This is about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Please click on this link to read about my experiences.
http://open.salon.com/blog/whistleberries/2010/10/21/my_seven_days_in_october
Please leave comments about this Open Salon article. There is a space to do that at the bottom of the article.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
BULLYING & SUICIDE
Hmmm...
Recently, there have been many articles about young people in schools and the military committing suicide. Some of these people were "victims" of gay bashing, religious intolerance by so-called "good Christians," and other forms of harassment.
I would like to mention a few items:
1) Many people quoting from, or referring to, the "Bible" more than likely are referring to the King James version.
These folks might not know that King James was a homosexual, or at the very least, a very active bi-sexual. When he hired about 60 scholars, approximately 20 each from Cambridge, Oxford and Westminster to "translate the ancient tongues;" he made sure that his beliefs and prerogatives were in the "new translation."
In fact, the scholars were so upset by his meddling, the scholars placed a well-hidden disclaimer in the preface, wherein they state that they "recognize this as the King's own work." King James was a "do as I say, not as I do" kind of guy, a big spender, and a party, have fun, type of monarch. (Note: This is not my opinion, it is historical fact.) This disclaimer is found in the preface of pre 1870s Bibles.
1605 to 1611 was a time when if you did or said anything to displease King James, you went among the missing, or ended up in a public execution of some sort (gallows, garroting, dunking, beheading, etc.) These scholars undertook their task in fear of their lives. However, they knew the king was agreeable to praise.
Therefore, they inserted their disclaimer amid a long, flowery tribute to King James.
2) Any type of bullying in any school or the military should not be allowed, condoned, or tolerated in any manner. There are young bullies and there are older bullies. Bullying is an aberrant mental health issue about controlling others.
3). An alternative point of view. Worldwide there are thousands of religions. Most have a different view of what happens when we die. However, more than likely, about .625% of the world population believes in some form of reincarnation. From tribal groups to modern “civilized” societies, many believe in reincarnation and contact with their ancestors. It is mostly the western or "Christian" societies that look askance at reincarnation.
However, what if the reincarnationists are right?
If the reincarnationists are correct, it means that all of us are here to learn, experience, and help others.
They believe that what we do is predetermined before we come into a new life. Just like in school, there are mandatory and elective "courses" or teachings and experiences we must pass, to get to the next grade level. The extra credit work is what we do and how well complete the task to help other people. For most of us, our present life is like preschool or kindergarten, and in some cases, maybe first grade.
If one decides to check out early, (suicide), that equals failure. If you kill yourself because you cannot handle whatever it is, this is the likely scenario – instantly, your spirit goes back to the teachers. They express dismay at your failure.
They review with you all the good and bad, and the things you said you would do but did not complete, during your life on earth. Now, they say, "you will have to repeat all the courses you previously signed up for but did not finish, and, we will be adding a few more."
For some people who did not do very well in “learning, experiencing and helping others,” the teachers might say something like: "Remember how intolerant you were of other people? Remember, how you believed you had it tough because people picked on you? Remember how you bullied other people? Remember how you used the Bible to support your own personal views?" In the case of a narrow minded White red neck male, the teachers might conclude, "Well, this time, we are going to send you back as a Black/Hispanic/Asian female, lesbian, Jew, with a deformed left leg. Bye-bye."
On the slightest of chances, as in .0000000001% possibility, that something like that COULD happen, that is THE very strong deterrent to suicide.
After all, who in their right mind would want to risk having to live their life over again, everything, right up to that point where you opted out of the last life, to see if you get past it, and go on to complete your courses? (The goal is the equivalent of graduating from college.)
4) Oh, the teachers say that suicide is like flunking kindergarten and you have to keep coming back, again and again, until you get it right. Now, that is down right scary. Those who know, say that it is not uncommon to see spirits that have two to eight repeats.
If that is not a reason to never commit suicide, I don't know what could be more convincing.
Recently, there have been many articles about young people in schools and the military committing suicide. Some of these people were "victims" of gay bashing, religious intolerance by so-called "good Christians," and other forms of harassment.
I would like to mention a few items:
1) Many people quoting from, or referring to, the "Bible" more than likely are referring to the King James version.
