden with the compost, and enjoy a crisp Summer salad with the produce while waiting for authorities to show up.

Interesting Egyptian bust comparison to MJ

Crikey - people are strange

Schmaternity

I'm going to try and keep track of these over time but alas, the task may prove too difficult.

Peeps who've tossed their hat in the ring for MJ's kids so far (I'm only including those who piped up and/or have taken legal action after MJ's death):

Claire Elisabeth Fields Cruise - claims to be bio Mom of all 3 kids, married to MJ and engaged to Prince's bio Dad. Also says MJ is not the bio Dad of any of the 3 kids but the two of them did have a kid together - Connor Cruise - which MJ gave to Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman because he didn't like the color of the baby's skin.

Mark Lester - played in Oliver as a kid, claims to be godfather of all 3 kids and bio Dad to Paris (via sperm donation)

Dr. Arnold Klein - MJ's dermatologist, says "to the best of my knowledge, I'm not the father" of Prince & Paris but did donate to a sperm bank once. Klein sent an attorney to kids' custody hearing but judge said he had no standing. (I'm hearing "I'll be bach" in my head.)

Nona Paris Lola Ankhesenamun Jackson - London Satanist, claims to be married to MJ and bio Mom of all 3 kids. She's been suing MJ for years over this but did continue her legal battle after his death so you gotta give her teh crazy props.

Billie Jean Jackson: another one who's been in it for the long haul, she's filed legal papers now claiming to be Blanket's mother. If memory serves, I'm pretty sure she's been claiming to be married to MJ for years and complaining to the courts that she gets arrested every time she goes to her "husband's" house.

Fundraiser for Kid with Painful Skin Disease

Payton Thornton has a disease called EB which may ultimately kill him in his teens. His family wants to get him a stem cell transplant treatment (from a baby they are expecting in January) which would require extensive aftercare at significant expense. $100 raffle tickets are being sold for a Jonesboro, GA lake house to try and raise money for the family. You can also follow the raffle on Twitter.

3 Things that Made Me Laugh This Morning

or at least chortle:

Wedding Cakewreck - don't worry, you CAN click on the photo for a larger version

Oh my, Alfafa has really hit the skids

Deep Thoughts with Meghan McCain

MJ News Tidbits

MJ tribute shows canceled, dancers et al told they were retroactively "volunteering"

The Daily Beast looks at Propofol addiction

Various songs on YouTube claiming to be "new" - can't say if they are or aren't but here's one I heard today:

Taste Test

My Birthday is Coming Up

Just sayin'.

Let's Play Oddball

Totally unforeseeable freak accident

Of course when a loved one dies, you'd have to have this

In an economic crunch, we all have to reuse resources as much as possible

This lady's husband cheated on her so obviously she had to do something

I just love this story:

A man armed with handgun walks into a jewelry store and demands baubles.

What do you do?

"The employees told the male to leave and he left without obtaining anything," said London police Const. Amy Phillipo.

[...]

Police released a video surveillance image of the suspect, described as a white man, in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5-foot-9, with short hair, yellow or orange sunglasses, red shirt and a dishevelled appearance.

...hands jammed in pockets, head down and a rather dejected look on his face

TNTC

TNTC=Too Numerous To Count. It's a term I learned doing veterinary lab work years ago. And it describes the levels of wrongness in this article:

Ryan O'Neal wishes he'd never had children and is so estranged from his own kids that he didn't recognize his actress-daughter Tatum -- and shamelessly flirted with her -- at Farrah Fawcett's funeral, the actor admits in an explosive new interview.

"I had just put the casket in the hearse and was watching it drive away," O'Neal, 68, said, "when a beautiful blond woman comes up and embraces me. I said to her, 'You have a drink on you? You have a car?' She said, 'Daddy, it's me -- Tatum!'

MJ News Tidbits

I troll the MJ "news" updates so you don't have to. How Public Service-y of me. Although I admit, I skip over 99% of what I read because it seems off-the-chain-speculative and/or irrelevant. Now for the "good" stuff:

A "gifted spiritual traveler" hooked up with MJ in the aether 2 days after his death for an interview. Luckily, that conversation is available for dl as a FREE e-book! (If anyone actually reads this, please do give me a summary.)

