FaceBook joins the rank of the prudes

Protesters target Facebook after photos of breastfeeding mothers removed

FACEBOOK is under fire after removing pictures of breastfeeding mothers from members' pages.

A Facebook group entitled "Hey, Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!'' has already attracted nearly 85,000 members and a handful of activists held a rally outside its California headquarters over the weekend

My opinion and comment to some person saying women were rubbing their breast feeding into people's faces.

When are prudes going to stop equating breast feeding to someone flashing their genitals or pornography? Breast feeding is not now, or ever been, obscene. If you don't like seeing it, stop staring! There are famous works of art depicting Mary nursing Jesus, are those also going to be 'sanitised'? And why is it FaceBook, and other weblogs/social networks, have no problem with a bare chested man? Hypocritical much? And to Mel, breast feeding isn't being 'rubbed into people's faces'. The people checking out profiles and pictures can move on and not ogle. They choose to stare and be 'offended'.

Well, at least someone got back to me with answers

It seems that Gizmo Project for LJ Talk was discontinued when SUP bought LJ from SixApart, but as usual, the admins never bothered to update their FAQ until someone pointed it out to them. One of their volunteers filled in the gap as to why it wasn't supported, or distributed. The same volunteer has since deleted all the Gizmo Project info from the FAQ.

Gonna hang onto the installation file, as none of the alternatives have all the features that Gizmo Project has.

Pet Peeve

Subscription software.

I loathe it. Gone are the days of 'Stand Alone" applications and programs?  Personally, if an older version of something I am using works, I don't want it to expire, especially after paying $39 to $149 USD for it, or not work because there is a NEW AND IMPROVED (which it seldom is) version out there.  I don't see what is wrong with keeping the original program, but just update the data bases like many Anti-virus programs used to do. This time bombing of programs flat out sucks. Yes, I know this is how companies keep raking in their revenues, if all someone wants to do is update a virus list, and not the software engine, they should be allowed to do so.

I am very glad I still have  saved original installation files for certain software, that have now become with the latest update, subscription.  I don't mind going back to the earlier version of System Mechanic. Other than the 'new' feature of an expiration date, I have yet to see a difference between v8 from v7.

Slysoft has also gone the way of subscription. But, luckily for me, the company will only be implementing this subscription method after Dec 31st, 2008. I got their entire line of programs years ago, so I will still get the 'unlimited lifetime updates'.

It's sad he died... but

A priest has died after trying to demonstrate how Jesus walked on water.

Evangelist preacher Franck Kabele, 35, told his congregation he could repeat the biblical miracle.
But he drowned after walking out to sea from a beach in the capital Libreville in Gabon, west Africa.
One eyewitness said: “He told churchgoers he’d had a revelation that if he had enough faith, he could walk on water like Jesus.
“He took his congregation to the beach saying he would walk across the Komo estuary, which takes 20 minutes by boat.
“He walked into the water, which soon passed over his head and he never came back.”

Franck Kabele, Religion News Blog [Comments (27)] [2008-Dec-28]

Guess that nifty revelation forgot to tell him where the rocks were.

Recycling, sort of

We have a found a great way to get Loki into the house, and to have him do some 'lets tired him out' activity. An inexpensive cat toy we got at Cat Haven for $2. Two floaty feathers, attached to a small rod, dangling by fishing line.  Unfortunately, he likes it so much, it's very bedraggled and kinda mauled.  

So, Aikidomayland  and I went to Spotlight and picked up a small bag of masquerade feathers, some smallish downy ostrich or emu feathers (not too sure which, as they have been bleached and dyed) and with some dental floss, and an old rod with with the cat toy long gone, have made him a new one. We have enough feathers to make several more as needed.

Also took advantage of the post holiday sales and picked up a very nice wreath to use next year. Didn't get a tree.. not with the two nutjobs.

Inquiry and Pillage

After much discussion and recommendations from both Personal Trainer, and a physio, I will be enrolling in Tai Chi. I went and had discussion with the instructor, and it seems that it will help with the problems I am having (putting too much weight on the right leg, straining the lower back and ribs, resulting in poor posture and low back pain) and it will help with the weakness in the left leg by being a balanced, yet non-jolting, exercise. Not going to say where, though, as there is some poison pill that likes to show up at everything I do, even if she had no interest whatsoever in it prior my doing said activities.

Keito, our cowardly wonderspud of a cat, showed some chutzpah today, surprising the hell out of us. Neighbors' Cat, Cheeki, was daringly right outside Keitos' lounging room window. Keito gave threatening YOWL and charged the window. ka-THUD! Then he ran to the side door, went out the pet door, then up and over the fence and chased her out of the yard. He stopped at 'his' territory boundary, and just kept up an almost subliminal growling. Who would have thunk it!

Pillaging was typical. Aikidomayland wanted some Won Ton skins so he could make shimai and stir fried veggies for dinner tonight.

I love it when webdesigners/admins eat crow

I had been having problems with the MSNBC video site. It happened suddenly, one it all worked fine, the following day, it was broken. I tried it on three different computers in the house, with the same fail results.

So, I email them, asking what the problem was, had they changed who could access it (some sites are US only, but I bypass that using Tor Proxy). I get the typical "your set up is wrong, check flash version, this check that check this click that" even though I had told them "It worked fine on Dec. 4th, I have changed nothing, haven't installed any new software, or hardware. It stopped working on Dec 5th."

Again, I get the "check your flash version etc etc etc." I got fed up with the form letter or outright condescension, and made a video screen capture of my trying to use their site, using both IE (gag!) and Firefox, clearly showing that yes, Flash was loading, and it was the right version, and wasn't working on their site, clicking over to YouTube and other flash sites and it worked fine, and emailed the link to it, along with the "It worked fine on Dec. 4th, I have changed nothing, haven't installed any new software, or hardware. It stopped working on Dec 5th."

It took a few weeks but I got this:

Thank you for writing to MSN Entertainment Technical Support. My name is
Mahen.

I would like to inform you that the problem has been resolved
and the videos are playing now. However, please let us know the result
at your ends.

At my ends? Outsourcing at it's best.

Be that as it may, it was a problem at their side of things, and it got fixed. This is about as close to an "oops, you were right, we were wrong" as I am gonna get, but it's good enough for me.

Singer, actress Eartha Kitt dies at 81

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt as "Catwoman

Singer and actress Eartha Kitt has died, her publicist, Patty Freedman, told CNN on Thursday. She performed almost until the end of her life.

Her recording of the saucy Christmas song "Santa Baby" was certified gold last week.

Kitt was well known for her distinctive voice and made a name for herself in her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series "Batman." That role produced Kitt's recognizable sultry cat growl.

Me an animal recue ranger?

Sometimes.

