Cleveland rocks. Richmond sucks.

Happy Valentine's Day, Janeane Garofalo

2008-02-14T14:12:00.001-05:00

Janeane Garofalo
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

What if I came knocking
On your front door some night?
Would you open the window
And drop me down the key?
What if I came knocking
On your bedpost that same night?
Would you open up your heart
Or try to get the best of me?

What if I came knocking
On your brain the next day
And ask for your truth and your love and your honesty?
Would you build up your big walls
And try to hide behind that smile
Or would you try to pull the wool right over me?

So what if I came knocking?
So what if I came knocking?
So what if I came kicking
And it scared you a little bit
And I came on strong
Would you think
That there's something wrong with me?
Or could it be your fears
Of trying something real
Or just afraid to touch
A guy like me?

What if I came knocking?
What if I came knocking?
What if I came knocking
On your front door some night? Ah...

So let's just say it worked out
Like a storybook dream
And we lived happily ever after
Fa la la la
But what if I came crying
After just a few weeks
And said I misread my heart
This is not really meant to be? Yeah...

So if you hear some knocking
On your window tonight
You can bet that it's probably me
But let it be known
That we're just a pair of tumbling dice
And the outcome of these crap shoots
Is hard to see.

So what if I came knocking?
So what if I came knocking?
So what if I came knocking
On your front door tonight? ahh
So what if I came knocking?
Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knocking
Kick, kick, kick
What if I came knocking
On your front porch tonight, tonight?

- John Mellencamp

Merry Christmas

2007-12-15T14:21:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

Happy holidays!

Freedom tickles

2007-10-15T09:25:00.001-04:00

Freedom Tickles
Originally uploaded by Travis Stansbury

Happy birthday, Janeane Garofalo

2007-09-28T14:09:00.001-04:00

Nadine in Dateland
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

I was sittin' there sellin' turnips on a flatbed truck
Crunchin' on a pork rind when she pulled up
She had to be thinkin' "This is where the rednecks come from."
She had Hollywood written on her license plate
She was lost and lookin' for the interstate
Needin' directions and I was the man for the job.

[Chorus]
I told her way up yonder past the caution light
There's a little country store with an old Coke sign
You gotta stop in and ask Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Then a left will take you to the interstate
But a right will bring you right back here to me.

I was sittin' there thinkin' 'bout her pretty face
Kickin' myself for not catchin' her name
I threw my hat... thought, "You fool, that coulda been love"
I knew my old Ford couldn't run her down
She probably didn't like me anyhow
So I watched her disappear into a cloud of dust.

[Chorus]
I told her way up yonder past the caution light
There's a little country store with an old Coke sign
You gotta stop in and ask Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Then a left will take you to the interstate
But a right will bring you right back here to me.

Is this Virginia heat playin' tricks on me
Or am I really seein' what I think I see
The woman of my dreams comin' back to me.

She went way up yonder past the caution light
Don't know why, but somethin' felt right
When she stopped in and asked Miss Bell for some of her sweet tea
Mama gave her a big ol' glass and sent her right back here to me
Thank God for good directions and turnip greens.

-- Billy Currington, "Good Directions"

OMG! Janeane Garofalo is suffering from an impacted George Clooney!

2007-08-17T09:36:00.001-04:00

OMG! Janeane Garofalo is suffering from an impacted George Clooney!
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

I'm going in!

Attenzione: Mark Riley has left the Air America building

2007-08-15T15:53:00.001-04:00

Catherine Bell
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

As breathlessly reported by BoreAmerica, Air America Radio has dropped Mark Riley from the network's lineup. Don't let the door hit your fat ass on the way out, Mark. If my calculations are correct, this leaves creepy talker Rachel Maddow as the last man standing -- haw, haw, haw -- of AAR's original talk show hosts. Ooops, I forgot Randi Rhodes, the Martha Mitchell of the American left.

Let's connect the dots, as they say in the counter-terrorism biz. I wrote postcard essays which I sent to media outlets such as The Nation. Editor Katrina vanden Heuvel read them and forwarded them to her friend, Janeane Garofalo, who after doing proposition research, decided that she liked me, she really liked me. Now a normal, healthy, well-adjusted person would then ask me out. As we all know, Janeane Garofalo is nothing if not normal, healthy, well-adjusted, and socially awkward. So rather than do anything straightforward, Ms. Garofalo engaged in a Cyrano de Bergerac campaign of stalking harassment romance consisting of one part "The Truth about Cats and Dogs" and the other part "Sweethearts" in the hope that I would reciprocate. Did I mention that Janeane Garofalo is nothing if not normal, healthy, and well-adjusted?

Through her proxies familiars and an essay I wrote, Ms. Garofalo learned that I was an admirer of Catherine Bell -- and what normal, healthy, well-adjusted hetero American male wouldn't be? Imagine Ms. Garofalo's consternation. Ms. Bell is tall, toned, and young. Janeane Garofalo is none of those things. Ms. Bell has a splendiferous set of boobs. Ms. Garofalo had hers removed as a part of her ongoing plastic surgery/self-mutilation/self-and-gender-hatred syndrome. Oh, well, there's always Plan B -- or is that Plan D? Janeane Garofalo is a tattooed skank. Catherine Bell is neither. Catherine Bell shaves her pits and pubes. The only area of her body that Janeane Garofalo shaves is her upper lip. Except for Scientology, Ms. Bell seems be to refreshingly -- ahem -- normal, healthy, and well-adjusted. Ms. Garofalo, on the other hand, has more baggage than Arianna Huffington checking into the Plaza, including an Electra complex as big as a house.

What to do? What to do? Ms. Garofalo arranges for my collector's edition of FHM with Catherine Bell to disappear from my apartment. And I get an anonymous envelope from Janeane with the Scientology shill piece that Catherine Bell sends to fans who write her. Having done her homework, Garofalo knows that will put me off Bell. Come to think of it, now that Janeane Garofalo has announced she believes 9/11 was an inside job, the only difference in the tin foil hats they're wearing is the number of layers. The part that had me stumped: how did Janeane manage to get a indecipherable postmark on the envelope so I couldn't tell where it came from? Plausible deniability was a part of the fun and games. The missing piece in this puzzle, of course, was Mark Riley, who used to work at the United States Postal Service and still has friends who do.

Of course, this sort of stunt has got to be a violation of the law, but then, Mark is a fan of thug-for-life and Castro-wannabe Hugo Chavez, who is nothing if not a follower of the rule of law. Riley may be a member of the Episcopal Church vestry, but they must have forgotten to supply him with a set of ethics or a refresher course in the Golden Rule. Mark found Ms. Garofalo's use of proxies to enter my apartment and invade my privacy amusing. Warrantless, illegal searches by the FBI and NSA are a no-no but fellow talk show hosts on Air America get a pass. Would Mark, his wife, and 10-year-old daughter find it funny if strangers sneaked into their home and snooped around? Of course not. Empathy - try it some time, dickhead.

Anyhoo, what goes around, comes around. I won't see ya, Mark. Wouldn't want to be ya. Mark Riley is an African-American, diabetic, overweight ex-smoker -- and out-of-work. As they say in the actuary business, do the math. I expect the life of Riley will be a relatively short one. I won't make it to your funeral, Mark, but maybe I will get around to pissing on your grave one day, though. At the very least, I've laid out a plot spot in the Air America Hall of Shame, right next to Sam "Scumbag" Seder. And what ever happened to Seder, anyway? No worries, mate. No matter where he is, you can be sure that he's assiduously kissing someone's ass at this very moment, becos that's what you gotta do when you're no-talent hack in show biz.

This leaves us with Katrina vanden Heuvel, whose self-righteousness flows like a mighty river to the sea. If America's energy reserves were as abundant as Katrina's stores of lefty piety, then the United States wouldn't have to worry about energy independence. As they used to say about another sociopath given to CREEPing around, what did Katrina know about Ms. Garofalo's shenanigans and when did she know it? I smell, if not a rat, then the odor of sanctimony gone bad or another case of Selective Moral Outrage. Does Katrina regret her failure to let sleeping cats and dogs lie? No worries, mate. If she doesn't already, she will. As I always say, with Janeane Garofalo as your friend, who needs enemies?

