The many uses of "Green Screen" also known as "ChromaKey". Personally, I have to say that more and more, special effects in film and television are getting so good, that I get fooled all the time.
At the end of this clip, is a shot from the pilot of "Heroes"... tell me you knew that was an effects shot... I dare you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
What You See Isn't Always What You Get
The year(s) of the iPhone
Did you succumb to the pressure yet? Have you tried out this evil piece of technology from Cupertino? Are you forever in the grips of your Blackberry, maybe did some "slide to open" on the side? If you have an iPhone, if you love it, if you hate it... tell everyone how you feel in the comments below...
I love my iPhone... do you love yours?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
"The Godson" on Hulu
This is my favorite silly movie, next to "Downhill Willie"... Watch for me in the Mafia University scenes... I have some great bits with Kevin McDonald.
Feature Film
1:40:33
When Giuseppe "The Guppy" becomes head of the Calzone Mob family, his father sends him to "Mafia University" to learn the tricks of the trade.
Feature Film
1:40:33
When Giuseppe "The Guppy" becomes head of the Calzone Mob family, his father sends him to "Mafia University" to learn the tricks of the trade.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunset Blvd - Take a Ride along the Sunset Strip
A drive along the Sunset Strip and environs... with "Pink Floyd" inspired music... Shot by Keith Coogan with the Sony HDR-HC1, cut with iMovie on an iMac.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Simple Analogy
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before but had once failed an entire class.
That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.
The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Could not be any simpler than that.
What a profound short little paragraph that says it all
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for,that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931
That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.
After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.
As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.
The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.
The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.
All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Could not be any simpler than that.
What a profound short little paragraph that says it all
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for,that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931
Friday, November 13, 2009
Amazing Tech in New Mercedes
Mercedes now have automatic braking and acceleration assist, night vision augmented reality, and maps with directions can be sent from your computer directly to your on-board navigation system.
I also saw an ad on Hulu for cars that have a "dashboard-watchdog system" that checks to make sure you are awake and alert for long, night-time drives. This same ad had steering correction for when you drift over the line. Coupled with the auto braking and acceleration... this could lead to self-driving cars.
I predict within 5 years that you will be able to send directions to your car, get in, and then have your car drive you wherever you want to go automatically... with little or no further input necessary for the "driver"... as long as your destination is on Google maps.
I also saw an ad on Hulu for cars that have a "dashboard-watchdog system" that checks to make sure you are awake and alert for long, night-time drives. This same ad had steering correction for when you drift over the line. Coupled with the auto braking and acceleration... this could lead to self-driving cars.
I predict within 5 years that you will be able to send directions to your car, get in, and then have your car drive you wherever you want to go automatically... with little or no further input necessary for the "driver"... as long as your destination is on Google maps.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
1979-80 Commercials: Charmin, Mattel , Mr, Pop, Vic Tanny Gym, KMOX
I play the kid more than willing to rat out Mr. Whipple.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hills Salaries Exposed - The Daily Beast
As the MTV hit returns, Nicole LaPorte uncovers payday drama: Kristin makes $90k per episode compared to Spencer's $65k and Audrina's $100k. Plus, our gallery of reality TV salaries.
Posted using ShareThis
Posted using ShareThis
Saturday, September 26, 2009
No Signal (and other cellular drama)
A montage of the most overused horror-cinema plot device, post-2000.
Posse Comitatus Act Violation at G20 Demonstrations, September 24, 2009
The Posse Comitatus Act is a United States federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1385) passed on June 18, 1878, after the end of Reconstruction, with the intention (in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807) of substantially limiting the powers of the federal government to use the military for law enforcement. The Act prohibits most members of the federal uniformed services (today the Army, Air Force, and State National Guard forces when such are called into federal service) from exercising nominally state law enforcement, police, or peace officer powers that maintain "law and order" on non-federal property (states and their counties and municipal divisions) within the United States.
The statute generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States, except where expressly authorized by the Constitution or Congress. The Coast Guard is exempt from the Act during peacetime.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Lifehacker
Lifehacker.com - Love this site... Dig into it, and you'll find something you really like.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Live From The Compound- live streaming video powered by Livestream
Live From The Compound- live streaming video powered by Livestream
Shared via AddThis
*** Interactive experience not rated ***
Shared via AddThis
*** Interactive experience not rated ***
New S.A.G. contract not delivering on promises
After speaking with 15 connected friends in show business, I have found that the S.A.G. contract they made us sign is not creating jobs. Hmm
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Holy s*%t, Houston, we are on the F*&%^&g moon!
Slightly not safe for work audio of the real moon landing.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Correcting a few internet inaccuracies
Just a few things I would like to clear up. Most information about me on the internet is OK, but there remains some bad details that I'd like to clarify.
My professional and legal name has never been anything other than Keith Mitchell/Keith Coogan. Regardless of how many times or who my mother married, I never changed my last name to anything other than Mitchell or Coogan.
I have never been credited as "B. B. Beamon"
I did not write the screenplay for "Eddie".
For the Disney Television Series "Gun Shy" which was based on the made for tv movie, "The Apple Dumpling Gang", I actually was in the last 4 episodes, not the first. Adam Rich did replace me, but only from the pilot for the first two episodes of the series... after two episodes, they cast me back in the role, where I finished the order for the network. Disney, however, aired the series episodes out of order, so it looked like I was replaced by Adam Rich after completing four episodes. Not the case. I was replaced after the pilot, but then I re-replaced Adam for whatever reason.
I am nowhere near the 5'7" that IMDB says I am.
My favorite color is red...
...and I like puppies.
My professional and legal name has never been anything other than Keith Mitchell/Keith Coogan. Regardless of how many times or who my mother married, I never changed my last name to anything other than Mitchell or Coogan.
I have never been credited as "B. B. Beamon"
I did not write the screenplay for "Eddie".
For the Disney Television Series "Gun Shy" which was based on the made for tv movie, "The Apple Dumpling Gang", I actually was in the last 4 episodes, not the first. Adam Rich did replace me, but only from the pilot for the first two episodes of the series... after two episodes, they cast me back in the role, where I finished the order for the network. Disney, however, aired the series episodes out of order, so it looked like I was replaced by Adam Rich after completing four episodes. Not the case. I was replaced after the pilot, but then I re-replaced Adam for whatever reason.
I am nowhere near the 5'7" that IMDB says I am.
My favorite color is red...
...and I like puppies.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Sarah Palin represents all that is anti-American
Sarah Palin has finally convinced me that she may very well be the anti-christ. At least she has shown some of the most anti-American traits I have ever seen in a public figure. Let me break it down:
1. Breaking your word and quitting. When she ran for Governor of Alaska, she made a commitment to serve as a public figure for a determined amount of time. Once she stepped down as Governor for apparently no reason, she broke that oath of office and broke one of the basic principles of the founding fathers of this country. You can never give up, especially in the face of opposition. If Sarah Palin were somehow a part of the American Revolution, we'd all be drinking tea in the afternoons.
2. Being a good Mother. She failed to keep her own daughter from becoming pregnant while living under her own roof. It is as if she suddenly became the liberal stereotype of what can happen when a family doesn't pray to god every single day. Praying to god does not work as a contraceptive. Trust me. If you can't keep your household in order, how can you expect me to believe that you can run this country, or a state? And yes, having your under-age daughter become pregnant out of wedlock is the benchmark of a mother who apparently didn't teach her children the truth or consequences of having pre-marital sex. If she did, then her daughter didn't listen. Or, perhaps she never told her daughter the truth about where babies come from. They come from God, and that's that. God says don't have sex before you are married. Guess what? Palin's daughter had sex before getting married, and then she had a baby. So either her daughter is rebellious, or ignorant of the outcome of couch sex.
3. Wrecking the environment. Building a multi-million dollar home on the shores of a lake doesn't exactly sound like an environmentally friendly move. But then again, this is the one who says it's OK for folks to shoot wolves from a helicopter. So go ahead Sarah, build your pipelines, wreck the environment... have you not been watching the news? Green energy is all the rage... if you wanted to do things differently, then I would think you would help move the country off of fossil fuels, and into alternative energies, but by blindly destroying the environment and slavishly sticking with oil as the status quo, aren't you just demonstrating business as usual?