Just went out to get the herbs I need for the turkey, and I spot a dove on the bricks. Not unusual, but when it tried to move away from me, it was wobbly and uncoordinated. I looked at it and saw no injuries, but I did see feathers strewn about. I looked at the bird again, and noticed it was male. I have a funny feeling this poor bugger was on the losing side of a fight with another male dove.

I gathered my herbs, came back into the house and got my gardening gloves. I tried to pick up the bird, and even as loopy as it was, it managed to squirm out of my hands. So, I tried again, with a firmer grip, and got it. I put it in the 'emergency nursery nest' we have rigged up for nestlings that have fallen out, and now I guess for injured birds. The cats can't get to it, and this way it will have a chance to recover from its championship bout.

Happy/Merry/Joyous/Bright *insert your holiday here*

I was woken up dark and early by two -let us out we have to pee NOOOOOOW- cats before 5:30 this morning. *sigh* They haven't learned what 'sleeping in' means yet. Still had/have that 'if you aren't careful, I will be come a migraine' headache, woke up with it. Have taken appropriate measures to keep it at bay.

Getting ready to fix the partial feast. Not going to cook the 12.5 kilo (27.5 lbs) turkey again. Yes, it was yummy last year. But no, not this year.

We went to An's house last night, whereupon aikidomayland wowed his mom with his cooking skills. I ran as much interference as I could, to keep her from trying to take over. Lovely red emperor cooked to perfection, and stir fried veggies. For such a tiny slip of a woman, wow can she eat! It did her some good to have company. aikidomayland spent the night there, which is why the cats were bugging me to let them out.

Off to the kitchen for me! Must begin the mystical dance of pots and pans that result is an almost artistic result.

Stay safe!

Yes, again the yapping dog

After yap yap yap, bark bark bark, and a tension headache starting to build, I went to my window again and yelled "SHUT IT!". There was quiet for about 10 minutes. It yipped a few more times, and is now quiet. Maybe her owners heard me this time. *muttergrumblenottheirpreciousmistymyassmuttergrumble*

Had to be done.

moar funny pictures

Just a little bit prissy, maybe?

Loki lays down, throw rug fashion, with front feet daintily crossed.

Close up.

I haz a book!

My pardon. I have ben reading too many LOLCats again.

But I do have a book. A hardcover graphic novel to be exact, of "The Dresden Files" variety. (savor savor). Also have an autographed photograph. Must get frame!

Thank you ShadoutCarver. :D

Ooo pretty

aikidomayland got me a long bow. IT arrived early, but I saw no need to wait until next year to shoot it (he didn't see any reason to wait, either).

The #40 draw wasn't a problem. What was the problem was the string vibration and subsequent handshock. My knuckles and wrist still hurts. He is going to get me some string silencers to take the vibration down.

Went to Foo Gwai for a light lunch. Met up with Delicious Irony Discordia13 and Pavla, where upon a pork bun was sacrificed to Akire-yta . *urp*

aikidomayland fixed a delicious salmon dinner for all of us tonight. Was nice to have everybody home for dinner. Got to do it more often.

Why is it...

That many believe that 'Freedom of religion' is alright but only if it pertains to their religion?

On a discussion forum, the hot topic is a Muslim woman arrested in Georgia for not removing her headscarf in a courtroom when ordered to by the judge. She first said no, politely. But when her religious reasons for wearing it were dismissed by the judge, she was understandably upset.

Many on the forum have cheered about her arrest, many with the she should 'go to her own country' if she wanted to dress like that due to religion, totally ignoring the fact she was a US citizen, thereby already in her own country.

When asked if they thought a nun, in a full habit, was told she had to wear street clothes, they all said NO, rather firmly too. When asked by me what was the difference between the nun in a full habit due to religious observance, and the woman wearing the headscarf for the same reason, the posters almost as if one mind stated that the Nun was of a Christian faith, so it was ok. *boggle*

Preloaded bloatware..err software

It's annoying. Right now, all I have is 2 gigs of memory on this computer. (I remember when that was a HUGE amount. Ah, how times have changed.) Running McAfee Security Center takes a huge effing chunk of memory. I have been using a different program and have seen no need to stop using it.Not only that, the damned program deleted a file it claimed was a virus, which I knew it wasn't before I stop it.

Luckily for me, I had it archived on a DVD-RW. I had to shut down McShield and quickly open and run the install file before it automatically restarted. Oh, did I forget to mention, even if you disable all of it, the 'real time scanner' won't stay shut down? I searched every forum and archive online on how to disable it, and nothing.

My cure for that was to run task manager, shut it down, and before it restarted, I cut and pasted the exe file to another directory, renamed it McShield.renamed exe.txt., and then put it back into its original directory. Who knows, if or when I get more memory, I might use it, but only if they decide to change it, that when you exit the program, it all exits.

The Wheel keeps turning

Kinda bummed out, but still have things that need to be done, so went and did them.

Went to Bunnings to get a Torx set. Went to the tools section and was asked "Can I help you?" and when I explained what I was looking for, the guy immediately tried to tell and sell me Phillips head screwdrivers. I put my hand up and said "No, not Phillips head, not Allen wrenches, and not standard head screw drivers, but Torx. The kind to crack open and XBOX 360." A woman came from around the aisle an said "I know, follow me." He looked kind of sheepish at being shown up.

Went to grocery store to get 'brownie making supplies', as I received a request to make some for Christmas by Jean, Un-son, Robin mom. I am experimenting with organic cocoa amounts to make "chocolate oil' to make the brownies semi-sweet. This batch has white chocolate chips in it, as Jean can't eat any sort of legumes, including nuts.

aikidomayland pouted a bit when he found out the first batch was for Jean. I have enough supplies to make three more batches. The issue is only one baking dish for them. Oh well, he will just have to wait.

Farewell to a great lady

Majel Barrett Roddenberry dies

'Star Trek' creator's widow died Thursday

By Mike Barnes

Dec 18, 2008, 04:37 PM ET

Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the widow of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and the voice of the USS Enterprise computer, died Thursday of leukemia. She was 76.

Family spokesman Sean Rossall says Roddenberry died at her home in Bel Air. Her son, Eugene, and friends were at her side.

Roddenberry also played Nurse Christine Chapel in the original "Star Trek" 1960s TV series and had smaller roles in many of its successors. She was the voice of the USS Enterprise computer in almost every incarnation of the series, reprising the role in the "Star Trek" movie directed by J.J. Abrams that is due out in May.

After her husband's death in 1991, Roddenberry continued to promote the "Star Trek" legacy at conventions. She also was the executive producer for two unrelated TV science fiction series, "Andromeda" and "Earth: Final Conflict."

Roddenberry began her acting career in the 1950's with roles on such shows as "Leave It to Beaver," "Bonanza" and "The Lucy Show."

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the CARE Organization or Precious Paws

And the band is playing on

Even after the election is over, after the poor deceased equine has been flogged into the ground, there are still idiots that insist that P.E. Obama is Muslim, and that his wanting to be sworn in using his middle name proves it, and how come using his middle name isn't suddenly racist anymore.

