In the wake of Minnesota's legislative decision to put the welfare of minority families to a majority vote, Rachel Maddow put the big picture together with this video of two legislators-- one of them Republican-- making impassioned pleas for rationality and compassion for gay families. The Republican? Iraq war vet John Kriesel, who lost the use of his legs in Fallujah. He held up an image of a gay soldier before his peers and had this to say:
“I don’t know about you guys, but I cannot look at this family, look at this picture, and say ‘You know what, corporal, you were good enough to fight for your country and give your life, but you were not good enough to marry the person you love.’ I can’t do that. I cannot do that and I won’t do that. If there was a ‘hell no’ button right here, I would press it. That would be the one I would press.”
Watch:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Top 10 New Species List Released For 2010
Every year new species are being discovered on Spaceship Earth, with 2010 being no exception.
The strange, the profound, and the downright creepy are found on Arizona State University Institute for Species Exploration top 10 list.
For example:
The wreck of the Titanic symbolizes maritime tragedy to many, but is now the site of an amazing discovery: a bacterium that feeds on iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Should we be able to breed this bacteria in labs, it shows potential for practical applications in industrial cleanup projects.
This mushroom is remarkable due to the simple fact that it is the only known mushroom to "fruit"-- spread spores-- and spend its life cycle underwater. Found in Ian Awesome's home state of Oregon, this fungus makes its home under the currents of the Rogue River.
Finally, one that I found personally terrifying: Tyranobdella Rex, the "Tyrant Leech King." This beast was found eating away at the inside of a little girl's nose in Peru. Why is it remarkable? Who the fuck cares, it's a scary mofo with huge teeth.
There's an important message to projects like these. Scientists estimate that all the species discovered since 1758 represent just 20% of the biomass representing life on Earth. They believe that close to 10 million species remain to be classified before we have an accurate picture of how the overall biosphere works, with species being driven extinct planetwide all the time.
While some of these new species might be perceived as gross, icky, or pests, it behooves us to understand as much of our home as possible and preserve those critters that we have yet to encounter.
The strange, the profound, and the downright creepy are found on Arizona State University Institute for Species Exploration top 10 list.
For example:
The wreck of the Titanic symbolizes maritime tragedy to many, but is now the site of an amazing discovery: a bacterium that feeds on iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Should we be able to breed this bacteria in labs, it shows potential for practical applications in industrial cleanup projects.
Halomonas titanicae
This mushroom is remarkable due to the simple fact that it is the only known mushroom to "fruit"-- spread spores-- and spend its life cycle underwater. Found in Ian Awesome's home state of Oregon, this fungus makes its home under the currents of the Rogue River.
Psathyrella aquatica
Finally, one that I found personally terrifying: Tyranobdella Rex, the "Tyrant Leech King." This beast was found eating away at the inside of a little girl's nose in Peru. Why is it remarkable? Who the fuck cares, it's a scary mofo with huge teeth.
Tyrannobdella rex
There's an important message to projects like these. Scientists estimate that all the species discovered since 1758 represent just 20% of the biomass representing life on Earth. They believe that close to 10 million species remain to be classified before we have an accurate picture of how the overall biosphere works, with species being driven extinct planetwide all the time.
While some of these new species might be perceived as gross, icky, or pests, it behooves us to understand as much of our home as possible and preserve those critters that we have yet to encounter.
Donnie T: "OMG, You Aren't Talking About Me?!"
Donald Trump tried to get coy with the press yesterday, saying there's always the possibility that he could reverse his decision and actually run for president.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Church Of Scotland Allows Openly Gay Clergy
Here's one ray of sunshine to start off your Tuesday, before I get into all the shit that pisses me off: the Church of Scotland has voted to allow openly gay clergy to minister.
In 2009 the Church voted 326-267 to allow the appointment of openly gay Rev. Scott Ronnie, but put a two year moratorium on opening up the entire ministry to gay clergy in order to debate the issue. Finally, two years later, they have removed the last hurdle to gay priests who want to serve.
"The church's general assembly, its law-making body, voted on Monday to lift that moratorium, officially officially allowing gay ministers to take on parishes for the first time since its formation 450 years ago.