Karl Rove has left the building

2007-08-14T14:11:00.001-04:00

Karl Rove on PBS News Hour
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

OMG! Janeane Garofalo is suffering from an impacted George Clooney!

2007-08-10T15:08:00.001-04:00

OMG! Janeane Garofalo is suffering from an impacted George Clooney!
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth

I'm going in!

Air Strike !!! by David Eldur

2007-07-07T10:57:00.001-04:00

Air Strike !!!
Originally uploaded by David Eldur

Interpretations by Lorenzodom

2007-07-07T10:13:00.001-04:00

Interpretations
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

Sister Diana Ortiz, Executive Director, Torture Abolition and Survivors

2007-07-06T13:25:00.001-04:00

2007.06.26HabeasMarch 011
Originally uploaded by AtticFox

ACLU Day of Action, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC, March 26, 2007

Miss Davina Lee by Eiraq

2007-06-27T13:11:00.001-04:00

Miss Davina Lee
Originally uploaded by Eiraq

FOX and CBS Say Yes to Sex, No to Condoms

2007-06-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Chris,
The New York Times reports today that FOX and CBS are refusing to air a condom commercial. The reason? FOX writes “Contraceptive advertising must stress health-related uses rather than the prevention of pregnancy.” Meanwhile, CBS defends its decision simply by stating it “did not find it appropriate” for its network. What an outrage!

Planned Parenthood has advocated for programs that prevent sexually transmitted infections AND unintended pregnancies for years, most recently through our Prevention First! Campaign - and we've faced extremist opposition to these commonsense measures every step of the way. This latest move by CBS and FOX is yet another example of how narrow-minded, biased thinking can prevent a well-intentioned, prevention-focused message from reaching millions of viewers.

FOX and CBS need to hear from you NOW! Tell them to stop the hypocrisy and air ads that promote public health.

In 2005, 70 percent of all television shows and 77 percent of prime-time shows contained sexual content. FOX and CBS shows are no exception. From Temptation Island to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to The O.C. — a show that broadcasts an average of 6.7 sex scenes an hour — FOX and CBS have taken sex all the way to the bank.

Preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are top public health priorities. Television networks that pride themselves on public service should take every opportunity to educate the public about safer sex. By rejecting Trojan’s ad, FOX and CBS have made the wrong move for public health.

FOX and CBS need to hear from you NOW! Tell them to stop the hypocrisy and air ads that promote public health.

Thanks so much for your support,
Emily Lockwood
Online Strategies Manager
Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Unconscionable - Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCCC

2007-06-20T11:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

Tomorrow, with a single stroke of his cruel veto pen, President Bush will dash the hopes of millions of Americans seeking cures through the miracle of stem cell research.By vetoing a bill that expands stem cell research, the President will say "No" to the more than 70 percent of Americans who support it, "No" to our Democratic Congress' fight for progress, and "No" to saving lives and to potential cures for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. He will say "No" to hope.

Unfortunately, this is an all-too-familiar pattern in Washington these days. Once again, Democrats are offering the American people hope and progress, while a stubborn President responds with roadblocks.Christopher, I promise you that the debate and the fight is not over on stem cell research, on the war in Iraq, and on holding this President and his Administration accountable. To make lasting progress for America, we will need to strengthen and expand our Majority in 2008. We need both a Democrat in the White House and a strong Democratic Majority in Congress. The single best thing you can do today is to help elect more Democrats by contributing to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)'s Million Dollar Challenge before our critical FEC deadline June 30th.

Contribute $35, $50 or more today to help strengthen our Democratic Majority. House Democrats are offering to match your gift 2-to-1 tripling the impact of your gift to our Million Dollar Challenge before June 30th.

After just six months of a Democratic Congress, our country is more secure, we are fulfilling our promise to our veterans, hard-working Americans are earning a higher minimum wage, and the President is finally being held accountable. None of this would have happened without you.We know it will take more than six months to reverse the damage of six and a half years of the Bush Administration's failed policies. Our Democratic Majority has taken the critical first steps to correct 12 years of the Republican Congress' unconscionable neglect. Will you help us take another critical step to take our country in a New Direction?

Contribute $35, $50 or more today to help strengthen our Democratic Majority. House Democrats are offering to match your gift 2-to-1 tripling the impact of your gift to our Million Dollar Challenge before June 30th.

Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely,Nancy PelosiSpeaker of the House of Representatives P.S. In my 20 years in Congress, I cannot remember having a better opportunity than we have right now to guarantee a better country for our children. You have brought us to this moment and I am forever grateful for what you have done. In order to continue our fight for a New Direction and ensure lasting change, we must have both a Democrat in the White House and a strong Democratic Majority.

Contribute $35, $50 or more today and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

On the go - David Plouffe, BarackObama.com

2007-06-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

Our movement for change is on the go in all fifty states, and you can help it grow offline.
The goal of our online efforts is to connect you with other supporters in the real world. Today there are two ways you can move that effort forward.

To start, sign up to receive text messages on your phone and stay in touch with the campaign wherever you go. If you sign up before the end of the month, we’ll send you a free bumper sticker to help spread the word:
http://www.barackobama.com/go

But don’t stop there. Let your friends and neighbors know they don’t need a computer to be a part of the movement. Anyone with a cellphone can text GO to OBAMA (62262) and join our campaign.

Print a Go Mobile for Obama flyer and put it up in your neighborhood:
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/gomobileflyer.pdf

Text messages will keep you and your friends connected to the movement. Be the first to know about local campaign events. Get reminders about debates and important public appearances. And connect to our organizing staff to build the movement in your community.

But don’t worry. We respect your phone and your privacy, so updates will be periodic and we’ll never share your personal information.

Sign up to receive text messages and get a free Obama for America bumper sticker:
http://www.barackobama.com/go

Our movement is ready to move with you, online and offline.

Thanks for your support,
David
David Plouffe
Campaign ManagerObama for America
PS -- Personalize your phone with Obama for America wallpapers and ring tones created by supporters like you: http://www.barackobama.com/go

Amnesty International hosts vigil for imprisoned Iranian-Americans

2007-06-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

In May the government of Iran arrested four Iranian-Americans: prominent U.S. scholars Haleh Esfandiari and Kian Tajbakhsh, journalist Parnaz Azima and activist Ali Shakeri. Esfandiari, Tajbakhsh and Shakeri remain in detention without being able to see family, lawyers, or the ICRC. All four face serious charges stemming from their efforts to promote an Iranian-American dialogue and scholarly work and could be sentenced to long prison terms.

JOIN AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, THE AMERICAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH AS WE CALL FOR JUSTICE AND FOR THE RELEASE OF THE DETAINED IRANIAN-AMERICANS Haleh Esfandiari SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE SHAUL BAKHASH, HUSBAND OF HALEH ESFANDIARI, AND ZAINAB AL-SUWAIJ OF THE AMERICAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS

WHERE: Dag Hammarskjold Plaza at 1st Avenue and 47nd Street across from the United Nations Plaza

WHEN: Wednesday June 27, 12 noon to 1 pm

Feel free to bring signs calling for freedom for the detained Iranian-Americans. This is to be a non-political and non-partisan action advocating human rights For more information contact Sharon McCarter 202-691-4016 or Amnesty International USA 202-675-8755

- Amnesty International

Six in the City: Little Debbie has left the building

2007-06-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

Deborah "Puffy Mommy" Cox, arguably the whitest news anchor in Richmond, VA this side of Colleen Reilly, has quit Channel Six. Appropriately enough, she's gone to work for the Virginia State Police, arguably the whitest law enforcement agency this side of Mississippi. If Deborah ever had an original thought, she never shared it during her broadcast career. Then again, local television anchors are not paid to have original thoughts. That's why they call them news readers in England.

Apparently the Virginia State Police couldn't find an conventional-minded, uptight, semi-good-looking, mediocre African-American news anchor suitable for the job (take Gwen Williams of Channel Eight - please.) Speaking of uptight, one of the dumbest ideas a Richmond news director ever had was to send Junior League wannabe Colleen Reilly to a Woodstock revival, where she spent the entire time wrinkling her enormous nose at the smelly hippies and saying, "Eeeww."