My reply:

It was racist when jackasses like you refused to call him by his first name, and insisted on calling him Hussein Obama only. It's racist when jackasses like you try to meme the similarity of his last name to Bin Ladin's first name.

And you just proved you are a racist when you called him President Hussein Obama.

Barack Hussein Obama isn't a Muslim. Never was. If he was, you dimwitted fool, why are all the Muslim radicals telling him he had better convert to Islam? Demanding that he do so! Or did that little nugget escape your notice?

My artwork printed

I had the opportunity to see what my artwork looks like printed. Not my photographs, but the digital artwork.

Oh my. The Japanese Vase leaps out of the page, with color and depth. The "I'm Not a Morning Critter" (butterfly holding a coffee cup) looks realistic, yet coffee cup? The beach scene, the Celtic spirals, all of it floored me. I am always doubtful of anything I do, and seeing my work, solid and real, amazed me.

Gallery

Outdoor chores for today

Pruned back the bucket o' sage. It started out as a bunch of little seedlings. It's now a shrub in a planter. Pruned the rose bushes (aka burglar deterrent) so they aren't hanging over the foot path. Attacked the lavender plants too. Took a large bundle of lavender into our room, and have it on aikidomayland's night table. It should help him sleep.

Swept up more yard debris (leaves, twigs etc) from the back yard and now have them as mulch out front. It has helped keep the weeds down. Trying to get it all done, and dropping hints... no not hints, flat out saying to both aikidomayland and Alan "I need help here!" to no avail.

Maybe I need to invite someone to stay for a week again. >:)

Even after 8 years

Saying summer, December, and Christmas in the same sentence jangles the synapses. (looks at small clipped on desk fan) And needing that in December is still rather a novelty to me.

Trying to get ambitious enough to get holiday gifts wrapped up. Not looking forward to bending over too low a table to get the job done.

Today Aikidomayland takes Alan to TAFE to enroll again. I have laid the law down the rules and regs. Monday through Friday, he isn't to go gallivanting with his friends at all. Friday Night, all day Saturday, and up until Sunday evening he can hang out with his buddies, but he is to be back Sunday evenings. I understand he failed part of the course last year because of vicious flu that lasted 4 weeks because of his asthma, but he 'got by' the others barely. No more.

I want to punt the neighbors dog again. It's been out back barking for the last (looks at the clock) 90 minutes.

You know you're loved...

When after you have been weeding the front yard, cleaning up yard debris, when your hubby comes home and you get up to cook dinner, he volunteers. :)

Laptop model, and his case

One silver tabby, typically a laptop model, and his computer bag.

That is/was a black case... once.

Irony much?

Anti-kidnapping consultant kidnapped in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) -- An American anti-kidnapping consultant was kidnapped in Mexico, according to the Houston-based security firm he works for.

Weekend and today

Archery yesterday was brutal. It got hotter than predicted, and even with the liberal use of sunscreen, and lots of water to drink, we left dehydrated and a wee bit sun reddened (not quite burned). Off to Foo Gwai for lunch, where aikidomayland and I made our pork bun sacrifice to Akire-yta .

Back home, and aikidomayland got cleaned up and ready for his coffee date with his mom. He dressed for comfort, meaning he was wearing a rather ratty pair of shorts, and most t-shirts are rather long on him, and the one he chose was no exception. An's comment was rather amusing. "You haven't gone poor, have you?"

Tired today. I slept deep last night, but it wasn't all that restful, I guess. Such is life.

Largest Full Moon of 2008

Taken Dec 12th.

Tripod mounted Lumix DMC-FZ30
Focal Length 420.0mm
Exp 1/100 sec at f/5.6
ISO-200

This phenomenon is because the moon is much closer to the earth than usual, on its egg-shaped orbit around the earth. When it get closer to the earth it is perigee and when farthest from earth it is apogee. The two points occur once every year , but the moon’s exact distance varies over the years.

This is a P.S.A.

aikidomayland is pussycat whipped.

That is all.

Ok, maybe not my proudest moment

After weeks of listening to that yapping machine of a neighbors dog, barking incessantly from 8am until after 7 pm almost every f&&king day, I lost it.  Not in some major going nuclear.

I went to my bedroom window which looks out into our back yard, which is abutted by theirs, and yelled "Would you PLEASE quiet your DOG!"

Suddenly, blessed silence ensues.

If I have to do this every damned day, I will. I have had enough stress headaches that have blossomed into migraines from this constant nuisance

A quiet night

aikidomayland  has a full dance card tonight. Company shindig, and then gaming session with some buddies of his afterward.

Going to fix light supper for me, take a long hot shower and curl up with a good book tonight. Been feeling kind of tired and dragged out lately, and maybe some serious down time will fix me up.

Computer woes have been cured by what is now dubbed "AcerRacer". I could use some more memory on it, but that will happen later. I have removed all the Nagware and Nannyware ("You have just left clicked your mouse, are you sure you want to do this?"), removed the registry entry for that annoying welcome screen. Blister doesn't make it easy to make other than Micro$oft programs your default ones, but I was determined (three syllable word for stubborn).

 As for AcerChild: once I have all the data I want salvaged (images, documents, music, video) I am going to have a new hd put in it, or have a destructive full format on the current one (I am leaning towards new hard drive), partition it so the OS is totally separated from everything else, and all back ups on the external drives will be wiped. Get that up and running and when it is, it will be the back up.

Yum!

Today I decided to make some jambalaya, delicious Nawlin's style, for dinner. It's fiddly to make, but it's so well worth it.

It's is a bit prep intensive, so I only do it O-Cajun-ally. *scampers away laughing*

So much for that idea

Since it seems that rebooting the machine, even for a restart, causes that error, it was a good idea to get another computer and quickly build it back. It's all the annoying little things that are getting to me.

I don't like Blistah, errr Vista. I don't like the nag ware, the nanny ware, or the bloatware. Trimming the fat, so to speak, and making a leaner running machine. Yes, I did make recovery dvds, but I have yet to ever see those things 'fix' anything. MS has to come up with a way to make something like ERD Commander, but actually Windows, that you can create for just your computer. Would save a helluva lot of hassles.

Computer Prognosis

Took Acerchild (Travelmate) to the tech, and had it bench tested, memory stress test, and hard drive tested too.

Good news/Bad News

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the hard drive.

There is still an issue with memory access.

Prognosis: the computer to kick the bucket any second, or last for a few more years. Am in the process of setting up it's replacement.

Will also be donating AcerBeast (Extensa 2000) to Computer Angels.

Problem solved

Turns out it wasn't my hard drive that was giving me trouble. It was memory addressing error, everytime I tried to install HP Bluetooth adapter, I had problems. Yes, I was stupid/stuborn enough to have installed it to make sure, only after I got updated ERD Commander.