"The general assembly also allowed serving gay and lesbian ministers who have kept their sexuality private to openly declare their sexuality – a proposal bitterly resisted by evangelical and conservative ministers.
"In one of the final votes, the general assembly chose by a small majority to lift a parallel ban on ordaining and training people who are in same-sex relationships, and gay and lesbians in civil partnerships. It called for a new report by 2013 on both proposals and on allowing ministers to bless gay and lesbian relationships."
As much as 42% of the population of Scotland claim some form of connection to the Kirk. Congratulations to the gay Scots who feel called to the cloth. If only the mainstream churches of our own country were so progressive.
[The Guardian]
In 2009 the Church voted 326-267 to allow the appointment of openly gay Rev. Scott Ronnie, but put a two year moratorium on opening up the entire ministry to gay clergy in order to debate the issue. Finally, two years later, they have removed the last hurdle to gay priests who want to serve.
"The church's general assembly, its law-making body, voted on Monday to lift that moratorium, officially officially allowing gay ministers to take on parishes for the first time since its formation 450 years ago.
"The general assembly also allowed serving gay and lesbian ministers who have kept their sexuality private to openly declare their sexuality – a proposal bitterly resisted by evangelical and conservative ministers.
"In one of the final votes, the general assembly chose by a small majority to lift a parallel ban on ordaining and training people who are in same-sex relationships, and gay and lesbians in civil partnerships. It called for a new report by 2013 on both proposals and on allowing ministers to bless gay and lesbian relationships."
As much as 42% of the population of Scotland claim some form of connection to the Kirk. Congratulations to the gay Scots who feel called to the cloth. If only the mainstream churches of our own country were so progressive.
[The Guardian]
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Rapture... Again
Oh, good lord.
Harold Camping, Mr. Rapture himself, finally came out of seclusion to say "oops!" and make a statement on the complete lack of Armageddon that took place on Saturday.
Right.
Evidently he was so flabbergasted at the lack of destruction at the hands of God that he took refuge in a hotel with his wife in order to think out his next step. His only conclusion now is that the date of Earth's destruction is October 21st.
"Family Radio spent millions – some of it from donations made by followers – on more than 5,000 billboards and 20 recreational vehicles plastered with the doomsday message. In 2009, the non-profit reported in IRS filings that it received $18.3-million in donations, and had assets of more than $104 million, including $34-million in stocks or other publicly traded securities."
You guys! His predictions are TOTALLY not to make his organization money by parting gullible Bible-thumpers from their money. Honest! It's for real next time!
Yaaaaaaaaaaawn.
[The Globe and Mail]
Harold Camping, Mr. Rapture himself, finally came out of seclusion to say "oops!" and make a statement on the complete lack of Armageddon that took place on Saturday.
Right.
Evidently he was so flabbergasted at the lack of destruction at the hands of God that he took refuge in a hotel with his wife in order to think out his next step. His only conclusion now is that the date of Earth's destruction is October 21st.
"Family Radio spent millions – some of it from donations made by followers – on more than 5,000 billboards and 20 recreational vehicles plastered with the doomsday message. In 2009, the non-profit reported in IRS filings that it received $18.3-million in donations, and had assets of more than $104 million, including $34-million in stocks or other publicly traded securities."
You guys! His predictions are TOTALLY not to make his organization money by parting gullible Bible-thumpers from their money. Honest! It's for real next time!
Yaaaaaaaaaaawn.
[The Globe and Mail]
TN Governor: Banning Anti-Discrimination Laws
Governor Bill Haslam signed into a law today a piece of legislation preventing Nashville from protecting LGBT employees from discrimination in the workplace.
The law addresses a city resolution that stated any company discriminating against gays and lesbians would not be able to get a contract working for Nashville. Naturally, this is an affront to corporate America's God-given right to fire anyone they want on the basis of sexual orientation! So the good legislators of Tennessee passed a law stating that no non-discrimination law can be stricter than the laws on the books at the state level.
