Monday, March 31, 2014
Health care website stumbles on last day
Health care website stumbles on last day
The Obama administration’s health care website stumbled early Monday , falling out of service for nearly four hours on deadline day for sign-ups. After it was fixed, officials plowed ahead with a nationwide promotional drive, almost like getting out the vote on Election Day.
Early visitors to HealthCare.gov on Monday morning saw messages that the site was down for maintenance. At times the visitors were also directed to a virtual waiting room - a feature designed to ease the strain on the site during periods of heavy use.
Administration spokesman Aaron Albright said the website was brought back up shortly before 9 a.m., Eastern time. But people who missed their window sign up may still be able to take advantage of a grace period and other special extensions announced last week.
Albright said the site undergoes “regular nightly maintenance” during off-peak hours and that period was extended because of a “technical problem.” He did not say what the problem was, but a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services called it “a software bug” unrelated to application volume.
The Obama administration’s health care website stumbled early Monday , falling out of service for nearly four hours on deadline day for sign-ups. After it was fixed, officials plowed ahead with a nationwide promotional drive, almost like getting out the vote on Election Day.
Early visitors to HealthCare.gov on Monday morning saw messages that the site was down for maintenance. At times the visitors were also directed to a virtual waiting room - a feature designed to ease the strain on the site during periods of heavy use.
Administration spokesman Aaron Albright said the website was brought back up shortly before 9 a.m., Eastern time. But people who missed their window sign up may still be able to take advantage of a grace period and other special extensions announced last week.
Albright said the site undergoes “regular nightly maintenance” during off-peak hours and that period was extended because of a “technical problem.” He did not say what the problem was, but a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services called it “a software bug” unrelated to application volume.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Gun Grabbing CA Senator Nabbed in Gun Running Sting
Gun Grabbing CA Senator Nabbed in Gun Running Sting
Democrat State Senator Leland Yee of California has been arrested for facilitating gun running from the Philippines in exchange for campaign contributions.
Leland, a longtime gun control proponent, is also being charged with selling legislative influence. Authorities allege that Yee is one part of a large investigation involving organized crime, gun trafficking, drugs, bribes and contracted murder.
While corruption and hypocrisy from lawmakers is a common occurrence, Yee has taken it to a new level. The activities in the criminal complaint detail organized crime being run out of a prominent CA legislator’s office.
Yee has been instrumental in limiting California residents 2nd Amendment rights. It appears that for the right price, however, Yee would personally hook you up with his Philippine gun running connection.
Democrat State Senator Leland Yee of California has been arrested for facilitating gun running from the Philippines in exchange for campaign contributions.
Leland, a longtime gun control proponent, is also being charged with selling legislative influence. Authorities allege that Yee is one part of a large investigation involving organized crime, gun trafficking, drugs, bribes and contracted murder.
While corruption and hypocrisy from lawmakers is a common occurrence, Yee has taken it to a new level. The activities in the criminal complaint detail organized crime being run out of a prominent CA legislator’s office.
Yee has been instrumental in limiting California residents 2nd Amendment rights. It appears that for the right price, however, Yee would personally hook you up with his Philippine gun running connection.
Cities reluctant to reveal whether they’re using fake cell tower devices
Cities reluctant to reveal whether they’re using fake cell tower devices
Earlier in March, the ACLU filed a motion for public access request, requesting documents and information related to stingray use by nearly 30 Florida police and sheriff’s departments.
Among the responses published for the first time on Tuesday was the curious reply from the city of Sunrise, Florida, a town of about 88,000 people, just northwest of Miami.
Through its lawyers, Sunrise officially denied the request, noting that the city would neither confirm nor deny “whether any records responsive to the Request exist and, if any responsive records do exist, cannot and will not public disclose those records.” (In a footnote, the lawyers also cited this Ars story from September 2013 detailing stingrays and other related surveillance devices.) The ACLU published its response to the city’s denial on Tuesday.
As the ACLU points out in a Tuesday blog post, the city of Sunrise has already published an invoice from Harris on its own website dated March 13, 2013, showing that the city paid over $65,000 for a stingray. That document clearly states, in all-caps on each page, that “disclosure of this document and the information it contains are strictly prohibited by Federal Law.”
Sunrise’s attorneys did not immediately respond to Ars’ request for comment explaining this discrepancy.
Earlier in March, the ACLU filed a motion for public access request, requesting documents and information related to stingray use by nearly 30 Florida police and sheriff’s departments.
Among the responses published for the first time on Tuesday was the curious reply from the city of Sunrise, Florida, a town of about 88,000 people, just northwest of Miami.
Through its lawyers, Sunrise officially denied the request, noting that the city would neither confirm nor deny “whether any records responsive to the Request exist and, if any responsive records do exist, cannot and will not public disclose those records.” (In a footnote, the lawyers also cited this Ars story from September 2013 detailing stingrays and other related surveillance devices.) The ACLU published its response to the city’s denial on Tuesday.
As the ACLU points out in a Tuesday blog post, the city of Sunrise has already published an invoice from Harris on its own website dated March 13, 2013, showing that the city paid over $65,000 for a stingray. That document clearly states, in all-caps on each page, that “disclosure of this document and the information it contains are strictly prohibited by Federal Law.”
Sunrise’s attorneys did not immediately respond to Ars’ request for comment explaining this discrepancy.
MegaCon 2007 - Princess Leia Belly Dance
MegaCon 2007 - Princess Leia Belly Dance
Slave Princess Leia demonstrates the belly dance at MegaCon 2007.
Slave Princess Leia demonstrates the belly dance at MegaCon 2007.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
US now spending 26% of available tax revenue just to pay interest
US now spending 26% of available tax revenue just to pay interest
Taking this into account, total US interest payments in Fiscal Year 2013 were a whopping $415 billion, roughly 17% of total tax revenue. Just like the Ottoman Empire was at in 1868.
Here’s the thing, though– it’s inappropriate to look at total tax revenue when we’re talking about making interest payments.
The IRS collected $2.49 trillion in taxes last year (net of refunds). But of this amount, $891 billion was from payroll tax.