To celebrate Debbie's arrival, the Virginia State Police are having a contest to replace their old slogan, "There's always something with your car when we don't like you." That replaced their slogan during the era of the Harry Byrd machine, which was, "Government by and for rich old white racists shall not perish from the earth." I like the one Merle Haggard submitted, "We're already living in a police state." And there's the ever-popular bumper sticker, "Support the police - beat yourself up."

Muse - Wembley by paulbence photography

2007-06-19T10:18:00.001-04:00

Muse - Wembley
Originally uploaded by paulbence photography

A threesome by lorenzodom

2007-06-19T10:08:00.001-04:00

A Threesome
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

Happy Dragon Boat Festival by charliebrown8989

2007-06-19T10:06:00.001-04:00

Happy Dragon Boat Festival - 端午节快乐
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

air by ~innocent bystander

2007-06-18T13:40:00.001-04:00

air
Originally uploaded by ~innocent bystander~

I'm For The War by Danny Hammontree

2007-06-18T13:37:00.001-04:00

I'm For The War
Originally uploaded by digitalgrace

Un Deux Trois by Lorenzodom

2007-06-18T13:30:00.001-04:00

Un Deux Trois
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

The Gillette Twins by brancusi7

2007-06-18T13:25:00.001-04:00

The Gillette Twins
Originally uploaded by brancusi7

Blue Gal blog header

2007-06-18T13:24:00.001-04:00

header1.4
Originally uploaded by flangum

V v by yamabobobo

2007-06-18T13:23:00.001-04:00

V v
Originally uploaded by yamabobobo

Robogames 2007 by SteelePop

2007-06-18T13:19:00.001-04:00

Robogames 2007
Originally uploaded by SteelePop

Night Scene Before Entering Da Ba by charliebrown8939

2007-06-18T13:18:00.001-04:00

Night Scene Before Entering Da Ba
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

Culto Fálico by toner

2007-06-18T13:04:00.001-04:00

Culto Fálico
Originally uploaded by toner

Ranks of loaves by Travis Stansbury

2007-06-16T12:49:00.001-04:00

Ranks of Loaves
Originally uploaded by Travis Stansbury

War criminal by Danny Hammontree

2007-06-16T12:48:00.001-04:00

War Criminal
Originally uploaded by digitalgrace

State violent crime on the rise - Lynchburg News Advance

2007-06-16T12:41:00.000-04:00

Violent crimes have increased statewide, while property crimes are on the decline.

The Virginia State Police released a new report Friday that shows crime rates for each county in the state for 2006. The report looks at several categories of crimes by arrest data, offenses and jurisdictions.

Statewide, the numbers show a 3 percent increase in robberies and a 4 percent decrease in property crime. However, violent crimes are up 1 percent.

Me with M16 ready to rock n roll by PATROU

2007-06-15T15:10:00.001-04:00

Me with M16 ready to rock n roll
Originally uploaded by PATROU

Highlands by Paoblo

2007-06-15T15:08:00.003-04:00

highlands
Originally uploaded by Poablo

The Woodland Levitationist by brancusi7

2007-06-15T15:08:00.001-04:00

The Woodland Levitationist
Originally uploaded by brancusi7

The Slipp by David Eldur

2007-06-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

The Slipp
Originally uploaded by David Eldur

Reading by paulbence photography

2007-06-15T14:54:00.001-04:00

Reading
Originally uploaded by paulbence photography

A bus ticket for change in D.C. - David Bonior, Edwards for President

2007-06-15T14:17:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

What can you get for $15 these days? A couple of pizzas. A DVD. A bus ticket from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia. Today, for $15, you can help this campaign change America. Monday night's big event at MCCXXII is filling up and we want to be sure all of you have an opportunity to meet and greet John Edwards while he's in the D.C. area. To get your ticket, click the link below:

www.johnedwards.com/smallchangeforbigchange/20070619-rsvp

Here are the details:
What: "Small Change for Big Change" grassroots fundraiser with John Edwards and you

Where: MCCXXII, 1223 Connecticut Ave NW, off Dupont Circle (south end), Washington D.C.
When: Tuesday, June 19th, 5:45 PM
Tickets are $15 and there will be a cash bar at the event. You shouldn't need to fork over $2,300 to meet a presidential candidate. You shouldn't need a paycheck with nine zeroes in it to rub elbows with a fellow American. And Tuesday, John Edwards has made sure you don't. All you need to join us is your energy, support, enthusiasm, and enough pocket change for a bus ticket. This campaign is about all of us working together to achieve transformational change for our country. We're talking about the big things like universal health care, eliminating poverty here and around the world, putting an end to global warming, and ending this war in Iraq. These are big ideas - and if we work together they will become a reality. Join us in this effort! This is your chance to meet John and talk about what's next. He's looking forward to hearing your ideas on how to put this country back on track. For the same amount of money you spend on a bus ticket, a couple of pizzas or a CD, you can help bring about this change. See you Tuesday night.

www.johnedwards.com/smallchangeforbigchange/20070619-rsvp

Thank you, David Bonior
Campaign Manager
John Edwards for President

Eight percent - David Wilhelm, Biden for President

2007-06-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

During this presidential cycle, like previous presidential cycles, we are being inundated with polls and breathless analyses of these polls. These polls greatly influence what passes for conventional wisdom inside the Beltway...the sort of wisdom that led pundits of previous years to anoint future presidents with names such as Muskie, Hart, Dean and... well, you get the picture. There is nothing more fleeting than conventional political wisdom.

Early polling in the race for President -- especially early polling at the national level -- is virtually meaningless. And early state polls provide all the evidence we need to underscore this point:

A recent Zogby Poll found that as many as 91% of voters in New Hampshire said they could change their stated preference for President by the time the primary rolled around.
The most recent Des Moines Register survey of likely Iowa caucus attenders, published around a month ago, found that nearly 80% of those willing to state a preference said they might change their minds.

That's why the write-up of the Gallup Poll of 6/12/07 concluded, "It is much too soon to be talking about who will win the 2008 presidential election."

And that's why we should pay very close attention to this week's column by John DiStaso of the Manchester Union Leader, one of the most politically influential political columnists in America, where he gets at the larger truth behind recent polling of New Hampshire voters. That larger truth is this: the vast majority of Democratic voters are a long way off from deciding who they will support in this presidential election.

DiStaso interviews pollster Andrew Smith and writes:
"Despite the low number of undecided likely voters on who they support, poll director Andrew Smith stressed that nearly half the likely voters surveyed were not yet prepared to commit to voting for any candidate.Smith said participants were asked if they have "definitely decided who you will vote for in the New Hampshire primary, are you leaning toward someone, or do you have no idea who you will vote for?" He said that 48 percent said they have no idea who they will vote for, 43 percent said they are leaning toward someone and only 8 percent said they have made a final decision."-- John DiStaso, Manchester Union Leader, 6/12/07

I repeat: only 8 percent said they have made a final decision!! Presidential campaigns are not sprints; they more closely resemble marathons. There are ebbs and flows; runners that break away from the pack early frequently run out of steam at the end.

Caucus attenders and primary voters need time -- and will take time -- to get to know who the candidates are, what they stand for, and whether they are ready to lead our country during these perilous days. These voters will become increasingly engaged and serious-minded as election day nears. And as time goes by and as voters are able to compare and contrast the capabilities of the various candidates, Joe Biden will rise in their estimation and slowly, gradually, he will rise in the polls.

When it comes to substance, Joe Biden is breaking through. I firmly believe that Joe Biden has a very clear pathway in this race: he is the Democratic Party's acknowledged leader on national security during a cycle when America's place in the world is the issue at the forefront of people's minds; he is the only Democrat with a clear plan for how America can withdraw from Iraq with honor at a time when Iraq dwarfs all other concerns of Democratic primary voters.

