Opium Accoutrements
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Opium Accoutrements
For the discriminating addicts among us and dispelling the sleazy opium den images in favor of opulent paraphanelia.
Opium Museum - This website is a virtual museum dedicated to a little-known subject: the artistry of antique Chinese opium-smoking paraphernalia.
Copper Opium Kit (Left) - Silver Travel Kit (Right)
We never expected Chevron to be so brutal
Larry Bowoto's left arm is still scarred and numb where a soldier's bullet struck it in 1998 while he was aboard a Chevron oil platform in Nigeria. During the course of the incident, Bowoto was shot several more times, another man was wounded and yet another was killed.On Monday, in only the second trial of its kind, a federal jury will convene in San Francisco to decide whether Bowoto and his companions were violent hostage takers or innocent victims - and whether a U.S. corporation, whose foreign subsidiary summoned the security forces, is responsible for the bloodshed.
"I'm not a violent person," Bowoto, 44, said through an interpreter during a recent Bay Area visit. "We were peaceful protesters" who "never expected Chevron to be so brutal." [More »]
Drilling and Killing: Landmark Trial Against Chevron Begins Over Its Role in the Niger Delta
A Conflict that began 10 years ago on a Nigerian oil platform continues in a San Francisco courtroom. It happened about nine miles off the Nigerian coast. Now chevron is being sued in federal court over how it resolved a hostage situation between its workers and local Nigerians who boarded that platform.
Was Chevron just doing what it had to protect its workers in Nigeria? Or did it sanction a military crackdown the likes of which would never be tolerated in the United States? That is the question being put before a San Francisco jury.
On Monday, Larry Bowoto is the plaintiff in Bowoto versus Chevron, a federal lawsuit charging Chevron with human rights abuses for shootings in Nigeria.
link
The Elephant 6 Orchestra
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Elephant 6 Orchestra
It was a magical and historic night for indie-rock. For the first time in more than a decade, the founding members of the widely adored and influential Elephant 6 Collective, including Robert Schneider (The Apples in Stereo) and the famously reclusive Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel), took the stage together for a sprawling live performance. The group, which featured 15 artists from 10 different bands, served up more than three hours of joyous, psych-tinged singalongs under the glow of the rainbow-colored lights at Chicago's Bottom Lounge on Oct. 21, 2008.
Singer songwriter (genius?) Jeff Mangum, who can do no wrong, has pretty much been a recluse the past few years or so. Too bad he's not a vain egomaniac who needs the publicity 24/7. But if he's going to dole it out to us in dribs and drabs, I'll take it anyway I can get it. My favorites by him are whatever I'm currently listening to so for today that would have to be "I Have Been Floated" and "Engine".
[More »] | Video
It was a magical and historic night for indie-rock. For the first time in more than a decade, the founding members of the widely adored and influential Elephant 6 Collective, including Robert Schneider (The Apples in Stereo) and the famously reclusive Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel), took the stage together for a sprawling live performance. The group, which featured 15 artists from 10 different bands, served up more than three hours of joyous, psych-tinged singalongs under the glow of the rainbow-colored lights at Chicago's Bottom Lounge on Oct. 21, 2008.
Singer songwriter (genius?) Jeff Mangum, who can do no wrong, has pretty much been a recluse the past few years or so. Too bad he's not a vain egomaniac who needs the publicity 24/7. But if he's going to dole it out to us in dribs and drabs, I'll take it anyway I can get it. My favorites by him are whatever I'm currently listening to so for today that would have to be "I Have Been Floated" and "Engine".
[More »] | Video
Dozens Of Call Center Workers Walk Off Job In Protest Rather Than Read McCain Script Attacking Obama
Monday, October 27, 2008
Dozens Of Call Center Workers Walk Off Job In Protest Rather Than Read McCain Script Attacking Obama
Some three dozen workers at a telemarketing call center in Indiana (Americall - (630) 955-9100) walked off the job rather than read an incendiary McCain campaign script attacking Barack Obama, according to two workers at the center and one of their parents.
