Inspirational Sunday
Yes, this is for real. (Thanks Ken Capobianco for finding this great marriage-saving product!)
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April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
Big Mattress Song of the Week May1-May 8
Back by popular demand:
Freaky Friday
Remember the great old song, Ahab the Arab- from back when there was no PC ? Well, Ray Stevens is ba-a-a-a-a-ck; and guess who he's pluggin'?? (figuratively speaking, of course!):
Thought for Thursday
Today we're going to play a game..
April 28, 2010
Estrogen Wednesday
This is either a public service announcement to help Save Our trees, or a comic parody of a common ladies' rest-room conundrum.
Notice: You should be able to see the photo now. Please comment if you can't.
Notice: You should be able to see the photo now. Please comment if you can't.
April 27, 2010
Say it ain't so, Mr. Ob
A war or two here, a company or two “too big to fail” there.. and now the legalization of whale killing. Barack, you're starting to piss me off!
the Last Round-Up: the Ginger Children
I stole this video from Oedipus' web site. Very intense- Not recommended for the faint of heart. A definite buzz-kill, but extremely interesting and awesome in the literal sense of the word. Already pulled off YouTube!!
Stairmaster
Now you will know that you are old and your kids are better than you at everything except spelling.
Testosterone Tuesday
Not WORK FRIENDLY!
(How to tell your date might be bored).
April 26, 2010
Extra-Terrestrial Tuesday
If Vegas were laying odds on the plausibility of the existence of ETs, where would the big money go..?
April 25, 2010
Monday Pop Quiz
Jeez! Do we have to get all of our information from the Daily Show and Doonesbury??!!
What is the GoPac Memo?
April 24, 2010
Inspirational Sunday
Incredible never-before-revealed secrets to better bocce ball playing.
April 23, 2010
3 minutes and 44 seconds of sheer...
“... That night, God took a rib from Adam's side and made a woman. When Adam awoke the following morning, he found..” that the ribs he “donated” had pretty special powers..
Freaky Friday
The Poo Trap.
April 21, 2010
Be Silent or Be Stilled
“Labeling Jewish critics of Israel as traitors or anti-Semites isn't standing up for the Jewish people. Such steps are instead a brand of hatred that represents a direct assault on Jewish values of tradition and justice and conscience.”.
Traveling Thursday
Today we are going to take a train ride. (Oh, and there was some silly, overblown news report about a tornado somewhere up ahead. No worries...)
April 20, 2010
Estrogen Wednesday
Two tips for today:
1. Because green bananas are virtually inedible, and speckled bananas are only good for banana bread and fat retards, bananas really only have a short, three-day window.
As soon as your bananas reach that perfect storm mode, eat them. If you can't eat them, put most of them in the refrigerator, where they will last another four or five days. You can also peel the rest before they start turning and put them in a plastic bag in the freezer to make smoothies. (I realize most of you already knew this, but I am saying it for the benefit of knuckleheads like me who never knew the whole “banana” thing). 2. Tell your husbands who freely accept just about anybody as “friends” on Facebook, to think twice about posting those cute videos and photos of your teen-age kids on Facebook and on Internet blogs. Save that personal shit for your closest friends and your family only. (Do I really have to say this..?)
1. Because green bananas are virtually inedible, and speckled bananas are only good for banana bread and fat retards, bananas really only have a short, three-day window.
As soon as your bananas reach that perfect storm mode, eat them. If you can't eat them, put most of them in the refrigerator, where they will last another four or five days. You can also peel the rest before they start turning and put them in a plastic bag in the freezer to make smoothies. (I realize most of you already knew this, but I am saying it for the benefit of knuckleheads like me who never knew the whole “banana” thing). 2. Tell your husbands who freely accept just about anybody as “friends” on Facebook, to think twice about posting those cute videos and photos of your teen-age kids on Facebook and on Internet blogs. Save that personal shit for your closest friends and your family only. (Do I really have to say this..?)
April 19, 2010
Malarkey Monday
“We’ve seldom seen a piece of legislation so widely misrepresented, and misunderstood, as the new health care law.”
-Factcheck.org Click here for cold, hard, easy-to-understand facts: no political bullshit- no agenda.
