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marmar
marmar's Journal
marmar's Journal
December 20, 2011
99% plan new tax war on Super Rich in 2012
Commentary: Jobless youth enraged, ready with aggressive tactics
By Paul B. Farrell, MarketWatch
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Warning to America’s Super Rich: Think Occupy Wall Street disappeared in winter’s cold? Wrong: The 99% just declared a new aggressive, covert special-ops war strategy to take back our democracy in 2012.
No more peaceful tent encampments in parks. No more Mahatma Gandhi nice-guy stuff. Not enough. Escalation time. Wall Street, the Super Rich and their Washington lobbyists are tone deaf, blinded by greed, trapped in their post-2008 business-as-usual bubble.
Warning, OWS tells us America’s going to be shocked by not one but hundreds of wake-up calls in 2012.
How? In a recent Washington Post op-ed column, OWS leaders are clearly accelerating their battle strategy in 2012. In what amounts to a new declaration of war that promises to electrify the 2012 elections, OWS will be using new asymmetrical warfare strategies, write the two men who’ve been the driving force behind the movement since early this year, Kalle Lasn editor-in-chief of Adbusters magazine and senior editor Micah White. ................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/99-plan-new-tax-war-on-super-rich-in-2012-2011-12-20?link=home_carousel
Paul B. Farrell: 99% plan new tax war on Super Rich in 2012
99% plan new tax war on Super Rich in 2012
Commentary: Jobless youth enraged, ready with aggressive tactics
By Paul B. Farrell, MarketWatch
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Warning to America’s Super Rich: Think Occupy Wall Street disappeared in winter’s cold? Wrong: The 99% just declared a new aggressive, covert special-ops war strategy to take back our democracy in 2012.
No more peaceful tent encampments in parks. No more Mahatma Gandhi nice-guy stuff. Not enough. Escalation time. Wall Street, the Super Rich and their Washington lobbyists are tone deaf, blinded by greed, trapped in their post-2008 business-as-usual bubble.
Warning, OWS tells us America’s going to be shocked by not one but hundreds of wake-up calls in 2012.
How? In a recent Washington Post op-ed column, OWS leaders are clearly accelerating their battle strategy in 2012. In what amounts to a new declaration of war that promises to electrify the 2012 elections, OWS will be using new asymmetrical warfare strategies, write the two men who’ve been the driving force behind the movement since early this year, Kalle Lasn editor-in-chief of Adbusters magazine and senior editor Micah White. ................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/99-plan-new-tax-war-on-super-rich-in-2012-2011-12-20?link=home_carousel
December 20, 2011
ESPN college football analyst Craig James, who starred as a tailback at Southern Methodist University and with the New England Patriots in the 1980s, announced Monday he was running for the U.S. Senate as a Republican from Texas, a GOP fundraiser said.
James, who appears on the cable network’s weekly game broadcasts, has been flirting with entering politics for more than year. Republican fundraiser and close friend Roy Bailey told The Associated Press on Monday that James informed him he was running for the 2012 Senate seat and was in the process of dropping off his official candidate papers in Austin.
“I think it’s great for Texas. Anytime you have someone with Craig’s street smarts and business sense and willingness to serve the public, it’s a great thing,” said Bailey, who added that he would help raise money for James. Messages left for James were not immediately returned.
Though James’ name recognition could be an advantage in the race, it also could hurt him. ...............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/espn-analyst-craig-james-announces-run-republican-texas-015405635--spt.html
Craig James announces run for US Senator from TX as (Quelle surprise !!) a Repug
ESPN college football analyst Craig James, who starred as a tailback at Southern Methodist University and with the New England Patriots in the 1980s, announced Monday he was running for the U.S. Senate as a Republican from Texas, a GOP fundraiser said.
James, who appears on the cable network’s weekly game broadcasts, has been flirting with entering politics for more than year. Republican fundraiser and close friend Roy Bailey told The Associated Press on Monday that James informed him he was running for the 2012 Senate seat and was in the process of dropping off his official candidate papers in Austin.
“I think it’s great for Texas. Anytime you have someone with Craig’s street smarts and business sense and willingness to serve the public, it’s a great thing,” said Bailey, who added that he would help raise money for James. Messages left for James were not immediately returned.
Though James’ name recognition could be an advantage in the race, it also could hurt him. ...............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/espn-analyst-craig-james-announces-run-republican-texas-015405635--spt.html
December 20, 2011
from In These Times:
The Poverty of School Reform
In Chicago’s African-American neighborhoods, schools change quickly—regardless of what families want.