Nina Williams, a stay-at-home mom in Lake County, Indiana, tells us that her daughter recently called her from her job at the center, upset that she had been asked to read a script attacking Obama for being "dangerously weak on crime," "coddling criminals," and for voting against "protecting children from danger."
Williams' daughter told her that up to 40 of her co-workers had refused to read the script, and had left the call center after supervisors told them that they would have to either read the call or leave, Williams says. The call center is called Americall, and it's located in Hobart, IN.
[Read More »]
Some three dozen workers at a telemarketing call center in Indiana (Americall - (630) 955-9100) walked off the job rather than read an incendiary McCain campaign script attacking Barack Obama, according to two workers at the center and one of their parents.
Nina Williams, a stay-at-home mom in Lake County, Indiana, tells us that her daughter recently called her from her job at the center, upset that she had been asked to read a script attacking Obama for being "dangerously weak on crime," "coddling criminals," and for voting against "protecting children from danger."
Williams' daughter told her that up to 40 of her co-workers had refused to read the script, and had left the call center after supervisors told them that they would have to either read the call or leave, Williams says. The call center is called Americall, and it's located in Hobart, IN.
[Read More »]
October 27, 2008 - From My Deck
October 27, 2008 - From My Deck
The clearing is the fairway on hole #14 at the local golf course. Anybody want to come over and rake? :)
WASSUP 2008
WASSUP 2008
Its been eight long years since the boys said wassup to each other. Even with the effects of a down economy and imminent change in the White House, the boys are still able to come together and stay true to what really matters.
link
Best Video of the Year!
Obamacans: Prominent Republicans Line Up Behind Obama
Obamacans: Prominent Republicans Line Up Behind Obama
Since Colin Powell crossed party lines to endorse Barack Obama last Sunday, a steady stream of prominent Republicans have endorsed the Illinois senator over rival John McCain.
Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld is endorsing Obama today at a press conference in Salem, N.H. Weld was a public supporter of Mitt Romney in the Republican primaries. In a statement, Weld called Obama a “once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our politics and restore America’s standing in the world.”
On Thursday, former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson endorsed Obama at the state capitol. “I think we have in Barack Obama the clear possibility of a truly great president,” he said. “I would contend that it’s the most important election of my lifetime.”
Scott McClellan, a former spokesman for President George W. Bush, also endorsed Obama Thursday. USA Today reported that McClellan told CNN in a taping to be aired this weekend that Obama has “the best chance of changing the way Washington works.”
Ken Adelman, a prominent conservative on foreign policy matters announced his support for Obama on Tuesday, telling the New Yorker that his decision was based on temperament and judgment.
Adelman called McCain “impetuous, inconsistent, and imprudent; ending up just plain weird” in his handling of the U.S. economic crisis. He also was unsettled by McCain’s choice of running mate. “Not only is Sarah Palin not close to being acceptable in high office—I would not have hired her for even a mid-level post in the arms-control agency,” Adelman wrote.
UPDATE: Add Charles Fried, a Harvard Law professor and former Solicitor General in the Reagan administration, to the list of Republicans supporting Obama. Fried’s vote for the Democratic ticket is particularly harsh, as he was associated with the McCain campaign. Fried voted absentee for Obama this week, and informed McCain campaign general counsel Trevor Potter of his decision in a letter where he stated he could not support McCain in large part because of his selection of Palin as his running mate.
Link
Since Colin Powell crossed party lines to endorse Barack Obama last Sunday, a steady stream of prominent Republicans have endorsed the Illinois senator over rival John McCain.
Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld is endorsing Obama today at a press conference in Salem, N.H. Weld was a public supporter of Mitt Romney in the Republican primaries. In a statement, Weld called Obama a “once-in-a-lifetime candidate who will transform our politics and restore America’s standing in the world.”