-Factcheck.org Click here for cold, hard, easy-to-understand facts: no political bullshit- no agenda.
April 17, 2010
Motivational Sunday
Bonus poster: VAN GOGH CAKE
Why is our Constitution interpreted in different ways?
It's kind of like that other great book, the Holy Bible, isn't it? Maybe we could understand the problem better if we substitute the word “Constitution” in place of the words “a beautiful woman” in this Dr. Hook song:
April 15, 2010
Never get stuck again in that singalong
(Thanks to Tod Salmonson)
But..but-but.. Rush and Sarah and Newt say he IS!! But- but- (yikes!)
If those with an agenda call it a duck- then it must walk like a duck- even if it doesn't..
April 14, 2010
Travelling Thursday
Ever been to Paris? (Me neither..) Let's go for a little helicopter ride!
April 11, 2010
Monday Madness
Ad not seen in U.S.
If that doesn't open for you, go here.
A Novel Concept..
Why do the damn Brits always come up with the great ideas first?
Movie Nite on Maui
Had a wonderful gathering of cool people at the house tonight for Saturday Night Movie Nite. Delicious, yummy pot-luck dinners and great white and red wines brought by friends and neighbors. It was an unholy eclectic mix of strong conservative and liberal political thinking (It is a gated community in Wailea, after all!! haha) Interesting evening; as the movie was Michael Moore's, Capitalism: a Love Story Oddly enough, absolutely everyone- Republicans and Democrats in the room loved it! Those who were familiar with Moore's previous works, thought it was his best movie ever. Those who hadn't seen it and were just there for the food and booze and hate Michael Moore for all the reasons people hate Michael Moore were very surprised and impressed; and as we were hanging around afterwards, the immediate reaction was that it really was thought-provoking, well-crafted, intense, funny and very, very entertaining film-making.
The sad part was, that we all agreed- the overwhelming consensus was that the people who should see this film never will. Those who could relate to it and benefit most from it- those who have the most to gain from it will not ever allow themselves that option.
So we all hung around a bit, ate, drank laughed and went home, satisfied that we experienced something most people in America never will. We felt good- Not cocky- just content and satisfied that it was a good time and a brillianty thought-provoking masterpiece of a documentary. All in all it was one of the best movie nights we've ever had. Didn't expect it, either. Thought it was going to be a downer propaganda piece attempt at mind control and lefty koom-bay-ya- but it turned out to be a film that will be a classic soon and will be shown in schools and universities all over America: to inspire dialogue and intelligent debate for years to come. Anyway, that's my movie and i'm stickin to it.
Have a great weekend, all!
The sad part was, that we all agreed- the overwhelming consensus was that the people who should see this film never will. Those who could relate to it and benefit most from it- those who have the most to gain from it will not ever allow themselves that option.
So we all hung around a bit, ate, drank laughed and went home, satisfied that we experienced something most people in America never will. We felt good- Not cocky- just content and satisfied that it was a good time and a brillianty thought-provoking masterpiece of a documentary. All in all it was one of the best movie nights we've ever had. Didn't expect it, either. Thought it was going to be a downer propaganda piece attempt at mind control and lefty koom-bay-ya- but it turned out to be a film that will be a classic soon and will be shown in schools and universities all over America: to inspire dialogue and intelligent debate for years to come. Anyway, that's my movie and i'm stickin to it.
Have a great weekend, all!
April 10, 2010
Big Mattress Song of the Week
Nothing like a few cold beers and a funky, get-down, dirt-scratchin' guitar! (It's Roy Buchanan meets Syd Barrett..) Ever heard of Peter Parcek? You will. (thanks to George Skaubitis for the turn-on)to this Ray Charles tune.
A Day in the Life
Haven't a clue how they shot this, but it works pretty fine..
April 9, 2010
UnHoly Weekends
March 17 P.S.A.
Peeka BOO!
Porketta on the spit.
Don't tell. Don't ask..
Boston soon come!
Flo-ing to the Top
Universal Health Care vs. powerful Big Business lobbies? will never happen!
Are you sure that's the guy!!??
False Democrat Attack Ads suck too!
Keep them all honest- and keep this website as one of your favorites in your browser top menu.