BY Joel Handley
John Marshall Metropolitan High School, located in Chicago’s mostly black East Garfield Park neighborhood, underwent a highly touted transformation last year when it became one of Chicago’s “turnaround” schools. Started under former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO and current Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the turnaround program picks low-performing schools to receive millions of federal, city and private dollars. CPS gives the school buildings a makeover and fires the entire staff, from principals to janitors. Axed employees can re-apply for positions in the school system, but according to CPS, only 70 percent are rehired.
Reactions from the students are expectedly mixed. Marshall junior Darrell Jackson said he lost a lot of good teachers, but got more out of the new 90-minute periods. Johnnie Fort, a senior, isn’t a fan of the security cameras in the hallways and classrooms. Shaking his head, he says, “It’s like we was dogs.”
Students at Orr Academy High School, another turnaround school, are also upset by the focus on security–which includes a police processing center on school grounds to immediately book arrested students. “They waste so much money on the metal detectors,” says Orr junior Kathleen Jenkins, “and you can still get a knife in, if you put it in your shoe. But they’ll take away your drinks, thinking it’s liquor.”
Jenkins and senior Eric Haden are part of Blocks Together, a student-led group that builds relationships between students and staff. They push for restorative justice projects, such as peer juries, to bring empathy into the harsh penal atmosphere of the school. What’s lacking, according to them, are the resources needed to hire counselors and fund peer mediation. ..............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/12407/the_poverty_of_school_reform
The Poverty of School Reform
from In These Times:
The Poverty of School Reform
In Chicago’s African-American neighborhoods, schools change quickly—regardless of what families want.
BY Joel Handley
John Marshall Metropolitan High School, located in Chicago’s mostly black East Garfield Park neighborhood, underwent a highly touted transformation last year when it became one of Chicago’s “turnaround” schools. Started under former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO and current Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the turnaround program picks low-performing schools to receive millions of federal, city and private dollars. CPS gives the school buildings a makeover and fires the entire staff, from principals to janitors. Axed employees can re-apply for positions in the school system, but according to CPS, only 70 percent are rehired.
Reactions from the students are expectedly mixed. Marshall junior Darrell Jackson said he lost a lot of good teachers, but got more out of the new 90-minute periods. Johnnie Fort, a senior, isn’t a fan of the security cameras in the hallways and classrooms. Shaking his head, he says, “It’s like we was dogs.”
Students at Orr Academy High School, another turnaround school, are also upset by the focus on security–which includes a police processing center on school grounds to immediately book arrested students. “They waste so much money on the metal detectors,” says Orr junior Kathleen Jenkins, “and you can still get a knife in, if you put it in your shoe. But they’ll take away your drinks, thinking it’s liquor.”
Jenkins and senior Eric Haden are part of Blocks Together, a student-led group that builds relationships between students and staff. They push for restorative justice projects, such as peer juries, to bring empathy into the harsh penal atmosphere of the school. What’s lacking, according to them, are the resources needed to hire counselors and fund peer mediation. ..............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/12407/the_poverty_of_school_reform
December 20, 2011
HONOLULU (AP) — Two Southern California women filed a lawsuit Monday against a Hawaii bed and breakfast, saying the business denied them a room because they are gay.
Aloha Bed & Breakfast discriminated against Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford, a couple living in Long Beach, Calif., claims the lawsuit filed on behalf of the women by Lambda Legal in First Circuit Court in Honolulu.
Cervelli, 42, called the business in 2007 to book a room because it's in Hawaii Kai, the same east Honolulu neighborhood where the friend they were visiting lived. When she specified they would need one bed, the owner asked if they are lesbians. Cervelli responded truthfully and the owner said she was uncomfortable having lesbians in her house because of her religious views, the lawsuit said.
Refusing to let the couple book a room was solely based on their sexual orientation because the owner indicated that if they were married, she would not have allowed them to stay there, said their attorney, Peter Renn of Lambda Legal's Los Angeles office. She also would have a problem if they were an unmarried heterosexual couple, he said. .............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/gay-couple-sue-hawaii-b-b-claim-discrimination-230124597.html
Gay couple sue Hawaii B&B, claim discrimination
HONOLULU (AP) — Two Southern California women filed a lawsuit Monday against a Hawaii bed and breakfast, saying the business denied them a room because they are gay.
Aloha Bed & Breakfast discriminated against Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford, a couple living in Long Beach, Calif., claims the lawsuit filed on behalf of the women by Lambda Legal in First Circuit Court in Honolulu.
Cervelli, 42, called the business in 2007 to book a room because it's in Hawaii Kai, the same east Honolulu neighborhood where the friend they were visiting lived. When she specified they would need one bed, the owner asked if they are lesbians. Cervelli responded truthfully and the owner said she was uncomfortable having lesbians in her house because of her religious views, the lawsuit said.