We have had a very good month. The consensus of the presidential campaign watchers is that Senator Biden gained the greatest ground from the debates. We are picking up meaningful endorsements in all of the early states. We have strong organizations on the ground in Iowa and South Carolina, and we are building equally strong organizations in New Hampshire and Nevada.
Everywhere we go, one of the most frequent questions we get is, "What can I do to help?" There are two things every single person reading this email can do right now to help Joe Biden continue to break through.

Tell someone you know today to visit JoeBiden.com and read his plan for ending the war in Iraq without leaving total chaos behind.

Make a contribution to Biden for President right now. Every dollar raised goes towards keeping Joe Biden on the road, talking to crowds, and getting the word out about our campaign.

Thank you for your help,
David Wilhelm Former Chairman Democratic National Committee
Visit JoeBiden.com Make a contribution

Women will make the difference - Betsey Myers, Women for Obama

2007-06-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

Hello, I’m Betsy Myers, the Chief Operating Officer of Obama for America and Co-Chair of Women for Obama.

Women voters are going to make the difference in this election. Over the past ten years, women have made up more than half of all voters, and in the last Democratic primary they constituted an incredible 59% of the vote.

We need to start organizing as soon as possible. Every effort makes a difference and we can all help in our own way.

For me, that meant picking up my family and moving to campaign headquarters in Chicago because I wanted to be a part of Barack Obama’s effort to unite this country and ensure that women are an equal part of this movement.

You can lead this charge in your community by hosting a Women for Obama House Party. Join Michelle Obama and our campaign manager, David Plouffe, for a conference call about the issues that are important to women and the role women will play in our movement for change.
Click here to host a Women for Obama House Party:
http://my.barackobama.com/WFOhouseparties

Women for Obama House PartySunday, June 24thConference Call: 6:00 pm EDT(call number and passcode will be distributed to event hosts)

Families all over this country are struggling with inadequate health care, education, housing, and childcare. And more often than not, it’s women who hold things together when what we have doesn’t match up to what we need.

Barack Obama understands the challenges that face women and families. He has an extraordinary ability to speak to those hungry for a new kind of politics, and a singular focus on a brighter future for us and for our children.

All over the country, women recognize his authenticity and his commitment to family as they volunteer their time and their effort to his campaign for change.

Invite the women you know to join you for a Women for Obama House Party:
http://my.barackobama.com/WFOhouseparties

Thank you being a part of our campaign,
Betsy Myers

I need your help to power up our grassroots machine! - Al Franken

2007-06-15T13:31:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,
I knew when I launched my campaign for the U.S. Senate that I wanted it to be a grassroots campaign, one that belonged to every Minnesotan who wants to see real progressive leadership return to Washington. When I say "grassroots campaign," I mean the kind of campaign where we rely heavily on the hard work, creativity, and passion of volunteers - people just like you who are willing to work hard to help us win.

Now, I started pretty early - over 600 days before the election. Still, thousands of Minnesotans have already signed up to provide the people power we'll need to win this race - far more than we can fit in our little temporary office here in Minneapolis.

The good news is that we've found a new headquarters on University Ave. in St. Paul. We'll be able to more effectively use our people power to connect with neighbors and friends across the state, and turn our campaign into a powerful grassroots machine.

CLICK HERE TO HELP US OPEN OUR NEW HEADQUARTERS!

But there's a catch. You see, even in our wildest dreams, we hadn't planned on getting such a huge response so quickly. And so, trying to save money to use against Norm Coleman next fall, we hadn't planned to move into a larger space until the end of the year. Shelli, our accountant, and usually the most cheerful person in the office, crunched the numbers and told me that if we moved into the new headquarters now, we'd be adding around $50,000 to this year's expenditures. That's not the sort of thing that makes Shelli very happy.

But as I've traveled the state, I've found that Minnesotans are ready to get to work - RIGHT NOW. And so, despite Shelli's concerns, we're making the move - our new headquarters will be open for business next week, and if you've signed up to volunteer, we're going to be ready to put you to work. (If you haven't, of course, we'd love to have you.)

Part of what makes ours a real grassroots campaign is the way we're funding it. In the first fundraising quarter, over 10,000 people contributed to the campaign - over 90% of them giving $100 or less. I know that we have a committed base of supporters I can count on when we need some more fuel for our people-powered machine. And right now, we could use about $50,000 worth of fuel.

CLICK HERE TO HELP ME KEEP SHELLI HAPPY!

This campaign belongs to all of us who want to see our country get back on the right track. It belongs to all of us who want universal health care, a real investment in renewable energy, and an end to George W. Bush's war in Iraq - and are willing to work hard together to get there. It's going to take a lot of phone banks, a lot of stuffed envelopes, and a lot of good old-fashioned person-to-person contact to win this race. And, right now, it's going to take some money.
In recognition of your support, we're going to have a wall in our new headquarters devoted to listing the names of people who chipped in to help us open the doors. We're going to call it the "Wall Of People Who Gave Money To Help Us Open This Office." (The consultants wanted to go with "Al's Pals" or the "Wall of Heroes," but I like my idea better.)

If you can help, even with just a few dollars, we'll add your name to the "Wall Of People Who Gave Money To Help Us Open This Office." It's a powerful statement about our people-powered campaign. And every day, when our staff, interns, volunteers, and I walk by that wall, we'll be reminded that this campaign belongs to so many people who have helped to build our organization.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME TO OUR WALL!

We need to raise $50,000 to pay for the early move to the new headquarters. And we're going to need your continuing support to take back this seat in the U.S. Senate. If you're in the Twin Cities, we'd love to see you at our new headquarters (it's accessible, there's lots of free parking, and there's coffee nearby!) sometime soon - watch your email for details. If you're elsewhere in Minnesota, stay tuned - we'll be opening up shop in your area soon. And no matter where you are, thank you for continuing to support our campaign for change.
Yours truly,
Al Franken

What we need to win - John Edwards

2007-06-15T13:29:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,
With just over two weeks before the end of the quarter, it's time for us to talk as a team about what we need to win.The media is obsessed with the money race, and you're going to hear a lot about that. But we don't need to raise the most—we need to raise enough; enough to get our message of transformational change to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other key states nationwide. If we can raise enough money to do that—we'll have what we need to win.We've done the math, and we need to raise $2.3 million online before June 30th to pay for all the town halls, phone lines, clip boards, TV ads and late-night pizza for the volunteers that we'll need to get out our message. That's a big goal, but it's real. And together, I know we can achieve it.

Please get us started by contributing what you can today

.www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/form

What we see over and over again is that when voters learn about the big, specific plans from our campaign, they get excited—they get to work.Some are working for universal health care, so we never again have to worry about our families getting the care they deserve. Some are working to stop global warming, so that our legacy for our children is not global catastrophe. Others are working to end the war in Iraq, so we can bring our loved ones home and once again offer moral leadership to the world. And still others are working to end the injustice of poverty in America. Because in our America, opportunity should be more than a dream.If we can reach all the voters who share our values, who are also ready to work hard for the America we believe in, we will win.But we need to raise enough to make that happen, and that's $2.3 million before June 30th.Help us get there by giving whatever you can afford today:
www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/form
Thank you,- John Edwards
June 14, 2007