On Thursday, former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson endorsed Obama at the state capitol. “I think we have in Barack Obama the clear possibility of a truly great president,” he said. “I would contend that it’s the most important election of my lifetime.”
Scott McClellan, a former spokesman for President George W. Bush, also endorsed Obama Thursday. USA Today reported that McClellan told CNN in a taping to be aired this weekend that Obama has “the best chance of changing the way Washington works.”
Ken Adelman, a prominent conservative on foreign policy matters announced his support for Obama on Tuesday, telling the New Yorker that his decision was based on temperament and judgment.
Adelman called McCain “impetuous, inconsistent, and imprudent; ending up just plain weird” in his handling of the U.S. economic crisis. He also was unsettled by McCain’s choice of running mate. “Not only is Sarah Palin not close to being acceptable in high office—I would not have hired her for even a mid-level post in the arms-control agency,” Adelman wrote.
UPDATE: Add Charles Fried, a Harvard Law professor and former Solicitor General in the Reagan administration, to the list of Republicans supporting Obama. Fried’s vote for the Democratic ticket is particularly harsh, as he was associated with the McCain campaign. Fried voted absentee for Obama this week, and informed McCain campaign general counsel Trevor Potter of his decision in a letter where he stated he could not support McCain in large part because of his selection of Palin as his running mate.
Link
From the Desk of Rude Pundit
Thursday, October 23, 2008
from the Rude Pundit...
Poor Joe the Plumber Is Too Dumb to Just Shut the Fuck Up
It also means, for anyone paying attention, who gives a shit what Wurzelbacher thinks? He's an obvious idiot, not, as Hannity said, offering a manly hand job, "You're the heart and soul swinging that wrench, you're the heart and soul of what makes this country great."
No, actually Wurzelbacher is what makes this country a fucking laughingstock and a pathetic inbred cousin of what it could be. There's plenty of working class people who actually do understand how taxation and social safety nets work. They also know that "spreading the wealth," unlike what John McCain says, is what once made America great.
[Read More...]
Rude Pundit, you're a pure joy.
Poor Joe the Plumber Is Too Dumb to Just Shut the Fuck Up
It also means, for anyone paying attention, who gives a shit what Wurzelbacher thinks? He's an obvious idiot, not, as Hannity said, offering a manly hand job, "You're the heart and soul swinging that wrench, you're the heart and soul of what makes this country great."
No, actually Wurzelbacher is what makes this country a fucking laughingstock and a pathetic inbred cousin of what it could be. There's plenty of working class people who actually do understand how taxation and social safety nets work. They also know that "spreading the wealth," unlike what John McCain says, is what once made America great.
[Read More...]
Rude Pundit, you're a pure joy.
Public Urination for Water Conservation
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Public Urination for Water Conservation
This new PSA by MTV Switch takes an unusual approach at promoting water conservation by encouraging people to urinate in public.
Come to think of it, describing the approach as “unusual” might be a bit of an understatement.
The PSA, which is entitled “Slash,” consists of a montage of people urinating in public places set to the track “Miserere Mei” composed by Bouwe Dykstra. The ad ends with a messaging asking you to save water by flushing less.
The spot was created by Ogilvy Advertising London.
link
The hippies ALWAYS had the good ideas.
Palin Still Doesn't Know What the VP Does
Palin Still Doesn't Know What the VP Does
In another stunning display of ignorance Sarah Palin answers the question of what the job of Vice President entails. During an interview with a local Colorado NBC affiliate she is asked a question from a third grader who wrote in "What does a Vice President do?" Here is Palin's answer:
"They're in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom."
link
It just keeps getting better. Assuming this mantle of rock star from her supporters is more than a little frightening.
David Sedaris in the New Yorker
UNDECIDED
by David Sedaris I don’t know that it was always this way, but, for as long as I can remember, just as we move into the final weeks of the Presidential campaign the focus shifts to the undecided voters. “Who are they?” the news anchors ask. “And how might they determine the outcome of this election?”