4. Being accountable. Sarah Palin has threatened to sue bloggers and any newspaper that re-prints anything from those blogs with defamation of character. You have to have character in order to have someone be able to decimate it... moot point. Why isn't Palin being held accountable for her remarks about Obama being a terrorist? Isn't that considered slander and libel? In her book, I guess not.
5. Being honest. Taking per diem money for travel to work, when in fact you don't deserve it is considered fraud. Confess your error, and pay back the cash. That is the American thing to do. Ignoring the problem, or resigning in grace, (since you didn't resign in disgrace, this is what I am left with) won't change the fact that you are not telling us the real reason you are stepping down. You are simply not telling us the whole story.
6. Having candor. Falwell, Clinton, and Sarkozy, these are all men that fessed up and yet continued to have a seat of power in the theater of the political world. You just seem full of shit. I don't believe for a second any of the things you have to say. There is some sort of agenda to which you are not letting me be privy to... so I have to come to the conclusion that what you are hiding could destroy us all. If you want to push the button and start WWIII, then please just say so... If you want to return this country to a collection of cave-dwelling primitives who club the next fertile female then keep it up... you're doing just great!
One thing I can't stand in politicians is the lying. I have much more respect when you simply tell me the truth. This was the one great thing about George Bush, no spin, he just said it like it was... "Yep, gonna git their oil, simple as that.... what? Is there anything wrong with that?" Nothing, George... nothing at all. Thanks for being honest.
So I feel that these traits demonstrate the possibility that Sarah Palin couldn't possibly be anything but a big, fat, lying politician. And that is pretty much the most anti-American thing I can think of one to be.
digg story
1. Breaking your word and quitting. When she ran for Governor of Alaska, she made a commitment to serve as a public figure for a determined amount of time. Once she stepped down as Governor for apparently no reason, she broke that oath of office and broke one of the basic principles of the founding fathers of this country. You can never give up, especially in the face of opposition. If Sarah Palin were somehow a part of the American Revolution, we'd all be drinking tea in the afternoons.
2. Being a good Mother. She failed to keep her own daughter from becoming pregnant while living under her own roof. It is as if she suddenly became the liberal stereotype of what can happen when a family doesn't pray to god every single day. Praying to god does not work as a contraceptive. Trust me. If you can't keep your household in order, how can you expect me to believe that you can run this country, or a state? And yes, having your under-age daughter become pregnant out of wedlock is the benchmark of a mother who apparently didn't teach her children the truth or consequences of having pre-marital sex. If she did, then her daughter didn't listen. Or, perhaps she never told her daughter the truth about where babies come from. They come from God, and that's that. God says don't have sex before you are married. Guess what? Palin's daughter had sex before getting married, and then she had a baby. So either her daughter is rebellious, or ignorant of the outcome of couch sex.
3. Wrecking the environment. Building a multi-million dollar home on the shores of a lake doesn't exactly sound like an environmentally friendly move. But then again, this is the one who says it's OK for folks to shoot wolves from a helicopter. So go ahead Sarah, build your pipelines, wreck the environment... have you not been watching the news? Green energy is all the rage... if you wanted to do things differently, then I would think you would help move the country off of fossil fuels, and into alternative energies, but by blindly destroying the environment and slavishly sticking with oil as the status quo, aren't you just demonstrating business as usual?
4. Being accountable. Sarah Palin has threatened to sue bloggers and any newspaper that re-prints anything from those blogs with defamation of character. You have to have character in order to have someone be able to decimate it... moot point. Why isn't Palin being held accountable for her remarks about Obama being a terrorist? Isn't that considered slander and libel? In her book, I guess not.
5. Being honest. Taking per diem money for travel to work, when in fact you don't deserve it is considered fraud. Confess your error, and pay back the cash. That is the American thing to do. Ignoring the problem, or resigning in grace, (since you didn't resign in disgrace, this is what I am left with) won't change the fact that you are not telling us the real reason you are stepping down. You are simply not telling us the whole story.
6. Having candor. Falwell, Clinton, and Sarkozy, these are all men that fessed up and yet continued to have a seat of power in the theater of the political world. You just seem full of shit. I don't believe for a second any of the things you have to say. There is some sort of agenda to which you are not letting me be privy to... so I have to come to the conclusion that what you are hiding could destroy us all. If you want to push the button and start WWIII, then please just say so... If you want to return this country to a collection of cave-dwelling primitives who club the next fertile female then keep it up... you're doing just great!
One thing I can't stand in politicians is the lying. I have much more respect when you simply tell me the truth. This was the one great thing about George Bush, no spin, he just said it like it was... "Yep, gonna git their oil, simple as that.... what? Is there anything wrong with that?" Nothing, George... nothing at all. Thanks for being honest.
So I feel that these traits demonstrate the possibility that Sarah Palin couldn't possibly be anything but a big, fat, lying politician. And that is pretty much the most anti-American thing I can think of one to be.
digg story
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Amber Alert!
Amber Alert!
Missing From: Los Angeles, CA
Missing Date: 7/4/2009 12:00 AM
Contact: Los Angeles Police Department
877-527-3247
Circumstances: The four children were abducted by the suspect. It is believed they are traveling in the listed vehicle.
Missing Children:
Name: Matthew Samos
Hair Color: Br Eye Color: Br
Skin Color: Bl Age: 1yo
Height: 2' Weight: 20lb
Gender: Male
Description: White t-shirt,jeans,black shoes
Name: Ariana Wade
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 6yo
Height: 4'1" Weight: 40lb
Gender: Female
Description: Wearing white shirt,black pants,pink braids/barretts
Name: Ashley Tathkran
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 11yo
Height: 4'4 Weight: 50lb
Gender: Female
Description: Wearing brown shorts and green shirt
Name: Jose Diaz
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 5yo
Height: 4'6 Weight: 45lb
Gender: Male
Description: Wearing white shirt,jeans,brown Echo sweater
Suspect
Name: Angel Samos
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 29yo
Height: 5'11 Weight: 220lb
Gender: Male
Description: Multiple tattoos
Vehicle Information
Make: Toyota Model: Previa
Color: Gold/Brown
License State: CA License Text: 5SEF614
Missing From: Los Angeles, CA
Missing Date: 7/4/2009 12:00 AM
Contact: Los Angeles Police Department
877-527-3247
Circumstances: The four children were abducted by the suspect. It is believed they are traveling in the listed vehicle.
Missing Children:
Name: Matthew Samos
Hair Color: Br Eye Color: Br
Skin Color: Bl Age: 1yo
Height: 2' Weight: 20lb
Gender: Male
Description: White t-shirt,jeans,black shoes
Name: Ariana Wade
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 6yo
Height: 4'1" Weight: 40lb
Gender: Female
Description: Wearing white shirt,black pants,pink braids/barretts
Name: Ashley Tathkran
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 11yo
Height: 4'4 Weight: 50lb
Gender: Female
Description: Wearing brown shorts and green shirt
Name: Jose Diaz
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Bl Age: 5yo
Height: 4'6 Weight: 45lb
Gender: Male
Description: Wearing white shirt,jeans,brown Echo sweater
Suspect
Name: Angel Samos
Hair Color: Blk Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 29yo
Height: 5'11 Weight: 220lb
Gender: Male
Description: Multiple tattoos
Vehicle Information
Make: Toyota Model: Previa
Color: Gold/Brown
License State: CA License Text: 5SEF614
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Helen Hunt + PCP + Keyboard Cat
Just follow the link, press the button, and enjoy 5 minutes of pure bliss.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Pride Festival and Parade 2009 West Hollywood Part 2
The 2009 Pride Festival and Parade in West Hollywood, CA. Featuring Gloria Allred, Democratic Party Members who support the repeal of Prop 8, Gelson's Market, Fairfax High School Marching Band, Micky's Flaming Gay Bar, Red Bull, Evian, and New Zealand Air. Shot by Keith Coogan on June 14, 2009 with the Sony HDR-HC1, edited on an iMac with iMovie. Part 2 of 2.