infinite life by tangentman

2007-06-15T11:39:00.001-04:00

infinite life
Originally uploaded by tangentman

Dance With rose by CharlieBrown8989

2007-06-15T11:35:00.001-04:00

Dance With Rose
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

Psyche & Eros by Protagonist

2007-06-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

Psyche_Eros_D_sm
Originally uploaded by Protagonist

2 AM, Waiting at 145th by Lorenzodom

2007-06-14T10:31:00.001-04:00

2 AM, Waiting at 145th
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

Aquarium by CoachCashMoney

2007-06-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

Aquarium B 185.jpg
Originally uploaded by CoachCashMoney

bouzov by Paoblo

2007-06-14T10:24:00.001-04:00

bouzov
Originally uploaded by Poablo

New linoleum by Gaia {MSG}

2007-06-14T10:18:00.001-04:00

New Linoleum
Originally uploaded by Gaia {MSG}

The bubble within bu CharlieBrown8989

2007-06-14T10:16:00.001-04:00

The Bubble Within
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

Photo by Eiraq

2007-06-14T10:14:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Eiraq

Wooden gate by mkaggen

2007-06-14T10:12:00.001-04:00

Wooden Gate
Originally uploaded by mkaggen

LGBT and Hizoner

2007-06-14T10:11:00.001-04:00

LGBT and Hizoner
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

Hushed by brancusi7

2007-06-14T10:09:00.001-04:00

Hushed
Originally uploaded by brancusi7

Two cones please by CARLOS62

2007-06-11T13:31:00.001-04:00

TWO CONES PLEASE
Originally uploaded by CARLOS62

Music to my eyes by Arabrab

2007-06-11T13:21:00.003-04:00

Music to my eyes
Originally uploaded by Arabrab

Petrov Poablo

2007-06-11T13:21:00.001-04:00

petrov
Originally uploaded by Poablo

Not so crowded by David Eldur

2007-06-11T13:14:00.001-04:00

Not So Crowded
Originally uploaded by David Eldur

STREET No.19 in LONDON by yamabobobo

2007-06-11T12:59:00.001-04:00

STREET No.19 in LONDON
Originally uploaded by yamabobobo

She Who by brancusi7

2007-06-11T12:43:00.001-04:00

She Who
Originally uploaded by brancusi7

Help RESTORE Habeas Corpus and the Constitution Now - The Pen

2007-06-11T10:55:00.000-04:00

Habeas corpus, which permits the accused a fair hearing in front of a neutral judge, is the most fundamental check on executive power in our Constitution. The United States Supreme Court asserted that habeas "is the fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual freedom against lawless state action."

HABEAS CORPUS ACTION PAGE: http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/113

Today, Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (S. 185), a correction of the miscarriage of law making from last year which had shamed us all, the Military Commissions Act which purported to strip detainees at Guantanamo of all human rights.Our activist friends at Democrats.com have an action page to continue to support S. 185, in the which could now come up for a full vote in the Senate at any time. We encourage all our participants to speak out through the page above.

EXCITING NEWS ABOUT THE NATIONAL CHENEY IMPEACHMENT POLL
We just finished setting up a national cell phone voting system where someone has to do is text "IMPEACH" to 30644 to vote Yes in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll and it is LIVE now. You have ALREADY voted in the poll yourself (don't vote twice), but please text message all your friends and let them know they can cast their vote to impeach Cheney just as easy as kicking someone off American Political Idol.

Not only that but Lynn Woolsey just became the 6th house member to sign on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 333, for articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney. And all the other 429 are waiting for is for us to inspire our friends and neighbors to actually speak out. So let's DO it.

Even as we speak, yet more crimes of the greatest offender of them all, Dick Cheney, were exposed this week. As reported by the Washington Post on Thursday, Cheney was the primary bully in pushing for the illegal wiretaps, even going so far as to block the promotion of a senior Justice Department attorney who had the integrity to raise concerns about them.

Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this message to everyone else you know.

If you would like to get alerts like these, you can do so at http://www.usalone.com/in.htm

Or if you want to cease receiving our messages, just use the function at http://www.usalone.com/out.htm

Powered by The People's Email NetworkCopyright 2007, Patent pending, All rights reservedVote in the National Cheney Impeachment Poll
http://www.usalone.com/blogvoices.php?Cheney%20Impeachment%3F

Add this text to your own email and blog signatures!

Photo by nedrosen

2007-06-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by nedrosen

2007-06-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

Dear Chris,
Sometimes, when we're discussing the war or working on veterans' issues, it can be easy to forget about the real-life stories of the individual troops.

This past Memorial Day, I had the privilege of participating in an online audio slide show for CNN.com, called "Coming Home: Families and War." The slide show features several veterans. It lets them tell their stories in their own words, and shows how war has changed their lives forever. I told my story of service to further the work we do here at IAVA and to allow the public to continue to hear the voices of its brave sons and daughters.

Click here to watch now.

I know that you, as an IAVA Supporter, are familiar with the issues facing veterans. But this video can serve as a good introduction for others, and so I hope you'll consider passing it on to your friends.

Thank you for your continued support of IAVA.

Sincerely,
Chris McGurk
Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran
IAVA Representative
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Seduce by CharlieBrown8989

2007-06-11T09:50:00.001-04:00

Seduce
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

No more blood for oil - Dennis Kucinich

2007-06-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

No More Blood For Oil
Next time you fork over your hard-earned money to fill your tank, paying double what you were a few years ago for your commute, consider the TRUE cost of America's dependence on foreign oil. Our country's thirst for oil has sparked a war that has cut people's lives unnecessarily short, devastated families, and left a trail of destruction that continues to spiral out of control.

No More Blood for Oil - Click here to watch the ad
Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate that has voted “No” for the invasion of Iraq, and the only candidate to vote against funding for this occupation. Dennis has been at the forefront of this debate and continues to be a proven leader in curtailing our addiction to foreign oil through fostering alternative fuel programs. We need your help to spread this message to American Voters.

Your contribution of $100 now or a commitment of $10 each month will enable us to continue to make ads such as this one. Help us educate American voters about the true costs of our oil economy. Help us build a country that relies on renewable clean sources of energy. Help us build a country that believes in the Prosperity of Peace.

We must demand there be NO MORE BLOOD FOR OIL.
Together we can be the difference; Together we will build a better America!
Click Here to support Peace!

Best regards, Mike Klein
Campaign ManagerKucinich for President 2008
http://kucinich.us
P.S. Don’t forget to forward this message to a friend. Our campaign counts on supporters like you to help spread our message.

Dinner with Barack

2007-06-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

When we launched this campaign, we decided not to take the easy money offered by Washington lobbyists and special interest political action committees.

Instead, we put our faith in you, and we couldn't have made a better choice.
I'll be meeting four of you for dinner sometime soon, but what's happening across this country is bigger than me, or my candidacy.

Together we're re-shaping the political process based on the idea that a movement of people who care about the common future of all Americans can be more powerful than any special interest.

Below is the dinner invitation David sent out yesterday. I hope you'll take a minute to make a donation, and perhaps we'll be seeing each other soon.

http://my.barackobama.com/dinnerforfive

Thank you,
Barack

----- Original Message -----From: David Plouffe, BarackObama.comDate: June 6, 2007 2:46 PMTo: Supporters
Subject: Dinner with Barack?

Dear Friend,
Most political fundraisers are hosted by lobbyists and filled with representatives of special interests.

But our campaign is different.

Our funding comes from a movement of Americans giving whatever they can afford, even $5, and Barack wants to sit down with supporters like you.

If you've ever thought about making a donation to join our campaign, now is the time. In the next week, four supporters will be selected for a new kind of fundraising dinner. We're reserving two of those seats for new donors like you.

If you make a donation in any amount between now and 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, June 13, you could join Barack and three other supporters for an intimate dinner for five.
https://donate.barackobama.com/dinnerforfive

Our movement is changing the way campaigns are funded. We’re not taking any contributions from Washington lobbyists or political action committees.

More than 100,000 individual donors have demonstrated that this choice is about more than an election. It’s about each of us having a personal stake in the future of American politics.

The dinner for five is an opportunity for you to sit down with Barack and your fellow supporters and talk about what matters to you.

Get the kind of treatment other politicians reserve for special interests. Make a donation in the next week, and you could share your story and your ideas with Barack in person:
https://donate.barackobama.com/dinnerforfive

With every single donation, we’re building a movement to change American politics. And this is just the beginning.

Thanks for your support,David
David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Sneak peek of what's next - John Edwards One Corps

2007-06-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

Dear John Edwards One Corps Member,

First, we just wanted to thank you again for making our national "Support the Troops, End the War" effort in May so successful. Thousands of people took part in nearly 600 events all across the country on Memorial Day Weekend and helped spread the important message that the best way to support the troops is to end this war in Iraq and bring them home to a hero's welcome. Our message is being heard and our voice is making a difference. Now, we have to keep growing this campaign to change America.

