Archive for May, 2008
5/26 News
Carter leaks Israeli nuke count
Former president Jimmy Carter said yesterday that Israel has 150 nuclear weapons and that the US should start talking to Iran about it’s nuclear program. It’s surprising because Israel, nor any US official has ever admitted that Israel has nukes.
Carter has been very involved in Israel-Palestine relations since he left office and has criticized Israeli settlers on the West Bank and Israel’s refusal to talk to Hamas.
Fox analyst jokes about Obama assassination
Hillary Clinton is not the only one taking flak for her Obama assassination comment. Sunday journalist Liz Trotta appeared on Fox News and made this comment:
Trotta: “And now we have what some are reading as a suggestion that
somebody knock off Osama, uh Obama. Well, both, if we could.”
Not only is this unbelievable after Clinton’s massive damage control regarding RFK, but Trotta went so far as to not only confuse Obama with Osama, but actually suggest that Obama be assassinated.
She apologized this morning:
“Yes, I am so sorry about what happened yesterday and the lame attempt at humor. I
feel all over myself, making it appear that I wished Barack Obama harm or any other
candidate, for that matter, and I sincerely regret it and apologize to anybody I have
offended. It is a very colorful political season, and many of us are making mistakes
and saying things we wish we had not said.”
McCain returns to immigration reform
John McCain has attracted his share of criticism for changing his beliefs, but apparently hasn’t had enough. Before the election heated up, McCain was the forerunner of bipartisan immigration reform. By November of last year, he tried to please unsold conservatives by abandoning his own bill. Now that he has the nomination wrapped up, he appears to be going to “maverick” McCain.
“I believe we have to secure our borders, and I think most Americans agree with that,
because it’s a matter of national security. But we must enact comprehensive immigration
reform. We must make it a top agenda item if we don’t do it before, and we probably
won’t, a little straight talk, as of January 2009.”
Minister fights Bush library
A Methodist minister is launching a campaign to fight the construction of George Bush’s presidential library on Southern Methodist University’s campus. The minister says the agendas the Republican think tank will promote like interrogation conflict with Methodist teachings.
2 comments May 26, 2008
4 reasons Crystal Skull rocked, 4 reasons it sucked
Why it rocked
Likewise, Crystal Skull begins in the Nevada desert. The movie has a great moment in the test town, and Indy’s foray into Orellana’s tomb was truly frightening.
Why it sucked
A sidekick has to be LIKEABLE. “Mutt”, as he’s called in the movie, isn’t appealing at all. He spends almost the whole movie being a douche to Indiana Jones. I hope Spielburg isn’t banking on Lebeouf to eventually replace Ford, because he can’t. He’s too small and funny looking.
But aliens? A flying saucer underneath a Mayan temple? Is this Men in Black or Indiana Jones? It’s just plain weird, and spoils the mood of the movie. It’s an action-adventure, not a sci-fi. There was no reason to even involve aliens, the script could have easily created some sort of natural phenomenon to explain the skull instead of…aliens.
Remember the Nazi that got chopped up by the propeller? That guy was scary. And the prince in Doom that used voodoo on Indy? He was freaky.
But Spalko is absolutely ridiculous. Her accent just comes across as faked. A rapier? Sorry, a huge-ass sword might have worked, but not a rapier.
I don’t mean to be sexist, but Indy always has to battle a man. That’s just how it is.
(I know the script for 5 is already written…Doesn’t mean it’s good)
Will the Indiana Jones franchise fall down the path of James Bond-struggling to find a replacement for Harrison Ford, until they find a perfect one? I really hope it’s not Shia Lebeouf, who certainly isn’t a badass like Ford.
2 comments May 26, 2008
5/25 News
French documentary attacks biotech giant Monsanto
A recent French documentary, Le Monde selon Monsanto (The World According to Monsanto) is attacking the bioengineering giant Monsanto. Award-winning investigative journalist Marie-Monique Robin filmed an amateur-style report about how the company has bullied and lured governments and farmers to to become the dominant genetically-modified seed distributor on the market. Monsanto refused to be interviewed because they said it would make them look bad.
Monsanto produces Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production despite proven health risks to both the cows and consumers. It was the only company to sell PCBs in the US and has also produced products like Agent Orange and aspartame. Robin illustrates how the company has wedged itself into both the government and local agriculture distributors in order to sell such questionable products.