All hail ERD commander, or else I wouldn't have been able to get things fixed. I was able to roll it back to pre HP bluetooth installation, and am once again back in Windows. But I have a dual boot system right now. XP Home and XP Pro SP3.

AcerChild has an appointment at computer store, for new memory, and memory stress test. Might be more worth my while to just get a new machine. I do work mine a lot more than aikidomayland with all the graphic/audio/video work and editing I do, so I would put a lot more wear and tear in a shorter period of time.

H.T. to wonderful, kind, generous, Ben for coming over and making nice with AcerChild before I tossed it out the window, without opening the window first.

A pillaging we will go...

Meegan came by today, reminding me we had an appointment in Garden City. So, after we were done, we went pillaging. I got a few items needed in the house, and finished off holiday shopping.

Got back home, rescued another skink from Loki, and set it free in my potted veggies.

Archery yesterday: aikidomayland forgot (selective amnesia, common in the male of the species) I had mentioned that I don't do competitions, and loaded up my stuff. *sigh* Off we went. I mentioned his ummm forgetting things that matter to me has got to stop.

Well, after the competition, of which I once again showed everyone, including DimJim, that the reason I don't compete isn't because I can't. I just don't want to.

Met up with Delicious Irony and Discordia13 at Foo Gwai, where we solemnly sacrifed pork buns to akire-yta.

No treadmill needed... seriously

Sliding Kittens

Willie Nelson

Mega thanks to Roya-Spirit for giving me permission to use one of the fabulous photographs she took at the Billy Bob Thorton/Wilie Nelson concert as a reference to make a digital painting.

Taking advice

From shadoutcarver and putting it to good use.

I knew I had a delivery due today, so I was waiting, curtain open, front door open, making sure son was at the window if I wasn't.

Post van pulled up.... or should I say he perform his version of pulling up.

He popped his head out of his window, looked about, got out, started walking to the mail box, and I dashed out the door.

"I gotcha this time."

Sneaky little bastitch, wasn't he?

And yes, I have forwarded it, along with scanned copies of my 4 filled out Customer Complaint forms, to the appropriate persons.

I do not like being messed with at all.

How's this for a solution

Was talking to Shadoutcarver about my recent dilemma with the postal service.

Me: I am tempted to put small card table, a chair and laptop in the carport, sit there and have the f***er say "I didn't think anyone was home"

She liked that idea.

What the Postman couldn't put in the mailbox

It was.. a fekking magazine.

I was told I could fill out yet another customer complaint form, to which I pertly replied "I have filled out 4, and have yet been contacted or see an improvement."

Preamble first

The front door was open, curtains open in the room I am in, making it $@##*&$ obvious that someone is most assuredly home. Son is also up and about.

Once again, Australia post dumped a "Sorry to have missed you" card without coming up to the door. I have no idea how large of a parcel it is, and they won't (or can't) tell me what size the parcel/package is. I need to know whether I can fit in in the cargo pod on the back of the scooter, or fit it on the 'floor' of the scooter with my feet on the pedals.

That makes how many times in just a few weeks? 3?

What I hadn't noticed

When I took the photograph of the Occultation, I was concentrating on total image. Someone else, who had taken an almost identical photo pointed something out to me. I got more than just the "Smiley Face".

This is Jupiter and at least three of its moons showing. Not painted, not added, just cropped, pasted, and enlarged so details can been seen. This was taken with my Lumix DMC-FZ30.

The Joys of Marriage

I was woken up rather ummm interestingly this morning.

aikidomayland: Honey! Loki brought in another lizard!

Me: Fine, get dust pan, sweep it in and put it outside.

aikidomayland: I just got out of the shower! I'm naked!

Me: I'm sure the lizard won't mind.

I rescued lizard (turned out to be a gecko), put it outside.

3 decades since history class, and I still remember.

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

El Cheapo Strikes again

My telephone plan expires in a little over a week. I got a renewal offer from my provider. Renew the same plan and upgrade to the NEXT G for 2 years and get a new phone. Wasn't planning on dropping my phone provider, as I have been using it for over 5 yrs, and getting free upgrade to NextG just for renewing... sure. I did notice, however, the very expensive phone they tried to sneak in as a choice. No thanks. I'm silly, not stupid. ;)

When it arrives, I will put it in away until if or when my Treo caks it.

Spacial Smiley Face (Lunar Occultation)

Taken shortly after full dark.

Taken at 10:26pm, when there was some high thin clouds/haze, dimming the moon just a little.

I have some that I took before full dark, too, but have to go through them, as the wind kicked up just enough to vibrate the tripod.

Waxing crescent moon, with Venus and Jupiter (and a smattering of stars)

Full sized, this image is 1.2 megs, 3264x2448.

Tonight's image should have the crescent moon closer to the planets, to make a smiley face! :)

Tossing a question out to the Tech Saavy

I had this problem a while ago, and was able to solve it. But I can't remember how.

I had to recently restore my system from back up. That wasn't the problem. The problem was subtitles on DVDs wasn't showing. Kind of a problem since I wanted to watch "Pan's Labyrinth".  I had fixed it before, but nothing I am doing seems to be working, and I can't remember what I did to fix it. It doesn't matter what program I use (PowerDVD, CinePlayer, VLC, KmPlayer) the subtitles just don't show up.

Yes, I know how to select subtitles from the DVD menu, and from the program menu, they just aren't showing up. No, they are set to 100% transparency either.

Everything I have found on the net has to do with burning CDs, or subtitles for AVI files, and that isn't the issue.

Help?

EDIT: About 2 minutes after I posted this, the light bulb went on in my brain, and I remembered how I fixed it last time. Gawd, I feel like such an idiot.

Loki likes it

To save my lemongrass, I got some cat grass and cat nip for Loki to gnaw on. Yes, he likes lemon grass, to the point he will stand with his front paws on the planter, meow at me. Then he waits for me to find some fresh soft blades for him to chew on. Maybe now the lemongrass will 'shrub out' a bit more.

After donating some food, kitten milk, pouches of food and a feeding dish to CatHaven, we got some items they were selling for their fund raising. Got a new CatHaven mouse pad, a CatHaven coffee mug, aikidomayland got a CatHaven baseball cap, and we got a feathery toy for the fur kids. They like the feather toy very much as it floats and flutters. :) Also bought two large cans of food at the fundraiser to be giving to up to 4 cats for their "Christmas Dinner".

The CatHaven is almost filled to capacity, and when you read why... "Rent went up, can't afford to feed him/her" or "Had to move and new landlord said no pets." These aren't youngun's either. 6 yr old, and up weren't uncommon. :/ Was all I could do not to take one very chatty boy home.

Sunny Sunday

Got up early, as the younger furry god, Loki, decided to hog the bed, spreading out, shoving until he had taken more of the bed space than the humans did.

aikidomayland had gotten the archery gear ready the night before, so I loaded up the car, not forgetting our donations for Cat Haven.