According to FICA and the Social Security Act of 1935, however, this amount is tied directly to funding Social Security and Medicare. It is not to be used for interest payments.
Based on this data, the amount of tax revenue that the US government had available to pay for its operations was $1.599 trillion in FY2013.
This means they actually spent approximately 26% of their available tax revenue just to pay interest last year.
Taking this into account, total US interest payments in Fiscal Year 2013 were a whopping $415 billion, roughly 17% of total tax revenue. Just like the Ottoman Empire was at in 1868.
Here’s the thing, though– it’s inappropriate to look at total tax revenue when we’re talking about making interest payments.
The IRS collected $2.49 trillion in taxes last year (net of refunds). But of this amount, $891 billion was from payroll tax.
According to FICA and the Social Security Act of 1935, however, this amount is tied directly to funding Social Security and Medicare. It is not to be used for interest payments.
Based on this data, the amount of tax revenue that the US government had available to pay for its operations was $1.599 trillion in FY2013.
This means they actually spent approximately 26% of their available tax revenue just to pay interest last year.
Reid: Obamacare Delayed Because “People Are Not Educated About How to Use the Internet”
Reid: Obamacare Delayed Because “People Are Not Educated About How to Use the Internet”
Another extension has been granted by The White House for its Obamacare enrollment deadline, despite previous reports that the deadline could not be extended beyond March 31st. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) attributed this delay to people not being smart enough to use the internet.
“We have hundreds of thousands of people who tried to sign up who didn’t get through,” he said. “There are some people who are not like my grandchildren who can handle everything so easily on the Internet, and these people need a little extra time. The example they gave us is a 63-year-old woman came into the store and said, ‘I almost got it. Every time I just about got there, it would cut me off.’ We have a lot of people just like this through no fault of the Internet, but because people are not educated on how to use the Internet.”
According to Reid, the fact that this woman was “cut off” has nothing at all to do with Healthcare.gov’s embarrassing track record full of errors and security problems, but everything to do with a lack of internet education. He did not specify the problems with the internet that allegedly baffle so many Americans.
Another extension has been granted by The White House for its Obamacare enrollment deadline, despite previous reports that the deadline could not be extended beyond March 31st. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) attributed this delay to people not being smart enough to use the internet.
“We have hundreds of thousands of people who tried to sign up who didn’t get through,” he said. “There are some people who are not like my grandchildren who can handle everything so easily on the Internet, and these people need a little extra time. The example they gave us is a 63-year-old woman came into the store and said, ‘I almost got it. Every time I just about got there, it would cut me off.’ We have a lot of people just like this through no fault of the Internet, but because people are not educated on how to use the Internet.”
According to Reid, the fact that this woman was “cut off” has nothing at all to do with Healthcare.gov’s embarrassing track record full of errors and security problems, but everything to do with a lack of internet education. He did not specify the problems with the internet that allegedly baffle so many Americans.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - One Last Drink
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - One Last Drink
Empty Hats performs 'One Last Drink' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4oyeSlTYOQ
Empty Hats performs 'One Last Drink' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4oyeSlTYOQ
Jump Jet (Apple II)
Advertisement for Jump Jet by Avant-Garde Creations for the Apple II from the May/June 1983 issue of Computer World.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
LAPD says every car in Los Angeles is part of an ongoing criminal investigation
LAPD says every car in Los Angeles is part of an ongoing criminal investigation
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is trying to figure out what the LAPD is doing with the mountains (and mountains) of license-plate data that they’re harvesting in the city’s streets without a warrant or judicial oversight. As part of the process, they’ve asked the LAPD for a week’s worth of the data they’re collecting, and in their reply brief, the LAPD argues that it can’t turn over any license-plate data because all the license-plates they collect are part of an “ongoing investigation,” because every car in Los Angeles is part of an ongoing criminal investigation, because some day, someone driving that car may commit a crime.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is trying to figure out what the LAPD is doing with the mountains (and mountains) of license-plate data that they’re harvesting in the city’s streets without a warrant or judicial oversight. As part of the process, they’ve asked the LAPD for a week’s worth of the data they’re collecting, and in their reply brief, the LAPD argues that it can’t turn over any license-plate data because all the license-plates they collect are part of an “ongoing investigation,” because every car in Los Angeles is part of an ongoing criminal investigation, because some day, someone driving that car may commit a crime.
Open the floodgates? Indiana becomes first state to scrap Common Core
Open the floodgates? Indiana becomes first state to scrap Common Core
Although Common Core has been in the works for years, Stergios said it is not surprising that the real opposition has galvanized now that it has begun to influence curriculum and have an impact on state and local budgets. FoxNews.com reported last month that states face unfunded mandates totalling $10 billion or more, as well as annual cost increases to comply with the programs testing component.
“The whole process behind Common Core was developed in a way to minimize input or popular knowledge of what was going on,” Stergios said. “It was to be expected that parents would not react, positively, or negatively, until their kids started coming home with this new material. And legislators only start to get the message when they are confronted by new costs and angry voters.”
Although Common Core has been in the works for years, Stergios said it is not surprising that the real opposition has galvanized now that it has begun to influence curriculum and have an impact on state and local budgets. FoxNews.com reported last month that states face unfunded mandates totalling $10 billion or more, as well as annual cost increases to comply with the programs testing component.
“The whole process behind Common Core was developed in a way to minimize input or popular knowledge of what was going on,” Stergios said. “It was to be expected that parents would not react, positively, or negatively, until their kids started coming home with this new material. And legislators only start to get the message when they are confronted by new costs and angry voters.”
Despite Attempts, Government Regulation Won’t Stifle Uber Without A Fight
Despite Attempts, Government Regulation Won’t Stifle Uber Without A Fight
There isn’t much a smartphone can’t do these days. Now, it can even hail you a cab, using the app Uber. But regulators and the government bureaucrats are trying to stifle the service.