Pride Festival and Parade 2009 West Hollywood Part 1
The 2009 Pride Festival and Parade in West Hollywood, CA. Featuring Gloria Allred, Democratic Party Members who support the repeal of Prop 8, Gelson's Market, Fairfax High School Marching Band, Micky's Flaming Gay Bar, Red Bull, Evian, and New Zealand Air. Shot by Keith Coogan on June 14, 2009 with the Sony HDR-HC1, edited on an iMac with iMovie. Part 1 of 2.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Times and dates when I'll be on the television
Sat. June 6, 8:00 PM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Sun. June 7, 12:00 PM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Mon. June 8, 4:30 PM - COMEDY - Book of Love
Tue. June 9, 8:00 AM - COMEDY - Book of Love
Wed. June 10, 1:00 PM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Thur. June 11, 9:00 AM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Sun. June 7, 12:00 PM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Mon. June 8, 4:30 PM - COMEDY - Book of Love
Tue. June 9, 8:00 AM - COMEDY - Book of Love
Wed. June 10, 1:00 PM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Thur. June 11, 9:00 AM - E! - Adventures in Babysitting
Saturday, May 23, 2009
S.A.G. members please vote NO on this new media deal!
Vote NO on the SAG Contract. Actors, Stunt Men, & Crew rally their support to turn down the current SAG theatrical/television/new medial contract. It results in a near 90% reduction in our residual rates. More and more television will be watched online, and this contract would pay hard working actors less and less for their work. Vote NO DEAL
read more | digg story
Monday, May 18, 2009
"The Keith Coogan Experience" - TKCE - InternetCopyTKCE
The full-length version of, "The Keith Coogan Experience". Grab some popcorn, kick your shoes off, and let this funny short wipe your brain of all its worries. *Not actually guaranteed to wipe your brain of all its worries.
read more | digg story
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Details on a strange audition...
OK, so I pull up and the first thing I see is Corin Nemec (Parker Lewis) pacing in front of the office going over his lines. I roll up to him to shake his hand and he pulls me into this great big hug. I hadn't seen him since like, before 911.
Then I cruise inside to sign in and I see Richard Greico's name plus some others that I won't mention here.
Then an older looking fellow that I can't quite place keeps coming in and out of the holding area until he finally signs in and sits down to focus on his sides. He's wearing shades. I look at the sign in sheet and it's Parker Stevenson. I introduce myself and say hi. He's a really nice guy.
Then Booker comes out from the reading and he looks camera ready. I'm serious, his hair was all dyed black and he had on way too much jewelry for a guy. He sauntered out without acknowledging anyone in the waiting room.
Then Corin heads in to be put on tape, and I sit down and run over the scenes one more time because I'm up after him.
No nerves.
I guess I'm only nervous when I don't feel prepared enough. Incidentally, I believe we all had at least two days with the material before the audition... that is very rare these days and I can only attribute it to the fact that it was a bunch of old school actors going in who happen to remember the days when you would have up to a week before a call. That was the old days. Now, you get the sides late in the day for a next day audition, or in some cases... a same day call. Having some extra time to prepare probably helped me feel relaxed.
Before I knew it Corky was coming out after giving a solid read... you could hear right through the wall... and I, of course, was kind of listening in. Corin changed his name a while back but the casting director still called him 'Corky' when she saw him, I'm not sure if that bugged him or not.
Then Ian Ziering walked in and things got all West Beverly High. Ian and Corin seemed like they were old friends, I've never really met him so I didn't say hi. But I did say hi to Parker... who I don't really know. Perhaps I did meet Parker a long time ago... and the only time I saw Ian before was back in the 80's when I saw him walking down the sidewalk in Westwood. I'm intimidated by him... not by the guy himself... but the character he played on 90210. I'm scared of Steve Sanders. Ian's that good of an actor that I am convinced he's really a douche. Then I hear a really quiet, "Keith"... and it was time to do my business.
I will spare you all the details... mostly because it is a very, very private and difficult process to audition for real shows. It's one of the most intimidating, scary, thrilling, sickening, hopeful, crazy, ego pumping, and ultimately ego killing things an actor has to go through in life. I also won't go into it too much because when I get into character and things are going smoothly... I tend to black out and not remember much from the room anyways. But I do remember not even turning over the last 3 pages of my sides... so I must have been pretty into it.
The casting director and the assistant casting director said I was very funny. And that's all I really needed to hear.
Then I cruise inside to sign in and I see Richard Greico's name plus some others that I won't mention here.
Then an older looking fellow that I can't quite place keeps coming in and out of the holding area until he finally signs in and sits down to focus on his sides. He's wearing shades. I look at the sign in sheet and it's Parker Stevenson. I introduce myself and say hi. He's a really nice guy.
Then Booker comes out from the reading and he looks camera ready. I'm serious, his hair was all dyed black and he had on way too much jewelry for a guy. He sauntered out without acknowledging anyone in the waiting room.
Then Corin heads in to be put on tape, and I sit down and run over the scenes one more time because I'm up after him.
No nerves.
I guess I'm only nervous when I don't feel prepared enough. Incidentally, I believe we all had at least two days with the material before the audition... that is very rare these days and I can only attribute it to the fact that it was a bunch of old school actors going in who happen to remember the days when you would have up to a week before a call. That was the old days. Now, you get the sides late in the day for a next day audition, or in some cases... a same day call. Having some extra time to prepare probably helped me feel relaxed.
Before I knew it Corky was coming out after giving a solid read... you could hear right through the wall... and I, of course, was kind of listening in. Corin changed his name a while back but the casting director still called him 'Corky' when she saw him, I'm not sure if that bugged him or not.
Then Ian Ziering walked in and things got all West Beverly High. Ian and Corin seemed like they were old friends, I've never really met him so I didn't say hi. But I did say hi to Parker... who I don't really know. Perhaps I did meet Parker a long time ago... and the only time I saw Ian before was back in the 80's when I saw him walking down the sidewalk in Westwood. I'm intimidated by him... not by the guy himself... but the character he played on 90210. I'm scared of Steve Sanders. Ian's that good of an actor that I am convinced he's really a douche. Then I hear a really quiet, "Keith"... and it was time to do my business.
I will spare you all the details... mostly because it is a very, very private and difficult process to audition for real shows. It's one of the most intimidating, scary, thrilling, sickening, hopeful, crazy, ego pumping, and ultimately ego killing things an actor has to go through in life. I also won't go into it too much because when I get into character and things are going smoothly... I tend to black out and not remember much from the room anyways. But I do remember not even turning over the last 3 pages of my sides... so I must have been pretty into it.
The casting director and the assistant casting director said I was very funny. And that's all I really needed to hear.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
What is a Man?
A man carries cash.
A man looks out for those around him -- woman, friend, stranger.
A man can cook eggs.
A man can always find something good to watch on television.
A man makes things -- a rock wall, a table, the tuition money.
Or he rebuilds -- engines, watches, fortunes.
He passes along expertise, one man to the next.
Know-how survives him.
A man fantasizes that kung fu lives deep inside him somewhere.
A man is good at his job. Not his work, not his avocation, not his hobby. Not his career. His job. It doesn't matter what his job is, because if a man doesn't like his job, he gets a new one.
A man can speak to dogs.
A man listens, and that's how he argues. He crafts opinions. He can pound the table, take the floor. It's not that he must. It's that he can.
A man can look you up and down and figure some things out. Before you say a word, he makes you. From your suitcase, from your watch, from your posture. A man infers.
A man owns up. That's why Mark McGwire is not a man. A man grasps his mistakes. He lays claim to who he is, and what he was, whether he likes them or not. Some mistakes, though, he lets pass if no one notices. Like dropping the steak in the dirt.
A man can tell you he was wrong. That he did wrong. That he planned to. He can tell you when he is lost. He can apologize, even if sometimes it's just to put an end to the bickering.
A man does not wither at the thought of dancing. But it is generally to be avoided.
Style -- a man has that. No matter how eccentric that style is, it is uncontrived. It's a set of rules.
A man loves the human body, the revelation of nakedness. He loves the sight of the pale bosom, the physics of the human skeleton, the alternating current of the flesh. He is thrilled by the wrist and the sight of a bare shoulder. He likes the crease of a bent knee.
Maybe he never has, and maybe he never will, but a man figures he can knock someone, somewhere, on his bottom.
A man doesn't point out that he did the dishes.
A man knows how to ridicule.
A man gets the door. Without thinking.
He stops traffic when he must.
A man knows how to lose an afternoon. Playing Grand Theft Auto, driving aimlessly, shooting pool.
He knows how to lose a month, also.
A man welcomes the coming of age. It frees him. It allows him to assume the upper hand and teaches him when to step aside.