These folks might not know that King James was a homosexual, or at the very least, a very active bi-sexual. When he hired about 60 scholars, approximately 20 each from Cambridge, Oxford and Westminster to "translate the ancient tongues;" he made sure that his beliefs and prerogatives were in the "new translation."
In fact, the scholars were so upset by his meddling, the scholars placed a well-hidden disclaimer in the preface, wherein they state that they "recognize this as the King's own work." King James was a "do as I say, not as I do" kind of guy, a big spender, and a party, have fun, type of monarch. (Note: This is not my opinion, it is historical fact.) This disclaimer is found in the preface of pre 1870s Bibles.
1605 to 1611 was a time when if you did or said anything to displease King James, you went among the missing, or ended up in a public execution of some sort (gallows, garroting, dunking, beheading, etc.) These scholars undertook their task in fear of their lives. However, they knew the king was agreeable to praise.
Therefore, they inserted their disclaimer amid a long, flowery tribute to King James.
2) Any type of bullying in any school or the military should not be allowed, condoned, or tolerated in any manner. There are young bullies and there are older bullies. Bullying is an aberrant mental health issue about controlling others.
3). An alternative point of view. Worldwide there are thousands of religions. Most have a different view of what happens when we die. However, more than likely, about .625% of the world population believes in some form of reincarnation. From tribal groups to modern “civilized” societies, many believe in reincarnation and contact with their ancestors. It is mostly the western or "Christian" societies that look askance at reincarnation.
However, what if the reincarnationists are right?
If the reincarnationists are correct, it means that all of us are here to learn, experience, and help others.
They believe that what we do is predetermined before we come into a new life. Just like in school, there are mandatory and elective "courses" or teachings and experiences we must pass, to get to the next grade level. The extra credit work is what we do and how well complete the task to help other people. For most of us, our present life is like preschool or kindergarten, and in some cases, maybe first grade.
If one decides to check out early, (suicide), that equals failure. If you kill yourself because you cannot handle whatever it is, this is the likely scenario – instantly, your spirit goes back to the teachers. They express dismay at your failure.
They review with you all the good and bad, and the things you said you would do but did not complete, during your life on earth. Now, they say, "you will have to repeat all the courses you previously signed up for but did not finish, and, we will be adding a few more."
For some people who did not do very well in “learning, experiencing and helping others,” the teachers might say something like: "Remember how intolerant you were of other people? Remember, how you believed you had it tough because people picked on you? Remember how you bullied other people? Remember how you used the Bible to support your own personal views?" In the case of a narrow minded White red neck male, the teachers might conclude, "Well, this time, we are going to send you back as a Black/Hispanic/Asian female, lesbian, Jew, with a deformed left leg. Bye-bye."
On the slightest of chances, as in .0000000001% possibility, that something like that COULD happen, that is THE very strong deterrent to suicide.
After all, who in their right mind would want to risk having to live their life over again, everything, right up to that point where you opted out of the last life, to see if you get past it, and go on to complete your courses? (The goal is the equivalent of graduating from college.)
4) Oh, the teachers say that suicide is like flunking kindergarten and you have to keep coming back, again and again, until you get it right. Now, that is down right scary. Those who know, say that it is not uncommon to see spirits that have two to eight repeats.
If that is not a reason to never commit suicide, I don't know what could be more convincing.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
DEATH PENALTY WITHOUT TRIAL
News item:
"Sultan man dies after being tased by Snohomish Co. deputies." You can read the details here: http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Sultan-man-dies-after-being-tased-by-Snohomish-Co-deputies-102220414.html
The statistics involving police use of the Taser device resulting in deaths, continue to rise.
In the past, I have seen televised demonstrations of the Taser, where police deploy the Taser on one of their own. Such demos are an attempt to provide proof that the Taser is harmless. Luckily, the volunteer survives.
However, I wonder what would have happened if at such a demonstration, the police officer experienced full cardiac arrest and could not be revived…
How many Tasers would that police department buy after such an incident?
The incident in the tiny community of Sultan in western Washington yesterday, is yet another grim statistic laid at the door of law enforcement.
In the U.S. last year, there were about 94 police related uses of Taser equipment resulting in death of the suspects. The statistics are higher when one adds other countries.