Refusing to let the couple book a room was solely based on their sexual orientation because the owner indicated that if they were married, she would not have allowed them to stay there, said their attorney, Peter Renn of Lambda Legal's Los Angeles office. She also would have a problem if they were an unmarried heterosexual couple, he said. .............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/gay-couple-sue-hawaii-b-b-claim-discrimination-230124597.html
December 20, 2011
Two accused shoplifters got a taste of their own medicine when they sought to clear out of the crime--and found that a passing malefactor had broken into their own car.
Security personnel were in the process of questioning Korin Vanhouten, 47, and Eldon Alexander, 36, at an Ogden, Utah WinCo supermarket, accused of stealing makeup, energy bars and batteries. At the end of the interrogation, they left with a citation for attempted shoplifting.
However, they soon stumbled on to the scene of a successful carlifting, with the awkward discovery that while they were in the WinCo, someone--or several someones--had broken into their car. ..............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/shoplifters-robbed-while-stealing-grocery-store-192530012.html
Shoplifters robbed while stealing from grocery store
Shoplifters robbed while stealing from grocery storeTwo accused shoplifters got a taste of their own medicine when they sought to clear out of the crime--and found that a passing malefactor had broken into their own car.
Security personnel were in the process of questioning Korin Vanhouten, 47, and Eldon Alexander, 36, at an Ogden, Utah WinCo supermarket, accused of stealing makeup, energy bars and batteries. At the end of the interrogation, they left with a citation for attempted shoplifting.
However, they soon stumbled on to the scene of a successful carlifting, with the awkward discovery that while they were in the WinCo, someone--or several someones--had broken into their car. ..............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/shoplifters-robbed-while-stealing-grocery-store-192530012.html
December 20, 2011
Hullabaloo, via AlterNet:
Republicans' Frightening Logic for Being Against Preventing Mercury Poisoning
For those who doubt that most of social conservatism is simply tribal identification rather than religion or ideology, check this out, from Right Wing Watch:
The Focus on the Family letter says it all:
Republicans' Frightening Logic for Being Against Preventing Mercury Poisoning
Hullabaloo, via AlterNet:
Republicans' Frightening Logic for Being Against Preventing Mercury Poisoning
For those who doubt that most of social conservatism is simply tribal identification rather than religion or ideology, check this out, from Right Wing Watch:
Calvin Beinser of the Cornwall Alliance has no scientific credentials but has become the go-to person for right-wing activists on questions of science, particularly climate change. While he lacks any credentials what Beisner does have is close ties to organizations financed by the energy industry and a history of attacking scientists, spreading misinformation, and fueling fears that the environmental movement is a pagan plot to destroy Christianity and kill “about 95% of the human race.”
Beisner is especially concerned about growing calls for environmental protection made by evangelical Christians, and has went out of his way to Green Dragon video series to disparage the EEN for thanking both Republican and Democratic politicians who supported efforts to reduce mercury emissions.
Beisner is especially concerned about growing calls for environmental protection made by evangelical Christians, and has went out of his way to Green Dragon video series to disparage the EEN for thanking both Republican and Democratic politicians who supported efforts to reduce mercury emissions.
The Focus on the Family letter says it all:
According to the EEN, one of every six American babies is born with harmful blood mercury levels, “which causes permanent brain damage in the unborn and infants.” Therefore, the 12 federal legislators EEN is thanking with radio, TV and billboard ads for supporting the EPA restrictions are “pro-life.”
In truth, only one in every 1,000 American babies is exposed to harmful doses of mercury, and the slight delays in cognitive development it may cause generally disappear by age 7, says Beisner. Moreover, all 12 of the federal legislators EEN is supporting are among the most pro-abortion Congress has to offer. .................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/750635/republicans%27_frightening_logic_for_being_against_preventing_mercury_poisoning/
In truth, only one in every 1,000 American babies is exposed to harmful doses of mercury, and the slight delays in cognitive development it may cause generally disappear by age 7, says Beisner. Moreover, all 12 of the federal legislators EEN is supporting are among the most pro-abortion Congress has to offer. .................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/750635/republicans%27_frightening_logic_for_being_against_preventing_mercury_poisoning/
December 19, 2011
from Grist:
McDonald’s rings in 2012 with farmwashing
by Andy Bellatti
19 Dec 2011 7:00 AM
Remember last year's Washington state-based "From Here" campaign, which added a "locavore" twist to McDonald's highly processed offerings?
Well, the fast food giant will take farmwashing to a national scale starting next month with a truly groan-worthy advertising campaign. Here is one of the upcoming ads:
This is all part of the company's desire to tell the "farm to fork" story behind their food. It certainly comes at an interesting time; just last month, McDonald's dumped egg supplier Sparboe Farms amid reports of animal cruelty and unsanitary conditions.
