Gerald Ford, 1913-2006.

Christmas post/ holiday post- all of those will come later. I come here now, to write news everyone in America has heard, and many throughout the world must know by now; Gerald Ford has passed.
His presidency was not an easy one, nor was it an ordinary one. He was the only unelected president to date (get over it democrats...let Florida go....), and he was aware of the task that lay before him. He was appointed into office after the resignation of Pres. Nixon due to the Watergate scandal. He served as a Naval officer, was in Congress, a VP and then finally, the President. It is said that his pardoning Nixon, cost him reelection.
He pardoned Nixon due to the fragile state of the country at the time. He wanted to spare the country 4 years of heartbreak and turmoil of a public trial of the president.

In an interview with Larry King, he stated that in retrospect, he would have liked to play at least one year of Pro football. He played football for the U of M. But instead of going to the Greenbay Packers, or Detroit Lions, he went off to Yale, and turned to a life in politics, and what a life, he did lead in politics. With two attempts on his life, and having to lead the country through a very contested war, and out of the Watergate scandal...
The press was relentless after he fumbled walking out of Air Force One, and it was made a skit by Chevy Chase in Saturday Night Live, but looking at his history, he was no clumsy individual.
After loosing the election two years later, to Jimmy Carter, they did not stay bitter rivals, instead, became friends.

There will be a day of Mourning, and the flags in the capitol and across the nation will all be set to half staff for thirty days. He will finally be laid to rest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he grew up, and where his Museum is.

In a poll on the CNN website, apparently he will most (57% last I checked) be remembered for pardoning Nixon, as opposed to "helping a nation heal from Watergate").

Well, he will be remembered as a great leader, as one who had to take the reigns of a divided and hurting nation, and as one with moral integrity and of great leadership. He will be missed by many.

Pics-

Just thought I would throw these up here.
Some pics from my trip to Boston- Fenway Park. They were doing renovations when we went there, but we had a nice tour of the place, got to sit on the stands near the field and hear the history. The guy that was talking spoke like coach from cheers, in the way he had pure love and enthusiasm for his job, the Red Sox, and baseball.
It was pretty awesome.

Tah

Silence...

The very significance of this day, makes it difficult to move on. A message from Al Qaeda’s #2 man, last week’s threat, and the warning for all non-Muslims to convert, make people weary as well. The fact, too, that it is now the fifth anniversary, the anniversary does not come with out controversy. But today, my blog is not for controversy. The ceremonies are solem, and CNN has stopped their ticker at the bottom to instead, list the 2,973 names of the people who perished in the terrible attacks on this day. There is a website calling on Americans to honor the memories of those who perished, whether you knew them, or not. The website is “ Mygooddeed.org”
I thought that was a beautiful idea.
People treat this now, as an opportunity to take advantage of the United States- through the conspiracy theories, and to play on the emotional footage of that day.
Partisan politics has no place, on this day. There are no Democrats, no Republicans…no independents. Just sorrow, and celebration of the lives they had, before this tragedy. Tomorrow, the controversy over why the WTC memorial has not been built, and why the city will not help the families have closur, why those who answered the call, and now suffer health problems- are not being properly compensated, and why the officials are disregarding families wishes, will return.
But, for now, it is time for remembrance
Never forget the heros in Pennsylvannia, New York, the Pentagon, Washington and across the nation, and across the world that were affected by the events of the day, and those that died.
Nor can we forget those that have died n Afghanistan and Iraq (2, 984), or those fighting, now. They too, deserve our thoughts and prayers on this day.

Good bye, for now.

Hello from Peterborough!