He understands the basic mechanics of the planet. Or he can close one eye, look up at the sun, and tell you what time of day it is. Or where north is. He can tell you where you might find something to eat or where the fish run. He understands electricity or the internal-combustion engine, the mechanics of flight or how to figure a pitcher's ERA.
A man does not know everything. He doesn't try. He likes what other men know.
A man knows his tools and how to use them -- just the ones he needs. Knows which saw is for what, how to find the stud, when to use galvanized nails.
A miter saw, incidentally, is the kind that sits on a table, has a circular blade, and is used for cutting at precise angles. Very satisfying saw.
He does not rely on rationalizations or explanations. He doesn't winnow, winnow, winnow until truths can be humbly categorized, or intellectualized, until behavior can be written off with an explanation. He doesn't see himself lost in some great maw of humanity, some grand sweep. That's the liberal thread; it's why men won't line up as liberals.
A man resists formulations, questions belief, embraces ambiguity without making a fetish out of it. A man revisits his beliefs. Continually. That's why men won't forever line up with conservatives, either.
A man is comfortable being alone. Loves being alone, actually. He sleeps.
Or he stands watch. He interrupts trouble. This is the state policeman. This is the poet. Men, both of them.
A man loves driving alone most of all.
A man watches. Sometimes he goes and sits at an auction knowing he won't spend a dime, witnessing the temptation and the maneuvering of others. Sometimes he stands on the street corner watching stuff. This is not about quietude so much as collection. It is not about meditation so much as considering. A man refracts his vision and gains acuity. This serves him in every way. No one taught him this -- to be quiet, to cipher, to watch. In this way, in these moments, the man is like a zoo animal: both captive and free. You cannot take your eyes off a man when he is like that. You shouldn't. Who knows what he is thinking, who he is, or what he will do next.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
A man looks out for those around him -- woman, friend, stranger.
A man can cook eggs.
A man can always find something good to watch on television.
A man makes things -- a rock wall, a table, the tuition money.
Or he rebuilds -- engines, watches, fortunes.
He passes along expertise, one man to the next.
Know-how survives him.
A man fantasizes that kung fu lives deep inside him somewhere.
A man is good at his job. Not his work, not his avocation, not his hobby. Not his career. His job. It doesn't matter what his job is, because if a man doesn't like his job, he gets a new one.
A man can speak to dogs.
A man listens, and that's how he argues. He crafts opinions. He can pound the table, take the floor. It's not that he must. It's that he can.
A man can look you up and down and figure some things out. Before you say a word, he makes you. From your suitcase, from your watch, from your posture. A man infers.
A man owns up. That's why Mark McGwire is not a man. A man grasps his mistakes. He lays claim to who he is, and what he was, whether he likes them or not. Some mistakes, though, he lets pass if no one notices. Like dropping the steak in the dirt.
A man can tell you he was wrong. That he did wrong. That he planned to. He can tell you when he is lost. He can apologize, even if sometimes it's just to put an end to the bickering.
A man does not wither at the thought of dancing. But it is generally to be avoided.
Style -- a man has that. No matter how eccentric that style is, it is uncontrived. It's a set of rules.
A man loves the human body, the revelation of nakedness. He loves the sight of the pale bosom, the physics of the human skeleton, the alternating current of the flesh. He is thrilled by the wrist and the sight of a bare shoulder. He likes the crease of a bent knee.
Maybe he never has, and maybe he never will, but a man figures he can knock someone, somewhere, on his bottom.
A man doesn't point out that he did the dishes.
A man knows how to ridicule.
A man gets the door. Without thinking.
He stops traffic when he must.
A man knows how to lose an afternoon. Playing Grand Theft Auto, driving aimlessly, shooting pool.
He knows how to lose a month, also.
A man welcomes the coming of age. It frees him. It allows him to assume the upper hand and teaches him when to step aside.
He understands the basic mechanics of the planet. Or he can close one eye, look up at the sun, and tell you what time of day it is. Or where north is. He can tell you where you might find something to eat or where the fish run. He understands electricity or the internal-combustion engine, the mechanics of flight or how to figure a pitcher's ERA.
A man does not know everything. He doesn't try. He likes what other men know.
A man knows his tools and how to use them -- just the ones he needs. Knows which saw is for what, how to find the stud, when to use galvanized nails.
A miter saw, incidentally, is the kind that sits on a table, has a circular blade, and is used for cutting at precise angles. Very satisfying saw.
He does not rely on rationalizations or explanations. He doesn't winnow, winnow, winnow until truths can be humbly categorized, or intellectualized, until behavior can be written off with an explanation. He doesn't see himself lost in some great maw of humanity, some grand sweep. That's the liberal thread; it's why men won't line up as liberals.
A man resists formulations, questions belief, embraces ambiguity without making a fetish out of it. A man revisits his beliefs. Continually. That's why men won't forever line up with conservatives, either.
A man is comfortable being alone. Loves being alone, actually. He sleeps.
Or he stands watch. He interrupts trouble. This is the state policeman. This is the poet. Men, both of them.
A man loves driving alone most of all.
A man watches. Sometimes he goes and sits at an auction knowing he won't spend a dime, witnessing the temptation and the maneuvering of others. Sometimes he stands on the street corner watching stuff. This is not about quietude so much as collection. It is not about meditation so much as considering. A man refracts his vision and gains acuity. This serves him in every way. No one taught him this -- to be quiet, to cipher, to watch. In this way, in these moments, the man is like a zoo animal: both captive and free. You cannot take your eyes off a man when he is like that. You shouldn't. Who knows what he is thinking, who he is, or what he will do next.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Who benefited from the bailout?
So, we had this billion dollar bailout for financial institutions that got in trouble after the financial markets had been deregulated.
Some people who worked for those bailed out companies have made MILLIONS of dollars from their work over the last couple years.
Their work has destroyed the Global Financial System, resulting in a Stock Market crash, the devaluation of the U.S. dollar, and a change in our status as a global leader and power.
Also, the American taxpayer is now on the hook for money they never had anything to do with.
Doesn't seem fair to me.
Who benefited?
Why have they been allowed to benefit? If there is truly an open and free economy, then those companies that haven't done well for themselves should be allowed to go out of business. Not be rescued by the American taxpayer.
I certainly didn't benefit from the wild currency and debt speculation... but somebody has... and that simply is not fair to the rest of the country.
Some people who worked for those bailed out companies have made MILLIONS of dollars from their work over the last couple years.
Their work has destroyed the Global Financial System, resulting in a Stock Market crash, the devaluation of the U.S. dollar, and a change in our status as a global leader and power.
Also, the American taxpayer is now on the hook for money they never had anything to do with.
Doesn't seem fair to me.
Who benefited?
Why have they been allowed to benefit? If there is truly an open and free economy, then those companies that haven't done well for themselves should be allowed to go out of business. Not be rescued by the American taxpayer.
I certainly didn't benefit from the wild currency and debt speculation... but somebody has... and that simply is not fair to the rest of the country.
Amber Alert
Missing From: San Leandro, CA
Missing Date: 4/15/2009 12:00 AM
Contact: Alameda County Sheriff's Office
510-667-7721
Circumstances: The 22 month-old child was abducted by her father. He is traveling in a white Toyota Camry, CA tag 5GBD911, and may be headed towards the Mexican border from the CA Bay area.
Missing Child
Name: Yosseline Carolina Meza
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 22mo
Weight: 40lb
Gender: Female
Description: White long sleeve shirt, beige sweatpants
Suspect
Name: Luis Meza Valdiva
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 26
Height: 5'08 Weight: 160
Gender: Male
Vehicle Information
Make: Toyota Model: Camry
Color: White
License State: CA License Text: 5GBD911
Vehicle: 4D
Missing Date: 4/15/2009 12:00 AM
Contact: Alameda County Sheriff's Office
510-667-7721
Circumstances: The 22 month-old child was abducted by her father. He is traveling in a white Toyota Camry, CA tag 5GBD911, and may be headed towards the Mexican border from the CA Bay area.