For those unfamiliar, Uber is an app that basically lets you hire a taxi or limousine with an in-app reservation service. Users can see reviews of the drivers. Uber uses independent contractors to provide the rides, and riders can pay on the app and follow the driver via GPS, as well.
Existing cab companies could all provide what Uber does, but they don’t. They would rather use the government to eliminate competition through regulations.
There isn’t much a smartphone can’t do these days. Now, it can even hail you a cab, using the app Uber. But regulators and the government bureaucrats are trying to stifle the service.
For those unfamiliar, Uber is an app that basically lets you hire a taxi or limousine with an in-app reservation service. Users can see reviews of the drivers. Uber uses independent contractors to provide the rides, and riders can pay on the app and follow the driver via GPS, as well.
Existing cab companies could all provide what Uber does, but they don’t. They would rather use the government to eliminate competition through regulations.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Johnny Jump Up
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Johnny Jump Up
Empty Hats performs 'Johnny Jump Up' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Empty Hats performs 'Johnny Jump Up' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
NYT reporter: Obama administration ‘the greatest enemy of press freedom’ in a generation
NYT reporter: Obama administration ‘the greatest enemy of press freedom’ in a generation
Poynter reports that Risen made the remarks while speaking at Sources and Secrets conference — a meeting of journalism , communication and government professionals held in New York City. The foreign policy reporter, who is currently fighting a fierce court battle with the federal government over his protection of a confidential source, warned that press freedom is under serious attack in today’s America.
In a speech kicking off the conference, Risen claimed that the Obama administration wants to “narrow the field of national security reporting” and “create a path for accepted reporting.” Those who stray from that path, he cautioned, “will be punished.”
The result is a “de facto Official Secrets Act,” Risen explained, making the current White House “the greatest enemy of press freedom that we have encountered in at least a generation.” And the media has been “too timid” in pushing back against the onslaught.
Poynter reports that Risen made the remarks while speaking at Sources and Secrets conference — a meeting of journalism , communication and government professionals held in New York City. The foreign policy reporter, who is currently fighting a fierce court battle with the federal government over his protection of a confidential source, warned that press freedom is under serious attack in today’s America.
In a speech kicking off the conference, Risen claimed that the Obama administration wants to “narrow the field of national security reporting” and “create a path for accepted reporting.” Those who stray from that path, he cautioned, “will be punished.”
The result is a “de facto Official Secrets Act,” Risen explained, making the current White House “the greatest enemy of press freedom that we have encountered in at least a generation.” And the media has been “too timid” in pushing back against the onslaught.
The federal ‘structuring’ laws are smurfin’ ridiculous
The federal ‘structuring’ laws are smurfin’ ridiculous
The Bank Secrecy Act also requires banks to report to the federal government any activity from customers that might be construed as structuring deposits to avoid the reporting requirement. So if you have $100,000 to deposit in your bank account, and you deliberately choose to deposit that money in increments of $9,999 so your bank won’t automatically notify the federal government, you’re guilty of structuring. It’s a felony punishable by a fine and/or up to five years in prison.
Your bank is also required to report any suspicious activity by its customers. Moreover, your bank is prohibited from letting you know that it has reported you to the government. Banks that fail to sufficiently police their customers or banks that notify customers that they’ve been reported for suspicious deposits risk financial sanctions. Bank personnel found to have neglected their duties to report suspicious customer behavior can also be criminally charged and sent to prison. So there’s quite a bit of incentive for your bank to give you up, and to cast a wide net around what constitutes “suspicious activity.” There’s lots of risk in under-policing for structuring, and virtually no risk of losing customers due to a policy of over-reporting them to the government. Most customers will never know.
The Bank Secrecy Act also requires banks to report to the federal government any activity from customers that might be construed as structuring deposits to avoid the reporting requirement. So if you have $100,000 to deposit in your bank account, and you deliberately choose to deposit that money in increments of $9,999 so your bank won’t automatically notify the federal government, you’re guilty of structuring. It’s a felony punishable by a fine and/or up to five years in prison.
Your bank is also required to report any suspicious activity by its customers. Moreover, your bank is prohibited from letting you know that it has reported you to the government. Banks that fail to sufficiently police their customers or banks that notify customers that they’ve been reported for suspicious deposits risk financial sanctions. Bank personnel found to have neglected their duties to report suspicious customer behavior can also be criminally charged and sent to prison. So there’s quite a bit of incentive for your bank to give you up, and to cast a wide net around what constitutes “suspicious activity.” There’s lots of risk in under-policing for structuring, and virtually no risk of losing customers due to a policy of over-reporting them to the government. Most customers will never know.
Middle School Workbook Reportedly Includes What Could Be the Most Outrageous Definition of the Second Amendment Yet
Middle School Workbook Reportedly Includes What Could Be the Most Outrageous Definition of the Second Amendment Yet
An Illinois father claims a workbook that teaches the Second Amendment comes with a requirement to register firearms was handed out to seventh-graders at Grant Middle School in Springfield, including his own son.
An image posted on the Illinois Gun Owners Rights Facebook page shows a worksheet that defines the Second Amendment as the following:
“This amendment states that people have the right to certain weapons, providing that they register them and they have not been in prison. The founding fathers included this amendment to prevent the United States from acting like the British who had tried to take weapons away from the colonists.”
An Illinois father claims a workbook that teaches the Second Amendment comes with a requirement to register firearms was handed out to seventh-graders at Grant Middle School in Springfield, including his own son.
An image posted on the Illinois Gun Owners Rights Facebook page shows a worksheet that defines the Second Amendment as the following:
“This amendment states that people have the right to certain weapons, providing that they register them and they have not been in prison. The founding fathers included this amendment to prevent the United States from acting like the British who had tried to take weapons away from the colonists.”
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - The Looney Lucy Song
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - The Looney Lucy Song
Empty Hats performs 'The Looney Lucy Song' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Empty Hats performs 'The Looney Lucy Song' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Is Leftist Science-Denial The Most Dangerous Kind?
Is Leftist Science-Denial The Most Dangerous Kind?