Well hello!!!
I am here at rez, and I finally have access to internet and phone. I have been literally cut off for the past two days, and going through slight withdrawl.
Well, for the next two weeks, I have CNN!!!! Yay. Then they'll cut me off. Damn them!
At least it gives me a little while.
Well, thus far, most things are pretty good. The main thing that is currently pissing me off is my un-adjustable chair. It is a little short, as am I, thus typing is difficult. It is forcing good posture. Damn them.
I haven't had time to go shopping, grocery nor books. And due to the stairs, my knee is completely locked up right now. I am on the sixth floor, and I decided to be a stubborn ass and take the stairs for the past day and a half, and now I am paying for such indiscression.
I met my academic adv. today aswell. He is nice, so that is a relief. I figured as much, but with past experiences, I didn't have much hope. I have been quite outspoken, and perhaps tomorrow I will quiet down, So many questions, so many things to deal with and so many things are rahter irritating.
This one girl that I met today was about as disappointed as I with one of the sessions we had to go to, and we got a tad worked up. We were the only ones laughing and mocking the presentaion. Oh well, it was entertaining.
Many of my fears have also been put to rest. I have just drifted about, meeting new people. Many groups have already been founded, but thus far, people have been accepting to me just drifting about. Actually, rather inviting. People are nice here, it is refreshing. Everyone works together rather than treats one another as enemies.
Anyway, I have a floor meeting in a short while. I am going to make some tea, though. No coffee, yet. Been living off of Starbucks frappuccinos.
Mmmmmmm....
Well, so long for now. From a rather drowsy University student...
Tah tah
A longer post either tonight or tomorrow.
Tah
(Tomorrow, I must buy books. And HOPEFULLY, go shopping in Peterborough)

Nate

When Socrates Passed away, it was rather difficult to find the words, and when I found some words, I wasn't satisfied, they seemed to small for her. When Ben passed away, there were no words at all to describe how much she meant, how great she was.
Both Ben and Socrates I had from when they were tiny pups to adult females, living to be well over three years, each. They were my life.
Alas, my most recent addition to my rat-obsessed life, has passed on. For Nate, the words come more easily to describe him. I didn't raise him, and though he means a great deal, there was less time to get attached- doesn't mean the loss of him doesn't hit deep.
There was no solid proof to of what happened to him, just his actions.
I adopted him from the Humane Society. When I got him, he was a little older, already a well estabolished attitude, and a mistrust towards people. This almost coast him his life, but luckily, I convinced my parents that I could afford to take care of him, and that I could balance my time between school, my girls and showing him that not all people are heartless bastards.
Just as much as I had to put into the relationship, he returned. It took him a really long time to lighten up around people, and I never really could trust him around my friends or anyone, incase he chose to act out, or they were to get loud suddenly. He was never potty trained like the girls, so Walmart made a fortune on me buying catbeds.
But what he did do, was get an extra year and a half, filled with fruits and vegetables, attention, love and compassion. And he gave back support and company when I needed it most- when my two most precious girls passed away, and he gave laughs and frustrations, distraction and reason.
I know I will miss him, and I hope that what ever did happen to him in his past, what ever caused him such trauma, such pain, and to in turn, mistrust people so much, I hope that throughout this last year he got to see through my self and others that did handle him here, that compassion exists, and understanding and love, too.
That is all for tonight. Tah

Nate (Birthdate unknown)
[Arrival] Sept '05- August 28, 2006

Dogs

Hopefully this time, peace will last.

Well, as you have probably heard, there was a terror plot uncovered in London regarding over ten planes and liquid explosives. I really don't want to go into that tonight, so I will let you...oh turn on the news and listen to it on just about any 24 hour station, or hell, watch it at eleven.

Now, some developments have come in the mideast conflict I will lightly touch on, tonight.
The news: The deal to end the mideast violence the US and France had been working on, then had to ammend, then agreed on, came to a UNSC vote at 1 am IST and passed with Unanimous support.
There is expected to be about a ten day delay between the time this resolution (1701) is passed, to when the new UN peacekeeping force will take over and the Israeli military will withdraw.
Nasrallah is claiming that he has defeated Israel in a latest message released on Al- Manar TV.
Hopefully, out of all of this, innocent on both sides can get some relative calm, and the two soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser, and Eldad Regev, can go home to their loved ones.
Now all that is needed, is for Gilad Shalit to be released, and tensions with Gaza, to calm down.