Missing Child
Name: Yosseline Carolina Meza
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 22mo
Weight: 40lb
Gender: Female
Description: White long sleeve shirt, beige sweatpants
Suspect
Name: Luis Meza Valdiva
Hair Color: Brn Eye Color: Brn
Skin Color: Hisp Age: 26
Height: 5'08 Weight: 160
Gender: Male
Vehicle Information
Make: Toyota Model: Camry
Color: White
License State: CA License Text: 5GBD911
Vehicle: 4D
NYT: NSA intercepts exceed limits set by Congress - The New
The National Security Agency has recently intercepted e-mail messages and phone calls of Americans on a scale that went beyond the broad legal limits established by Congress, officials say.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Evidence: Debunking FEMA Camp Myths
Earlier this week, PM editor-in-chief James Meigs appeared on Glenn Beck's FOX news program twice to debunk conspiracy theories regarding supposed "concentration camps" being built by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But PM's research went beyond what could fit in the short segments.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
BREAKING - Producer Phil Spector guilty of murder
Legendary music producer Phil Spector was Monday found guilty of second degree murder in the shooting death of an actress at his mansion five years ago.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
H.R. 40: Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act
Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act (Introduced in House)
HR 40 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 40
To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 6, 2009
Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings- The Congress finds that--
(1) approximately 4,000,000 Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and colonies that became the United States from 1619 to 1865;
(2) the institution of slavery was constitutionally and statutorily sanctioned by the Government of the United States from 1789 through 1865;
(3) the slavery that flourished in the United States constituted an immoral and inhumane deprivation of Africans' life, liberty, African citizenship rights, and cultural heritage, and denied them the fruits of their own labor; and
(4) sufficient inquiry has not been made into the effects of the institution of slavery on living African-Americans and society in the United States ...
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to--
(1) examine the institution of slavery which existed from 1619 through 1865 within the United States and the colonies that became the United States , including the extent to which the Federal and State Governments constitutionally and statutorily supported the institution of slavery;
(2) examine de jure and de facto discrimination against freed slaves and their descendants from the end of the Civil War to the present, including economic, political, and social discrimination;
(3) examine the lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery and the discrimination described in paragraph (2) on living African-Americans and on society in the United States;
(4) recommend appropriate ways to educate the American public of the Commission's findings;
(5) recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the Commission's findings on the matters described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(6) submit to the Congress the results of such examination, together with such recommendations.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES.
(a) Establishment- There is established the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the `Commission').
(b) Duties- The Commission shall perform the following duties:
(1) Examine the institution of slavery which existed within the United States and the colonies that became the United States from 1619 through 1865. The Commission's examination shall include an examination of--
(A) the capture and procurement of Africans;
(B) the transport of Africans to the United States and the colonies that became the United States for the purpose of enslavement, including their treatment during transport;
(C) the sale and acquisition of Africans as chattel property in interstate and intrastate commerce; and
(D) the treatment of African slaves in the colonies and the United States , including the deprivation of their freedom, exploitation of their labor, and destruction of their culture, language, religion, and families.
(2) Examine the extent to which the Federal and State governments of the United States supported the institution of slavery in constitutional and statutory provisions, including the extent to which such governments prevented, opposed, or restricted efforts of freed African slaves to repatriate to their homeland.
(3) Examine Federal and State laws that discriminated against freed African slaves and their descendants during the period between the end of the Civil War and the present.
(4) Examine other forms of discrimination in the public and private sectors against freed African slaves and their descendants during the period between the end of the Civil War and the present.
(5) Examine the lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery and the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) on living African-Americans and on society in the United States.
(6) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the American public of the Commission's findings.
(7) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the Commission's findings on the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4). In making such recommendations, the Commission shall address among other issues, the following questions:
(A) Whether the Government of the United States should offer a formal apology on behalf of the people of the United States for the perpetration of gross human rights violations on African slaves and their descendants.
(B) Whether African-Americans still suffer from the lingering effects of the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4).
(C) Whether, in consideration of the Commission's findings, any form of compensation to the descendants of African slaves is warranted.
(D) If the Commission finds that such compensation is warranted, what should be the amount of compensation, what form of compensation should be awarded, and who should be eligible for such compensation.
(c) Report to Congress- The Commission shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Congress not later than the date which is one year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission held pursuant to section 4(c).
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment- (1) The Commission shall be composed of 7 members, who shall be appointed, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, as follows:
(A) Three members shall be appointed by the President.
(B) Three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(C) One member shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate.
(2) All members of the Commission shall be persons who are especially qualified to serve on the Commission by virtue of their education, training, or experience, particularly in the field of African-American studies.
(b) Terms- The term of office for members shall be for the life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(c) First Meeting- The President shall call the first meeting of the Commission within 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, or within 30 days after the date on which legislation is enacted making appropriations to carry out this Act, whichever date is later.
(d) Quorum- Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(e) Chair and Vice Chair- The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. The term of office of each shall be for the life of the Commission.
(f) Compensation- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), each member of the Commission shall receive compensation at the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each day, including travel time, during which he or she is engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the Commission.
(2) A member of the Commission who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States or a Member of Congress shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of his or her service to the Commission.
(3) All members of the Commission shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties to the extent authorized by chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and at such places in the United States, and request the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of an appropriate United States district court to require, by subpoena or otherwise, such attendance, testimony, or production.
(b) Powers of Subcommittees and Members- Any subcommittee or member of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section.
(c) Obtaining Official Data- The Commission may acquire directly from the head of any department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive branch of the Government, available information which the Commission considers useful in the discharge of its duties. All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the executive branch of the Government shall cooperate with the Commission with respect to such information and shall furnish all information requested by the Commission to the extent permitted by law.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Staff- The Commission may, without regard to section 5311(b) of title 5, United States Code, appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as the Commission considers appropriate.
(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws- The staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the compensation of any employee of the Commission may not exceed a rate equal to the annual rate of basic pay payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Experts and Consultants- The Commission may procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under section 5332 of such title.
(d) Administrative Support Services- The Commission may enter into agreements with the Administrator of General Services for procurement of financial and administrative services necessary for the discharge of the duties of the Commission. Payment for such services shall be made by reimbursement from funds of the Commission in such amounts as may be agreed upon by the Chairman of the Commission and the Administrator.
(e) Contracts- The Commission may--
(1) procure supplies, services, and property by contract in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts; and
(2) enter into contracts with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, State agencies, and private firms, institutions, and agencies, for the conduct of research or surveys, the preparation of reports, and other activities necessary for the discharge of the duties of the Commission, to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report to the Congress under section 3(c).
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
To carry out the provisions of this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $8,000,000.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-40
HR 40 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 40
To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 6, 2009
Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
A BILL
To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings- The Congress finds that--
(1) approximately 4,000,000 Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and colonies that became the United States from 1619 to 1865;
(2) the institution of slavery was constitutionally and statutorily sanctioned by the Government of the United States from 1789 through 1865;
(3) the slavery that flourished in the United States constituted an immoral and inhumane deprivation of Africans' life, liberty, African citizenship rights, and cultural heritage, and denied them the fruits of their own labor; and
(4) sufficient inquiry has not been made into the effects of the institution of slavery on living African-Americans and society in the United States ...
(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to--
(1) examine the institution of slavery which existed from 1619 through 1865 within the United States and the colonies that became the United States , including the extent to which the Federal and State Governments constitutionally and statutorily supported the institution of slavery;
(2) examine de jure and de facto discrimination against freed slaves and their descendants from the end of the Civil War to the present, including economic, political, and social discrimination;
(3) examine the lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery and the discrimination described in paragraph (2) on living African-Americans and on society in the United States;
(4) recommend appropriate ways to educate the American public of the Commission's findings;
(5) recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the Commission's findings on the matters described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(6) submit to the Congress the results of such examination, together with such recommendations.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES.
(a) Establishment- There is established the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the `Commission').
(b) Duties- The Commission shall perform the following duties:
(1) Examine the institution of slavery which existed within the United States and the colonies that became the United States from 1619 through 1865. The Commission's examination shall include an examination of--
(A) the capture and procurement of Africans;
(B) the transport of Africans to the United States and the colonies that became the United States for the purpose of enslavement, including their treatment during transport;
(C) the sale and acquisition of Africans as chattel property in interstate and intrastate commerce; and
(D) the treatment of African slaves in the colonies and the United States , including the deprivation of their freedom, exploitation of their labor, and destruction of their culture, language, religion, and families.
(2) Examine the extent to which the Federal and State governments of the United States supported the institution of slavery in constitutional and statutory provisions, including the extent to which such governments prevented, opposed, or restricted efforts of freed African slaves to repatriate to their homeland.