Then you’ll see this man or woman— someone, I always think, who looks very happy to be on TV. “Well, Charlie,” they say, “I’ve gone back and forth on the issues and whatnot, but I just can’t seem to make up my mind!” Some insist that there’s very little difference between candidate A and candidate B. Others claim that they’re with A on defense and health care but are leaning toward B when it comes to the economy.
I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?
To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked.
I mean, really, what’s to be confused about?
[Read More »]
You're so adorable, David.
Extra Action Marching Madness
No one has ever actually seen Oakland/San Francisco's Extra Action Marching Band actually march...at least not in a straight line.
Rather, the 40-plus-person ensemble barges and booms into streets, bars, festivals and crowds with a hypnotic drum corps, a heady horn section, and a scantily-clad flag team that's been known to stop traffic.
The Extra Action Marching Band will be in New Orleans this weekend for the annual Voodoo Festival.
PHOTOSHOP McTONGUE CHALLENGE
Friday, October 17, 2008
PHOTOSHOP McTONGUE CHALLENGE
link | via | see wfmu photoshops
W E B T R A I L: Election Edition
Thursday, October 16, 2008
W E B T R A I L: Election Edition
palinaspresident.com - (pill box hat tip to Sister Wolfe)
Count The Lies
Political Cartoons
The Real McCain
"I voted for Bush, father and son, but this time
I'll vote for Obama...I pray God, Barack Obama is elected."
-- Dennis Hopper, traitor and backstabber. link | via
palinaspresident.com - (pill box hat tip to Sister Wolfe) Count The Lies Political Cartoons The Real McCain "I voted for Bush, father and son, but this time I'll vote for Obama...I pray God, Barack Obama is elected."
-- Dennis Hopper, traitor and backstabber. link | via
Tell McCain to End the Politics of Hate
Tell McCain to End the Politics of Hate
Don't let McCain and Palin undo the decades spent fighting for civil rights and equality in our country.
link
100 Year Old Votes in Her First Election
100 Year Old Votes in Her First ElectionIt's the excitement surrounding these elections — a woman running for vice president and a black man running for president — that prompted Burt to action, said her daughter, Phyllis Burt.
"We're seeing a lot of elderly, not at 100 years old of course, voting for the first time," Penuel said. "My personal opinion is that these elections are very critical and people want to vote and participate this time. There is a minority for both parties causing people to come out." [Read More »]
Love this story
Etsy Goodies
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I collect things related to the White Rabbit and during a search I found those and other goodies at Etsy. Etsy really has nice handmade work. The prices are good and you're usually buying from an individual who is working from home, making these unique items with their wee leetle hands.
And in hard economic times, it's good to know where your money is going. The Perfume Poison necklace was found at TheBirthOfVenus Etsy shop, who also has a beautiful Absinthe Bracelet with soft ice green elements, but it's a little pricey for me-- $230.
Hoolala's Etsy shop has many affordable Alice In Wonderland items. And this Stewed, Screwed, and Tattooed piece below.
Father Of The Year
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Carter County man surprises wife, names baby Sarah McCain Palin from the page:
People can be passionate about their politics. Consider, for example, the name given to a baby girl born last weekend to a Carter County (Tennessee) couple: Sarah McCain Palin Ciptak.
While that’s the name father Mark Ciptak of Elizabethton put on documents for his baby girl’s birth certificate, it isn’t the name he and his wife originally agreed on. And it isn’t the name his wife, Layla, thought the baby was given.
When you're a progressive and you're from the south amongst the many Redneckersons, it's a lifetime embarrassment of "riches" like this you have to try and overcome.
link | via | dickheads
The Moment
The Moment
Senator McCain. Was this the moment? The epiphany? The realization that stoking the flames of bigotry and fear had come home to roost?
As I watched your town hall gathering, I wondered what was going through your mind when you came face to face with the incendiary results of your campaign tactics. What did you see and feel when that elderly woman said Obama was an Arab? Or the man who said he feared an Obama presidency? And all the others?