There is this guy at the archery club, who I shall call DJ (for Dim Jim), who likes to throw his authority and weight around. I don't know why he sees fit to harangue and belittle at every turn, but I am heartily fed up with him. I was talking to the club president, and DJ starts in on his "Are well listening? Paying attention?" while glaring at me. What he was nattering on about, 40 feet away from me, had nothing to do with me or anyone at my end of the shooting line! Even the club president was a bit taken aback at DJ and his attitude, but he didn't say anything.

Next: There is a club competition/championship shoot next Sunday. I don't shoot in competitions, as I have no real need for status, doo dads, or 'recognition'. I shoot well, and I know it. DJ was announcing that anyone who has been a member of the club for 3 months should be shooting in the competitions, once again glaring at me when he said it. I can't stand for 3+ hrs shooting that many arrows. My left leg would start wobbling and buckling, and my back would start spasming.

At the end of my shooting, I had a discussion with the club Prez again. I relayed to him what DJ had said, and that if competing becomes a requisite for being a club member, I'm quitting.

A place to daydream

Idyllic

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Meme and my shadow

Your Goth Name is:

Autumn Avarice

What's Your Goth Name?

Pasture and Gazebo

This was done from imagination and memory of family's horse ranch.

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Thighs are a'twitching, and back is complaining

Went for my walk early, as I am quite sure I won't be good company, as I am still a bit irked at aikidomayland's behavior.

I deliberately walked a bit faster going up the hills, hence the twitching feeling in the quads. Stopped to take some photographs of some gallahs along the way, and some kangaroo paws that are in full bud, and a few flowering already.

Got my spare Sansa cable, as I want to keep one for recharging, and one for syncing/writing. This way, they just stay put, no wandering, no wondering where the hell it is.

Loki has developed this ... habit. If I am wearing shoes, he will use them as a scratch post to get my attention, and if I am bare footed he will nip my instep. Goofy moggie.

Thanksgiving dinner

Son didn't show up, aikidomayland didn't show up. Invited neighbor, Ben, over for dinner, so not all was lost.

I am thankful that I am walking on my own, I am thankful that both sons (and their respective families) are hale and healthy.

I miss my Aunt, I miss my Uncle.

Watching what is going on Mumbai. Such brave terrorists, going after unarmed civilians. My prayers to the people caught in the middle of this, and my sympathies to the families of those who have died.

Better, stronger, faster

Well, not faster.

aikidomayland and I went for our 'constitutional' again. Even though I had back spasms (I get them no matter what I do) but this time I didn't have to stop to arch my back to stop them. It might have been due to my trying to get photographs of the ever flittering birds, that will sit stock still when you stare at them, but bring a camera up, and they become Speedy Gonzales.

Had dental check up today, also. Gum issues much improved. Dr L was surprised at how much tartar built up in just three months. My teeth are in great shape, even though I do have cracks that are just surface, not through the enamel, because of my clenching teeth. Hey, physio and hydro therapy was rather rough and painful, and to not scare people, I would clench down hard to not cry out.) Teeth cleaned, polished, and fluoridated! I go back in 3 months again.

Me-me-Meme!

Your rainbow is shaded red, violet, and green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You feel strong ties to nature and your mood changes with its cycles. Those around you admire your fresh outlook and vitality. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

via weishaupt

Bird Rescue Ranger?

Moi? You betcha!

I went put something away in our room, and behold a flurry of dun and tan feathers. I don't see any cat, or bird, but I do follow the trail of feathers. There is Loki swatting a small honey eater. I distract him, and pick up the bird and feel an iron grip of bird claws. Patted Loki with my left hand, and kept bird in my right. Rustled up the bottle of Rescue Remedy, get it opened, and force a drop of it into the birds beak.

Then I examined the bird; no broken bones, no wounds, just a few feathers missing. Kept it warm in my hand for about 5 minutes, and give it another dose.

Took it outside to the empty hanging plant basket and attempted to put the bird into there to continue it's recovery. No need, as the little thing flew off.

The Unidentified Identified

While working on my computer, I kept hearing this odd noise. Seeing as I had been having hardware issues ( power supply on external hard drive, OS crashing) I immediately started examining my computer and its peripherals to see if this was an impending sound of doom!

Couldn't pinpoint the noise. It increased in volume and I was able to zero in on it. I noticed a shadow behind the curtain. I looked behind it.

Loki snores.

Spring Pastures

A horse grazes in a lush green pasture.

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LOLCats.. not just for cats anymore

moar funny pictures

Let me sum up. No, not enough detail that way. Let me explain

Normally, I would consider getting up at 6am on a Saturday morning the beginning of wrong on many levels. However, we were invited to Delicious Irony's birthday brunch. Programmed the address into the GPS, and headed out. Funnily enough, the address we were supplied has two locations, depending on whether you're in Stirling/Inglewood, or or Vincent/Inglewood. We managed to find the correct one, after going to the 'wrong' one the first time.

The Brunch was wonderful. Good company, good food, music, and great atmosphere. I got some good photographs of the guests and the musicians, too. Bought a new basil and thyme plant. The outing was something aikidomayland needed. I know, and fully understand, he is still in mourning, and will be for quite some time, but he needed to get out and stop vegetating.

It was with some sadness what we had to say our farewells and head off for our weekly pillaging.

Meegan and Daggles came by this afternoon. Was asked if I would like to go visit Sue (Meegans' mother) and they hadn't even finished the question when I said yes. Sue has had a very rough time, the past few months. A melanoma was found on her leg, and it needed to be removed. The skin graft over the surgical area didn't take, the surgical staples ripped out and the area became infected. It seemed no antibiotic would work, so she was readmitted to the hospital for surgical removal of the infection and the surrounding tissues, leaving an even larger surgical wound. Another skin graft was performed, and this one seems to be healing properly.

Extremely tired now, either from full day of activity, or early rising. Hobsons' choice on that one.

What he can't keep he is determined to destroy

Soon to be ousted Bush is well on his way to becoming, irrevocably, the worst president in history. Even worse than Grant. He is pushing to make changes to the Endangered Species act, and other regulations now so President Elect Obama will have a much more difficult time to undo it.

This man is like a hyena. They have been known to vomit over what they can't eat, so nothing else can eat it. Bush is going out of his way to destroy anything and everything he can before he is out of the oval office.

I am quite sure that it won't be a shocker to know that these regulations come at the benefit of corporations. And to the detriment of the Americans and the environment, including making it easier to pollute near national parks, easing mining restrictions, and gutting the Endangered Species Act.

Now this is cute

The person who used someone else's artwork sent me a PM. I didn't read it, as I am quite sure it was filled with excuses or bile. Either way, it doesn't matter.