(3) Examine Federal and State laws that discriminated against freed African slaves and their descendants during the period between the end of the Civil War and the present.
(4) Examine other forms of discrimination in the public and private sectors against freed African slaves and their descendants during the period between the end of the Civil War and the present.
(5) Examine the lingering negative effects of the institution of slavery and the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) on living African-Americans and on society in the United States.
(6) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the American public of the Commission's findings.
(7) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the Commission's findings on the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4). In making such recommendations, the Commission shall address among other issues, the following questions:
(A) Whether the Government of the United States should offer a formal apology on behalf of the people of the United States for the perpetration of gross human rights violations on African slaves and their descendants.
(B) Whether African-Americans still suffer from the lingering effects of the matters described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4).
(C) Whether, in consideration of the Commission's findings, any form of compensation to the descendants of African slaves is warranted.
(D) If the Commission finds that such compensation is warranted, what should be the amount of compensation, what form of compensation should be awarded, and who should be eligible for such compensation.
(c) Report to Congress- The Commission shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Congress not later than the date which is one year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission held pursuant to section 4(c).
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment- (1) The Commission shall be composed of 7 members, who shall be appointed, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, as follows:
(A) Three members shall be appointed by the President.
(B) Three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(C) One member shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate.
(2) All members of the Commission shall be persons who are especially qualified to serve on the Commission by virtue of their education, training, or experience, particularly in the field of African-American studies.
(b) Terms- The term of office for members shall be for the life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(c) First Meeting- The President shall call the first meeting of the Commission within 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, or within 30 days after the date on which legislation is enacted making appropriations to carry out this Act, whichever date is later.
(d) Quorum- Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(e) Chair and Vice Chair- The Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. The term of office of each shall be for the life of the Commission.
(f) Compensation- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), each member of the Commission shall receive compensation at the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each day, including travel time, during which he or she is engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the Commission.
(2) A member of the Commission who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States or a Member of Congress shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of his or her service to the Commission.
(3) All members of the Commission shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties to the extent authorized by chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions- The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and at such places in the United States, and request the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of an appropriate United States district court to require, by subpoena or otherwise, such attendance, testimony, or production.
(b) Powers of Subcommittees and Members- Any subcommittee or member of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section.
(c) Obtaining Official Data- The Commission may acquire directly from the head of any department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive branch of the Government, available information which the Commission considers useful in the discharge of its duties. All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the executive branch of the Government shall cooperate with the Commission with respect to such information and shall furnish all information requested by the Commission to the extent permitted by law.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Staff- The Commission may, without regard to section 5311(b) of title 5, United States Code, appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as the Commission considers appropriate.
(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws- The staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the compensation of any employee of the Commission may not exceed a rate equal to the annual rate of basic pay payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Experts and Consultants- The Commission may procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under section 5332 of such title.
(d) Administrative Support Services- The Commission may enter into agreements with the Administrator of General Services for procurement of financial and administrative services necessary for the discharge of the duties of the Commission. Payment for such services shall be made by reimbursement from funds of the Commission in such amounts as may be agreed upon by the Chairman of the Commission and the Administrator.
(e) Contracts- The Commission may--
(1) procure supplies, services, and property by contract in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts; and
(2) enter into contracts with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, State agencies, and private firms, institutions, and agencies, for the conduct of research or surveys, the preparation of reports, and other activities necessary for the discharge of the duties of the Commission, to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report to the Congress under section 3(c).
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
To carry out the provisions of this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $8,000,000.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-40
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Barack Obama - Top Contributors
BARACK OBAMA (D)
Top Contributors
This table lists the top donors to this candidate in the 2008 election cycle. The organizations themselves did not donate , rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.
Because of contribution limits, organizations that bundle together many individual contributions are often among the top donors to presidential candidates. These contributions can come from the organization's members or employees (and their families). The organization may support one candidate, or hedge its bets by supporting multiple candidates. Groups with national networks of donors - like EMILY's List and Club for Growth - make for particularly big bundlers.
University of California $1,385,675
Goldman Sachs $980,945
Microsoft Corp $806,299
Harvard University $793,460
Google Inc $790,564
Citigroup Inc $657,268
JPMorgan Chase & Co $650,758
Stanford University $580,904
Sidley Austin LLP $574,938
Time Warner $547,951
National Amusements Inc $541,251
WilmerHale $524,292
UBS AG $522,019
IBM Corp $518,557
Skadden, Arps et al $510,274
Columbia University $503,566
Morgan Stanley $490,873
US Government $479,956
General Electric $479,454
Latham & Watkins $467,311
Original Link here: Barack Obama - Top Contributors
What's that all about? Why so much money from the rapists of our economy and media?
Top Contributors
This table lists the top donors to this candidate in the 2008 election cycle. The organizations themselves did not donate , rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.
Because of contribution limits, organizations that bundle together many individual contributions are often among the top donors to presidential candidates. These contributions can come from the organization's members or employees (and their families). The organization may support one candidate, or hedge its bets by supporting multiple candidates. Groups with national networks of donors - like EMILY's List and Club for Growth - make for particularly big bundlers.
University of California $1,385,675
Goldman Sachs $980,945
Microsoft Corp $806,299
Harvard University $793,460
Google Inc $790,564
Citigroup Inc $657,268
JPMorgan Chase & Co $650,758
Stanford University $580,904
Sidley Austin LLP $574,938
Time Warner $547,951
National Amusements Inc $541,251
WilmerHale $524,292
UBS AG $522,019
IBM Corp $518,557
Skadden, Arps et al $510,274
Columbia University $503,566
Morgan Stanley $490,873
US Government $479,956
General Electric $479,454
Latham & Watkins $467,311
Original Link here: Barack Obama - Top Contributors
What's that all about? Why so much money from the rapists of our economy and media?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Squirrely squatter stakes claim on Greendale attic
History will show it was the squirrel who started this war.In an instinctive act of aggression, it occupied the territories known as the Jensens' attic. The Greendale family had no choice but to fight back.
