Stupid Quips by Politicians - by TPO

Notable Stupid Quips by Politicians
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by TPO
November, 2011
Herman Cain: "“Some people want to say,‘Well, as president, you’re supposed to know everything.’ No you don’t.”

But you still have to have a thirst for knowledge. You perhaps don't need to be an expert, but you have to have at least enough knowledge to be able to be conversant or to make decisions. Good thing Mr. Cain is out of the race. Otherwise, we would have another catastrophic GWB strutting in the White House corridors once more. It would be "déjà-vu all over again!"*

(*) source: youtube.com
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January 25, 2012

After three years of diligent work by the Justice Department and the FBI, in particular, charges were brought against four Connecticut police officers for violating the civil rights of Hispanics by discriminating against them. The officers arrested were from the community of East Haven, CT.

Joseph Maturo, the mayor of East Haven, was recently asked what he would do for the Hispanic community in the wake of those arrests.

His response: “I might have tacos when I go home. I’m not quite sure yet. I have spent 2 years in Puerto Rico.”**

(**)source: www.csm.com
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January 26, 2012
IMMIGRATION FIGHT
 
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney had their sharpest exchange when Gingrich said Romney was the most anti-immigrant candidate in the GOP field. Romney responded indignantly, reminding Gingrich that Romney's father, George, was born in Mexico.

A two-term Michigan governor, George Romney faced questions about his eligibility to run for president in 1968 because he wasn't born in the United States. Yet, George was born a U.S. citizen, not Mexican, because his parents were U.S. citizens. And in those days, Mexico didn't grant dual citizenship so the parents had to choose one country or the other. Mitt Romney has said neither his father nor his grandparents spoke Spanish.***
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January 30, 2012
In Florida ....

He [Newt Gingrich] made religion-baiting references to his Mormon opponent at two stops, accusing Romney of discriminating against Catholics and Jews. “I think we need to have a government that respects our religions,” Gingrich declared at a rally in Tampa. “I’m really tired of being lectured about respecting every other religion on the planet. I want them to respect our religions.” ***

(***)source: The Washington Post

La Marseillaise! - Mireille Mathieu

La Marseillaise! (paroles)
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Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé (bis)
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes,
Mugir ces féroces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras.
Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

[Refrain]
Aux armes, citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons!
Marchons! Marchons!
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons!

Français, en guerriers magnanimes,
Portez ou retenez vos coups!
Épargnez ces tristes victimes,
À regret s'armant contre nous (bis)
Mais ces despotes sanguinaires,
Mais ces complices de Bouillé,
Tous ses tigres qui, sans pitié,
Déchirent le sein de leur mère!

[Refrain]

Amour sacré de la patrie,
Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs!
Liberté, Liberté cherie,
Combats avec tes defenseurs!(bis)
Sous nos drapeaux, que la victoire
Accoure à tes mâles accents!
Que tes ennemis expirants
Voient ton triomphe et notre gloire!

[Refrain]

"P M Of Norway Gets Laid" - The Onion

"Prime Minister Of Norway Gets Laid"
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by The Onion     OSLO, NORWAY—Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg got laid on Friday, according to a spokesperson for the Norwegian government.

"I am able to confirm that the prime minister did indeed have sex last night, and that he was very pleased to have done so," communication officer Tor Aagaard Borgersen told reporters Saturday during a routine briefing of the Oslo press corps. "Following a meeting with cabinet members on long-term strategies for navigating the eurozone crisis, Mr. Stoltenberg returned home, where, a short time later, he had sex with a woman."

Reports from high-ranking officials indicated that after getting laid, the prime minister rested comfortably in his bathrobe and read a book while the woman with whom he had intercourse took a shower.
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Source: The Onion  
 ** TPO to The Onion:  Stop it. You're making me cry! **

 

"September" - Sarah Vaughan / Wynton Marsalis

"September" 

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Sarah Vaughan / Wynton Marsalis

   

"Ron Paul is all action" - by Ros Krasny

Ron Paul is all action
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By Ros Krasny
Reuters.com /January 26, 2012

Republican some-time folk hero Ron Paul has been mostly missing in action in Florida, a winner-take-all primary state that votes next Tuesday. Currently pulling down only about 10 percent support in the Sunshine State, the Texas Congressman has opted to seek out more fruitful pastures in his quest to assemble delegates for the 2012 convention. Paul’s yard sign elves remain busy, though, and Paulite insurgents have shown up at a number of other events, sometimes jostling with supporters of, for example, Rick Santorum.

But fear not, fans in Florida or elsewhere. A new, virtual version is only a few clicks away, thanks to the pro-Paul RevolutionPAC.