Alright, that's it for news, tonight. I am having a rather bad night with damn allergies.
I was rather bored today, and kept thinking to myself that I need to book an appointment before I go away to school, for a hair cut. Well, I was looking at the calendar, and gave up, coming to the conclusion, it wasn't necessary. Especially since money is rather limited (as much as I am in great anticipation for NY'07, I can't wait until I go, a great relief will be lifted). But I did need to change my look- I am rather impulsive, too on certain decisions- bad idea with a perfectionist. So I decided in my infinite boredom, to grab the scizzors. You can probably guess the rest. I started out with just a tad, then- being the neurotic perfectionist I am- ended with plenty. Meh, it isn't bad, but definetly not a wise decision. At least I know that I can never become a hairdresser... Well, if my persuit of a masters degree fails, and I get nowhere with the degree I do obtain, Bar tending it is!
(long story)


Well, there is so much more I'd love to bitch about. But seriously...tired. Went for a walk this morning at four, though freaky as hell, it was eerily beautiful.
I am off...the blog site...for now. I just want to try and get back in the habit of at least making an appearance on here more often, even if what I have to say isn't all that pointful.
Meh,
Tah

Another pause, and more heartbreak portrayed on the big screen.

(Be forewarned, I am barely coherent tonight. My appologies. )

The movie, "World Trade Centre", comes out today. This movie is a hotbed for controversy now, for two reasons. The director’s palpable liberalism in many of his films, and it, like United 93, begs the question, "is it too soon?".
United 93 had controversy, but not as much as this one. United 93 was the first Hollywood movie to come out about the horrendous events of September 11, a day that everyone in this generation will continue to mourn. It also used actors who were not large screen names.
That day was a day that re-marked the innocents and vulnerability of a nation that seemed invincible. The United States had long stood as the untouchable nation, yet, the most powerful. One that had been dealt harsh blows, like the attack on the USS Cole; the 1983 attacks- one on the Marine barracks in Lebanon- where 241 servicemen were killed, and the Embassy attack- where 63 were killed; And the first attack on the World Trade Centre.
Each one of those, the US was able to bounce back, remain in control, and continue to assert its power in the international community.
However, in 2001, the attacks on the World Trade Centres in New York, the Pentagon, and United 93, struck a lot of people very deeply.
The security felt by many American’s was lost, and the way the administration handled the so-called "post 9-11 world" was despicable. Shortly after 9-11, the term ‘able danger’ became another household term. The American people began to learn of the major disconnect between all of the organizations who’s main function seemed to be lost within the limits of their organization.
Namely, in 1999, the CIA didn’t share information with the Able Danger program. LTC Shaffer has come out in public and spoken about the disconnect regarding the Able Danger "nightmare" (Inteldump), and he also spoke on CNN in ‘05, I believe.

Back to the movie, many people seem to be having a harder time with the current movie than they did the previous. I think it is all up to whether you, yourself are ready for such a movie.
The actual image of the planes flying into the World Trade Centres is an image that is fresh in many people’s minds, and one that doesn’t need to be refreshed. That isn’t the story. The story is the heroism behind those that went in and died- and lived as well, trying to help many escape a terrible situation.
Like United 93, I am listening not the reviews by the critics, not for the reviews by the TV personalities who criticise the soundtrack or Nicolas Cage’s acting, but rather, reflection by the American public, and what the family members or those who survived, in this case, have to say.
Thus far, I have heard it endorsed by a few survivors, and that it is time. And like many of the family members who lost someone on United 93, are endorsing it saying that the time is right.
I don’t know, personally, too close after United 93, to handle another film on September 11. I couldn’t even handle United 93, and am waiting for it to come out on video. I do think it is commendable that many of the profits from the film is going to the 9-11 memorial (which is a blog in its own with what a mess that has unfortunately has become with how disrespectful to the families rather simple wishes the Port Authority and LMDC are being), and also, the profits from United 93 went to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund.
On MSNBC.msn.com, there was an article about the two men that inspired the WTC film, Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin. They are both, satisfied with the outcome of this film.
The NYT movie review is well done, but for another view, I suggest this one NYDaily News.
I think one responder said it best when he said that when will the "best time" be"? They're here now to aid in the accuracy of the films. Make sure the truth is told.

Alright, another thing I wanted to discuss is the despicable actions on part of some of these photographers and such, who now feel it necessary to stage and doctor, photos of war.
The was between Israel and Lebanon is- believe it or not, not only only felt at "the pumps".
The war between Israel and Lebanon is a tradgedy with a continueing death toll, and continueing damage on the enironment on both sides, as well. In Israel, it is estimated to take about 60 yrs for the forests to regrow, according to JNF.
The photos that have come out in Reuters, and now, in the NYT, as doctored and staged, are absolutely appauling. It just isn't enough, apparently, that so much turmoil and horror is surrounded over this war, that they have to fake that extra death to get that "perfect horrid shot", you know, the one that will really make the reader's gasp in shock, and emphasis the damage in Lebanon. It is truly appauling.
As I write this, I read on Ynet, that 15 reservists were killed today. Nine by a Hizbullah rocket fired into a building that collapsed and trapped many of them, four others by an anti-tank missile, another by friendly fire, and one other by a mortor shell. These all occured throughout Lebanon.