Enter Bill Nye “The Science Guy.” Bill has been, for the most part, strongly against science denial– he has spoken against teaching creationism to children as well as climate change denial, but oddly, he breaks form when the topic is genetically modified organisms.
Let that sink in for a moment– perhaps the most well-known science popularizer alive, Bill Nye, trying to scare people into thinking GMOs are harmful.
That’s a far cry from some preacher doing the same thing because it conflicts with his religious dogma. It’s science education programming being used to spread pseudoscience, and the consequences could be devastating.
Golden rice, a genetically engineered rice which is rich in beta carotene, was developed to help curb vitamin A deficiency in the third world, and has been shown as effective as beta carotene in oil at providing vitamin A. If policy or activism regarding genetically modified foods were to be based on the anti-science fear-mongering of people like Bill Nye, it would hinder efforts to stave off the ailments caused by micronutrient deficiency in the third world.
According to statistics compiled by UNICEF, this includes 1-2 million deaths annually of children 1-4 years old that could be averted by improved vitamin A nutritive.
Enter Bill Nye “The Science Guy.” Bill has been, for the most part, strongly against science denial– he has spoken against teaching creationism to children as well as climate change denial, but oddly, he breaks form when the topic is genetically modified organisms.
Let that sink in for a moment– perhaps the most well-known science popularizer alive, Bill Nye, trying to scare people into thinking GMOs are harmful.
That’s a far cry from some preacher doing the same thing because it conflicts with his religious dogma. It’s science education programming being used to spread pseudoscience, and the consequences could be devastating.
Golden rice, a genetically engineered rice which is rich in beta carotene, was developed to help curb vitamin A deficiency in the third world, and has been shown as effective as beta carotene in oil at providing vitamin A. If policy or activism regarding genetically modified foods were to be based on the anti-science fear-mongering of people like Bill Nye, it would hinder efforts to stave off the ailments caused by micronutrient deficiency in the third world.
According to statistics compiled by UNICEF, this includes 1-2 million deaths annually of children 1-4 years old that could be averted by improved vitamin A nutritive.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Today Is The Day
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Today Is The Day
Empty Hats performs 'Today Is The Day' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Empty Hats performs 'Today Is The Day' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
NSA surveillance program reaches ‘into the past’ to retrieve, replay phone calls
NSA surveillance program reaches ‘into the past’ to retrieve, replay phone calls
Some of the documents provided by Snowden suggest that high-volume eavesdropping may soon be extended to other countries, if it has not been already. The RETRO tool was built three years ago as a “unique one-off capability,” but last year’s secret intelligence budget named five more countries for which the MYSTIC program provides “comprehensive metadata access and content,” with a sixth expected to be in place by last October.
The budget did not say whether the NSA now records calls in quantity in those countries or expects to do so. A separate document placed a high priority on planning “for MYSTIC accesses against projected new mission requirements,” including “voice.”
Ubiquitous voice surveillance, even overseas, pulls in a great deal of content from Americans who telephone, visit and work in the target country. It may also be seen as inconsistent with Obama’s Jan. 17 pledge “that the United States is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security,” regardless of nationality, “and that we take their privacy concerns into account.”
Some of the documents provided by Snowden suggest that high-volume eavesdropping may soon be extended to other countries, if it has not been already. The RETRO tool was built three years ago as a “unique one-off capability,” but last year’s secret intelligence budget named five more countries for which the MYSTIC program provides “comprehensive metadata access and content,” with a sixth expected to be in place by last October.
The budget did not say whether the NSA now records calls in quantity in those countries or expects to do so. A separate document placed a high priority on planning “for MYSTIC accesses against projected new mission requirements,” including “voice.”
Ubiquitous voice surveillance, even overseas, pulls in a great deal of content from Americans who telephone, visit and work in the target country. It may also be seen as inconsistent with Obama’s Jan. 17 pledge “that the United States is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security,” regardless of nationality, “and that we take their privacy concerns into account.”
New 'Star Wars' set 30 years after 'Jedi'
New 'Star Wars' set 30 years after 'Jedi'
The new "Star Wars" has an official timeline and one confirmed returning character: robot R2-D2.
Director J.J. Abrams will begin shooting in May on "Star Wars: Episode VII," which is set three decades after 1983's "Return of the Jedi," Disney CEO Bob Iger said Tuesday.
The new "Star Wars" has an official timeline and one confirmed returning character: robot R2-D2.
Director J.J. Abrams will begin shooting in May on "Star Wars: Episode VII," which is set three decades after 1983's "Return of the Jedi," Disney CEO Bob Iger said Tuesday.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Take Her In Your Arms
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Take Her In Your Arms
Empty Hats performs "Take Her In Your Arms" at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Empty Hats performs "Take Her In Your Arms" at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
AC's Tech for the Commodore Amiga - November 1993
AC's Tech for the Commodore Amiga - Volume 3, Number 4 - November 1993
AC's Tech for the Commodore Amiga was Amazing Computing's more technically oriented publication for the Amiga. The November 1993 issue includes:
- Why You Should Develop for CD-32
- F-BASIC 5.0 - A review of the latest release of F-BASIC.
- Quick Menus for True BASIC Programs - Create menus for your True BASIC programs quickly and painlessly with this method.
- Time Efficient Animations - Quick animations are just around the corner.
- True BASIC Input Mask - Another handy utility for True BASIC users.
- Mr. Newton & His Roots: Programming the Amiga in Assembly Language - Solving for roots using the Newton method.
- Re Color - Breathe new life into your old icons with this handy ARexx utility.
- Have Your Own Custom 3-D Graphics Package, Part II - Part two, adding the finishing touches to your new program.
- Departments
- List of Advertisers
- Source and Executables ON DISK!
Crimea secedes. So what?
Crimea secedes. So what?
Residents of Crimea voted over the weekend on whether they would remain an autonomous region of Ukraine or join the Russian Federation. In so doing, they joined a number of countries and regions — including recently Scotland, Catalonia and Venice — that are seeking to secede from what they view as unresponsive or oppressive governments.