The LA Times has an interesting story naming names of Drs. associated with the death investigation. Among them, an ear, nose and throat specialist from NYC, David Slavit:

Slavit was chosen by an insurance company this spring to give Jackson a physical so promoter AEG Live could get coverage for the singer's comeback concerts.

Seems a bit of an odd choice for an insurance company looking to guarantee the overall health and fitness of a performer in L.A. At any rate the article indicates investigators are looking for any possible connections among MJ's many Drs.

Shop 'til You Drop!

The story is - well, not good:

Parent Of The Year Arrested After Dragging Kid Through Verizon Store On a Leash

But the comments are real knee slappers. Read 'em! (My personal fav is by Elvisisdead although truly they are all swell.)

Thin Blue Lie

Shocking shockaroo:

Alexandra Torrensvilas was the target of cops who pinned a DUI on her for an accident they caused. Now she has been cleared of charges after the Broward State Attorney's Office officially dropped the four DUI citations on Wednesday.

But the saga is far from over as now prosecutors turn their attention to the four Hollywood police officers who made up an intricate story to cover for a February traffic accident involving a cop car. The scheme was caught on one of the officers dashboard cameras.

The disturbing video shows Alexandra Torrensvilas, 23, handcuffed in the back of the squad car as the officers get their stories straight on what they are going to say happened.

Four coppers put their heads together and devised an extremely brilliant and clever and credible story about a cat jumping out a window and the officer believing the cat might be a human bean.

And they woulda gotten away with it too if it weren't for those meddling dashboard cams!

Dr. Conrad Murray: XXX Evil

If<------That's IF - I'm just speculating here, as I am wont to do - If media reports to date are accurate, here's why I think Dr. Murray qualifies for the 'extra evil' award: MJ was dead, long dead, no hope for reviving him dead well before Dr. Murray called for Prince and security guards. (btw, why did the Dr. call for a 12 year old kid in this sitch? Shouldn't he have been dialing 911 or performing CPR or doing something useful?) And even though MJ was gone, Dr. Murray let the kids pray in the hallway for their Dad to be ok. Whatever else Dr. Murray may or may not be guilty of, that particular offense is so egregious to my mind, I am glad there's no chance I'll be called to any possible jury in the case.

Buggery

Obligatory disclaimer: Most of us in SC are regular people. Really:

A man remains jailed after police say he was caught on video surveillance having sexual intercourse with a horse at a South Carolina stable for the second time in the past three years.

Rodell Vereen, 50, is charged with buggery and trespassing after a woman who owns Lazy B Stables on Coates Road in the Wampee section of Horry County told officers she caught the suspect having sex with a horse.

More:

A family member said Wednesday that Vereen was diagnosed with a "mental disease'' more than 10 years ago.
"He's supposed to be on medication but I don't believe he's been taking it,'' said Beulah Vereen, also a neighbor.

Let this be a lesson to us all who have teh mental disease: Take your meds.

Schmealth Care Reform

Blue Dogs on health care reform: What's the rush? We already have access to health care. The rest of y'all can just keep waiting while we dick around.

To paraphrase a line from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Blue Dog Dems will be first against the wall when the election comes.

Meanwhile, Ima start preparing my excuse speech to my Dr. for why I had to go another year without a mammogram. And I'll be taking names.

Mobile's Finest

Alabama police, protecting local restrooms from the disabled:

Mobile police used pepper spray and a Taser on a deaf and mentally disabled man Friday after they were unable to get him to come out of a bathroom at a Dollar General store, authorities said.

After forcibly removing Antonio Love from the bathroom of the Azalea Road store, officers attempted to book the 37-year-old, on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and failure to obey a police officer, but the magistrate on duty at the jail refused to accept any of those charges.

Love's family members said they had no idea where he was during the time that
police had him in custody. Brodrick Love said the officers dropped his brother
off in the parking lot of their apartment building without saying what happened or why his brother had been missing for six hours.

Love's family members have filed a formal complaint against the officers.

Somehow I don't guess Mr. Love's family will be getting an invite to the White House for a beerfest with Mobile police. Their story just doesn't have that kinda sexaay to it. Good luck with that complaint thingy though.

Let's Play Oddball

Another good reason not to huff gasoline

See, that's what you get

Charlie Crist employs Brown Ink Defense

I didn't realize McDonald's food was that good

O man, I hate it when that happens

Wouldn't You Like to be a Perper Too?