Because you're a John Edwards One Corps leader, we want to give you a sneak peek of what's next: This month, we're organizing an ambitious national round of house parties on Thursday, June 28. It's a big opportunity to reach out to thousands of new supporters, spread our message of transformational change, and raise the resources that we need to stay competitive. Early next week, we'll be launching this initiative to all of our supporters with details, materials, and a new event creation tool. But we wanted John Edwards One Corps members to be the first to know. Think of this as your "Save the Date" email, and stay tuned next week for the launch email with everything you need to begin. Thanks for taking action,

-George SternNational One Corps Director
John Edwards for President

America doesn't commit torture - Chris Dodd

2007-06-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,
America doesn't start wars - we end them.We don't turn away from the world - we lead it.And we don't commit torture - we condemn it. All of this was true until the current administration, and we shouldn't wait until we elect a new President before we stand up to the mistakes made by this one.There is no doubt that we live in dangerous times and that America has real enemies, but the actions of this Administration have made us more vulnerable as nation, not less. That is why I intend to do everything within my power to bring a bill I introduced earlier this year, the "Restoring the Constitution Act," to a vote in the United States Senate. But today I need your help. Watch my video discussing the bill and upload your own explaining why you believe America is most secure when we draw strength from our highest ideals, not our worst fears. http://www.restore-habeas.orgDuring last weekend's debate, I was asked what a top priority for the Dodd Administration would be during my first 100 days in office. My answer was clear, "I would try to restore the Constitutional rights in this country" and I wouldn't need one hundred days to do it. Indeed, we must restore habeas corpus, but to regain our moral standing in the world requires more than that alone.That is why the "Restoring the Constitution Act" would also prevent the use of evidence in court gained through the unreliable and immoral practices of torture and coercion, limit the authority of the President to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions and make that authority subject to congressional and judicial oversight, and narrow the definition of unlawful enemy combatant to individuals who directly participate in a zone of active combat against the United States, and individuals who participated in attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Watch the video explaining the "Restoring the Constitution Act," upload your own, and sign on as a citizen co-sponsor.http://www.restore-habeas.orgIn removing habeas corpus protections, the Military Commissions Act affirmed vengeance as a tool in fighting terrorism – discarding sixty years of precedent and respect for the rule of law.The subjugation of habeas and the use of torture make us weaker as a nation, not stronger. It's time we stand up and say once and for all that the choice between vengeance and security is a false choice – that American leadership ought to draw strength from not our worst fears but our highest ideals. Please take a moment to learn about the "Restoring the Constitution Act" and get involved in its passage.http://www.restore-habeas.orgJustice Jackson said of the Nuremberg Trials, "To pass these defendants a poisoned chalice is to put it to our own lips as well." If we fail to rise to this moment, I fear we will be drinking from that chalice for many years to come. In the end, by restoring our fundamental principles we serve not only the interest of justice, but also the long term interests of the United States. Chris Dodd

Paid for by Chris Dodd for President, Inc.PO Box 51882Washington, DC 20091Info@ChrisDodd.com

Why wait? - Dave Contarino, Richardson for President

2007-06-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,
Right now, Bill Richardson is the only major candidate pushing for immediate action to end this war and get all of our troops out.
Despite the fact that Congress recently passed a war spending bill that didn't include a timeline for withdrawal, I know that together we can convince them to end this war. I KNOW that you, the people, and the voters are with us. We are sick and tired of waiting for Bush to do the right thing and end this war. We need Congress to come through for us -- before they leave for the summer. If we push Congress hard enough, they'll have to pay attention.
You've joined the call on Congress to de-authorize now and end this war before their summer break. Would you ask a friend to sign the petition as well?
Why wait? If we wait for fall to do something more people will die and the situation in Iraq will only worsen. We have had a remarkable show of support for the petition we launched earlier this week calling on Congress to de-authorize the war before the summer break. But we need your help to build this into a grassroots movement Congress can't ignore.
Congress has approximately one month before they leave for the summer -- that is enough time to exercise their Constitutional authority and revoke the 2002 war authorization, stripping Bush of the legal authority to perpetuate this war. If Congress de-authorizes now, Bush would be compelled to bring troops home and we could have most of them out of Iraq this year. And de-authorization is veto-proof.
The time has passed for allowing this President to send more American soldiers to fight for his ill-conceived and incompetently-executed adventure.
Ask your friends: Call on Congress to end this war now -- they have the authority and the power to de-authorize before the summer break. It is time to stop deferring to a stubborn President who persists in a failed policy.
It is critical that we end this war as soon as possible so a new diplomatic process can begin. De-authorizing the war would send a strong signal to the warring factions that America will not be a permanent military presence in Iraq. Right now, our troops are doing a great job but they are working in the midst of a civil war they cannot stop. Removing ALL the troops as soon as possible is essential for starting the process of reconciliation.
Bill is out there every day talking about this and spreading the word -- but we need you now to put the pressure on Congress that will get real action.
Governor Richardson might be the only major candidate who wants to end this war right now, but with your help we can force Congress to act.
Thank you for your support on this important call to action,
Dave ContarinoCampaign ManagerRichardson for President
>

Paid for by Richardson for President, Inc.
Contributions are not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes.
All content © 2007 Richardson for President, Inc.

Photo by nedrosen

2007-06-08T11:31:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by nedrosen

Shootout image finalist by innocent bystander

2007-06-08T11:24:00.001-04:00

Shootout image finalist
Originally uploaded by ~innocent bystander~

Jerry Polence by erxkulotz

2007-06-08T11:21:00.001-04:00

Jerry Polence
Originally uploaded by erxkulotz

Aquarium by CoachCashMoney

2007-06-08T11:20:00.001-04:00

Aquarium B 80
Originally uploaded by CoachCashMoney

Seijyo-Station by yamabobobo

2007-06-08T11:19:00.001-04:00

Seijyo-Station
Originally uploaded by yamabobobo

Subway Musings by lorenzodom

2007-06-08T11:17:00.001-04:00

Subway Musings 107
Originally uploaded by lorenzodom

Judah, my new nephew by tangentman

2007-06-08T11:16:00.001-04:00

Judah, my new nephew
Originally uploaded by tangentman

Catch up by Gavin Ian Campbell

2007-06-08T11:15:00.001-04:00

Catch Up
Originally uploaded by gavin_ian_campbell

When politics is personal - DCCC

2007-06-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,

There are times when politics is personal. For me, the debate about stem cells is one of those times. My daughter lives every day with juvenile diabetes. As I watch her courageously face the challenges of managing this disease, I can give her all of the love, support, and medicine she needs to get through each day. But as a Member of Congress, I can give her and millions like her so much more - hope for a cure through stem cell research. I'm writing to you on behalf of my daughter and the countless others like her. I have authored legislation to repeal President Bush's unconscionable ban on federal funding for stem cell research. Rather than listen to the overwhelming will of the American people and the scientific community who support federal funding for stem cell research, the President has chosen to block it. My daughter and millions of Americans like her pay a price every day for President Bush's obstructionist tactics and his promise to use his veto pen. But you can take action before he does.

Tell President Bush not to crush the hopes of millions of Americans by vetoing this lifesaving legislation. Americans have made their voices heard loud and clear on the issue of stem cell research. More than 60 percent of Americans favor federal funding for stem cell research. This is no longer a debate that is about Democrats versus Republicans or liberals versus conservatives. It is an issue that unites Americans toward the common goal of bringing a cure and hope to millions of people and their families. There is a simple truth when it comes to fighting for stem cell research. The millions of personal stories from those who are most affected by it can change our opponents minds. That's why the DCCC has launched a dedicated Stem Cell Resource Center where your stories can be told and your voices can be heard. On behalf of the DCCC, I am asking for your help to grow their Stem Cell Resource Center by telling your own personal story about how you or someone you know can be helped by stem cell research. There are three ways you can tell your story:1. Send an e-mail to stories@dccc.org.2. Send any photos that will better tell your story (since a picture is worth a thousand words)to stories@dccc.org.3. Create your own video and upload it to their special collection on Youtube.