These latter three are proceeding without much notice, while the overwhelming Crimea vote to secede from Ukraine has incensed U.S. and European Union officials, and has led NATO closer to conflict with Russia than since the height of the Cold War.
What’s the big deal? Opponents of the Crimea vote like to point to the illegality of the referendum. But self-determination is a centerpiece of international law. Article I of the United Nations Charter points out clearly that the purpose of the U.N. is to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.”
Why does the U.S. care which flag will be hoisted on a small piece of land thousands of miles away?
Critics point to the Russian “occupation” of Crimea as evidence that no fair vote could have taken place. Where were these people when an election held in an Iraq occupied by U.S. troops was called a “triumph of democracy”?
Residents of Crimea voted over the weekend on whether they would remain an autonomous region of Ukraine or join the Russian Federation. In so doing, they joined a number of countries and regions — including recently Scotland, Catalonia and Venice — that are seeking to secede from what they view as unresponsive or oppressive governments.
These latter three are proceeding without much notice, while the overwhelming Crimea vote to secede from Ukraine has incensed U.S. and European Union officials, and has led NATO closer to conflict with Russia than since the height of the Cold War.
What’s the big deal? Opponents of the Crimea vote like to point to the illegality of the referendum. But self-determination is a centerpiece of international law. Article I of the United Nations Charter points out clearly that the purpose of the U.N. is to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.”
Why does the U.S. care which flag will be hoisted on a small piece of land thousands of miles away?
Critics point to the Russian “occupation” of Crimea as evidence that no fair vote could have taken place. Where were these people when an election held in an Iraq occupied by U.S. troops was called a “triumph of democracy”?
THE POLICE CAN TAKE YOUR CASH WITHOUT CHARGING YOU WITH A CRIME
THE POLICE CAN TAKE YOUR CASH WITHOUT CHARGING YOU WITH A CRIME
On Friday, the district attorney’s office in Humboldt County, Nevada, agreed to return the $50,000 that had been seized from Tan Nguyen during a traffic stop on September 23, 2013. Nguyen had never been charged with a crime, much less convicted of anything—Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy Lee Dove pulled him over for allegedly going three miles over the speed limit, then searched his car without permission (though the cops claim consent was given) and found what Nguyen said was gambling winnings. The 37-year-old California resident’s luck clearly ran out when he was stopped by Dove, however, and according to his lawsuit, Nguyen was given a choice—give up his money or try to get home without his vehicle.
This wasn’t an isolated incident or a mistake on behlaf of the cops. In a photo that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department put on Facebook (and has since deleted), Dove posed proudly with a police dog and the $50,000 he had seized.
On Friday, the district attorney’s office in Humboldt County, Nevada, agreed to return the $50,000 that had been seized from Tan Nguyen during a traffic stop on September 23, 2013. Nguyen had never been charged with a crime, much less convicted of anything—Humboldt County sheriff’s deputy Lee Dove pulled him over for allegedly going three miles over the speed limit, then searched his car without permission (though the cops claim consent was given) and found what Nguyen said was gambling winnings. The 37-year-old California resident’s luck clearly ran out when he was stopped by Dove, however, and according to his lawsuit, Nguyen was given a choice—give up his money or try to get home without his vehicle.
This wasn’t an isolated incident or a mistake on behlaf of the cops. In a photo that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department put on Facebook (and has since deleted), Dove posed proudly with a police dog and the $50,000 he had seized.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Wait, so Lindsey Graham doesn’t like spying now?
Wait, so Lindsey Graham doesn’t like spying now?
Known NSA-defender Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is now calling for “heads to roll” over the recent accusation that the CIA was spying on Senate computers.
“Heads should roll, people should go to jail if it’s true,” Graham said. “If it is, the legislative branch should declare war on the CIA.”
His statement is nothing short of hypocrisy considering his ardent defense of the National Security Agency’s surveillance program that spies on Americans citizens, without having a search warrant.
Known NSA-defender Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is now calling for “heads to roll” over the recent accusation that the CIA was spying on Senate computers.
“Heads should roll, people should go to jail if it’s true,” Graham said. “If it is, the legislative branch should declare war on the CIA.”
His statement is nothing short of hypocrisy considering his ardent defense of the National Security Agency’s surveillance program that spies on Americans citizens, without having a search warrant.
If Spying on Senate is So Bad, Why is it OK For Them To Spy On Us?
If Spying on Senate is So Bad, Why is it OK For Them To Spy On Us?
The reaction of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to last week’s revelations that the CIA secretly searched Senate Intelligence Committee computers reveals much about what the elites in government think about the rest of us. “Spy on thee, but not on me!”
The hypocrisy of Sen. Feinstein is astounding. She is the biggest backer of the NSA spying on the rest of us, but when the tables are turned and her staff is the target she becomes irate. But there is more to it than that. There is an attitude in Washington that the laws Congress passes do not apply to Members. They can trample our civil liberties, they believe, but it should never affect their own freedom.
The reaction of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to last week’s revelations that the CIA secretly searched Senate Intelligence Committee computers reveals much about what the elites in government think about the rest of us. “Spy on thee, but not on me!”
The hypocrisy of Sen. Feinstein is astounding. She is the biggest backer of the NSA spying on the rest of us, but when the tables are turned and her staff is the target she becomes irate. But there is more to it than that. There is an attitude in Washington that the laws Congress passes do not apply to Members. They can trample our civil liberties, they believe, but it should never affect their own freedom.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Blind Fiddler
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Empty Hats - Blind Fiddler
Empty Hats performs 'Blind Fiddler' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Empty Hats performs 'Blind Fiddler' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Friday, March 14, 2014
The CIA Reminds Us Who's Boss
The CIA Reminds Us Who's Boss
Getting Feinstein to denounce the CIA is like trying to get Texas Republicans to disown Ted Nugent. As head of the Intelligence Committee, the California Democrat normally defends the spymasters no matter what. But even the longest rope is finite in length, and Feinstein has hit the end of hers.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that, as with everything connected to intelligence and national security, it probably doesn’t matter. Charges will fly, revelations will emerge, people will be outraged, and things will go on as they did before.