I love me some Dr. Perper. He is the doc who determined that Anna Nicole was killed by an overdose of prescription meds. He is telling E! News that he expects similar results in the MJ toxicology report which is supposed to be made public this week.

I Love Watching People Have Fun

Where in the World is Dr. Conrad Murray?

Apparently the Feds raided Dr. Murray's clinic in Houston. Seems to me they are about 27 days late. Methinks someone in the DEA's Department of Gluing Shredded Documents Back Together is going to be getting overtime this week.

Or maybe they got lucky and found complete records:

June 24, 2009:

• Administered illegally obtained surgical anesthetic which I'm not qualified to give. Man, I do NOT know what I'm doing, ha ha.
• High School Musical DVD marathon tonight!

June 25th, 2009:

• Fell asleep watching High School Musical. Better check patient.
• Patient deceased - d'oh! How do you administer CPR thing?
• Note: Need to attend Red Cross refresher course

Really now, is that germane to the discussion?

Oh ABC, you snarky little network:

Jermaine Jackson also tearfully scolded the media for the intense scrutiny his brother's death and custody battle have undergone.
"Leave him alone. Stop the crazy names that they call him," the Gloved One's brother said.

You Can Find Out EVERYTHING on Yahoo Answers!

Which is so great:

Did the Illuminati frame Kobe Bryant? Like they murdered Michael Jackson?

Palin's Resignation Speech

edited for truthiness

Trying to cop a moon rock. You holdin'?

From BoingBoing:

US law forbids private citizens from possessing any of the 842 pounds of moon rocks collected by astronauts and brought back to Earth.

Nevertheless, the allure of moon rocks is strong enough to have created a black market where moon rock fragments and dust are sold for astronomical prices.

Well since they're all presumably props from a set on a secret military installation somewhere, I don't see why they should cost so much.

_________________

GoodQuickRead: My friend Heather waxes and wanes on the moon landing.

Geraldo Rivera Interview w/MJ

From February 2005

Transcript

Videos:

Part 1 of 5

Part 2 of 5

Part 3 of 5

Part 4 of 5

Part 5 of 5

Elk Herd Stalked by UFO

I am a UFO buff and enjoy following reports of sightings. Disappointingly, most fall short of the plausibility mark. But I'm keeping my eyes peeled.

In Colorado, men saw a UFO which they say frightened some elk:

Both Mauro and Pscholka said the object flew toward a meadow filled with elk, scared the animals and then floated out of sight. The whole episode lasted between five and 10 minutes.

I am intrigued by the observation of the scared elk. They don't say the elk stampeded away from the scene or began spinning in circles, fainting or yelling their snouts off - so how do they know they were scared exactly? Was it sort of a look?

LAPD Foiled Again

From TMZ:

We're told the LAPD planned a third interview with Dr. Murray earlier in the week -- the doctor was interviewed the day Jackson died and again two days later.

Reps from the L.A. County Coroner's office planned to attend the third interview, but we're told Dr. Murray's lawyer called and said the doctor would not be speaking to the cops at this time.

And here's the best part. Our sources say the cops called the lawyer back and they were referred to the lawyer's lawyer who said Dr. Murray's lawyer would not be speaking to them!

Oh Snap!

Well played lawyer and lawyer's lawyer. You've won this round but the LAPD always gets their man. Actually - is there any way to bring in Scotland Yard?

Let's Play Oddball

Heil Hibiscus! Garden gnome just following borders

I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often

I have trouble seeing images of the Virgin Mary on grilled cheese sandwiches, and I'm not sure I see this image of Michael Jackson either

From one of my fave blogs, check out the "nauseous basketball"

From the Website for Everything files: I love pizza, but possibly a teeny bit less now

I believe.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Propofol Abuse

Interesting article from January 2009:

“Propofol is a drug that in a sense doesn’t get you high,” said Omar S. Manejwala, MD, associate medical director at the William J. Farley Center at Williamsburg Place, an addiction treatment clinic in Virginia that, like Talbott, also focuses on physicians. “It blocks out the world,”

In his experience, Dr. Manejwala said, nearly every propofol addict started injecting to overcome persistent insomnia. That aspect of the medication fits neatly with the link both Drs. Manejwala and Earley have observed between propofol abuse and a history of trauma. “One of the hallmark symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] is hyperarousal. Folks with PTSD want to block that out,” Dr. Manejwala said.