She took someones artwork, used it and peddled it as her own and got caught. Not kosher. She should just suck it up, and be grateful I'm not the copyright owner, as that could have landed her in a world of trouble.

For something a bit lighter

Our cats have us very well trained. They don't like drinking water from a standing bowl, but do occasionally use the water feature for a watering hole.

But their favorite thirst slaking spot is a fresh cup of water in the bottom of the shower. They will look at us, look at the shower, look back at us, and then back at the shower. Until we finally get the message.

This time it was aikidomayland that got the message from Loki. (no, no pic of aikidomayland in his towel)

Fair Use vs Outright theft

No one likes to have their work stolen. No one like the thought that their work might be stolen.

Over on Redbubble, there is a Cat t-shirt contest. Yeah, I entered one of mine, but that's not the theft.

Today was voting day on which one you think is the best. I go there to place my vote on which one I like the best, and I spotted something. This . The 'artist' even said she nicked the design years ago off of a binaries group.

This T-shirt of mine is over 12 yrs old, probably closer to 15 yrs old.

Copyright issues aside, submitting someone elses' work as your own in a contest is just not right.

Bleh

Feel like crap, back is really stiff and sore. I guess the good part is it's spasming is calmed with some Ibuprofen +.

Even though I felt like crap, I insisted on doing our evening walk. aikidomayland said we could take the shorter route, but I didn't want to do that. Set a bad precedent that way. So we did the usual distance, but walked a wee bit slower.

Came home, cooked nice healthy dinner. Had to eat slowly, as I stupidly skipped lunch (was feeling bleh) and was feeling rather ravenous. Bite, chew slowly, sip juice mixed with lemon soda, repeat.

Almost subliminal headache has gone away, so that's good.

Early night I think.

Australia Post.. yet again

This time, the van pulled all the way into the carport. I opened curtain*, looked right at the guy (different than yesterdays doofus), and walked out the side door to the gate. Opened it, and he looked at me and plunked the parcel behind one of the posts. I tip my head and give him a look  'Dude, I'm standing right here!'

He just gets back into his van and goes.

What is with their 'tudes, lately?

*

Yummy marinade

Two 6 inch long stalks of fresh oregano, finely minced.
Three goodly sized stems of thyme, minced
2 cloves finely minced garlic (can use less depending on size of cloves)
6 green olives with or without pimento.
1 cup white wine (you can substitute white vinegar)
1/2 cup olive oil.

Blend all together. Can be brushed on, or used as marinade 'bath'.

This is great on chicken, whether dark or white meat.

The Sumabidge almost got away with it again

I was looking out the window, and I see the Australia Post van at the bottom of the driveway.  I see the guy rummaging around on the front seat, and then he heads to the back of the van.

I get up, head to front door and stand out in the car port waiting. Did I mention I had the front door open? Screen door latched, but open.  I see him tip a the SORRY TO HAVE MISSED YOU card into the letterbox, and start to get back into the van.

"And just where to you think you're going?" quietly said by me.

He almost levitated.  

"Why didn't you knock?" humorless smile on my face.

He insisted he did. Uhh no.

He hadn't pulled all the way up into the driveway, so I think he was expecting to do a drop the card and run.

Parcel delivered. Receiver smirking smugly. Delivery guy slunk off.

The Meme-Sheep has landed

Minor Issues over the weekend

If Bill Gates had a nickel for every time a windows box crashed.. oh wait, he does. Not so much of a joke. Was have slow log off problems, and I stupidly once again (baa baa baa) followed The MicroShits' tech page and installed UPHCleaner, and ran it. Yeah, it fixed the slow log off/shut down problem... fixed it right into having to use the back up I had made 3 weeks ago (I had planned to do another full system back up next week). Whatever it screwed up, none of the system restores would work. So, 4 hrs later, and a few programs reinstallations, and all is well again. I will be making yet another back up as I have removed some of the software that was on the old back up, and I really don't see the need to putting it back on should the need arise.

Pillaging: it was funny, we are such regular and notable customers were were missed at the local 'support your local farmer' veggie market, and other shops (We went on Sunday last week instead of Saturday.)

I am tired of the rough patch on the heel and side of my right hand from dragging it on my graphics tablet, and the jerky lines when I am trying to do smooth strokes or lines, so I ordered a 'glide glove' along with some replacement nibs for my Bamboo.

Today was beautiful, sunny, warm, and windy. Made for interesting archery. Used the low profile fletched arrows and kept getting groupings in the area of a a grapefruit. Since we had so many people on the target, I chose to aim and shoot at a specific spot on the target (we had a compound bow user, and I have had arrows scragged by arrows from one of those heavy poundage bows before). Someone decided I needed coaching and started in on me. When I informed him my shots were deliberate, he didn't believe me, until I sighed, said "Watch this" and placed on in the gold. I felt my eyebrow go up when I asked "Satisfied now?". No more coaching advice given. Went back to putting them where I wanted them.

Went to Foo Gwai, whereupon the traditional pork bun sacrifice was made to akire-yta. *urp*

aikidomayland took his mom to Kings Park for their Sunday Coffee Klatch. They need this time together, for healing, without someone there inhibiting them from talking. They are both doing better than they were just a few months ago. It's not easy, but no one thought it would be.

Thereby is the weekend update. We now continue with our scheduled programming, already in progress.

There and back again (Not a hobbits' tale)

Was all dressed, shod and ready to go for walk before dinner with aikidomayland. Took an even longer route, with a bit more hill. My lower back started spasming only once, and all I had to do was stop, bend over at the hips and arch my back up and hold that position for 30 seconds, and I was good to go. Brought one of my cameras with me, and got a few good shots (I hope).

Came home, served up dinner that was just finished cooking by the time we got home. Was muchly appreciated by all.

Walk around the block, repeat if necessary

I get bored spitless going to the gym. I know some people are in luuuurve with weight machines, stationary bikes, elliptic machines, and treadmills, but after a few months, I get bored.

So, instead of that, I have suggested that aikidomayland and I take nice long walks after (or sometimes before) dinner. The first two times, he set the pace, and I ended up limping and gasping for air. Last night, I told him I was setting the pace. Funny thing is we went three times the distance, and I wasn't limping and had no trouble breathing. I told him that doc said you should be able to talk and walk at the same time, and if you can't then slow down. I have asthma. Things are in bloom. Grass/Trees/Other foliage is being cut on daily basis. Breathing easy is an issue with me. So, slowed down, walked 3 times the distance, twice the amount of time.

And I feel better for it.

The Eagle Has Landed

shadoutcarver asked if I could make her a painting to be a gift for a friend who is former Naval personal, and a big Apollo buff, naming his first boat "The Eagle" for "The Eagle has landed!"

This started out as a composite JPG, from different photographs I had taken of WedgeTail Eagles, and the head of a Australian Fishing Eagle. Once I made the "Frankenstein" jpg, I used it as a reference. I put a soft blend over the entire bird to prevent 'cartooning'.