This nasty pitcher of haterade was supported via lobbying efforts by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, of which quite a few big companies are a member, to include FedEx, AT&T, Comcast, DuPont, Pfizer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Caterpillar, KPMG, Whirlpool, Embraer, Alcoa, and United HealthCare.
“The Tennessee Chamber supports a standard regulatory environment at the state level as opposed to potentially conflicting local regulations covering employment practices. That principle was the only interest the Chamber had in this bill. Because HB600/SB632 has turned into a debate on diversity and inclusiveness—principles which we support—we are now officially opposing this legislation in its present form.
"Adopted unanimously May 23, 2011
"DEB WOOLLEY, PRESIDENT
TENNESSEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY"
Too late, guys. The bill has been signed, and now business is back to usual in the state of Tennessee... Want to fire someone because they're gay? No problem!
[WSMV]
The law addresses a city resolution that stated any company discriminating against gays and lesbians would not be able to get a contract working for Nashville. Naturally, this is an affront to corporate America's God-given right to fire anyone they want on the basis of sexual orientation! So the good legislators of Tennessee passed a law stating that no non-discrimination law can be stricter than the laws on the books at the state level.
This nasty pitcher of haterade was supported via lobbying efforts by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, of which quite a few big companies are a member, to include FedEx, AT&T, Comcast, DuPont, Pfizer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Caterpillar, KPMG, Whirlpool, Embraer, Alcoa, and United HealthCare.
These companies appear to have felt the heat from an AmericaBLOG-driven campaign aimed at eroding support for the bill, as the Chamber of Commerce has now withdrawn their support for it and released the following statement:
"Adopted unanimously May 23, 2011
"DEB WOOLLEY, PRESIDENT
TENNESSEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY"
Too late, guys. The bill has been signed, and now business is back to usual in the state of Tennessee... Want to fire someone because they're gay? No problem!
[WSMV]
Holy Gagaballs!
Just so ya know, you can get Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" on Amazon today-- the entire digital album-- for just $0.99. "OMG" you say "I'M A BARGAIN MONSTER! GIMME SUMMA DAT RIGHT NOW!"
Kansas Rep. Pete DeGraaf: Pregnancy From Rape? Totally Analogous To A Flat Tire
Kansas recently banned insurance companies from offering coverage for abortions unless the pregnancy risks the life of the mother. This includes restricting women from getting abortions resulting from rape, unless they have already purchased a separate abortion-only insurance policy.
Rep. Pete DeGraaf, one of the proponents of the new law, responded to critics of the policy by saying that women should bear the burden of preparedness in the eventuality of rape. Rape, of course, being just like getting a flat tire.
"Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: 'We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?'
"Bollier asked him, 'And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with pregnancy?' [OAQ Note: Read "rape."]
"DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, 'I have a spare tire on my car.'
"'I also have life insurance,' he added. 'I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for.'"
This is disgusting. The conservative right's war on a woman's right to choose has entered a new and dangerous phase: never mind whether or not it is a woman's fault she got raped (which it never is, dear readers), but now we are going to force women to be prepared to pony up the cash for the consequences of that rape. I can't describe how deeply offensive and nauseating this is.
[The McPherson Sentinel]
UPDATE: Super-Reader Sarah, with a few quick clicks, has tracked down Rep. DeGraaf's contact information. You know. In case you want to tell ol' Petey what a disgusting misogynist he is.
Contact
Capitol Office
Room: 459-W
Seat: 39
Phone: 785-296-7693
Email:pete.degraaf@house.ks.gov
Home Information
1545 East 119th
Mulvane, Kansas 67110
Phone: 316-777-0715
Email:petedegraaf@att.net
"Ugh, icky rapey stuff! Only women should have to handle that crap."
Rep. Pete DeGraaf, one of the proponents of the new law, responded to critics of the policy by saying that women should bear the burden of preparedness in the eventuality of rape. Rape, of course, being just like getting a flat tire.
"Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: 'We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?'
"Bollier asked him, 'And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with pregnancy?' [OAQ Note: Read "rape."]
"DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, 'I have a spare tire on my car.'
"'I also have life insurance,' he added. 'I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for.'"