I saw your face. I watched your body language as you took the microphone and quickly distanced yourself from that one.
At that moment, did you see your reflection in the mirror of her eyes? A reflection, not of a maverick, but a pariah? Did you see the decades of American scar tissue? Birmingham? Burning crosses? The noose? Did you see that awful year in American history when Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy were assassinated, cut down in the prime of their dreams for a better America?
Did you hear the echo of Dr. King's words about being "judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character," and suddenly realize that it was not your opponent's character in question - but yours?
... No doubt, the media will genuflect before your image and be pushed by your campaign spinners to reanoint you as a maverick and honorable man in rising to the defense of your opponent. But your ads still sully the airwaves. Your surrogates still spew their venom. After all, this is just politics. People need to understand that. Nothing personal - it is just politics.
But here was this moment. And you know it, regardless of whether or not you were reading from cue cards or just looking down to avoid having to face the ugliness before you - you know.
[Continued »]
How did that make you feel, my friends? Extraordinary piece. The comment section is enlightening as well.
Author John Cory, is a Vietnam veteran. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V device, 1969 - 1970.
McCain'sLost Control Of His Attack Dog
Sunday, October 12, 2008
McCain'sLost Control Of His Attack Dog
{via}
Friday, October 10, 2008
It's comical how high paid talking heads on television, while trying to pull in the average viewer, ask how the economic squeeze affects us in our daily lives.
They offer how someone could only take one vacation instead of three. I actually did hear someone say this this morning.
Take only ONE vacation INSTEAD OF THE USUAL THREE?
Come closer. Susan wants smack teh shit out of you. If that's one of your "economic" dilemmas, keep it to yourself.
They offer how someone could only take one vacation instead of three. I actually did hear someone say this this morning.
Take only ONE vacation INSTEAD OF THE USUAL THREE?
Come closer. Susan wants smack teh shit out of you. If that's one of your "economic" dilemmas, keep it to yourself.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
Merriweather Post Pavilion
track listing
in the flowers
my girls
also frightened
summertime clothes
daily routine
bluish
guys eyes
taste
lion in a coma
no more runnin
brother sport
J A N U A R Y
Merriweather Post Pavilion
track listing
in the flowers
my girls
also frightened
summertime clothes
daily routine
bluish
guys eyes
taste
lion in a coma
no more runnin
brother sport
J A N U A R Y
Debate Quote
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
If your debate drinking game last night centered on the phrase "my friends," you must be hungover today.
{via: Majestika}
{via: Majestika}
Quote For Today
"We don't want too many citizens asking where the power and the money really goes. Informed by psychedelics, people might stop saluting."
--Terence McKenna
--Terence McKenna
Proud to vote for you, Barack Obama
Sunday, October 5, 2008
In 30 days I'll vote for Barack Obama.
He can put us back in a respectful global light as the US regains her standing around the world. We will proudly maintain that.
I learned long ago not to go by what someone says, but rather to know them by what they do and by the content of their character.
Barack Obama's life speaks volumes about his character and his ability to empathize with regular people. I know that his heart is in it and that when he says he'll fix health care and work on education, I know that he does it because it's the right thing to do. Not the right thing to say. We've seen him put his own needs aside to help those less fortunate. To me, that's what Democrats do. We put individuals first.
Barack Obama has raised the bar higher than it's ever been raised in my voting career, which goes back to my first vote for George S McGovern for President.
He's refused to play dirty politics-- even when he has dipped in the polls. That's a testament to character and it's rarely seen at this juncture of the presidential election process. It goes far beyond how most people would handle it and is one of the reasons we don't need any Joe 6-Pack as president.
I want someone better than myself at the White House, not my equal. Someone with impeccable character and morals. Besides, how well did that last Joe 6-Pack pRezident work out anyway?
He can put us back in a respectful global light as the US regains her standing around the world. We will proudly maintain that.