Tools used: Basic Oil, textured oil, sketcher pen, soft blender.

In their honor

We remember them.

Massive weekend update

Friday, aikidomayland and I went to Tsunami for our anniversary. We had a lovely time there, but the chairs played havoc with my lower back as they were short legged chairs. Even aikidomayland said he felt like he was sitting at a kiddie table.

Saturday: JP and Sarah's wedding.

:D It was held in Lancelin, near the ocean, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Saw many friends there too. Reception was wonderful. The 'Dragons' decorating the table were beautiful. There were some umm lets just say many people wanted to take the dragons home with them. There were also some very odd things being done to the dragons

Man Eating Dragon?

(looks at book case). There be rescued dragons there!

I got some great shots of the ocean, reef, beach, wind surfers, kite surfers while I was there.

Unfortunately, the chairs there continued doing a number on my back.

Sunday: Archery. Many people told me I looked very tired, and commented that I hadn't walked that slow or stiffly for several months. Yeah, over doing and some styles of chairs can really make things a bit inflexible. Went to Foo Gwai, where we made our pork bun sacrifice to akire-yta. Got the pillaging done afterward. Came home, and pretty much collapsed.

TGIM, Thank Goodness It's Monday. I get to rest!

Hey Australian Gov't! About this censoring you want to do.

Yeah.. that'd be right.

From "The Pundit Kitchen"

Alien Offering

Is the visitor giving or taking the offering?

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Aw damn

Michael Crichton Million-Selling Science-Fiction Author Dies at 66

Best-selling author Michael Crichton, who wrote such novels as The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park, and created the popular TV drama ER, has died at 66, his family said today.

McCain's Concession speech

McCain, as wrong headed he was, and as even more wrong Palin was with her bigotry mongering, was gracious in his concession speech.

Too bad I can't say the same about his fan club. There have been vicious and bitter comments left on my blog that were posted anonymously, ignorant ones that were dripping with bigotry. Unfortunately that is the kind of supporter Palin encouraged.

But even with all that, Sen McCain, who I did NOT want as President, was polite and gracious at his concession speech.

So many republican supporters, even after their candidate has conceded defeat, are still tossing around catch phrases (like socialist) without even knowing about the country they live in. Fire Department: Socialist program, Police Department: Socialist program, Public Libraries: Socialist Programs, All Branches of the Military: Socialist Programs, Public Education: Socialist Program. SOCIAL Security: Socialist Program. Go leave off chanting the fear mongering about social programs, ok? Stop parroting Nixon and Reagan, and think for yourself.

Celebration

Where, there goes the bottle of champagne (oops, sparkling chardonnay pinot) I had been hoping to pop when Obama won.

Can we say "President Obama"?

Yes, we can!

Here is a toast from the bottle of champagne I said I would open when Obama was declared the 44th President of the United States.

King of the Veldt

A westering sun on the African veldt, with adult male lion surveying his domain.

Digital painting created with TwistedBrush Pro Studio acrylic brush set.

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PSA Meme

1. Stop talking about politics for a moment or two.
2. Post a reasonably-sized picture in your LJ, NOT under a cut tag, of something pleasant, such as an adorable kitten, or a fluffy white cloud, or a bottle of booze. Something that has NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS.
3. share the love.

8 yrs ago today

I said "You betcha yes!" when asked if I would have him as husband and partner.

I killed my pushbroom

Was cleaning yard waste (leaves, bottlebrush debris etc) from the back yard. Should have stopped there, because I decided to clean the driveway and car port. As I was pushing a pile of leaves, the head of the push broom came off.

I looked at it and was rather disgusted to find the wood screws used to attach the handle to the broom head were less than a half inch in length. The broom head is well over an inch thick, and the screws should have been close to that length.

I'll see how ambitious aikidomayland is. Fix the broom with 4 longer wood screws, or get a new one.

Alan helped me get the swept up piles of leaves cleared out, so at least it's not a job half done.

Ya don't hear about Dems pulling stunts like this*

Some of the shenanigans the GOP and their supporters are pulling:

Text messaging known democratic voters and telling them they can text in their votes to avoid long voting lines.

Flyers being stuffed in mailboxes and on windshields saying Repubs vote on Tuesday, and Dems on Wednesday due to the high voter turn out.

Accusing a man who has attended the same Christian church for over 20yrs of being a Muslim (Not that it makes any difference), while the man who doesn't go to church is a Christian.

Falsely claiming a man who respects women of being gender biased, while saying the man who publicly called his own wife a c**t is a friend to women.

That a man who happened to be on the same charity board as Obama made him 'pallin' around with terrorists' ¹, while ignoring that McCain is close personal friends with G Gordon Liddy, a convicted felon, and a domestic terrorist (Liddy had plans to firebomb Brookings Institution).

Claiming that Professor Khalidi is a radical and Ex PLO spokes person, and Obama associating with him made him 'hate Jews', totally ignoring Obama and Ayers gave Khalidi's organizations 80-thousand dollars while McCain gave Khalidi's organizations 448 thousand dollars.

Palin inflaming bigoted fools to chant "McCain not Hussein" as if Obama's middle name is a curse, and she damed weills knows she are playing on irrational fears and constantly insinuating that Obama is a Muslim terrorist¹.

It shows just how desperate the Republicans/Conservatives are getting.

I have had a few people show me links that have outlandish claims against the Democrats, but they have all been from Partisan GOP sites, or have been totally debunked by FactCheck.

*As reported by NON partisan news and sources.

Some Cajun

Making Jambalaya for dinner tonight. I have enough fixings to make it again, but with ham next time (Yes mynxii, this is with you in mind)

I like cooking, but sometimes the prep work and the stack of dirty pans, cutting boards, dishes can really build up. I don't think either of the guys will make an issue about one of them doing the dishes after dinner tonight.

Sums it up beautifully

Oh, I am in a fine fettle today

Truth be told, atheists have the lowest divorce rate only because they can never get married in the first place! Since when do pedophiles, homosexuals, prostitutes and other socially deviant individuals get married?

HappyHealthyHolyRoller

To which I answered

Dunno, what's your wedding anniversary?

Star Jasmine - Early evening

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Lumix DMC-FZ30
Focal Length 11mm
Exp 1/125 sec at f/4.0
ISO-100
4x Close up Lens
Macro Light ring

The small gods of technology

Are having way too much fun with me.

Had a total OS failure, and a computer crash. I managed to get everything up and running (h.t. to the assist I got from neighbors when I couldn't find my XP disc. I found mine afterward). Then, suddenly my large external hd, the one I just made a full system back up on, including all drivers and program installation files, stopped working. After a quick and panicked exam, turns out the power supply died.

Ok, I email Western Digital, clearly explaining that I needed to know where to get a replacement for it.

I need to get a replacement for the power supply for my External HD. Where can I find one?