This is disgusting. The conservative right's war on a woman's right to choose has entered a new and dangerous phase: never mind whether or not it is a woman's fault she got raped (which it never is, dear readers), but now we are going to force women to be prepared to pony up the cash for the consequences of that rape. I can't describe how deeply offensive and nauseating this is.
[The McPherson Sentinel]
UPDATE: Super-Reader Sarah, with a few quick clicks, has tracked down Rep. DeGraaf's contact information. You know. In case you want to tell ol' Petey what a disgusting misogynist he is.
Contact
Capitol Office
Room: 459-W
Seat: 39
Phone: 785-296-7693
Email:pete.degraaf@house.ks.gov
Home Information
1545 East 119th
Mulvane, Kansas 67110
Phone: 316-777-0715
Email:petedegraaf@att.net
The New "Maverick": Newt Is "Not A Washington Figure"
Really, Newt?
Despite his run as Speaker of the House, his writings on Washington politics, his network of political organizations founded by him-- no! Newt Gingrich is just an everyday guy.
"'I'm not a Washington figure, despite the years I've been here,' the former House speaker told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on Monday. 'I’m essentially an American whose ties are across the country and whose interest is in how you change Washington and not how you make Washington happy.'"
Uh-huh.
What evidence does he have to support this? Essentially, the media hates him, and since the media clearly is run by the Washington elite? Ta-da!
"In his 36th Monitor breakfast appearance, the former Speaker dismissed critics who have called his campaign dead-on-arrival, commented drily about the press’s predilection for 'gotcha questions,' and highlighted his policy victories while serving in Congress."
Also in Newt-News: Upon reports that Newt Gingrich has racked up close to a cool half mil in debt at Tiffany's, the candidate stated that it was none of our goddamn business what he spends his money on, thankyouverymuch. Never mind, of course, that he is running his campaign on the tenet of fiscal responsibility.
"The revolving charge account was discovered this week from financial disclosure forms for 2005 and 2006 while Gingrich's wife, Callista was an employee for the House Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill. The former Georgia Congressman said it was an interest free account, paid off automatically.
"'We paid no interest on it; there was no problem with it. It's a normal way of doing business,' Gingrich said. 'Everything else is totally paid for, my home is paid for, my cars are paid for, we don't have a second house, we don't do elaborate things.'"
So, essentially, Newt is an every day guy! You know. That covers his third wife in diamonds on credit. Because sure, Iowa voters get to do that all the fucking time. I know I certainly never leave the house in ANYTHING less than $10,000 worth of Tiffany jewelry.
Despite his run as Speaker of the House, his writings on Washington politics, his network of political organizations founded by him-- no! Newt Gingrich is just an everyday guy.
"'I'm not a Washington figure, despite the years I've been here,' the former House speaker told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on Monday. 'I’m essentially an American whose ties are across the country and whose interest is in how you change Washington and not how you make Washington happy.'"
Uh-huh.
What evidence does he have to support this? Essentially, the media hates him, and since the media clearly is run by the Washington elite? Ta-da!
"In his 36th Monitor breakfast appearance, the former Speaker dismissed critics who have called his campaign dead-on-arrival, commented drily about the press’s predilection for 'gotcha questions,' and highlighted his policy victories while serving in Congress."
Also in Newt-News: Upon reports that Newt Gingrich has racked up close to a cool half mil in debt at Tiffany's, the candidate stated that it was none of our goddamn business what he spends his money on, thankyouverymuch. Never mind, of course, that he is running his campaign on the tenet of fiscal responsibility.
"The revolving charge account was discovered this week from financial disclosure forms for 2005 and 2006 while Gingrich's wife, Callista was an employee for the House Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill. The former Georgia Congressman said it was an interest free account, paid off automatically.
"'We paid no interest on it; there was no problem with it. It's a normal way of doing business,' Gingrich said. 'Everything else is totally paid for, my home is paid for, my cars are paid for, we don't have a second house, we don't do elaborate things.'"
So, essentially, Newt is an every day guy! You know. That covers his third wife in diamonds on credit. Because sure, Iowa voters get to do that all the fucking time. I know I certainly never leave the house in ANYTHING less than $10,000 worth of Tiffany jewelry.