read more | digg story
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Police Investigate 17 Dead Squirrels in 14 Plastic Bags
A couple's walk in the woods Tuesday morning turned into a ghastly experience when they came across turkey buzzards ripping into a pile of squirrel carcasses packed into plastic sandwich bags. More than a dozen squirrels apparently had been poisoned, then frozen and left in Hefty ziplock bags, investigators said.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
American International Group: All Recipients
American International Group: All Recipients
Among Federal Candidates, 2008 Cycle
Total: $632,618
Source of Funds: Individuals PACs
Name Office Total Contributions
Dodd, Chris (D-CT) Senate $103,100
Obama, Barack (D-IL) Senate $101,332
McCain, John (R-AZ) Senate $59,499
Clinton, Hillary (D-NY) Senate $35,965
Baucus, Max (D-MT) Senate $24,750
Romney, Mitt (R) Pres $20,850
Biden, Joseph R Jr (D-DE) Senate $19,975
Larson, John B (D-CT) House $19,750
Sununu, John E (R-NH) Senate $18,500
Giuliani, Rudolph W (R) Pres $13,200
Kanjorski, Paul E (D-PA) House $12,000
Durbin, Dick (D-IL) Senate $11,000
Perlmutter, Edwin G (D-CO) House $10,500
Rangel, Charles B (D-NY) House $9,000
Edwards, John (D) Pres $7,850
Corker, Bob (R-TN) Senate $7,400
Smith, Chris (R-NJ) House $6,900
Neal, Richard E (D-MA) House $6,500
Rockefeller, Jay (D-WV) Senate $6,500
Reed, Jack (D-RI) Senate $6,000
Udall, Mark (D-CO) House $5,800
Maffei, Dan (D-NY) House $5,000
Nelson, Bill (D-FL) Senate $5,000
Warner, Mark (D-VA) Senate $5,000
Bean, Melissa (D-IL) House $4,750
Shelby, Richard C (R-AL) Senate $4,500
Mahoney, Tim (D-FL) House $4,000
Crowley, Joseph (D-NY) House $3,500
Fimian, Keith S (R-VA) House $3,300
Huckabee, Mike (R) Pres $3,300
Leavitt, David O (R-UT) House $3,000
Murphy, Chris (D-CT) House $2,800
Berman, Howard L (D-CA) House $2,500
Dole, Elizabeth (R-NC) Senate $2,500
Garrett, Scott (R-NJ) House $2,500
Cornyn, John (R-TX) Senate $2,300
Culberson, John (R-TX) House $2,300
Goode, Gregory Justin (R-IN) House $2,300
Landrieu, Mary L (D-LA) Senate $2,300
Lummis, Cynthia Marie (R-WY) House $2,300
Shays, Christopher (R-CT) House $2,200
Davis, Tom (R-VA) House $2,000
Hoyer, Steny H (D-MD) House $2,000
Inouye, Daniel K (D-HI) Senate $2,000
Pomeroy, Earl (D-ND) House $2,000
Visclosky, Pete (D-IN) House $2,000
Weiner, Anthony D (D-NY) House $2,000
King, Pete (R-NY) House $1,843
Shaheen, Jeanne (D-NH) Senate $1,500
Grassley, Chuck (R-IA) Senate $1,250
Nelson, Ben (D-NE) Senate $1,200
Wicker, Roger (R-MS) Senate $1,100
Baker, Richard (R-LA) House $1,000
Barrasso, John A (R-WY) Senate $1,000
Bennett, Robert F (R-UT) Senate $1,000
Brady, Kevin (R-TX) House $1,000
Capps, Lois (D-CA) House $1,000
Coleman, Norm (R-MN) Senate $1,000
Cooper, Jim (D-TN) House $1,000
Donnelly, Joe (D-IN) House $1,000
Ellsworth, Brad (D-IN) House $1,000
Engel, Eliot L (D-NY) House $1,000
Enzi, Mike (R-WY) Senate $1,000
Gillibrand, Kirsten E (D-NY) House $1,000
Gordon, Bart (D-TN) House $1,000
Harkin, Tom (D-IA) Senate $1,000
Himes, Jim (D-CT) House $1,000
Jones, Stephanie Tubbs (D-OH) House $1,000
Kind, Ron (D-WI) House $1,000
Kirk, Mark (R-IL) House $1,000
Lautenberg, Frank R (D-NJ) Senate $1,000
Lowey, Nita M (D-NY) House $1,000
Maloney, Carolyn B (D-NY) House $1,000
McMahon, Michael E (D-NY) House $1,000
Olson, Pete (R-TX) House $1,000
Pryor, Mark (D-AR) Senate $1,000
Salazar, Ken (D-CO) Senate $1,000
Tiberi, Patrick J (R-OH) House $1,000
Towns, Edolphus (D-NY) House $1,000
Wilson, Charlie (D-OH) House $1,000
Mielke, Daniel Ernest (R-WI) House $900
Huelskamp, Timothy A (R-KS) House $750
Laesch, John (D-IL) House $750
Tinklenberg, Elwyn (D-MN) House $750
Vilsack, Thomas J (D) Pres $700
Harrison, Stephen A (D-NY) House $604
Brownback, Sam (R-KS) Senate $500
Courtney, Joe (D-CT) House $500
Crapo, Mike (R-ID) Senate $500
Davis, Geoff (R-KY) House $500
Fossella, Vito (R-NY) House $500
Gilchrest, Wayne T (R-MD) House $500
Musgrove, Ronnie (D-MS) Senate $500
Myers, Chris (R-NJ) House $500
Pierluisi, Pedro (3-PR) $500
Putnam, Adam H (R-FL) House $500
Richardson, Bill (D) Pres $500
Roggio, Robert (D-PA) House $500
Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD) House $500
Wu, David (D-OR) House $500
METHODOLOGY: The numbers on this page are based on contributions from PACs and individuals giving $200 or more. All donations were made during the 2008 election cycle and were released by the Federal Election Commission. Figures for the current election cycle are based on data released on February 09, 2009.
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics.
Among Federal Candidates, 2008 Cycle
Total: $632,618
Source of Funds: Individuals PACs
Name Office Total Contributions
Dodd, Chris (D-CT) Senate $103,100
Obama, Barack (D-IL) Senate $101,332
McCain, John (R-AZ) Senate $59,499
Clinton, Hillary (D-NY) Senate $35,965
Baucus, Max (D-MT) Senate $24,750
Romney, Mitt (R) Pres $20,850
Biden, Joseph R Jr (D-DE) Senate $19,975
Larson, John B (D-CT) House $19,750
Sununu, John E (R-NH) Senate $18,500
Giuliani, Rudolph W (R) Pres $13,200
Kanjorski, Paul E (D-PA) House $12,000
Durbin, Dick (D-IL) Senate $11,000
Perlmutter, Edwin G (D-CO) House $10,500
Rangel, Charles B (D-NY) House $9,000
Edwards, John (D) Pres $7,850
Corker, Bob (R-TN) Senate $7,400
Smith, Chris (R-NJ) House $6,900
Neal, Richard E (D-MA) House $6,500
Rockefeller, Jay (D-WV) Senate $6,500
Reed, Jack (D-RI) Senate $6,000
Udall, Mark (D-CO) House $5,800
Maffei, Dan (D-NY) House $5,000
Nelson, Bill (D-FL) Senate $5,000
Warner, Mark (D-VA) Senate $5,000
Bean, Melissa (D-IL) House $4,750
Shelby, Richard C (R-AL) Senate $4,500
Mahoney, Tim (D-FL) House $4,000
Crowley, Joseph (D-NY) House $3,500
Fimian, Keith S (R-VA) House $3,300
Huckabee, Mike (R) Pres $3,300
Leavitt, David O (R-UT) House $3,000
Murphy, Chris (D-CT) House $2,800
Berman, Howard L (D-CA) House $2,500
Dole, Elizabeth (R-NC) Senate $2,500
Garrett, Scott (R-NJ) House $2,500
Cornyn, John (R-TX) Senate $2,300
Culberson, John (R-TX) House $2,300
Goode, Gregory Justin (R-IN) House $2,300
Landrieu, Mary L (D-LA) Senate $2,300
Lummis, Cynthia Marie (R-WY) House $2,300
Shays, Christopher (R-CT) House $2,200
Davis, Tom (R-VA) House $2,000
Hoyer, Steny H (D-MD) House $2,000
Inouye, Daniel K (D-HI) Senate $2,000
Pomeroy, Earl (D-ND) House $2,000
Visclosky, Pete (D-IN) House $2,000
Weiner, Anthony D (D-NY) House $2,000
King, Pete (R-NY) House $1,843
Shaheen, Jeanne (D-NH) Senate $1,500
Grassley, Chuck (R-IA) Senate $1,250
Nelson, Ben (D-NE) Senate $1,200
Wicker, Roger (R-MS) Senate $1,100
Baker, Richard (R-LA) House $1,000
Barrasso, John A (R-WY) Senate $1,000
Bennett, Robert F (R-UT) Senate $1,000
Brady, Kevin (R-TX) House $1,000
Capps, Lois (D-CA) House $1,000
Coleman, Norm (R-MN) Senate $1,000
Cooper, Jim (D-TN) House $1,000
Donnelly, Joe (D-IN) House $1,000
Ellsworth, Brad (D-IN) House $1,000
Engel, Eliot L (D-NY) House $1,000
Enzi, Mike (R-WY) Senate $1,000
Gillibrand, Kirsten E (D-NY) House $1,000
Gordon, Bart (D-TN) House $1,000
Harkin, Tom (D-IA) Senate $1,000
Himes, Jim (D-CT) House $1,000
Jones, Stephanie Tubbs (D-OH) House $1,000
Kind, Ron (D-WI) House $1,000
Kirk, Mark (R-IL) House $1,000
Lautenberg, Frank R (D-NJ) Senate $1,000
Lowey, Nita M (D-NY) House $1,000
Maloney, Carolyn B (D-NY) House $1,000
McMahon, Michael E (D-NY) House $1,000
Olson, Pete (R-TX) House $1,000
Pryor, Mark (D-AR) Senate $1,000
Salazar, Ken (D-CO) Senate $1,000
Tiberi, Patrick J (R-OH) House $1,000
Towns, Edolphus (D-NY) House $1,000
Wilson, Charlie (D-OH) House $1,000
Mielke, Daniel Ernest (R-WI) House $900
Huelskamp, Timothy A (R-KS) House $750
Laesch, John (D-IL) House $750
Tinklenberg, Elwyn (D-MN) House $750
Vilsack, Thomas J (D) Pres $700
Harrison, Stephen A (D-NY) House $604
Brownback, Sam (R-KS) Senate $500
Courtney, Joe (D-CT) House $500
Crapo, Mike (R-ID) Senate $500
Davis, Geoff (R-KY) House $500
Fossella, Vito (R-NY) House $500
Gilchrest, Wayne T (R-MD) House $500
Musgrove, Ronnie (D-MS) Senate $500
Myers, Chris (R-NJ) House $500
Pierluisi, Pedro (3-PR) $500
Putnam, Adam H (R-FL) House $500
Richardson, Bill (D) Pres $500
Roggio, Robert (D-PA) House $500
Van Hollen, Chris (D-MD) House $500
Wu, David (D-OR) House $500
METHODOLOGY: The numbers on this page are based on contributions from PACs and individuals giving $200 or more. All donations were made during the 2008 election cycle and were released by the Federal Election Commission. Figures for the current election cycle are based on data released on February 09, 2009.