Feinstein’s shock stems from her assumption that elected officials exercise the ultimate authority over what our intelligence agencies may do. But that’s an illusion, as Tufts University international law professor Michael Glennon writes in the Harvard National Security Journal.
“Judicial review is negligible; congressional oversight is dysfunctional; and presidential control is nominal,” he argues.
Getting Feinstein to denounce the CIA is like trying to get Texas Republicans to disown Ted Nugent. As head of the Intelligence Committee, the California Democrat normally defends the spymasters no matter what. But even the longest rope is finite in length, and Feinstein has hit the end of hers.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that, as with everything connected to intelligence and national security, it probably doesn’t matter. Charges will fly, revelations will emerge, people will be outraged, and things will go on as they did before.
Feinstein’s shock stems from her assumption that elected officials exercise the ultimate authority over what our intelligence agencies may do. But that’s an illusion, as Tufts University international law professor Michael Glennon writes in the Harvard National Security Journal.
“Judicial review is negligible; congressional oversight is dysfunctional; and presidential control is nominal,” he argues.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Donegal Green
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Donegal Green
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Donegal Green' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Donegal Green' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
New Jersey Becomes Third State To Ban Tesla’s Direct Sales Model
New Jersey Becomes Third State To Ban Tesla’s Direct Sales Model
New Jersey is the third state to ban the practice of selling cars directly to consumers, joining Arizona and Texas in preventing their residents from easily buying a more environmentally friendly ride. The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers was in favor of the rule change, unsurprisingly.
Tesla is furious, claiming in a blog post released today — in advance of the meeting in which the rule change was enacted (which Tesla was informed of yesterday) — that Governor Chris Christie’s administration had “gone back on its word to delay a proposed anti-Tesla regulation so that the matter could be handled through a fair process in the Legislature.”
New Jersey is the third state to ban the practice of selling cars directly to consumers, joining Arizona and Texas in preventing their residents from easily buying a more environmentally friendly ride. The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers was in favor of the rule change, unsurprisingly.
Tesla is furious, claiming in a blog post released today — in advance of the meeting in which the rule change was enacted (which Tesla was informed of yesterday) — that Governor Chris Christie’s administration had “gone back on its word to delay a proposed anti-Tesla regulation so that the matter could be handled through a fair process in the Legislature.”
How the NSA Plans to Infect ‘Millions’ of Computers with Malware
How the NSA Plans to Infect ‘Millions’ of Computers with Malware
Top-secret documents reveal that the National Security Agency is dramatically expanding its ability to covertly hack into computers on a mass scale by using automated systems that reduce the level of human oversight in the process.
The classified files – provided previously by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden – contain new details about groundbreaking surveillance technology the agency has developed to infect potentially millions of computers worldwide with malware “implants.” The clandestine initiative enables the NSA to break into targeted computers and to siphon out data from foreign Internet and phone networks.
The covert infrastructure that supports the hacking efforts operates from the agency’s headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland, and from eavesdropping bases in the United Kingdom and Japan. GCHQ, the British intelligence agency, appears to have played an integral role in helping to develop the implants tactic.
Top-secret documents reveal that the National Security Agency is dramatically expanding its ability to covertly hack into computers on a mass scale by using automated systems that reduce the level of human oversight in the process.
The classified files – provided previously by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden – contain new details about groundbreaking surveillance technology the agency has developed to infect potentially millions of computers worldwide with malware “implants.” The clandestine initiative enables the NSA to break into targeted computers and to siphon out data from foreign Internet and phone networks.
The covert infrastructure that supports the hacking efforts operates from the agency’s headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland, and from eavesdropping bases in the United Kingdom and Japan. GCHQ, the British intelligence agency, appears to have played an integral role in helping to develop the implants tactic.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Guinness In Us
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Guinness In Us
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Guinness In Us' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Guinness In Us' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
QuickShot
Advertisement for QuickShot conrollers from the July 1990 issue of VideoGames & Computer Entertainment.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Edward Snowden: NSA Too Busy Spying on Americans To Catch Terrorists
Edward Snowden: NSA Too Busy Spying on Americans To Catch Terrorists
Specifically, the board concluded, “we have not identified a single instance involving a threat to the United States in which the program made a concrete difference in the outcome of a counterterrorism investigation.”
When it comes to legal concerns, the board noted “There are four grounds upon which we find that the telephone records program fails to comply with Section 215,” that “the program violates the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,” and that “The NSA’s telephone records program also raises concerns under both the First and Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution.”
Specifically, the board concluded, “we have not identified a single instance involving a threat to the United States in which the program made a concrete difference in the outcome of a counterterrorism investigation.”
When it comes to legal concerns, the board noted “There are four grounds upon which we find that the telephone records program fails to comply with Section 215,” that “the program violates the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,” and that “The NSA’s telephone records program also raises concerns under both the First and Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution.”
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - The Undressing Song
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - The Undressing Song
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'The Undressing Song' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'The Undressing Song' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Obama knew CIA secretly monitored intelligence committee, senator claims
Obama knew CIA secretly monitored intelligence committee, senator claims
McClatchy and the New York Times reported Wednesday that the CIA had secretly monitored computers used by committee staffers preparing the inquiry report, which is said to be scathing not only about the brutality and ineffectiveness of the agency’s interrogation techniques but deception by the CIA to Congress and policymakers about it. The CIA sharply disputes the committee’s findings.
Udall, a Colorado Democrat and one of the CIA’s leading pursuers on the committee, appeared to reference that surreptitious spying on Congress, which Udall said undermined democratic principles.
McClatchy and the New York Times reported Wednesday that the CIA had secretly monitored computers used by committee staffers preparing the inquiry report, which is said to be scathing not only about the brutality and ineffectiveness of the agency’s interrogation techniques but deception by the CIA to Congress and policymakers about it. The CIA sharply disputes the committee’s findings.
Udall, a Colorado Democrat and one of the CIA’s leading pursuers on the committee, appeared to reference that surreptitious spying on Congress, which Udall said undermined democratic principles.