What’s puzzling, experts said, is the strength of the connection. “I don’t know of any other drug where the perceived incidence of trauma, particularly of sexual trauma [in abusers], is so high,” Dr. Manejwala said. “It’s really quite remarkable.”

The article also takes about mortality rates among abusers. Another bit I found interesting, in light of all the talk about "functioning addicts":

Unlike abusers of alcohol or most other substances, propofol addicts are unable to function on the job, said Paul Earley, MD, medical director of the Talbott Recovery Campus, an addiction rehabilitation facility in Atlanta that specializes in treating doctors and other healthcare providers.

MJ News Tidbits

24 seconds of an unreleased MJ song (bring on the years of "Milk and Honey" *ding*)

Read what Paul McCartney says says says about how his friendship with MJ ended

The Daily Beast has Rx dirt on Dr. Klein<-----shocking

Miko Brando, who told Larry King that MJ's drug use consisted of taking an occasional aspirin for a headache, was on GMA to further deny, deny, deny "speculate". Speaking of speculation, Billy thinks that Miko is Blanket's father. I hafta admit, I do see a resemblance.

My Anti-Christmas List of MJ Memorabilia

Things not to get me for Christmas. Or ever:

Baseball cards

Any of this "art"

Bullet proof vest

Anything Uri Geller is selling

And, not at any price:

The Beginning of the End?

Et tu Tito?

Brother Tito is talking to the Brit tabloids too:

Tito Jackson told yesterday how he and his brothers and sisters launched a military-style raid on Neverland to confront Michael over his addiction to painkillers.

Seems like the family was all deny, deny, deny when MJ was alive. Now they're selling their stories of conducting military-style raids to help MJ get off drugs. [Please provide photo of Jackson family in SWAT garb.]

Smells Like Reasonable Doubt

Potential defense strategy falls into the lap of Dr. Murray's attorney, courtesy of the FDA:

Now, some lots of propofol are being recalled for contamination.
Last night, the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration advised clinicians immediately to stop using propofol from two lots found to be tainted with elevated levels of endotoxin, a powerful toxin made by bacteria.

What a coinkydink gift from god.

Unmasked

Remember around Christmas when Ian Halperin was doing teasers for his upcoming book, claiming MJ needed a lung transplant and suffered from several other life threatening medical disorders too? Well now his book is ready (after some furious last minute rewrites post June 25th) and it reportedly contains some whoppers:

Michael Jackson was into men, not boys - and masqueraded as a woman with his lovers, a new book claims.

If what Halperin says is true:

1. So what.
2. Being teh gay is not a crime, neither is crossdressing.
3. What business is it of Halperin's outing someone who didn't want to be outed before the guy is even put into the ground?

If what Halperin says is false:

1. Scumbag.
2. Way to make a buck.
3. Your Mother must be so proud.

State of Shock

You might remember the Jacksons hit "State of Shock" which MJ sang with Mick Jagger. But before that was recorded, a demo of the song was made featuring MJ singing with the superawesomegreat Freddie Mercury. I vote for this version!

This is It

Today would have been the start of MJ's 50 concerts in London. Fans have gathered at the O2 arena to pay tribute.

MJ News Tidbits

LaToya Jackson - who told the press in 1993 that MJ was a child molester, posed for Playboy twice and filmed a video for Playboy, claimed her father sexually abused her and her sister - and then later turned around and claimed her abusive husband forced her to say and do all those things under threat of physical harm, that LaToya Jackson, has now reportedly been giving interviews to Brit tabloids. MSNBC says:

Michael Jackson's sister La Toya reportedly told British tabloid The News of the World that the King of Pop was murdered for his $1 billion fortune.

"I know who did it and I won't rest until I nail them," she allegedly told the newspaper on Saturday night.

I think I'll wait awhile and see if she stands by this report or what. For now, Ima file it under Your brother isn't even buried yet.

Also on MSNBC:

"[Debbie] says that she will definitely be at the custody hearing," says Marc Schaffel, a former business partner of Jackson's and a close friend of Rowe's.
[...]
Katherine was named guardian in Jackson’s will, which was revealed last week, and is petitioning the court to keep the children with her. Neither party is required to appear in court, officials say.