MN GOP Rep. Really Doesn't Want To Hear From You: "Give It A Rest!"
One Minnesota legislator is tired of hearing from people taking him to task for voting to put a gay marriage ban to referendum. Tony Cornish's reply to an e-mail chastising him for the anti-gay vote? "Give it a rest!"
Geez, Tony, I'm sorry! I know it's tough making decisions on people's civil rights and then having to put up with the consequences of your decisions. Poor Tony!
Fellow blogger and angry person Will Kohl from Back2Stonewall wrote Tony an email of his own, found below:
Yeah, Will gets kind of excitable.
Geez, Tony, I'm sorry! I know it's tough making decisions on people's civil rights and then having to put up with the consequences of your decisions. Poor Tony!
Fellow blogger and angry person Will Kohl from Back2Stonewall wrote Tony an email of his own, found below:
Yeah, Will gets kind of excitable.
Fox News President Thinks Sarah Palin Is An Idiot
According to close sources, Fox News President Roger Ailes appears to be a full-time Palin hater, as reported by New York Magazine.
"Roger is worried about the future of the country. He thinks the election of Obama is a disaster. He thinks Palin is an idiot. He thinks she’s stupid. He helped boost her up. People like Sarah Palin haven’t elevated the conservative movement."
Evidently a lot of Ailes' frustration stems from Palin's handling of the Gifford shooting. During a time when she might waited to respond to allegations that her gunsight infographic encouraged the shooter to attempt to assassinate political candidates, she instead mouthed off, calling the criticism "blood libel."
Of course, Fox News has now come out in the press saying that Roger just loves Mama Bear:
"'I know for a fact that Roger Ailes admires and respects Sarah Palin and thinks she is smart,' Fox News Channel executive vice president of programming Bill Shine told the New York Times. 'He also believes many members of the left-wing media are extremely terrified and threatened by her.'"
If by terrified and threatened he means "scared she's going to tell her fans to kill us," maybe this isn't the load of malarkey that I thought it was.
Also, I think it's probably a death knell for someone's political career when Fox News execs have to give interviews saying "Oh no! I swear I don't think she's dumb. She's really smart! Really! I really think that!"
[TheRawStory]
"Roger is worried about the future of the country. He thinks the election of Obama is a disaster. He thinks Palin is an idiot. He thinks she’s stupid. He helped boost her up. People like Sarah Palin haven’t elevated the conservative movement."
Evidently a lot of Ailes' frustration stems from Palin's handling of the Gifford shooting. During a time when she might waited to respond to allegations that her gunsight infographic encouraged the shooter to attempt to assassinate political candidates, she instead mouthed off, calling the criticism "blood libel."
Of course, Fox News has now come out in the press saying that Roger just loves Mama Bear:
"'I know for a fact that Roger Ailes admires and respects Sarah Palin and thinks she is smart,' Fox News Channel executive vice president of programming Bill Shine told the New York Times. 'He also believes many members of the left-wing media are extremely terrified and threatened by her.'"
If by terrified and threatened he means "scared she's going to tell her fans to kill us," maybe this isn't the load of malarkey that I thought it was.
Also, I think it's probably a death knell for someone's political career when Fox News execs have to give interviews saying "Oh no! I swear I don't think she's dumb. She's really smart! Really! I really think that!"
[TheRawStory]
Focus On The Family: We've Lost On Gay Marriage
Jim Daly, President and CEO of Focus on the Family, admitted that his conservative Christian organization's efforts to stop gay marriage have probably failed.
In giving an interview to the Christian mag World Magazine, Daly spouted off that they were winning the debate on women's reproductive rights, but then had this delicious little comment on gay marriage:
"We're losing on that one, especially among the 20- and 30-somethings: 65 to 70 percent of them favor same-sex marriage. I don't know if that's going to change with a little more age—demographers would say probably not. We've probably lost that. I don't want to be extremist here, but I think we need to start calculating where we are in the culture."
I wonder what NOM will have to say about that...