Regarding the 9-11 tower, again, to get the best news on the issues regarding the troubles with the site, go here: http://takebackthememorial.org/
The 9-11 memorial was supposed to be about the power to over come pure evil, be solemn and have no political agenda.
There was one very nice tribute to the firefighter's of 9-11. It was beautiful, and touching.

There is no debating that on September the 11, many heros went into the smoke, breathed the dirty air, without a thought to the damage it might cause them, so long as they could try and get more people out. A bill that is to be voted on would grant generous "death benifits to families of retired cops and firefighters who die after working at Ground Zero" (NYP). Bloomberg has, according to the NY Post, said in a letter, that Gov. Pataki should veto the aforementioned bill, as it is too expensive.

Any who, that is all for now. I hope this isn't all over the place.
I have to go, tah

"Is it reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice?"

Alright,
It has been a fair bit since my last post. Plenty of things, both personal and wordly have been happening that have been really occupying my time.

The Crisis in the middle East has been going on for many weeks now, both the Lebanon action, and the action in Gaza. Gaza seems to be the forgotten war, much like Afghanistan is, to the US.
For a while, there seemed like there was a little glimmer of hope that Gilad Shalit would be returned, but it turned out to be a flaw in a translation.
As for Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, nothing has been heard. The rockets continue to fall into Haifa and surrounding areas, and Israel continues to try and strike back. It is very difficult, though, as it is not an army that they are fighting, rather a geurilla group, that hides amoungst the innocent, and further, strike the innocent.
There is still a fear that the worst has yet to come, but many continue to show their solidarity with Israel. Many that had pre-planned trips to move to Israel- even to the North where the shelling is occuring- are not cancelling their trips.
Much bloodshed is occuring, and a solution is needed. But a cease fire that will last on the terms of the terrorists is no way to live.
There is a solution to this, Hizbullah, lay down your weapons and allow the leader of Lebanon to estabolish full authority of the country.
Why do so many, on both sides, have to get cought up in this?
No one asked for this. Hizbullah crossed the border and kidnappeed the soldiers, what did they expect.
In the example of Gilad Shalit Hamas was asking for about 1,000 prisoners to be released, for him. In 2000, three Israeli soldiers were killed and dragged into Lebanon along with a businessman, by Hezbollah. They acquiesced to the demands by the terrorists then, and what did it get them? And Israel has even been leading in the peace process by withdrawing.

The UN has always been a tad- how do you say- BIAS- against Israel, though. Namely, since the six day war. In 2001, Israel was handed five condemnations, out of a total of nine. The others were received by Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, and Turkmenistan.
Special Sessions of the UN’s General Assembly, are rarely called, the Virtual Jewish Library notes, not even in the case of the Chinese invasion of Tibet, was one called. Nor was one called when Syria occupied Lebanon. The UN General Assembly, throughout the last 15 years, "ha[s] only been called to condemn Israel" (JVL)
In 1975, the UN had a resolution called "Zionism equals Racism". In ‘91, the resolution was rescinded, but 25 Member States voted against its repeal and 19 abstained (JVL).

Condoleeza Rice is now doing the shuttle diplomacy. I have to admit, I am less then impressed with how the US has been handling this crisis thus far, but then again, it is sad that the world ridicules the US, then looks to them to solve great issues.
Bill Clinton was an incredible leader in when it came to how to handle the mid-East issues.
I hope that it can be solved with an agreement that works for both sides to end the blood shed. Ultimately, I hope for Hizbullah to be disarmed. They are well integrated into many aspects of society. Not just through might, but through health care, and through education and others. So it isn't so simple. But when they crossed over the border to kidnap soldiers and simultaneously fired rockets into Israel, that was a first strike.

Sorry if this went on a bit like rambling.

Moving on to other things that have happened in the last little while, because news did go on these past few weeks. Bush vetoed a stem cell research bill that would allow the use of embryos.