The human body runs on a very delicate electrically balanced system. Whenever that delicate balance has a severe disruption, it can increase the human heartbeat by as much as 200 to 300 beats per minute. This can result in immediate cardiac arrest. Or, the disruption can stop the heart immediately.
Some of the reports of police deployment of the Taser indicate more than one application of electricity to the suspect. In some cases, there were several shocks from the Taser before the suspect collapsed, in death.
Yeppp, Taser deployment can result in an execution by electrocution, so to speak, and that is without the benefit of trial, jury, judge, reviews, appeals, etc. In some cases, Taser use is just some “street justice by cop” – all in the line of duty, of course; and the Taser use carefully defended by the police.
More than likely, police agencies will have to reconsider the use of the Taser as part of their equipment. Eventually, there will be lawsuits decided in favor of very large monetary awards to the dead suspect’s family or relatives.
I find it very troubling that after realizing there have been hundreds of deaths resulting from police deployment of the Taser on suspects, the police continue to use the device.
If this were several hundred rupturing gas tanks on a car over a period of three or four years, the public would be in an uproar. Yet, because it is police related, there is nary a whimper.
"Sultan man dies after being tased by Snohomish Co. deputies." You can read the details here: http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Sultan-man-dies-after-being-tased-by-Snohomish-Co-deputies-102220414.html
The statistics involving police use of the Taser device resulting in deaths, continue to rise.
In the past, I have seen televised demonstrations of the Taser, where police deploy the Taser on one of their own. Such demos are an attempt to provide proof that the Taser is harmless. Luckily, the volunteer survives.
However, I wonder what would have happened if at such a demonstration, the police officer experienced full cardiac arrest and could not be revived…
How many Tasers would that police department buy after such an incident?
The incident in the tiny community of Sultan in western Washington yesterday, is yet another grim statistic laid at the door of law enforcement.
In the U.S. last year, there were about 94 police related uses of Taser equipment resulting in death of the suspects. The statistics are higher when one adds other countries.
The human body runs on a very delicate electrically balanced system. Whenever that delicate balance has a severe disruption, it can increase the human heartbeat by as much as 200 to 300 beats per minute. This can result in immediate cardiac arrest. Or, the disruption can stop the heart immediately.
Some of the reports of police deployment of the Taser indicate more than one application of electricity to the suspect. In some cases, there were several shocks from the Taser before the suspect collapsed, in death.
Yeppp, Taser deployment can result in an execution by electrocution, so to speak, and that is without the benefit of trial, jury, judge, reviews, appeals, etc. In some cases, Taser use is just some “street justice by cop” – all in the line of duty, of course; and the Taser use carefully defended by the police.
More than likely, police agencies will have to reconsider the use of the Taser as part of their equipment. Eventually, there will be lawsuits decided in favor of very large monetary awards to the dead suspect’s family or relatives.
I find it very troubling that after realizing there have been hundreds of deaths resulting from police deployment of the Taser on suspects, the police continue to use the device.
If this were several hundred rupturing gas tanks on a car over a period of three or four years, the public would be in an uproar. Yet, because it is police related, there is nary a whimper.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
NO SOLICITING
The neat, businesslike sign, placed just above the doorbell, says “NO SOLICITING.”
It is not possible to “not see” this sign in advance of knocking on the door, or ringing the doorbell.
Yet, for whatever reason, there are some people who persist in ringing our doorbell, to spread the message about their gospel, goods or political beliefs.
Each time, I ask myself, “What the fongonus are they thinking?” Don’t they realize that trying to make a pitch after being asked not to, only causes aggravation to the resident? It definitely disinclines me from wanting to listen to or buy anything.
If I do not know you, and you do not live in the neighborhood, and my car or house is not on fire, then I wonder why someone would want to ring my doorbell.
Sometimes they are trying to sell carpet cleaning by offering two free rooms - today only. Other times, with a Bible open at the ready, they are ready to quote some verse, in order to support their particular religions viewpoint. Or, maybe they are just ready to had over a pamphlet about the product, church or political candidate they are supporting.