In giving an interview to the Christian mag World Magazine, Daly spouted off that they were winning the debate on women's reproductive rights, but then had this delicious little comment on gay marriage:
"We're losing on that one, especially among the 20- and 30-somethings: 65 to 70 percent of them favor same-sex marriage. I don't know if that's going to change with a little more age—demographers would say probably not. We've probably lost that. I don't want to be extremist here, but I think we need to start calculating where we are in the culture."
I wonder what NOM will have to say about that...
Tim Pawlenty Pardoned Serial Sex Offender So He Could Open A Child Care
Looks like yet another Republican presidential contender is going to bite the dust as information has come to light that he pardoned a sex offender in order to allow his wife to open a child care facility.
Jeremy Giefer served time in 1994 for statutory rape for a sexual relationship that he established with a 14 year old girl. That girl became pregnant, Giefer married her, and evidently that makes everything "A-OK" because two years ago, Governor Pawlenty wiped Giefer's slate clean so that Giefer's now-adult wife could open a child care without hindrance.
Not many are surprised, then, that allegations are now being brought against him for raping his own daughter, the offspring of the initial sexual relationship that landed him in so much hot water years ago.
"Unlike many other states, where the governor alone is responsible for pardon decisions, Minnesota law gives the power to pardon to a board composed of the governor, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and the attorney general. The board meets two times a year, and submits an annual report of its actions to the Legislature. All three officials must agree for a pardon to be granted.
"But while the responsibility for the decisions is shared equally by the board members, Governor Pawlenty is likely to feel most of the heat for the Giefer pardon. Pawlenty has gone to great lengths as governor to position himself as a social conservative who's tough on crime and tougher on sex criminals."
Does Giefer, now charged with 250 counts of molestation, count as the type of sex criminal Pawlenty is supposedly tough on?
[TheBlotter]
Tim Pawlenty: tough on sex criminals unless they marry their victims.
Jeremy Giefer served time in 1994 for statutory rape for a sexual relationship that he established with a 14 year old girl. That girl became pregnant, Giefer married her, and evidently that makes everything "A-OK" because two years ago, Governor Pawlenty wiped Giefer's slate clean so that Giefer's now-adult wife could open a child care without hindrance.
Not many are surprised, then, that allegations are now being brought against him for raping his own daughter, the offspring of the initial sexual relationship that landed him in so much hot water years ago.
"Unlike many other states, where the governor alone is responsible for pardon decisions, Minnesota law gives the power to pardon to a board composed of the governor, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and the attorney general. The board meets two times a year, and submits an annual report of its actions to the Legislature. All three officials must agree for a pardon to be granted.
"But while the responsibility for the decisions is shared equally by the board members, Governor Pawlenty is likely to feel most of the heat for the Giefer pardon. Pawlenty has gone to great lengths as governor to position himself as a social conservative who's tough on crime and tougher on sex criminals."
Does Giefer, now charged with 250 counts of molestation, count as the type of sex criminal Pawlenty is supposedly tough on?
[TheBlotter]
Bachmann Challenger Receives Rape Threats
Earlier this month I reported on the high school sophomore, Amy Myers, who with the help of her father Wayne posted a letter challenging Michele Bachmann to a duel of wits, citing Bachmann's miserable understanding of American history as a bad example of women in politics.
While Bachmann hasn't responded, conservative America has, with Amy being the target of epithets like "whore" and rape threats.
"Amy and Wayne Myers said the comments on conservative websites alarmed them most. Several commenters threatened to publish the Myers' home address.
"Others threatened violence, including rape, they said.
"'They're targeting me just because I'm challenging Bachmann,' Amy said."
Seriously? Just because she points out the inaccuracies of a political figure she gets threatened with retributive rape? Is this really America?
[CourierPostOnline]
While Bachmann hasn't responded, conservative America has, with Amy being the target of epithets like "whore" and rape threats.
"Amy and Wayne Myers said the comments on conservative websites alarmed them most. Several commenters threatened to publish the Myers' home address.
"Others threatened violence, including rape, they said.
"'They're targeting me just because I'm challenging Bachmann,' Amy said."
Seriously? Just because she points out the inaccuracies of a political figure she gets threatened with retributive rape? Is this really America?
[CourierPostOnline]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)