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Vicious Cycle
The large corporations crumbled in the 70's, giving way to local Mom & Pop stores.
The open-air mall provided a million boutique shops for anything and everything you'd need.
Then the big-lot stores took over, forcing Mom & Pop out of business.
Then the corporations screwed everything up and ran off with all the money.
The plane was being piloted by those Wall St. hacks.
The Federal Government looked the other way until...
The large corporations crumbled in the late 00's, giving way to local Mom & Pop stores...
The open-air mall provided a million boutique shops for anything and everything you'd need.
Then the big-lot stores took over, forcing Mom & Pop out of business.
Then the corporations screwed everything up and ran off with all the money.
The plane was being piloted by those Wall St. hacks.
The Federal Government looked the other way until...
The large corporations crumbled in the late 00's, giving way to local Mom & Pop stores...
Friday, March 06, 2009
White House Seeks Economic Advice From Twitter
Twitter cofounder and CEO Ev Williams is headed to the White House today. As Ev himself puts it -- in a Twitter message, of course -- "[this] must mean they're *really* out of ideas." A reminder: With 6 million members and 700% plus growth, Twitter makes no money in the US.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Monday, March 02, 2009
Follow Keith Coogan on Twitter!
Follow Keith Coogan on Twitter! here: Follow Keith Coogan on Twitter!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Mexico sending extra troops to violent border city
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Mexico will deploy extra troops and federal police to this violent city across the border from Texas where the police chief recently bowed to crime gang demands that he resign, the government said Wednesday.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Keith Coogan Interviewed by Caffeinated Clint at Moviehole!
"I still import TAB into the country. I have the original 1989 “Batman” ticket stub somewhere. And I wore out my “Nine and a Half Weeks” VHS by the time I was twelve. And I’m probably the only guy reading this column that actually has fond memories of seeing “Howard the Duck” at the theater..." - Caffeinated Clint
read more | digg story
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Notes from a Hollywood Barbershop On an Unusual Drug Dealer
Speck is a black guy, originally from Brooklyn. He is also, tragically, a thalidomide baby. His mother was given thalidomide during her pregnancy, and Speck was born with severe birth defects: tiny flippers for arms and malformed, dysfunctional legs. He has lived in a wheelchair his whole life... and he happens to be a drug dealer.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Pencil the horse rescued from icy Kentucky pond
Pencil the walking horse is back at home after being rescued from an icy pond in northern Kentucky where he was stuck for more than an hour. The Kentucky Enquirer reported that it took nearly 40 firefighters, including members of the Northern Kentucky Large Animal Rescue Team, to get the horse out Wednesday.
read more | digg story
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
'Dollhouse' and 'Terminator' Go Grindhouse! NEW Trailer
Fox's awesome new trailer packages "Dollhouse" and "Terminator" as a grindhouse double feature.
read more | digg story
Monday, February 02, 2009
IFC Films falls for 'Dead Snow'
IFC Films, which had remained quiet throughout most of the Sundance Film Festival, suddenly jumped Wednesday to purchase U.S. distribution rights to the Norwegian horror-comedy "Dead Snow." Elle Driver also sold the film in foreign territories Germany, Benelux, the U.K. and Canada.
read more | digg story
Friday, January 30, 2009
I Kissed A Squirrel And I Liked It (Pic)
Saites, a Gainesville resident and University of Florida employee, is with Squeaky, now 8 1/2 years old, whenever she is not working. The two share daily relaxation time on the couch every evening. "She knows me as safety," Saites said. "Squeaky is my baby girl."
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Monday, January 26, 2009
Mexican ‘Stew Maker’ dissolved 300 drug war victims in acid
The job of Santiago Meza López was to dispose of the enemies of a notorious drug baron by dissolving them in tubs of acid. Over several years he claims to have “disappeared” 300 enemies of Teodoro GarcÃa Semental, a former henchman for one of the largest cartels in Mexico and now in a bloody struggle for supremacy over the trade.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Nurses walk in pairs to protect themselves from squirrels
Nurses have been told to walk in pairs or carry umbrellas to protect them from attacks by squirrels.
read more | digg story
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tijuana off-limits to U.S. Marines
For tens of thousands of U.S. Marines in Southern California, new orders from the brass amount to: Baghdad si, Tijuana no. Tijuana saw its bloodiest year ever in 2008 with 843 killings, compared with 337 the previous year.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mexico police chief's head found in ice box
The head of a Mexican police chief was delivered to his colleagues in an ice box in the country's latest drug-related violence.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bush Protest: Shoes Thrown At White House, One Arrested
President Bush was given an Iraqi-journalist-style sendoff on his last full day in office Monday, as tourists and demonstrators lobbed shoes, pumps, boots, sandals and Crocs from Pennsylvania Avenue onto the White House lawn.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Presidential Gatling Gun-Equipped Suburban
Barack Obama's getting a Cadillac-styled new Presidential Limo tomorrow. While nice, we're more interested in the Gatling gun-equipped Suburban that follows Cadillac One. Here's video of the bullet-spraying Chevy in action.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Monday, January 19, 2009
Bush commutes sentences of former US border agents
WASHINGTON (AP) - In his final acts of clemency, President George W. Bush on Monday commuted the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Mexico On Path To Become Biggest Security Threat Since Iraq
Indiscriminate kidnappings. Nearly daily beheadings. Gangs that mock and kill government agents.This isn't Iraq or Pakistan. It's Mexico, which the U.S. government and a growing number of experts say is becoming one of the world's biggest security risks.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
U.S. military report warns 'sudden collapse' of Mexico
EL PASO - Mexico is one of two countries that "bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse," according to a report by the U.S. Joint Forces Command on worldwide security threats.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Racoon - The Other Dark Meat.
He rolls into the parking lot of Leon's Thriftway in an old, maroon Impala with a trunk full of frozen meat. Raccoon — the other dark meat.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Squirrels Start Fire At MP's Home
Squirrels have been blamed for setting a former attorney general's house on fire. The rodents are believed to have gnawed their way through cables, sparking the blaze at the property belonging to former MP Lord Mayhew on Wednesday afternoon.
read more | digg story
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Saving a Squirrel by Eating One
While some have difficulty with the cuteness versus deliciousness ratio — that adorable little face, those itty-bitty claws — many feel that eating squirrel is a way to do something good for the environment while enjoying a unique gastronomical experience.
read more | digg story
Monday, January 05, 2009
Jackie Coogan on the Lucy Show
My grandfather, Jackie Coogan, having a ball on The Lucy Show. Part 2 of 3. Check out the whole episode on youtube.
Operation “Cast Lead”
The longer term objective of this plan, as formulated by Israeli policy makers, is the expulsion of Palestinians from Palestinian lands:
“Terrorize the civilian population, assuring maximal destruction of property and cultural resources… The daily life of the Palestinians must be rendered unbearable: They should be locked up in cities and towns."
-Wow, if you're going to want to achieve a goal, then you would have to have a plan. If this were the goal I was shooting for, this plan would surely work. Words cannot describe the pain I feel in my heart when I read these types of "business plans".
read more | digg story
The Iraq War Is Now Illegal
Congress' authorization RAN OUT on 12/31. Bush's "Status of Forces Agreement" (SOFA) was never authorized by Congress. The terms are somewhat in line with Obama's plans for withdrawal, but he & Congress MUST pass it as legislation to curtail the precedent.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
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