Two talking action figures — the “Commander in Chief” Paul and the “Super Hero” Paul — are now available at ronpaulactionfigures.com. They don’t come cheap, at $94.95 plus shipping and handling. The “Super Hero” version, in standard super-hero bodysuit ensemble with white cape (or is it really an obstetrician’s coat?), is 12 inches tall, speaks a message when a button is pushed, has moveable limbs, and comes equipped with a mini U.S. Constitution. All proceeds go to support efforts to elect Ron Paul, although the figurines are not endorsed by the candidate.

The sunshine and warm temperatures make Florida a perfect place for a late-January political campaign. Especially for reporters. But in keeping with Paul’s unorthodox style, where better to spend the next few days than…Maine?

Ron Paul will make six stops in the Pine Tree State Friday and Saturday, kicking his campaign off in Bangor, where the forecast is for freezing rain in the morning, changing to rain, with significant icing possible and a winter weather advisory in place. A world away from, say, Orlando, Florida, currently reporting in at 81 degrees and sunny. Perhaps the candidate needs to pick up some gear at the L. L. Bean flagship store…

The October Road - by Ruben Fernández

The October Road / Los Caminos de Octubre - short film from Ruben Fernández on Vimeo.

Memory Testing - by Minnesota Public Radio

Newt continues to confound! - By TPO

Newt continues to confound!
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by TPO

In Sunday's (01/22/2012) Editorial column titled, "Mr. Gingrich's Deceptions," the New York Times had this to say ...(*)

" Newt Gingrich’s victory in South Carolina turned on an almost comically broad deception, an inversion of the truth in which the insider whose personal wealth and political experience are entirely creations of Washington becomes the anti-establishment candidate. That it worked speaks poorly of voters who let themselves be manipulated by the lowest form of campaigning, appealing to their anger and prejudices."

It is indeed a most disconcerting development. But, it is hardly a surprise. Someone was bound to tap into the swelling tide of hate and stupidity that is more prevalent in some States than in others. Despite the media's claim that South Carolina is a crucial (harbinger) state during national elections, I hardly think that SC's ornery extremism is representative of the national mood or intelligence.

Newt Gingrich is now the only option left for self-centered haters, and brainless followers of megalomaniacs.

However, I am in full agreement with The Times' somewhat positive and hopeful assessment of the political horizon :

"It is still hard to imagine a path to the nomination for Mr. Gingrich, let alone to the White House. There is still time for Republicans in other states to show that South Carolina was an aberration rather than a bellwether."
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*

© Copyright - NY Times - January 22, 2012

"Get Out of the Car!" - A true life episode from Florida

Inane Words, Terms, and Fallacies - by Hénock Gugsa

 

Inane Words, Terms, and Fallacies
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by Hénock Gugsa
It is unavoidable, it is persistent, and it never fails to offend or aggravate. It is the abundance in our daily lexicon of silly and sometimes stupid words, terms, or labels to describe (?) or to represent things or ideas. Fortunately, most of these offenders go away as they wear away due to over-usage or to going out of favor. Old cliches get replaced by new ones. But the drumbeat never ceases as we are stuck with clueless politicians (tongue-waggers), nonreactive government bureaucracy, and the mindless and noisy media.

What am I ranting about now? Well, then, let me dive straight into it.

At the top of my list is the term: diaspora. What a stupefying and moronic word despite its lofty pretentiousness! It is a term currently used by petty dictators in third-world countries (and there is another doozy of a term) to describe thousands of expatriates. This group was either expelled or fled their homeland for political or economic reasons. Ironically, despite the animosity between the 'exiled' and the 'dictator', the former is propping up the latter by sending funds to families and friends in dire economic need. “Diaspora”, despite its simple Greek etymology, sounds like something that was regurgitated by a bovine.

Next is the word: alien. It is a term used by immigration bureaucracies to describe non-citizens. It does not matter if you are visiting or passing thru. A short or a long stay will require the “alien” to have proper documentation, and the authorities are not really trying to find out what “planet” the visitors came from or if they have antennae sticking out of their heads.

Here is a puzzling word: confab. Yes, it is short for confabulation, and means chat or discussion. But in its abbreviated form, does it not sound banal or even mildly negative in its informality? Can you take any news of a confab somewhere seriously? “Confab” is definitely an inane word, in my opinion.

“PC” – is a term I personally prefer to exclusively stand for personal computer. However, there is a solid contingent of social architects for whom “pc” means “political correctness.” Personally, I think the latter term’s use and over-use has been the most irritating thorn in current social mores. It has resulted in so much negative political outcomes. The public is openly and justifiably rebelling against any patronizing and/or suffocating set of social commandments dictated by “pc”.

Micromanaging (or micro-manager) – to me represents an inefficient person who neither trusts his/her colleagues nor is satisfied with the work of others. A micro-manager is even sometimes found meddling in some areas in which he/she has zero expertise. Pity the over-worked specialist who has to waste his/her time giving tutorials to the tiresome micro-manager!