Obama nominee for Surgeon General says banning guns is part of medicine
Obama nominee for Surgeon General says banning guns is part of medicine
The problem with Murthy ... is his position on guns. Namely, he thinks one of the questions doctors should ask patients during a routine medical history is whether the person has any guns in his home.
Investors.com notes that Murthy, 36, is president and co-founder of Doctors for America, an anti-gun group that advocates making gun control a facet of the practice of medicine.
The problem with Murthy ... is his position on guns. Namely, he thinks one of the questions doctors should ask patients during a routine medical history is whether the person has any guns in his home.
Investors.com notes that Murthy, 36, is president and co-founder of Doctors for America, an anti-gun group that advocates making gun control a facet of the practice of medicine.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - That Was The Day
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - That Was The Day
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'That Was The Day' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'That Was The Day' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Blueprint (Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 400/800/1200XL, Intellivision)
Advertisement for Blueprint by CBS Electronics for the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 400/800/1200XL, and Intellivision from the October 1983 issue of Videogaming Illustrated.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
School forces half-naked, sopping wet student to stand outside, frostbite results
School forces half-naked, sopping wet student to stand outside, frostbite results
A Minnesota public high school was so committed to obeying its fire drill policy to the exact letter of the law that it forced a female student–dressed only in a swimsuit, and sopping wet–to stand outside in the freezing cold for ten minutes. As a result, she suffered frostbite.
Administrators wouldn’t let the student retrieve her clothes, sit in a car or wait inside another building, according to WCCO.
The trouble began when a small science experiment triggered the fire alarm at Como Park Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fourteen-year-old Kayona Hagen-Tietz was swimming in the school pool for health class at the time. Her clothes were in her locker, and a teacher told her that there was no time for her to change. Hagen-Tietz was rushed outside–still wet and dressed in only swimsuit.
It was 5 degrees below zero in St. Paul that day. With the windchill, it was 25 degrees below zero.
Hagen-Tietz asked to wait inside an employee’s car, or at the elementary school across the street. But administrators believed that this would violate official policy, and could get the school in trouble, so they opted to simply let the girl freeze.
A Minnesota public high school was so committed to obeying its fire drill policy to the exact letter of the law that it forced a female student–dressed only in a swimsuit, and sopping wet–to stand outside in the freezing cold for ten minutes. As a result, she suffered frostbite.
Administrators wouldn’t let the student retrieve her clothes, sit in a car or wait inside another building, according to WCCO.
The trouble began when a small science experiment triggered the fire alarm at Como Park Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fourteen-year-old Kayona Hagen-Tietz was swimming in the school pool for health class at the time. Her clothes were in her locker, and a teacher told her that there was no time for her to change. Hagen-Tietz was rushed outside–still wet and dressed in only swimsuit.
It was 5 degrees below zero in St. Paul that day. With the windchill, it was 25 degrees below zero.
Hagen-Tietz asked to wait inside an employee’s car, or at the elementary school across the street. But administrators believed that this would violate official policy, and could get the school in trouble, so they opted to simply let the girl freeze.
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Molly Would You Wait - YouTube
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - The New Minstrel Revue - Molly Would You Wait
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Molly Would You Wait' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.
The New Minstrel Revue performs 'Molly Would You Wait' at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Team Obama wins fight to have Christian home-school family deported
Team Obama wins fight to have Christian home-school family deported
Uwe and Hannelore Romeike came to the United States in 2008 seeking political asylum. They fled their German homeland in the face of religious persecution for homeschooling their children.
They wanted to live in a country where they could raise their children in accordance with their Christian beliefs.
The Romeikes were initially given asylum, but the Obama administration objected – claiming that German laws that outlaw homeschooling do not constitute persecution.
“The goal in Germany is for an open, pluralistic society,” the Justice Department wrote in a legal brief last year. “Teaching tolerance to children of all backgrounds helps to develop the ability to interact as a fully functioning citizen in Germany.”
On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear the Romeike’s appeal – paving the way for the Christian family of eight to be deported.
Uwe and Hannelore Romeike came to the United States in 2008 seeking political asylum. They fled their German homeland in the face of religious persecution for homeschooling their children.
They wanted to live in a country where they could raise their children in accordance with their Christian beliefs.
The Romeikes were initially given asylum, but the Obama administration objected – claiming that German laws that outlaw homeschooling do not constitute persecution.
“The goal in Germany is for an open, pluralistic society,” the Justice Department wrote in a legal brief last year. “Teaching tolerance to children of all backgrounds helps to develop the ability to interact as a fully functioning citizen in Germany.”
On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear the Romeike’s appeal – paving the way for the Christian family of eight to be deported.
Florida woman forced to use city utilities instead of private solar panels, rainwater
Florida woman forced to use city utilities instead of private solar panels, rainwater
A Cape Coral, Florida woman living “off the grid” was ordered last week by a magistrate to hook up to utilities to comply with city codes or risk eviction from her home.
Special Magistrate Harold S. Eskin ruled Thursday that Robin Speronis violated city codes by refusing to connect to the Cape Coral’s water system. Eskin ordered Speronis to pay for water service, adding that her sewer access would be capped until she did, The News-Press reported.
“I am in compliance,” Speronis told the News-Press. “I’m in compliance of living … you may have to hook-up, but you don’t have to use it. Well, what’s the point?”
In addition, her alternative source of energy must be approved by the city, Eskin ruled. The city contends that using rainwater and solar energy violates the International Property Maintenance Code, which is used in many US and Canadian communities. It “states that properties are unsafe to live in if they do not have electricity and running water,” according to Off The Grid News, though Speronis has both electricity and water.
A Cape Coral, Florida woman living “off the grid” was ordered last week by a magistrate to hook up to utilities to comply with city codes or risk eviction from her home.
Special Magistrate Harold S. Eskin ruled Thursday that Robin Speronis violated city codes by refusing to connect to the Cape Coral’s water system. Eskin ordered Speronis to pay for water service, adding that her sewer access would be capped until she did, The News-Press reported.