Is Ringling Bros. still in town?

I Didn't Make This, I'm Not That Patient

I just thought it looked neato.


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Regarding the Jordan Chandler Internet Posting

Ever since MJ died, numerous websites have been posting a story alleging that Jordan Chandler has recanted his molestation accusations. Slate takes a look at the legal issues surrounding the possibility of Chandler speaking out now or ever.

Living with Joe Jackson

MJ talks about being raised by his father, Joe Jackson, in the infamous Martin Bashir documentary "Living with Michael Jackson". Monday's custody hearing regarding MJ's 3 kids has again been postponed.

Name That Historical Figure

Apparently MJ liked to see himself painted with other famous figures. I saw this photo on TMZ today (police photo taken during raid on Neverland in 2003 which turned up no kiddie porn) and wondered if we could figure out who is in the painting. (I don't have a larger version so get your squinty eyes out.)

I'm putting my guesses in the comments.

Incidentally, and as seen below the painting, I noticed MJ had a lot of Shirley Temple memorabilia in his home. My Dad named me after Shirley Temple. Loop the loop.

Vids: MJ at Home w/Kids

Normal Person Alert:

Non-Shock Vid

This 3 minute clip of MJ answering lawyer questions in 1996 regarding child molestation accusations reveals a normal person, reacting as I imagine I or any of us might. Judge for yourself:

MJ Death Investigation: This is Your Brain

File under "Too little, too late": TMZ reports that the Jackson family has given LAPD a list of Drs. they are suspicious may have wrongly prescribed drugs to MJ. Yeah, let's all demand accountability now...

One of the Drs. on that list is supposedly Dr. Klein, the dermatologist who MJ is reported to have visited frequently. The Daily Beast traces MJ's connection to Dr. Klein which goes back to Liz Taylor.

I'll be following developments with interest.

"I Love You More"

Although I've never believed in Heaven per se, I appreciate that many people do and I can understand why. It does bring a little comfort to think that maybe on some smoky stage in the sky, MJ and James Brown are bustin' moves right now.

"Thank you Michael"

I was unprepared for the depth of sorrow I felt after the death of MJ. Today I am equally moved and inspired by such a loving memorial service. Perhaps the greatest tribute anyone can pay to a fellow man is to keep his dreams alive, to keep striving for the goals he worked towards in life.

Thank you Michael.

"I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer"

Seeing the two memorial performances that I believe were performed as rehearsed for the "This is It" tour made me realize what a wonderful show MJ had prepared for his fans. I guess no one should be surprised.

MJ Memorial

Just when I thought I had no more tears left, Paris Jackson spoke. She is a strong and brave girl. Her Dad did a good job.

Make That Change

Wish Congressman Peter King (R) of NY would STFU and get out of "public service"? ActBlue is on it.

Where there is love...

Random Thoughts on MJ: Groundbreaking Entertainer

Before there was the "human beatbox", there was Michael Jackson using his voice in innovative ways to carry a song vocally. Before there were MP3s, there was MJ's "Off the Wall" record, using the best producer and engineers to record the greatest depth of sounds which still hold up incredibly well even in a compressed format. Before there were black artists getting airplay on MTV, there was Michael Jackson breaking that barrier and opening the gates. Before there were music videos featuring groups of dancers telling a story, there was MJ's "Beat It" video. Before there were music videos in a short film format, there was MJ's "Thriller" video.

And this only takes us to the halfway point in MJ's life - shy actually.

Michael Jackson continually reinvented himself with innovative performances and record breaking musical milestones. Although he started out as a boy imitating James Brown, he developed his own distinct style of dance - and kept doing that, time after time. The man could dance on sand for goodness sakes! I wouldn't be surprised, when we eventually see the full release of the rehearsal footage taped in the weeks before his death, if he hadn't again come up with a new style of dance, tailored to the performance capabilities of a 50 year old man.