But, back to the fries -- they are far from a "farm to fork" or "farm to finger" story. Once harvested, the potatoes go to one of McDonald's French fry suppliers (i.e. McCain Foods, J.R. Simplot, or Lamb Weston), where they are washed, peeled, cut, blanched, deep fried, and dipped in sugar. ..................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.grist.org/food/2011-12-19-mcdonalds-rings-in-2012-with-farmwashing
Don't Forking Believe It: McDonald’s rings in 2012 with farmwashing
from Grist:
McDonald’s rings in 2012 with farmwashing
by Andy Bellatti
19 Dec 2011 7:00 AM
Remember last year's Washington state-based "From Here" campaign, which added a "locavore" twist to McDonald's highly processed offerings?
Well, the fast food giant will take farmwashing to a national scale starting next month with a truly groan-worthy advertising campaign. Here is one of the upcoming ads:
This is all part of the company's desire to tell the "farm to fork" story behind their food. It certainly comes at an interesting time; just last month, McDonald's dumped egg supplier Sparboe Farms amid reports of animal cruelty and unsanitary conditions.
But, back to the fries -- they are far from a "farm to fork" or "farm to finger" story. Once harvested, the potatoes go to one of McDonald's French fry suppliers (i.e. McCain Foods, J.R. Simplot, or Lamb Weston), where they are washed, peeled, cut, blanched, deep fried, and dipped in sugar. ..................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://www.grist.org/food/2011-12-19-mcdonalds-rings-in-2012-with-farmwashing
December 19, 2011
Jeremy Shockey didn’t like the way Texans stood during anthem
By Chris Chase
Jeremy Shockey didn’t like the way Texans stood during anthemJeremy Shockey didn't like the way a few Houston Texans players were standing during the national anthem on Sunday and, being Jeremy Shockey, he wasn't shy about sharing his feelings with his opponents.
"I was pretty upset in the way (Texans players) weren't showing respect to America during the national anthem," the Panthers tight end told reporters from The Houston Chronicle. "There were about 10 players that didn't put their arms across their chest.
"This is America. You should at least respect America."
......(snip)......
Texans players gave it right back to Shockey.
"If he's so patriotic, why was he looking at our bench instead of the flag?" linebacker DeMeco Ryans asked the Chronicle. "Where did he come up with the number 10? Was he counting? Why was he paying attention to us during the national anthem?" ............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Jeremy-Shockey-didn-8217-t-like-the-way-some-Te?urn=nfl-wp14153
Jeremy Shockey: The Houston Texans don't love America
Jeremy Shockey didn’t like the way Texans stood during anthem
By Chris Chase
Jeremy Shockey didn’t like the way Texans stood during anthemJeremy Shockey didn't like the way a few Houston Texans players were standing during the national anthem on Sunday and, being Jeremy Shockey, he wasn't shy about sharing his feelings with his opponents.
"I was pretty upset in the way (Texans players) weren't showing respect to America during the national anthem," the Panthers tight end told reporters from The Houston Chronicle. "There were about 10 players that didn't put their arms across their chest.
"This is America. You should at least respect America."
......(snip)......
Texans players gave it right back to Shockey.
"If he's so patriotic, why was he looking at our bench instead of the flag?" linebacker DeMeco Ryans asked the Chronicle. "Where did he come up with the number 10? Was he counting? Why was he paying attention to us during the national anthem?" ............(more)
The complete piece is at: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Jeremy-Shockey-didn-8217-t-like-the-way-some-Te?urn=nfl-wp14153
December 19, 2011
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Just a year ago, tea party activists came roaring out of the congressional elections eager to shape the looming race for the White House.
Things have not gone as planned.
Turned off by Mitt Romney's style and evolution on several important issues, they have bounced from one candidate to another in hopes of finding a formidable alternative to the former Massachusetts governor to focus their enthusiasm.
After a series of disappointments — Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and businessman Herman Cain among them — the anti-establishment movement has settled, for now, on a favorite: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, even though he has spent more than three decades in Washington politics. ................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/tea-partyers-not-keen-gop-presidential-field-194149832.html
Bitter Teabaggers
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Just a year ago, tea party activists came roaring out of the congressional elections eager to shape the looming race for the White House.
Things have not gone as planned.
Turned off by Mitt Romney's style and evolution on several important issues, they have bounced from one candidate to another in hopes of finding a formidable alternative to the former Massachusetts governor to focus their enthusiasm.
After a series of disappointments — Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and businessman Herman Cain among them — the anti-establishment movement has settled, for now, on a favorite: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, even though he has spent more than three decades in Washington politics. ................(more)
The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/tea-partyers-not-keen-gop-presidential-field-194149832.html
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