Points of No Return
Here's a recent video that shows criticism of the extreme Jewish Right from the podium of the extreme Jewish Left, which is meant to address current attitudes in the Middle East. If you click on the “Watch on YouTube,” the YouTube version's comments also bring racist anti-Semitic extremists out of the woodwork. Thus, the issues which are so important to discuss today never reach the point of discussion. Similar to what's going on in American politics as well.. Interesting..
The Worst President (except for 90 or so accomplishments..)
“ I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. (click on link at bottom of this post.)
I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs- the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description. As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. This list surprised me! It's easy to take this President for granted, as his actions aren't heavily promoted, he's under fire constantly, and, because good news is considered no news unless it's sensationalized, the media isn't seeking out what's actually being accomplished. (Although some label the media as "liberal" there's no such thing. All the big "news" sources are run by huge corporations and have a corporate bias --naturally-- so as objective as some may try to be, the reality is that big biz is in their very nature, and what gets selected as news inadvertently--or vertantly-ha!-- fits that bias, in a general way). Many accomplishments can be added to this list, which has been circulating for a while--he's been in office for only a year now! It's nice to see so much is being done at a grassroots level to treat people more humanely; and at a government level to promote savings and efficiency in order to change our thinking, our excessive personal spending, eating, health and lifestyle habits in order to begin finding ways to counterbalance the necessary expenditures.
Even conservatives will likely agree with: 1,2,3,13,29,35,36,48,53,54,55,56,60,61,66,67,69,72,73,75,78,80,81,84,85,88,90. I think it shows we have a President for the whole country, whether people appreciate it or not. Also, the recent speech by the French Prez emphasizes the respect the world has for this man and the breadth of what he is tackling throughout the world in addition to Europe-- Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Russia, China,--whew! Makes me tired just typing!
Let me know if we missed anything in this list: (surely we did.)”-Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies Lynn University Email: rwatson@lynn.edu
I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs- the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description. As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. This list surprised me! It's easy to take this President for granted, as his actions aren't heavily promoted, he's under fire constantly, and, because good news is considered no news unless it's sensationalized, the media isn't seeking out what's actually being accomplished. (Although some label the media as "liberal" there's no such thing. All the big "news" sources are run by huge corporations and have a corporate bias --naturally-- so as objective as some may try to be, the reality is that big biz is in their very nature, and what gets selected as news inadvertently--or vertantly-ha!-- fits that bias, in a general way). Many accomplishments can be added to this list, which has been circulating for a while--he's been in office for only a year now! It's nice to see so much is being done at a grassroots level to treat people more humanely; and at a government level to promote savings and efficiency in order to change our thinking, our excessive personal spending, eating, health and lifestyle habits in order to begin finding ways to counterbalance the necessary expenditures.
Even conservatives will likely agree with: 1,2,3,13,29,35,36,48,53,54,55,56,60,61,66,67,69,72,73,75,78,80,81,84,85,88,90. I think it shows we have a President for the whole country, whether people appreciate it or not. Also, the recent speech by the French Prez emphasizes the respect the world has for this man and the breadth of what he is tackling throughout the world in addition to Europe-- Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Russia, China,--whew! Makes me tired just typing!
Let me know if we missed anything in this list: (surely we did.)”-Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies Lynn University Email: rwatson@lynn.edu
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office
LET'S PASS THIS ONE ON FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE SEEN IT
April 8, 2010
South Park takes on Facebook
You have no friends.
Suck it up and STFU. Here's why..
April 7, 2010
Retired and living in Hawai'i..
Your Question: “Aerosmith-J. Geils concert @ Fenway, August 14th? Tickets go on sale April 17th thru LiveNation? Can you get me tix? I'LL PAY!!!” My Answer: “no”.
Da Boss Nails it
April 6, 2010
Love is Like Oxygen and Facebook is Like....
I have a theory that Facebook is kind of like a radio show, with less music.
• Think of “friends” as numbers (ratings). The more friends one has, the bigger the “numbers” (ratings), the more people we get to communicate to and work with and the more grass-roots influence we have.• Think of Walls as radio stations.
I get to control whose Walls (radio stations) I hear every day by whom I hide and don't hide. All friends always get to go “on the air” by commenting on my Wall (station),” but they don't get to clutter up my Wall (Station) with their Wall posts (stations).