We have a heavy duty, security type, metal screen door. It was locked. The front door was open, to allow some cool air, as it has been fairly hot in these parts the past few days. Dressed in my grey boxer briefs, t-shirt, and slippers, I was in the middle of preparing breakfast, in anticipation of watching the FIFA World Cup match between Spain and The Netherlands.
When the doorbell rang at 10:05 AM, I stepped the few feet from the stove to the entry hall to see the stranger at the door. As soon as he saw me, he started his 60 miles per hour pitch about carpet cleaning, wanting to know what room I wanted cleaned first. When he paused to catch his breath, I pointed to the sign and reminded him that it says “NO SOLICITING.” His response was that he was not selling anything, because he was offering free carpet cleaning.
I said, “Do I look like I just fell off a turnip truck?” I let him know that I would not be very anxious to participate in any unsolicited offer, "...especially from someone who is so reasoning impaired that they do not understand the concept of NO SOLICITING."
He had some sort of smartass comeback, and I let him know that I guessed that I would have to go get the shotgun.
He said if I went to get the shotgun, he “…would have to get the sheriff out here.” I let him know if would not be the sheriff, it would be the Marysville, police, and, they’ve already been out here several times in the past. “They already know I’m a little tetched in the head.”
That’s when I started my obvious nervous tick routine, and talking to imaginary folks. One voice said, “You have to shoot someone this stupid,” and another voice said, “He’s only trying to sell carpet cleaning, let him go.” Then I said, “Yeah, but he can’t read. That means he’s real stupid and should be culled from the gene pool.”
As the nervous ticks became more exaggerated, the unwanted intruder decided that it was time to take off, lickity split, for his own personal safety. I had a good laugh as I returned to fixing the scrambled eggs.
It is not possible to “not see” this sign in advance of knocking on the door, or ringing the doorbell.
Yet, for whatever reason, there are some people who persist in ringing our doorbell, to spread the message about their gospel, goods or political beliefs.
Each time, I ask myself, “What the fongonus are they thinking?” Don’t they realize that trying to make a pitch after being asked not to, only causes aggravation to the resident? It definitely disinclines me from wanting to listen to or buy anything.
If I do not know you, and you do not live in the neighborhood, and my car or house is not on fire, then I wonder why someone would want to ring my doorbell.
Sometimes they are trying to sell carpet cleaning by offering two free rooms - today only. Other times, with a Bible open at the ready, they are ready to quote some verse, in order to support their particular religions viewpoint. Or, maybe they are just ready to had over a pamphlet about the product, church or political candidate they are supporting.
We have a heavy duty, security type, metal screen door. It was locked. The front door was open, to allow some cool air, as it has been fairly hot in these parts the past few days. Dressed in my grey boxer briefs, t-shirt, and slippers, I was in the middle of preparing breakfast, in anticipation of watching the FIFA World Cup match between Spain and The Netherlands.
When the doorbell rang at 10:05 AM, I stepped the few feet from the stove to the entry hall to see the stranger at the door. As soon as he saw me, he started his 60 miles per hour pitch about carpet cleaning, wanting to know what room I wanted cleaned first. When he paused to catch his breath, I pointed to the sign and reminded him that it says “NO SOLICITING.” His response was that he was not selling anything, because he was offering free carpet cleaning.
I said, “Do I look like I just fell off a turnip truck?” I let him know that I would not be very anxious to participate in any unsolicited offer, "...especially from someone who is so reasoning impaired that they do not understand the concept of NO SOLICITING."
He had some sort of smartass comeback, and I let him know that I guessed that I would have to go get the shotgun.
He said if I went to get the shotgun, he “…would have to get the sheriff out here.” I let him know if would not be the sheriff, it would be the Marysville, police, and, they’ve already been out here several times in the past. “They already know I’m a little tetched in the head.”
That’s when I started my obvious nervous tick routine, and talking to imaginary folks. One voice said, “You have to shoot someone this stupid,” and another voice said, “He’s only trying to sell carpet cleaning, let him go.” Then I said, “Yeah, but he can’t read. That means he’s real stupid and should be culled from the gene pool.”