I think about how many firsts MJ was responsible for in his career and I remember the firsts I shared with him as a fan. The first album I ever bought was "Off the Wall" - also the first time I ever got the parental "Turn that damn thing down!". The first time I ever saw the moonwalk was during MJ's performance at the Motown 25th anniversary on TV. It wasn't just an "Ooh, ah" moment - my reality shifted for a few seconds and I was left muttering, "What just happened?". All at once my mind raced to make sense of what I had seen - Did he defy gravity? Special camera effects? Magical illusion? Have I gone mad? It was like that. I watched the world premiere of "Thriller" on MTV and again - blown away. I had thought "Beat It" was amazing but now here was a little movie and the group dancing is even more amazing and they're zombies! That was the first time I got my Mom to sit down and watch a music video with me. I'm a special effects wonk so seeing the morphing at the end of the "Black or White" video was another dazzling first for me.

I'm trying to stay positive today, a la "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". It's hard.

From MJ's last interview, a 2007 cover piece with Ebony magazine:

"Let's face it. Who wants mortality? Everybody wants immortality. You want what you create to live, be it sculpting, painting, music, composition. Michaelangelo said, 'I know the creator will go, but his work survives'. That is why to escape death I attempt to bind my soul to my work."

That's A Lotta Stuff

Panoramic shot of all the items MJ was going to auction to raise cash earlier this year but changed his mind at the last minute.

Lawyer for Dr. Murray - Unconscious or Unconscionable?

Lawyer for the Dr. who didn't know proper CPR technique, couldn't find a phone/didn't know MJ's address to call 911 - well that lawyer apparently drunk dialed TMZ last night. See they were wondering, as are lots of people, why the vehement denials in the media about Demerol and Oxycontin immediately after MJ's death but now that Propofol has been found - *crickets*. The lawyer's rep called TMZ this morning to say "he was not conscious" (lovet!) during the phone interview last night. Since all the lawyer said was basically "no comment" anyway, I'm wondering why the damage control today. Maybe the guy really was talking in his sleep?

Random Thoughts on MJ

I'll probably be posting random thoughts on Michael Jackson's life and death for awhile. Fair warning.

I never thought Michael Jackson was a child molester. On the contrary, he seemed to me to have had a great love for children, especially his own. Rather, I think that what we so often perceived as bizarre behavior and bad judgment on his part was likely explainable in far more pedestrian terms: childhood trauma, mental illness and drug addiction. I would guess his mental illness was mistreated by ethically pliable Doctors which allowed him to fuel his addiction to prescription meds. And ultimately ended his life.

But child molester? Nay, in my opinion. I wasn't at the trial and just had to make up my mind like everyone else, based upon media coverage and gut feelings. Although the public never knew many details on the initial accuser who settled out of court in 1993 (the case sounded like extortion to me), we did get a lot of information during the 2005 trial. I never found those accusations credible either, especially in light of the criminal Mother of the accuser who had a history of lying and coaching her kids to lie in order to scam the system for money. The Prosecution's case struck me as weak, the Defense arguments seemed plausible and Macaulay Culkin's testimony in particular seemed very genuine to me. Ultimately the jury found that guilt beyond a reasonable doubt was not proven. I know juries don't always get it right but I did agree with the verdict in this case.

To the Diane Dimonds of the world, Jackson might as well have been found guilty - before the trial even started and long after his acquittal. Many in the media had long made up their minds about Jackson's guilt, regardless of criminal convictions. Which is why it struck me as two-faced to hear all these same people praising him after his death. With a matter of hours, he had somehow transformed in the media from Wacko Jacko child molester to "humanitarian" and "the greatest entertainer of all time".

Suddenly everyone seemed to be tripping over themselves to get to a microphone and say something nice about Jackson. On the red carpet at the BET Awards, I think he got credit for everything from the success of MTV to Obama being elected President - no kiddie jokes, no plastic surgery sneers, nothing but praise. Although I'm no fan of Jackson's father Joe, I understood when he said he wished Michael could have witnessed this outpouring of love in life, not in death. I wish that too.

Coupla Songs

Now. Here. This.

I'm expanding this blog to allow for (even) more inanity and miscellaneousity. Stay tuned.

Civil Disobedience

Links to useful information for protesters:

Protest survival skills

Medical and tear gas info for protesters

Wiki pepper spray/tear gas info

How to deal with tear gas

Another How to deal with tear gas

Wiki how to deal with riot control agents

On Strategic Nonviolent Conflict

Internet related:

Anonymous Iran (free speech online, tech stuff and treasure trove of good info)