747 crashes, splits on runway
A cargo Boeing 747 crashed split in half while attempting takeoff at a Brussels airport early this morning. Four of the five crew members had minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. It’s not clear what caused the plane to crash near the end of the runway, close to a rail line and housing. Firefighters coated the plane in flame-retardant foam since the plane was still full of fuel.
Pirate attacks rising
According to the International Maritime Bureau’s latest report, pirate attacks are rising for the first time since 1990. Though not as romantic as Johnny Depp, modern pirates create just as many horrific stories. Last March pirates shot a passenger boat captain and two crew members near the Philippines and tied them to the ship’s anchor before shooting the remaining crew members. The organization says some blame rests on the political instability in coastal countries like Somalia and Nigeria.
Mugabe threatens to expel US ambassador
Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe threatened today to expel US ambassador James McGee from the country if “he makes one more step wrong,” according to Mugabe.
“He says he fought in Vietnam, but fighting in Vietnam does not give him the right to interfere in our domestic affairs.” He also accused the State Department’s top diplomat Jendayi Frazer of behaving like a prostitute. “You saw this little American girl trotting around like a prostitute celebrating that the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) had won. A disgraceful act.”
Add comment May 25, 2008
5/24 News
Mortgage bill to create federal fingerprint registry
This weeks the Senate passed a mortgage bail-out bill that also includes plans to create a federal registry of fingerprints of anyone involved in lending mortgages, excluding homeowners. Fiscal conservatives and well-off homeowners are already calling for President Bush to veto the bill, which now poses a threat to privacy advocates.
What’s odd about the measure is that it’s absent in the House version and the Library of Congress database, as most bills are. The bill targets “loan originators” and sometimes real estate agents. It also includes a background check, all of which will be stored online by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators. Many, such as John Berlau, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the free-market Competitive Enterprise Institute, doubt the effectiveness of such a bill. “I imagine that, yes, a fingerprint registry might stop an ex-con from handling loans, but I doubt it will make even a dent in the lending problems the bill aims to stop.”
House bans Pentagon propaganda in media
Last Thursday the House voted on a bill to ban Pentagon propaganda in the media, in an amendment to the 2009 defense policy bill. Obviously, the networks have been silent about it. The measure also calls for the Government Accountability Office to investigate pro-war stories in the media.
South American nations form union
Twelve South American nations came together in Brazil Friday night to form the Union of South American Nations, or Unasur. The union aims to boost the region’s economies and encourage political stability. The twelve Unasur nations are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Add comment May 25, 2008
According to Brave New Films, I’m a celebrity.
I got that email because I’m subscribed to Brave New Films.
My name is Michael Carper. I’m not a celebrity, I’m a 17 year old student. A Google search reveals nothing striking.
The funny thing is, I didn’t even participate in that Shopping Spree thing. This is slightly humorous.
2 comments May 23, 2008
5/23 News
Senate adds veto-proof domestic provisions to Iraq spending bill
Yesterday the Senate ignored Bush’s pledge to veto extra provisions on the Iraq spending bill and added $10 billion more in domestic programs. 25 Senate Republicans broke ranks to provide veto-proof funding for fighting wildfires, heating for the poor and infrastructure repair. The Senate also voted 70-26 for Bush’s military operations bill while adding extensive G.I. benefits.
The House recently rejected an earlier spending bill but has endorsed the veteran and unemployed benefits in the new bill. However, its version omitted most domestic programs and included a slight upper-class tax increase to fund the GI bill. However, the House vote lacked a 2/3 majority and its bill will have to be compromised with the Senate version which, if the GI benefits are included, Bush will veto.
Myanmar to allow aid workers
According to U.N. officials, Myanmar’s military junta will admit foreign aid workers to harder-hit areas of the region. A cyclone three weeks ago left 2.4 million destitute and foreign aid has been trickling in. The government has also asked for 11.7 billion and will allow its Yangon airport to distribute aid packages.
McCain rejects Hagee’s comments, endorsement
John McCain told CNN’s Brian Todd Thursday that he rejected the comments and endorsement of the controversial Reverend John Hagee after Todd brought to McCain’s attention Hagee’s claim that Hitler was fulfilling God’s will by trying to exterminate them.