As the nervous ticks became more exaggerated, the unwanted intruder decided that it was time to take off, lickity split, for his own personal safety. I had a good laugh as I returned to fixing the scrambled eggs.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
PRAY FOR RAIN ON THE 4TH OF JULY
Why do so many people pray for rain on the 4TH of July? Living in western Washington is mostly quiet, except for December 31 and July 4. For about a week in advance of those calendar dates, there is the sound of warfare in the air.
The sounds of warfare arrive courtesy of the Tribal Community on the other side of HWY5, about two miles in the distance. Years ago, before political correctness, it was an Indian Reservation. Nowadays, folks refer to the area as Tribal Lands or Tribal Community. They sell fireworks, all sorts of fireworks. Tribal lands are where anyone can buy anything that can explode, or, go up into the air then explode.
I heard a news bite where a reporter was interviewing a few “Tribal Members,” who professed that it is a Native American tradition to sell and use fireworks, especially on the 4TH of July.
Hmmm. I am not so sure that Native American Tribes are all that supportive of the Independence Day celebrations.
After all, most Native Americans lost their way of life with the encroachment of the non-native Americans – mostly White and Black folks bent on taming the west. Why would Native Americans want to celebrate that?
More than likely, this is a Tribal grand scheme to get back at the “White People,” by extracting money from them. Most Tribal Lands have a casino, and most of them are doing very well, thanks to non-native customers. So, how else can the Tribes harvest more dollars? Well, selling fireworks fits in very well.
The Tribal People know that “White Folks” will spend all sorts of money to buy fireworks, especially things that go boom on land or in the air. Thousands of visitors will spend $50 to $300 or more for their personal fireworks display. Across the U.S.A. it becomes a neighborhood contest and game of one-upmanship, to see who has the best fireworks display.
In these parts, there seems to be a fascination with rockets. There are many types and sizes of rockets for sale; but, by far the Tribes sell more “bottle rockets” than any other types. Of course, these rockets are “unguided missiles” that can land anywhere; and, yes, they do start fires.
Every year, in the week before and after the July 4TH holiday, there are many fires and injures associated with the use of fireworks, even the so–called safe and sane variety.
I believe that all fireworks are dangerous, even when used according to directions. Most people do not realize that the perceived harmless “sparklers” burn at the temperature of a welding torch, and can cause serious injury.
So far, in the 2010 season, there are some interesting horror stories involving the use of fireworks. Bad things can happen to people, even trained professionals. Here are some links:
http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho/Three-firefighters-hurt-in-Idaho-fireworks-display-explosion-97738124.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11083141
In 2009, there were about 8,800 fireworks injuries and two deaths, in the U.S. Also, there were thousands of fires and millions of dollars of damage resulting from the use of fireworks. This link provides interesting fireworks statistics.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm
Here are some safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.
• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the licensed pyrotechnic professionals.
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 2,000° Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
In my neighborhood, it is always like a war zone. There are many things that go boom, and some with a very big boom. There are firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80’s, and other items up to the equivalence of about a half a stick of dynamite.
Every year I get ‘flinchitis’ from flinching at the loud booms. Also, every year, I have to remove spent rockets from my roof and yard. I am on constant vigil to keep my roof from catching on fire due to an errant rocket or other type of fireworks. That is why many people, including me, always pray for rain on the 4TH of July.
The sounds of warfare arrive courtesy of the Tribal Community on the other side of HWY5, about two miles in the distance. Years ago, before political correctness, it was an Indian Reservation. Nowadays, folks refer to the area as Tribal Lands or Tribal Community. They sell fireworks, all sorts of fireworks. Tribal lands are where anyone can buy anything that can explode, or, go up into the air then explode.
I heard a news bite where a reporter was interviewing a few “Tribal Members,” who professed that it is a Native American tradition to sell and use fireworks, especially on the 4TH of July.
Hmmm. I am not so sure that Native American Tribes are all that supportive of the Independence Day celebrations.
After all, most Native Americans lost their way of life with the encroachment of the non-native Americans – mostly White and Black folks bent on taming the west. Why would Native Americans want to celebrate that?
More than likely, this is a Tribal grand scheme to get back at the “White People,” by extracting money from them. Most Tribal Lands have a casino, and most of them are doing very well, thanks to non-native customers. So, how else can the Tribes harvest more dollars? Well, selling fireworks fits in very well.