Thanks to your willingness to speak up, we are closer than we've ever been to unlocking the secrets that will cure diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and cancer. But with time running out for more and more people each day, we need to keep the pressure on President Bush to remove his unconscionable roadblock and withdraw his veto threat. Tell President Bush not to crush the hopes of millions of Americans by vetoing this lifesaving legislation. As long as the President continues his obstructionist tactics, we are going to continue the fight. We will not tire and we won't stop fighting until this bill becomes law. Funding for stem cell research is too important to let politics stand in the way of hope. On behalf of my daughter, I thank you for standing with me in this critical fight. Sincerely, Diana DeGetteColorado's 1st Congressional District P.S. –With time running out for more and more people every day, we need to move quickly. Tell President Bush not to veto stem cell research.
FORWARD OUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

PROTECT OUR DEMOCRATIC CHAMPIONS

The New Hampshire Debate - Mike Gravel

2007-06-08T09:53:00.001-04:00

Washington D.C. - June 6, 2007
Media & The Gravel Campaign
After watching Sunday night's Presidential debate, Ray Buckley, the New Hampshire Democratic Party chair, plans to warn NBC about its September debate. "You're going to hear for sure that I'm going to discuss with them who's the moderator so it's certainly a much more fair and equal playing field than what we saw tonight," the Chairman said, referring to the shocking disparity in time afforded to the three candidates who have raised the most money, compared to the other candidates running for the Democratic nomination for President. "The mainstream media has gone underground in its attempt to edit the Gravel campaign" said Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel, as evidenced by the June 3 debate in New Hampshire sponsored by CNN, the Hearst Corporation's WMUR-TV, and the New Hampshire Union Leader. During the two-hour, commercial-free debate, Senator Gravel was asked 10 somewhat irrelevant questions and then allowed only seconds to answer before being cut off by the moderator. In total, the Senator was afforded only five minutes and 37 seconds of time during the entire debate. The candidates with the most donations from corporate special interests were asked the serious questions, were allowed to speak at length, and were allowed time to respond to criticism. Adam D. Krauss, the Democrat staff writer for Foster's Online, a Dover, New Hampshire-based news site, echoed the contention that Gravel and others were being excluded by quoting Dean Spiliotes, director of research at Saint Anselm College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics, who said, "It was interesting how those three candidates were presented. I can't imagine that that was random, with Hillary and Edwards and Obama, and then Kucinich and Gravel out on the end." The placement of the candidates on the debate stage exacerbated the inequities of the time allowed to some candidates to respond to questions. For example, Senator Obama was given one full minute to answer each of 16 questions, while Senator Gravel was allowed only 30 seconds each to answer 10 questions. CNN's Wolf Blitzer and his producer appear to have selectively enforced time guidelines. "Prominent talk show host Arnie Arnesen labeled CNN the debate's 'loser' because it 'made a decision for the rest of us that they (Clinton, Obama and Edwards) were going to remain the top-tier' candidates," Krauss added. Despite the best efforts of CNN, WMUR-TV and the Union Leader to exclude Senator Gravel, his brief comments quickly became one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.com, which receives millions of hits each day. It also became one of the top-rated videos in news and politics. Senator Gravel, a resident of Virginia, is a former two-term U.S. Senator from Alaska with a distinguished record that includes successfully ending the military draft with a five-month filibuster. He also released The Pentagon Papers, risking both prosecution and jail; played the leading role in making the Alaska pipeline a reality; and ended nuclear weapons testing in the seabed off Alaska. He is the driving force and author of the National Initiative for Democracy, a proposal to allow Americans to participate in making laws at the federal level on issues that affect their lives though a federal ballot initiative process-already proven in many states as an effective and necessary check on unresponsive representative government.
Please Support Senator GravelWe refuse to give an inch to this kind of treatment. In fact, we would like to challenge you to help us overcome this by helping in two ways.1. Send this e-mail to as many friends and relatives as you can with a note why you think Senator Gravel's voice and ideas are so critical in this campaign. 2. Please make a donation to the campaign so we can continue to increase our use of the Internet and other sources to offset efforts to keep 'The People' from hearing his clarion call to 'Let The People Decide".
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
Website: http://www.gravel08.us/
Alex Colvin
email: alex@gravel2008.us
Forward email

Flexibility Marks How and When to Take Abortion Drug - MedPage Daily

2007-06-08T09:50:00.000-04:00

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 7 -- The choice of a vaginal or sublingual route for misoprostol, if used alone for early abortion, and the timing of doses leaves women several safe and effective options.

Action Points
Explain to interested patients, that the medical abortion regimen of mifepristone (Mifeprex), known as RU-486, followed by misoprostol, is the commonly used medical abortion regimen, but in countries where it is not available, misoprostol was used safely and effectively.
So said Helena von Hertzen, M.D., of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization here, and colleagues, adding that sublingual administration is most effective when the medication is taken at three-hour intervals. However, side effects are more unpleasant.

If 12-hour intervals for the three doses are preferred, the vaginal route should be used, they reported in the June 9 issue of The Lancet.

Ingrid recommends - PETA

2007-06-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Christopher,
I would like to share a terrific article from the June issue of Gourmet magazine with you. The article details the lives and deaths of chickens who are used for food and is a powerful indictment of the practices that take place in American slaughterhouses, which cause tremendous suffering for chickens in their last moments of life. It also examines the viable alternative method of slaughter that PETA has been recommending—and that is already in use in several countries, including Norway and parts of the U.S. I urge you to take a few moments to read the entire article. Please also share it with your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. This is truly the kind of story that can move hearts and minds.Just a few years ago, the thought that a prominent food magazine like Gourmet would publish such a piece would have been preposterous. Our work has made a big difference, and despite the fact that progress isn't being made as quickly as we would like it to be, it is being made. None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you.For all animals,Ingrid E. NewkirkPresident
A View to a Killby Daniel ZwerdlingThe executives who run America's chicken industry might not want you to read this article. Spokesmen at the five biggest companies refused to show me the farms where their suppliers raise the chickens you eat, so that I could see firsthand how they treat them. They refused to show me the slaughterhouses, so I could see how the companies dispatch them. Executives even refused to talk to me about how they raise and kill chickens.Maybe it's because they realize that the entire food industry is being kicked and shoved toward transforming the way it treats animals-and chicken executives are making a last ditch effort to resist.Consider: In the first year of the millennium, McDonald's ordered the huge beef slaughterhouses that supply its Big Macs to revamp their methods, after investigative reports revealed that many cattle become frantic during their final minutes, and that workers were even hacking up some animals that were still alive. Today, the chain's cattle have to be calm as they march to their deaths; if they moo too much, the slaughterhouses could lose McDonald's business.Last November, while the rest of the nation was voting to change the face of Congress, citizens in Arizona were casting their ballots to help pigs. By an overwhelming margin, they passed the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act—which prohibits local growers from using the standard industry practice of raising sows in confinement pens so tiny that the animals can't even turn around.In January, executives at America's top hog producer, Smithfield Foods, stunned competitors by vowing to phase out all their confinement pens across the country. Their sows can now amble around. And in March, Burger King promised to buy as many pigs as possible from farms that don't confine them and as many eggs as possible produced by cage-free hens.These are astonishing developments-especially when you consider that only ten years ago, industry leaders shrugged off the animal welfare movement as the province of kooks. Click here to read more.
This message was sent to mediastupor@yahoo.com. Visit your subscription management page to modify your e-mail communication preferences or update your personal profile. To stop e-mail from PETA's Online Community, click to unsubscribe yourself from our lists (or reply via e-mail with "remove" in the subject line). This e-mail was sent by: PETA 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510United States

नो मोरे ब्लड फ़ॉर oil

2007-06-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

No More Blood For Oil
Next time you fork over your hard-earned money to fill your tank, paying double what you were a few years ago for your commute, consider the TRUE cost of America's dependence on foreign oil. Our country's thirst for oil has sparked a war that has cut people's lives unnecessarily short, devastated families, and left a trail of destruction that continues to spiral out of control.