“I am in compliance,” Speronis told the News-Press. “I’m in compliance of living … you may have to hook-up, but you don’t have to use it. Well, what’s the point?”
In addition, her alternative source of energy must be approved by the city, Eskin ruled. The city contends that using rainwater and solar energy violates the International Property Maintenance Code, which is used in many US and Canadian communities. It “states that properties are unsafe to live in if they do not have electricity and running water,” according to Off The Grid News, though Speronis has both electricity and water.
Obama budget raises spending, taxes
Obama budget raises spending, taxes
Saying he’s optimistic the economy and the government’s fiscal picture have finally turned the corner five years into his tenure, President Obama announced a $3.9 trillion 2015 budget Tuesday that calls for tax hikes and a $60 billion boost in spending next year.
The federal government would run a $564 billion deficit in 2015, which would be a record low for Mr. Obama’s tenure. But the deficit would remain at about half a trillion dollars a year for the next 10 years, meaning debt would continue to pile up. By 2024, Mr. Obama projects gross debt would be $27.5 trillion.
Saying he’s optimistic the economy and the government’s fiscal picture have finally turned the corner five years into his tenure, President Obama announced a $3.9 trillion 2015 budget Tuesday that calls for tax hikes and a $60 billion boost in spending next year.
The federal government would run a $564 billion deficit in 2015, which would be a record low for Mr. Obama’s tenure. But the deficit would remain at about half a trillion dollars a year for the next 10 years, meaning debt would continue to pile up. By 2024, Mr. Obama projects gross debt would be $27.5 trillion.
Hagel’s ‘Defense Cuts’ Are Smoke And Mirrors
Hagel’s ‘Defense Cuts’ Are Smoke And Mirrors
Neoconservative Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain were also quick to criticize Hagel’s announcement. They said the cuts were dead on arrival in the US Senate. “We are going to kill it, not let it happen,” said Graham. McCain added, “We live in an ever-increasingly dangerous world and this budget is out of touch with reality.”
What McCain and Graham won’t admit is that much of the reason we are in an increasingly-dangerous world is that the neocons keep inviting blowback with the interventions they are constantly pushing. If we minded our own business we would live in a far less dangerous world.
Nevertheless, although the neocons make a big deal about this small cut in military personnel, in reality these are not military cuts at all. These are token proposed cuts in troop levels which Congress won’t allow the administration to do anyway. What Hagel proposes is not cuts, but instead a shift in spending away from personnel and toward new high-tech weapons which are favored by and profitable to the military-industrial complex.
The F-35, for example, will continue in production according to Hagel’s plan, despite the numerous cost over-runs and design flaws. This is likely because the F-35 is built in 46 US states and nine foreign countries! That makes it particularly popular in Congress, regardless of its flaws and expense.
We do need real cuts in military spending, not just moving spending around from troops to new weapons systems. But what we really need is for the president to downsize US foreign policy. Maintaining a military presence in 140 countries while continuing to stir up trouble can lead to problems when the military is downsized. So, it’s our intervention that needs downsizing.
A proper foreign policy would mean a strong national defense, but a huge reduction in interventions and commitments overseas. Why are we stirring up trouble in Ukraine? In Syria? In Africa? Why are we defending South Korea and Japan when they are wealthy enough to defend themselves? A proper sized foreign policy would defend the United States instead of provoking the rest of the world.
Neoconservative Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain were also quick to criticize Hagel’s announcement. They said the cuts were dead on arrival in the US Senate. “We are going to kill it, not let it happen,” said Graham. McCain added, “We live in an ever-increasingly dangerous world and this budget is out of touch with reality.”
What McCain and Graham won’t admit is that much of the reason we are in an increasingly-dangerous world is that the neocons keep inviting blowback with the interventions they are constantly pushing. If we minded our own business we would live in a far less dangerous world.
Nevertheless, although the neocons make a big deal about this small cut in military personnel, in reality these are not military cuts at all. These are token proposed cuts in troop levels which Congress won’t allow the administration to do anyway. What Hagel proposes is not cuts, but instead a shift in spending away from personnel and toward new high-tech weapons which are favored by and profitable to the military-industrial complex.
The F-35, for example, will continue in production according to Hagel’s plan, despite the numerous cost over-runs and design flaws. This is likely because the F-35 is built in 46 US states and nine foreign countries! That makes it particularly popular in Congress, regardless of its flaws and expense.
We do need real cuts in military spending, not just moving spending around from troops to new weapons systems. But what we really need is for the president to downsize US foreign policy. Maintaining a military presence in 140 countries while continuing to stir up trouble can lead to problems when the military is downsized. So, it’s our intervention that needs downsizing.
A proper foreign policy would mean a strong national defense, but a huge reduction in interventions and commitments overseas. Why are we stirring up trouble in Ukraine? In Syria? In Africa? Why are we defending South Korea and Japan when they are wealthy enough to defend themselves? A proper sized foreign policy would defend the United States instead of provoking the rest of the world.
New Obamacare delay to help midterm Democrats
New Obamacare delay to help midterm Democrats
The Obama administration is set to announce another major delay in implementing the Affordable Care Act, easing election pressure on Democrats.
As early as this week, according to two sources, the White House will announce a new directive allowing insurers to continue offering health plans that do not meet ObamaCare’s minimum coverage requirements.
Prolonging the “keep your plan” fix will avoid another wave of health policy cancellations otherwise expected this fall.
The cancellations would have created a firestorm for Democratic candidates in the last, crucial weeks before Election Day.
The Obama administration is set to announce another major delay in implementing the Affordable Care Act, easing election pressure on Democrats.
As early as this week, according to two sources, the White House will announce a new directive allowing insurers to continue offering health plans that do not meet ObamaCare’s minimum coverage requirements.
Prolonging the “keep your plan” fix will avoid another wave of health policy cancellations otherwise expected this fall.
The cancellations would have created a firestorm for Democratic candidates in the last, crucial weeks before Election Day.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Just Desserts
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Just Desserts
Just Desserts at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Just Desserts at the 2014 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
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