The Tribal People know that “White Folks” will spend all sorts of money to buy fireworks, especially things that go boom on land or in the air. Thousands of visitors will spend $50 to $300 or more for their personal fireworks display. Across the U.S.A. it becomes a neighborhood contest and game of one-upmanship, to see who has the best fireworks display.
In these parts, there seems to be a fascination with rockets. There are many types and sizes of rockets for sale; but, by far the Tribes sell more “bottle rockets” than any other types. Of course, these rockets are “unguided missiles” that can land anywhere; and, yes, they do start fires.
Every year, in the week before and after the July 4TH holiday, there are many fires and injures associated with the use of fireworks, even the so–called safe and sane variety.
I believe that all fireworks are dangerous, even when used according to directions. Most people do not realize that the perceived harmless “sparklers” burn at the temperature of a welding torch, and can cause serious injury.
So far, in the 2010 season, there are some interesting horror stories involving the use of fireworks. Bad things can happen to people, even trained professionals. Here are some links:
http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho/Three-firefighters-hurt-in-Idaho-fireworks-display-explosion-97738124.html
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11083141
In 2009, there were about 8,800 fireworks injuries and two deaths, in the U.S. Also, there were thousands of fires and millions of dollars of damage resulting from the use of fireworks. This link provides interesting fireworks statistics.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm
Here are some safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.
• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the licensed pyrotechnic professionals.
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 2,000° Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
In my neighborhood, it is always like a war zone. There are many things that go boom, and some with a very big boom. There are firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80’s, and other items up to the equivalence of about a half a stick of dynamite.
Every year I get ‘flinchitis’ from flinching at the loud booms. Also, every year, I have to remove spent rockets from my roof and yard. I am on constant vigil to keep my roof from catching on fire due to an errant rocket or other type of fireworks. That is why many people, including me, always pray for rain on the 4TH of July.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
WORLD CUP BAD CALLS
I am not the most ardent of soccer fans, but I do like to watch some of the World Cup games.
So far, in the 2010 events, almost every game I watched has had some questionable officiating, if not outright bad calls by the referees; and, it is not just me. Others have noticed the bad calls too.
These bad calls have brought up the subject of "instant replay" with millions of sports fans questioning why FIFA, the organization behind the World Cup contest, does not allow instant replay.
After all, it is 2010, and one would think that it is way past the time for FIFA to implement instant replay; so that two "off the field officials" can review calls, when requested to do so by the coach of a team.
For FIFA to continue to deny instant replay is not fair to the players, and it is not acceptable. There is no valid reason why FIFA could not set up an instant replay policy and procedure similar to that used in professional football in the USA.
Unfortunately, there are waaay tooo many ATNAs who are sports fans. Those are people who are ALL TALK, NO ACTION.
The millions of sports fans who are disappointed with the officiating at the World Cup events this year, need to let FIFA know about your thoughts and concerns. Now is the time to speak up and do that.
Here is the link to make comments to FIFA:
http://www.fifa.com/contact/form.html
Now, get off your dead butts and do something about it!!
So far, in the 2010 events, almost every game I watched has had some questionable officiating, if not outright bad calls by the referees; and, it is not just me. Others have noticed the bad calls too.
These bad calls have brought up the subject of "instant replay" with millions of sports fans questioning why FIFA, the organization behind the World Cup contest, does not allow instant replay.
After all, it is 2010, and one would think that it is way past the time for FIFA to implement instant replay; so that two "off the field officials" can review calls, when requested to do so by the coach of a team.
For FIFA to continue to deny instant replay is not fair to the players, and it is not acceptable. There is no valid reason why FIFA could not set up an instant replay policy and procedure similar to that used in professional football in the USA.
Unfortunately, there are waaay tooo many ATNAs who are sports fans. Those are people who are ALL TALK, NO ACTION.
The millions of sports fans who are disappointed with the officiating at the World Cup events this year, need to let FIFA know about your thoughts and concerns. Now is the time to speak up and do that.