Their reply

Thank you for contacting Western Digital Customer Service and Support.
Replacement for the AC Adapter will not be possible as it is not coved by the warranty of the drive.
Kindly check around the hardware stores with a 12 volt 1.5 Amp ac Adapter for your device.

I double checked. I did not say it was. I asked where I could get a replacement. I took several deep breaths and told them:

"I'm not asking for a warranted replacement, but WHERE can I get a replacement for it.

On second thought, never mind, I will take it to a certified computer repair shop and have them take the drive out and re-house it in a new case. You guys really need to read the damned questions before sending out automated form letters, because you just lost my business."

Took it down to NetWays, had the house swapped and all is well... again... for now.

Mmmmm

The jasmine is blooming, and the fragrance wafts through the house on any errant breeze.

Anyone else a bit twigged about

the fact that Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher is a relative of one of the Keating 5 (Charles Keating), who happen to be close friends with McCain? And that Joe actually owes back taxes?

All Hail FactCheck.org aka Palin busting lying again.

Fact check: Is Columbia professor Khalidi a 'political ally' of Barack Obama?

The Statement: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaking on Oct. 29 in Bowling Green, Ohio, said Barack Obama "spent a lot of time with" Rashid Khalidi. "Rashid Khalidi, he, in addition to being a political ally of Barack Obama, he's a former spokesperson for the Palestinian Liberation Organization," she said.

Get the facts!

The Facts: Rashid Khalidi is a scholar at Columbia University in New York, where he is director of the Middle East Institute.

His university profile says he specializes in the "history of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Egypt; the growth of nation-state; nationalism in the Arab World; problems of modern Middle East historiography and and an expert on Palestinian issues."

He has authored scholarly works on Palestinian issues, has been an activist for Palestinian causes, and has been a critic of U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.

In a 2004 Washington Times story, he denied ever being a spokesman for the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Sen. Obama, on his Web site, described Khalidi as "a former neighbor and university colleague." But their relationship has sparked questions about Obama's stance on Israel and what Obama calls "ugly insinuations." Obama has said he has been a "clear and consistent" supporter of Israel and doesn't share Khalidi's views.

ABC News on May 22 aired comments Obama made at a Boca Raton, Florida, synagogue, where Obama faced questions from Jewish voters and addressed the issue. He said he knew Khalidi and had conversations with him in Chicago, where both men taught at the University of Chicago. And, he said, their children went to the same school.

"He is not one of my advisers; he's not one of my foreign policy people," Obama said. "He is a respected scholar, although he vehemently disagrees with a lot of Israel's policy."

"To pluck out one person who I know and who I've had a conversation with who has very different views than 900 of my friends and then to suggest that somehow that shows that maybe I'm not sufficiently pro-Israel, I think, is a very problematic stand to take," Obama said. "So we gotta be careful about guilt by association."

An April 10 Los Angeles Times story that explored the Khalidi-Obama relationship said Khalidi and his wife lived near the Obamas in Chicago and "the families became friends and dinner companions."

"In 2000, the Khalidis held a fund-raiser for Obama's unsuccessful congressional bid. The next year, a social service group whose board was headed by Mona Khalidi (Khalidi's wife), received a $40,000 grant from a local charity, the Woods Fund of Chicago, when Obama served on the fund's board of directors. At Khalidi's going-away party in 2003, the scholar lavished praise on Obama, telling the mostly Palestinian-American crowd that the state senator deserved their help in winning a U.S. Senate seat," the Times reported.

When asked about these details, the Obama campaign pointed to the May 22 comments aired by ABC News. Khalidi, asked by CNN to respond to Palin's assertions, declined to comment.

In a New York Daily News story published March 6, 2007, Khalidi said he hosted the fund-raiser because he had been friends with Obama in Chicago. "He never came to us and said he would do anything in terms of Palestinians," Khalidi is quoted as saying.

The Los Angeles Times report said, "though Khalidi has seen little of Sen. Obama in recent years, Michelle Obama attended a party several months ago celebrating the marriage of the Khalidis' daughter."

The Verdict: Misleading. While Khalidi eight years ago hosted a political fund-raiser for Obama, the two men strongly disagree over the Israeli-Palestinian issue and there's no evidence of a continuing political relationship.

This comment brought to you

Via Kradical

Copy this sentence into your livejournal if you're in a heterosexual marriage, and you don't want it "protected" by the bigots who think that gay marriage hurts it somehow.

What two consenting adults do has no influence on my life, nor do I need a bunch of homophobic bigots trying to pass laws pretending it does.

Talk about grace under pressure

Palin's latest round of political puke is that a professor, who has to be a radical because he is a scholar of Middle Eastern studies is an ex PLO spokesman, and an Obama ally. Although there is nothing to back her outlandish claim (Other than he is a scholar of ME Studies), once again slander during elections seems to be ok.

Obama's response to some of this is priceless:

Deep down, John McCain knows his economic theories don't work. That's why his campaign said if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose. That's why I keep on talking about the economy. They don't want to talk about the economy. But that's what you want to talk about. That's what affects your lives day in and day out. Now, because he knows his economic theories don't work, he's been spending these last few days calling me every name in the book. Lately he's called me a socialist for wanting to roll back the bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans so we can give some tax relief to the middle class. I don't know what's next. By next week he'll be calling me a secret communist because I shared my toys in kindergarten. I shared my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The Motion of Music

Fractal art design.

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So tired

To put it none too delicately, my ass is dragging.  This getting up earlier for Day light savings is just gah! Oh yeah, too all the Poms who threatened to go back to England if W.A. doesn't keep DLS, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. 85% of Western Australians don't want it. If you want an 'extra hour' of day light, get your ass out of bed an hour earlier.

Computer isn't quite 100%, as I keep running into small things, like Peer Guardian not having the 'allowed' list I had built up, might have the DVD burning software but it's bunged because of being from a back up, so hunt for the installation software, when found tear out the faulty one, reinstall.  Repeat as necessary.

I had one royal run around again. The installed NTI Dvd/CD maker software wasn't working, and the restoration version wasn't working. So, I contact Acer  and explain the situation. I get reply that I need to contact NTI about it, so I did. Three guesses what their reply was...  It's an OEM problem so I have to contact Acer and have them rectify it.

ARGH!  So fine, I 'fixed' it my way. Found and downloaded a copy of my 'busted' version and installed. Problem solved.

Sold a few artworks, so that's good.

Only Two days left!

Redbubble is having major sale. Not only free shipping with anything purchased, but anything you select, us poor starving artists get double our normal commission. This doesn't mean your costs are higher.

This is a great way to get some early Holiday gifts!

The coupon code to receive the free shipping offer is ‘100000masterpieces’ – just enter this during the checkout process to receive the free shipping offer. And feel free to pass this on to your friends and family.

Both promotions will expire at 2359 on 30 October (GMT)

Calendars

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