Yes, one of the largest, other stories, was how Bush's (how Stephen Colbert would say) veto-ginity was lost this past week. Yes, with a backdrop of little children known as the "snowflake" children, Bush made his stance known. He will veto the bill to advance stem cell research, because he considers the practice that involves destroying human embryos, murder.

Now, Sen. Brownback actually held up photos of embryos and had arrows pointing to JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr. and such, to try and say that if you destroyed embryos you might... Well, then again, you could destroy the next Hitler or Ahmadinejad, so really, that doesn't work. Honestly, hypothetical and circumstantial bullshit isn't going to cut it.
Though it is very much, based on theory, at this point, embryonic stem cell research could hold a key to finding a cure to some of the most harmful and degenerative diseases, to helping to cure paralysis. "The legislation [that Bush vetoed] would lift prohibitions on federal funds for research on new stem-cell lines that Bush imposed in 2001. It would allow tax dollars to fund research on lines developed from unused embryos that fertility clinics could otherwise destroy." Explains the Murcury News (MercuryNews.com)
Another reason Bush is not supporting embryonic stem cell research, is the Snowflake children, themselves. They were all adopted as abandoned embryos, thus rendering the use of them, immoral, as it would prevent them a chance for life.
So the question becomes, would you stop a potential life, to save another? I think potential is the key, and another, is a plural.

WEll, there are two issues, at least. It is a start.
I haven't blogged in well, I was informed it's almost been three weeks, and well, that is just unacceptable.
More things have been going on, but time is running short.
Tah tah for now.

Time to relax...

Beyond the Sea

Beyond the Sea is right up there with Good Night, And Good Luck. It was amazing.
Kevin Spacey is a genious, with one of the most amazing voices of all time (I am now on a mad hunt for the soundtrack).
He was on SNL, too, and he was amazing. He did some singing... Although, all I can think of from that episode is, "now if you'll excuse me, I have to go interrogate Jesus the Rabbit".
ANyway, Kevin Spacey's portrayal or Bobby Darin was a masterpiece. Done perfectly.
The directing was also a masterpiece. Everything flowed so perfectly in the film.
That is all the time I have to spend on this, but seriously, if you have a chance to see it/ rent it...DO! It is amazing.
Tah tah...

Ben

(Nov)2001- (June 7)2006

Israeli election update

Well, off to write my test. It was cancelled yesturday amidst some upsetting news that disrupted the normal schedual. Anyway, moving on...

The Israeli elections began a while ago. The turn out is lower than last year's elections, by 12pm (as I write this, it is 1:53), 21.7% had gone to the polls. Some violence had occurred aswell, 2 Beduin shepards were killed by rockets fired from the Gaza strip. IJ claimed responsibility. The Israeli intel. has received over 85 threats of terror. 14 are estimated legitimate.

Ariel Sharon's party, Kadima, is falling and if it does win in these elections, it does not seem likely they will get away with a majority. Olmert's plans for the West Bank probably had a significant impact on the campaign, as this election is not only about the economics of the region, but the outcome of the security of the borders and where they will lie.

5:00pm --Today, the elections happen in Israel. Exit Polls show that Kadima seems to be leading the way. But the man everyone expected to be leading Kadima, was not the one on the ballot, today. Sharon's Party is now lead by Ehud Olmert.
The voter turnout was about 63.2%, far down from '03.
Some protests were held by Haredi extremists "opposed to the existence of the Jewish State" urging people not to vote.

Bush replaced his old CoS Andrew Card, who resigned. Joshua Bolten was nominated earlier, this morning.

Before I get working on the 4 hours of typing I have, tonight. I have news: I got accepted to Trent! I know it wasn't my first choice...*recalls rant after visitation on blogger and to people kind enough to tolerate my random tangents*... but at least I know, that if I get turned down everywhere else (as my marks are severly dropping, and fast...I just bombed a religions test on Hinduism, a topic I knew well)...than I have a back up plan that I can play with while I try to do a transfer or something...or who knows, it may grow on me...if I get cable and a single room (you MUST live on res. first year *rolls eyes*...and dare I go with out CNN, etc... while I do my homework).

So, that is my news. I must be going.
I'll update later when I have more time and more news.
Buh byez.