Here is the link to make comments to FIFA:
http://www.fifa.com/contact/form.html
Now, get off your dead butts and do something about it!!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
OIL OIL EVERYWHERE
If you have been asleep for the past few weeks, you’ve been missing the constant news about the oil well disaster off the coast of Louisiana; and the intricate web of finger pointing in an attempt to lay blame.
Some people blame the Bush administration, due to certain favoritism toward the big oil companies, of which Richard “Shotgun Dick” Cheney and George W. Bush have more than passing familiarity. Others blame the giant oil Company BP for having extremely lax policies about such disasters, (no preparedness), and the slow response to do something about it.
As BP scrambles to try to contain this spewing of natural resources that is devastating coastal and marine life for miles and miles, one has to ask a question: Why were there no adequate safeguards in place, in advance preparation for such a disaster?
Since almost forever, the oil companies have been licking their chops and salivating over the possibility of drilling off the California coastline. Fueled by the resolve of the NIMBYs, thankfully that has not happened yet, at least to any meaningful degree. Can you imagine what would be happening if this disaster were taking place off Venice Beach, Malibu Beach, or Big Sur? More than likely, the residents of the state of California would have voted to secede from the Union, and declare war on the U.S.
However, there is another aspect to this that others have not mentioned. Sabotage. This oil well disaster shows as a blueprint for terrorists who really want to cause havoc. Yes, they can fly a plane into a very tall building, and cause multiple deaths and destruction. Although, the chances of something like 9/11 happening again any time soon might be a tad remote.
So, what would happen if Islamic terrorists were to destroy four or five producing coastal oil wells? Would the ocean waters within a 10-mile radius of each well become contaminated? For all intents and purposes, would a much larger area of the ocean become dead for years and years into the future?
If anything, the BIG lesson about this disaster is the lack of security. Lack of security to protect these wells, and the lack of security of having a workable disaster plan. It looks like the U.S. government, and the oil companies – in addition to BP – were caught without any solid, meaningful, plan for such a disaster.
Despite the lessons and experiences involved with the Hexxon-Valdez incident years ago, it appears that zero, zip, nada, nothing has been done to substantially provide safeguards and action plans for such disasters.
As the late great political cartoonist Walk Kelly wrote, through little Pogo Possum, on Earth Day in 1970, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” For more information about Pogo, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comics)
Some people blame the Bush administration, due to certain favoritism toward the big oil companies, of which Richard “Shotgun Dick” Cheney and George W. Bush have more than passing familiarity. Others blame the giant oil Company BP for having extremely lax policies about such disasters, (no preparedness), and the slow response to do something about it.
As BP scrambles to try to contain this spewing of natural resources that is devastating coastal and marine life for miles and miles, one has to ask a question: Why were there no adequate safeguards in place, in advance preparation for such a disaster?
Since almost forever, the oil companies have been licking their chops and salivating over the possibility of drilling off the California coastline. Fueled by the resolve of the NIMBYs, thankfully that has not happened yet, at least to any meaningful degree. Can you imagine what would be happening if this disaster were taking place off Venice Beach, Malibu Beach, or Big Sur? More than likely, the residents of the state of California would have voted to secede from the Union, and declare war on the U.S.
However, there is another aspect to this that others have not mentioned. Sabotage. This oil well disaster shows as a blueprint for terrorists who really want to cause havoc. Yes, they can fly a plane into a very tall building, and cause multiple deaths and destruction. Although, the chances of something like 9/11 happening again any time soon might be a tad remote.
So, what would happen if Islamic terrorists were to destroy four or five producing coastal oil wells? Would the ocean waters within a 10-mile radius of each well become contaminated? For all intents and purposes, would a much larger area of the ocean become dead for years and years into the future?
If anything, the BIG lesson about this disaster is the lack of security. Lack of security to protect these wells, and the lack of security of having a workable disaster plan. It looks like the U.S. government, and the oil companies – in addition to BP – were caught without any solid, meaningful, plan for such a disaster.
Despite the lessons and experiences involved with the Hexxon-Valdez incident years ago, it appears that zero, zip, nada, nothing has been done to substantially provide safeguards and action plans for such disasters.
As the late great political cartoonist Walk Kelly wrote, through little Pogo Possum, on Earth Day in 1970, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” For more information about Pogo, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comics)
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