Lastly, for now, I have for you the word: indigent. A supremely infrequent yet euphemistic term meaning the poor and the destitute, it nonetheless evokes an image of a weed-like plant. Oh, well, at least an indigent is not an alien … or is it? :)

America : "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" - by TPO

America
“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
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by TPO

Way back in 1966, an unabashed Italian film director named Sergio Leone made or remade a very entertaining, yet dramatically uncomplicated movie called, “Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo.” The English translation of that title, “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly,” is, in my opinion effectively attention-grabbing enough as well. But I’m not here to do a movie review. I do, however, wish to say that the title as well as the content and essence of TGTBTU is starkly apropos and metaphorically describes today’s world , at least that of America.

Leone may have been telling a story, a fable if you like, with simplicity and not much adornment. But the crux of the tale may have been lost on the audience because of too much visuality and noise. However, even with all the sound and fury, the totality of the story accurately describes the world of today more than that of forty-five years ago!

Today, the good are common, ordinary, hard-working, honest folk who are fighting and struggling against adversities of all sorts, mostly man-made. The good are in an epic battle with the bad and the ugly. Unlike the movie, things are not as clear-cut today and roles are not always crystal clear. The good can at times lose their way, their innocence, or purity. They can be swayed and corrupted by the forces of the bad and the ugly.

The bad are the sinister, the evil, and the pathologically sociopathic. They relish their badness with a smirk. They are always cloaked in a garb of respectability. And as they spout their false moral convictions, they masterfully hide their insatiable ambitions. Amazingly, this group thrives in a world filled with cynicism, and lies. And unfortunately for the world, the bad now manipulate governments, religious organizations, and the media to be unwitting allies and fellow misery-bringers.

And lastly, we have the ugly. They are the nondescript, the greedy, the noisy, and the unsophisticated criminal-type. They make no bones about who they are, they know they are the dregs of society, but at least they are not filled with guile and hatred as the bad are.

Looking at America today, we do indeed have the good, the bad, and the ugly!

We, the common, hard-working, good folk go about our ways suffering under the yoke that the bad have placed on our shoulders. We suffer high unemployment, high taxes, and doubtful old age prospects. At the same time, we are also sacrificing the lives of our children, our wives, our husbands, our brothers, and our sisters in foreign adventures under the name of ‘national security.’

Meanwhile, on another front, the government and the media (saps that they are) are doing the bidding of the bad (il brutto) who are already entrenched in wealth, power, and privilege. America now openly has powerful, wealthy people vying for more power and shamelessly parading their evil ways as virtues to the general public. The media and the supposedly humanitarian, religious bodies of the nation are simply acquiescing by not standing up to these “maldito” power-hungry sharks. And one of these days, one of these sleek, oily sharks may just become President unless people wake up and see what is happening around them.

As for the ugly, we know who they are. The ugly are driven by greed and follow their animal instincts and "dog-eat-dog-world" philosophy. You can almost sympathize with them given what the bad are wreaking upon humanity. Sadly, however, the ugly are also foils and tools for the bad. That is why we must always keep an eye on the ugly while also watching our backs for unexpected dangers from the bad.

So here we are: the eternal dueling trio! The good, the bad, the ugly!

Who will prevail in America?

"Je t'aime" - Lara Fabian

"Je t'aime"
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Lara Fabian (1970 -)



D'accord, il existait
D'autres façons de se quitter
Quelques éclats de verre
Auraient peut-etre pu nous aider
Dans ce silence amer
J'ai décidé de pardonner
Les erreurs qu'on peut faire
à trop s'aimer

D'accord la petite fille
En moi souvent te réclamait
Presque comme une mère
Tu me bordais, me protégeais
Je t'ai volé ce sang
Qu'on aurait pas dû partager
à bout de mots, de rêves
Je vais crier

Je t'aime, Je t'aime
Comme un fou, comme un soldat
Comme une star de cinéma
Je t'aime, je t'aime
Comme un loup, comme un roi
Comme un homme que je ne suis pas
Tu vois, je t'aime comme ça

D'accord, je t'ai confié
Tous mes sourires, tous mes secrets
Même ceux, dont seul un frère
Est le gardien inavoué
Dans cette maison de pierre
Satan nous regardait danser
J'ai tant voulu la guerre
De corps qui se faisaient la paix

Je t'aime, Je t'aime
Comme un fou comme un soldat
Comme une star de cinéma
Je t'aime, Je t'aime
Comme un loup comme un roi
Comme un homme que je ne suis pas
Tu vois, je t'aime comme ça

Je t'aime, Je t'aime
Comme un fou comme un soldat
Comme une star de cinéma
Je t'aime, je t'aime, je t'aime, je t'aime, je t'aime, je t'aime
Comme un loup, comme un roi
Comme un homme que je ne suis pas
Tu vois, je t'aime comme ça
Tu vois, je t'aime comme ça

Drinking Song - by W. B. Yeats

Drinking Song
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William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)


Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.

2011 In Gymnastics - by gymnastike.org

2011 - Year in Gymnastics
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by gymnastike.org