• I don't have to listen to the comments (songs) they post on their (stations ) Walls. If they're boring; I just hide their Wall feeds; and likewise, if they think my “songs” suck, they can hide my Wall feeds!
• Even if I disagree, if the songs (comments) are interesting, I play them on my Wall (radio station).
“Be Careful What You Wish For” revisited..
As the extreme conservative agenda in America accumulates more and more power, the delicate balance between a government of the People and the bottom-line interests of Corporations becomes more and more shattered. Those who decry “Big Government” are starting to see the effects of less Government and increasingly unregulated Big Business.
and if your IQ is over 119, take a minute to read this.
On the Just-Released Video of Helicopter Killings...
I had posted that horrific video yesterday and then pulled it. It is very depressing. I pulled it because I think it's going to be seen a million times on YouTube and on all the media outlets. I decided it is only going to depress (even more-so) the people who already hate wars and the fighting; and it's going to bring out the worst in the assholes who hate Arabs in general and who will start shouting out all the examples of previous terrorist violence against innocents. It is not trite to say this happens a lot in wars, because it really does. The only difference here is that- if this is the real deal- it was recorded in clean audio/video. It is a nauseating video. Unfortunately, it will not change a thing. The killings happened several years ago and I'm thinking Obama will have us pretty much out of Iraq before he leaves office. In my opinion, posting the video is only going to make us all a little bit crazier. Too much info about the evil shit going on on earth today. Maybe that's why people say that we were all better off when we had only basic general facts of what is wrong in the world- and less of the close-up and personal details.
April 5, 2010
Geezer Monday
April 4, 2010
Big Mattress Song of the Week
It's been a long time since I have enjoyed an album of music as exciting and inspiring as the new Peter Wolf album, Midnight Souvenirs. Peter has consistently put out quality solo albums since the J. Geils Band split the sheets, but this latest work is right up there with the best of anything I have heard recently. Whether it becomes a hit or not is something I can't predict; (I'm not even sure how albums chart anymore) but Midnight Souvenirs is a must-have for every music lover's personal iPod! Here's this week's Big Mattress Song of the Week from the album: I Don't Wanna Know
Inspirational Sunday
If you've never been to Rome, or would like to check out Michelangelo's very first fresco, click here, (go grab a glass of wine while it loads) and then sit back, get comfortable and enjoy this wonderful virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel! Happy Easter and go Boston Red Sox!! (and here's a piece of trivia to impress your Aunt Vera: Michelangelo's last name was Buonarroti !)
April 2, 2010
These are the times that try men's souls...
Doctor refuses to treat Obama supporters.
Happy Holiday!
Big Mattress Song of the Week
Tom Waits: God's Away on Business
(Play/pause and let it load for a bit before playing..)
Or better still, you can always hear the song by clicking on the red button- top right corner of the main page- and browse as you listen.
Click below for lyrics.
(Play/pause and let it load for a bit before playing..)
Or better still, you can always hear the song by clicking on the red button- top right corner of the main page- and browse as you listen.
Click below for lyrics.
I'd sell your heart to the junkman baby
For a buck, for a buck
If you're looking for someone to pull you out of that ditch
You're out of luck, you're out of luck
If you're looking for someone to pull you out of that ditch
You're out of luck, you're out of luck
Ship is sinking
The ship is sinking
The ship is sinking
There's a leak, there's a leak in the boiler room
The poor, the lame, the blind
Who are the ones that we kept in charge?
Killers, thieves and lawyers
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
Digging up the dead with a shovel and a pick
It's a job, it's a job
Bloody moon rising with a plague and a flood
Join the mob, join the mob
It's all over, it's all over
It's all over
There's a leak, there's a leak in the boiler room
The poor, the lame, the blind
Who are the ones that we kept in charge?
Killers, thieves and lawyers
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
God's away, God's away on business, business
Godddamn there's always such a big temptation
To be good, to be good
There's always free cheddar in a mousetrap, baby
It's a deal, it's a deal
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
I narrow my eyes like a coin slot baby
Let her ring, let her ring
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business
God's away, God's away
God's away on business, business