No More Blood for Oil - Click here to watch the ad
Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate that has voted “No” for the invasion of Iraq, and the only candidate to vote against funding for this occupation. Dennis has been at the forefront of this debate and continues to be a proven leader in curtailing our addiction to foreign oil through fostering alternative fuel programs. We need your help to spread this message to American Voters.
Your contribution of $100 now or a commitment of $10 each month will enable us to continue to make ads such as this one. Help us educate American voters about the true costs of our oil economy. Help us build a country that relies on renewable clean sources of energy. Help us build a country that believes in the Prosperity of Peace.
We must demand there be NO MORE BLOOD FOR OIL.
Together we can be the difference; Together we will build a better America!
Click Here to support Peace!
Best regards, Mike KleinCampaign ManagerKucinich for President 2008http://kucinich.us
P.S. Don’t forget to forward this message to a friend. Our campaign counts on supporters like you to help spread our Message.

Paid for by Kucinich for President 2008
Forward email

Photo by drade

2007-06-08T09:22:00.001-04:00

IMG_9537.JPG
Originally uploaded by drade

Post Nucular Nuclear Family by brancusi7

2007-06-08T09:21:00.001-04:00

Post Nucular Nuclear Family
Originally uploaded by brancusi7

Beach animals by David Eldur

2007-06-08T09:20:00.003-04:00

Beach Animals
Originally uploaded by David Eldur

House / Fashion Shoot / Ronda Mag.

2007-06-08T09:20:00.001-04:00

House / Fashion Shoot / Ronda Mag.
Originally uploaded by Simon Pais

Drink Don't Drive!!

2007-06-08T09:19:00.003-04:00

Drink Don't Drive!!
Originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989

The burning sky

2007-06-08T09:19:00.001-04:00

The burning sky
Originally uploaded by yamabobobo

Cleveland rocks. Richmond sucks.

2007-01-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

Well, it turns out that Cleveland sucks too. So I've changed the title of this blog to "Is Richmond burning?" The new location is at http://stuntedgrowth.vox.com.

My idea of gun control

2006-08-25T15:57:00.000-04:00

Amy
Originally uploaded by Love Me1.

Little Bill Daggett: Well, sir, you are a cowardly son of a bitch! You just shot an unarmed man!
Bill Munny: He should have armed himself if he was goin' to decorate his saloon with my friend.
- Unforgiven

Photo by Flickr friend Cindy Nguyen of Flickr friend Amy Nguyen

I got a name

2006-08-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

Cleveland rocks, Richmond sucks has moved to my personal domain. (Hey, I am the master of my own domain, and don't you forget it. This isn't Shoe City. This is my city.)

Smokin'

2006-08-22T10:47:00.000-04:00

A blonde Barbie (looked like Charlize Theron, she did) waitress from the Tobacco Company restaurant once picked me up in the James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University. She wanted me to go down there and spend a lot of money on me getting to know her before I or she decided it was worth getting involved with eachother. Which is pretty much what dating is all about. Spending money on women in restaurants before deciding they're worth the time and trouble of further involvement.

I declined the offer because I'm not interested in going to restaurants that are named after an industry that will kill a billion people in this century (Richmond Times-Dispatch).

What's next: Auschwitz Pizza Ovens (coming soon to a neighborhood near you)?

Going to school

2006-08-22T10:42:00.001-04:00

You can learn from anyone, even if it's what not to do. As a speaker at a George Wallace rally told me in 1968, even a stopped clock is right two times a day. I went to school on the University of Virginia for five years and I learned two things:

1) A sociology professor told me, "The system always looks functional from the top." I already knew that. I have a B.A. in sociology. But it never hurts to go back to the basics.
2) How to make a livable city from William Whyte at the School of Architecture.

I went to school on Virginia Commonwealth University for 10 years and I learned two things:

1) VCU sucks.
2) Eugene Trani, president of VCU, can kiss my ass.

How I feel about African-Americans

2006-08-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

What DeGaulle said about France.

For the record, I would like to say that I feel the same way about Ms. Janeane Garofalo. DeGaulle also said, "The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs."

Come to think of it, DeGaulle's sentiments probably reflect the way Moses felt about the Jews. DeGaulle also said, "Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop."

I'm blowing up

2006-08-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

I've opened up a third front - The Richmond Times-Dispatch. I hope I don't fall off a cliff. I'm going to out-Hitler Hitler. I'm going to be more popular than Jesus. Ooops...

Are the Jews an endangered species?

2006-08-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

There are only 14 millions Jews on the entire planet, according to Glenn Beck. Hmmm, should we make them an endangered species?

HAWHAWHAW. That was a joke, and a double-edged one at that. Please, no angry letters from handmaidens of Israel like the AJC, AIPAC, and the B'nai Brith. Also, no mouthing off from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. I don't want your mouth anywhere near me. I know where it's been - firmly affixed to crypto-Nazi Arnold Schwarzenegger's ass.

Whatsamatta u Jews? You people just don't have a sense of humor. You lose it at Auschwitz?

I can make these kinds of jokes because I'm Jewish. I'm sure if you go back far enough, you can find Jews in my woodpile, er, ancestry.

Rush hour

2006-08-18T17:08:00.000-04:00

At five o'clock it's much too crowded (too crowded)Much too crowded (too crowded)Much too crowded (too crowded)Too crowded for meCouldn't get through to you babyOh, it's too crowded - The Soul Survivors

Trying to get through the sidewalk in front of the Capitol City Coffeehouse was nearly impossible because of the dense foot traffic. My dogma was nearly run over by my karma. All those people and tables obstructed the sidewalk (a capital offense at Virginia Commonwealth University.) I was tempted to make a citizen's arrest but declined.

Sgt. Pepper and the Bad Lieutenant decline the invitation

2006-08-18T17:02:00.000-04:00

You're invited to a retirement party for the Virginia Commonwealth University chief of police and Officer M. Franklin. The chief's distinguished record is even more impressive because he recently confessed to me, "I can't read." VCU President Eugene Trani said he was so impressed by the willingness of the chief and Officer Franklin to take a bullet for VCU that Trani was freeing them in his will.

When reached for comment, Officer Taylor said, "Fall mountain, just don't fall on me."

The powerful Tarheel in administration with the snazzy sports car was unavailable for comment. She was too busy cleaning out her desk and getting escorted off campus by Mean Mr. Mustache, the scrawny-ass bicycycle cop, who then escorted himself off campus, pointing his finger at everyone he met.

RSVP TBA CYA

Why? Why? Why?

2006-08-18T14:58:00.000-04:00

In response to my post about racism at the Watermelon Festival, someone asked, "Why don't you move?" This a non sequitor and non-starter, to which I reply, "Why don't you move because you're the sort of person that tolerates this crap?" You should be ashamed and instead you suggest that I move. However, to show that I am the magnamimous person that I am, I have set up the Movin' Chris On Up Fund. Send all contributions to P.O. Box 11242, Richmond, VA 22320. I reserve the right if it never amounts to a hill of beans to spend the money on $1.00 expresso shots (50 cents for refills) at Can Can in Carytown instead.

A related question, by a man who stopped me and asked for a light: "Why you got to make things so hot?"

If you're referring to the August climate, I have nothing to do with that. If I could afford it, I would live in Rockport, Maine in August. If you're referring to the disturbed equalibrium in the structure which is Richmond, and which makes people feel uncomfortable, it's what I do.

I hate Canada

2006-08-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

I don't know why people keep suggesting I go to Canada. Somehow it lacks the ring of Dwight D. Eisenhower saying, "I will go to Korea." I wouldn't even go to Canada when I was on the verge of being drafted during the Vietnam War, which tells you something. Nothing good has ever come out of Canada except for universal health care, cheap pharmaceuticals, and legalized marijuana and prostitution. On the other hand, they've exported Martin Short and Dan Aykroyd, responsible for "The Three Amigos," so it's a net loss. They're also responsible for the sex-mad, mad dogs and Canadians, crazy Samantha Burns. One of my first acts as president will be to sign an executive order deporting them, along with Steve Martin, for that crime against humanity.

Does Canada have any reason for continuing to exist, particularly after French Canadian independence and the overthrow of British royalty? If you don't knock off this visit Canada stuff - I'm going to visit Canada all right - to finish what Benedict Arnold started.