“Obviously, I find these remarks and others deeply offensive and indefensible, and I repudiate them. I did not know of them before Rev. Hagee’s endorsement, and I feel I must reject his endorsement as well.” said McCain in a statement to CNN. Hagee soon withdrew his endorsement and pledged to abstain from the 2008 presidential election.
FBI includes Guantanamo Bay in war crimes report
The FBI Inspector General released a 370-page report this week which included a “War Crimes” file regarding the torture the FBI witnessed at Guantanamo Bay prison. The administration ordered the FBI to stop writing the reports but a government official’s confirmation of what many already suspect adds to the war crime firestorm brewing over Guantanamo.
Add comment May 23, 2008
5/22 News
Chinese earthquake victims reaches 50,000
The death toll of an earthquake that hit Southwestern China May 12th has leaped to over 50,000, increasing 10,000 from the previous estimate. The injured count from this 7.9 magnitude earthquake nears 300,000 with another near 30,000 missing.
Today ended a three-day mourning period that postponed the Olympic torch relay through a coastal province. The final stretch through the Sichuan province will start August 3rd, less than a week before the opening ceremony.
House passes faulty farm bill
House Democrats tasted a bittersweet victory yesterday when a House clerk sent an incomplete copy of the $300 billion farm bill to President Bush. Bush used his 10th veto this presidency on the bill but the House easily overrode the veto. However; when before the bill was sent back to the Senate to override, a 34-page omission was discovered.
2/3 of the bill covers food stamps and other nutrition programs. It also provides farm subsidies to dairy farmers and biofuel farmers, omitting the ethanol industry which has been blamed for helping to raise food prices.
McCain attracts more criticism for lobbyist ties
Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is attracting more criticism for his ties with lobbyists. His top political advisor Charles Black was a lobbyist and advisor for several questionable regimes, including Angolan guerrilla Jonas Savimbi in the 1980’s. He was also registered as a foreign agent for other African leaders from Zaire, the Philippines, Nigeria and Somalia.
Ironically, McCain recently banned his staff from lobbying for foreign countries. “One of the things Obama will do is portray him as the creature of Washington, and what could be more Washington-esque than having a dictator as a client?” said Paul Light, a public service professor at New York University.
FBI isn’t prepared, says agent
An FBI agent and whistleblower for the organization testified in Congress yesterday, claiming the FBI lacks the knowledge about the Middle East to deal with threats from that region.
“While we appreciate any employee’s views on the state and direction of the FBI, those assessments may be very limited in scope,” said John Miller, head of FBI public affairs.
Add comment May 22, 2008
5/21 News
Ex-Guantanamo prisoner testifies in Congress
Only a handful of legislators listened to German-born Murat Kurnaz’s testimony of his imprisonment yesterday. Kurnaz was arrested by Pakistani authorities while visiting the region in 2001. US authorities “purchased” Kurnaz for $3000 and incarcerated him in Guantanamo Bay for five years, despite being determined to have no terrorist links in 2002.
Yesterday, he traveled to Congress to testify about his experience there but after technical difficulties only about half a dozen lawmakers remained to hear his story. Kurnaz recently published a book about the experience, “Five Years of My Life: An Innocent Man in Guantanamo.”
Bush promises Saudi nuclear support
President Bush pledged Monday to continue to assist Saudi Arabia with their nuclear power program, including providing enriched uranium and even protecting oil reserves. President Bush has attracted criticism for a possible double nuclear standard regarding Iran, and even recently admitted the majority of 9/11 attackers were Saudis.
Israel and Syria come to talking point
Israel and Syria announced they resumed peace talks early this morning after an eight-year break. Identical statements released by Israel, Syria and Turkey confirmed that the talks began earlier through Turkish mediators.
Many problems exist between Israel and Syria. Syria has been isolated from world diplomacy and been called an “axis of evil” by President Bush. Israel is concerned about Syrian support of Hezbollah and Palestinian militants. The US is unusually not involved in the peace talks.
Obama is clear fundraising winner
Barack Obama added to his impressive total of $268 million dollars with April donations topping $31 million. The monthly amount was a slight decrease from March’s $40 million but Obama still has the overall financial lead. Hillary Clinton raised $22 million the same month, her highest during this campaign and brought her total to $262 million. Obama’s strategy focuses on millions of small donors, a model Clinton has had to adopt after her early donors maxed out.
Guantanamo prisoner
Saudi enriching
Israel and Syria
Obama fundraising
Add comment May 21, 2008