I learned long ago not to go by what someone says, but rather to know them by what they do and by the content of their character.
Barack Obama's life speaks volumes about his character and his ability to empathize with regular people. I know that his heart is in it and that when he says he'll fix health care and work on education, I know that he does it because it's the right thing to do. Not the right thing to say. We've seen him put his own needs aside to help those less fortunate. To me, that's what Democrats do. We put individuals first.
Barack Obama has raised the bar higher than it's ever been raised in my voting career, which goes back to my first vote for George S McGovern for President.
He's refused to play dirty politics-- even when he has dipped in the polls. That's a testament to character and it's rarely seen at this juncture of the presidential election process. It goes far beyond how most people would handle it and is one of the reasons we don't need any Joe 6-Pack as president.
I want someone better than myself at the White House, not my equal. Someone with impeccable character and morals. Besides, how well did that last Joe 6-Pack pRezident work out anyway?
Kembra Pfaher Sit-Ins
Kembra Pfaher Sit-Ins
October 04, 2008 — November 01, 2008
76 Grand Street, New York
Sit-Ins, an exhibition of butt prints by Kembra Pfahler, opens at Deitch Projects on October 4, 2008. The exhibition coincides with the release of Beautalism, a book produced by Deitch Projects that documents the artist’s recent work.
Kembra Pfahler’s butt prints are created in a straightforward manner. She applies a layer of paint to her rear and plops it onto a sheet of paper. The artworks use the same body paint as that worn by her band The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black during their glamorous theatrical rock performances.Accused of passing gas, man charged with battery
Seriously? Seriously.
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA
(AP) — A West Virginia man who police said passed gas and fanned toward a patrolman has been charged with battery on a police officer. Jose A. Cruz, 34, of Clarksburg, was pulled over early Tuesday for driving without headlights, police said.
According to the criminal complaint, Cruz smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and failed three field sobriety tests before he was handcuffed and taken to a police station for a breathalyzer test.
As Patrolman T.E. Parsons prepared the machine, Cruz scooted his chair toward Parsons, lifted his leg and “passed gas loudly,” the complaint said. Cruz, according to complaint, then fanned the gas toward the officer.
“The gas was very odorous and created contact of an insulting or provoking nature with Patrolman Parsons,” the complaint alleged.
[Read More »]
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA
(AP) — A West Virginia man who police said passed gas and fanned toward a patrolman has been charged with battery on a police officer. Jose A. Cruz, 34, of Clarksburg, was pulled over early Tuesday for driving without headlights, police said.
According to the criminal complaint, Cruz smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and failed three field sobriety tests before he was handcuffed and taken to a police station for a breathalyzer test.
As Patrolman T.E. Parsons prepared the machine, Cruz scooted his chair toward Parsons, lifted his leg and “passed gas loudly,” the complaint said. Cruz, according to complaint, then fanned the gas toward the officer.
“The gas was very odorous and created contact of an insulting or provoking nature with Patrolman Parsons,” the complaint alleged.
[Read More »]
Obama in Asheville
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Barak Obama in Asheville
Barak Obama just spoke at the Grove Park Inn and Scrutiny Hooligans has all the details of his weekend visit and the big rally tomorrow at the Asheville High School.
link | shot by Gordon Smith
Lil Palin Flips Us A Bird
Lil Palin Flips Us A Bird - Governor Palin and the Family pose for questions as darling daughter shows us "how old she is".
link from Gordon Smith
DYLAN: October 1 Soundtrack
DYLAN: October 1 Soundtrack
Exclusive Preview: Bob Dylan's 'Tell Tale Signs' covers Dylan's past 20 years, a period that produced the albums Time Out of Mind, Love and Theft, Modern Times and Oh Mercy. Tell Tale Signs offers a rare glimpse into Dylan's creative process, with alternate takes that show the evolution of his work, as his songs take shape lyrically and musically.
Here, NPR Music offers a sneak preview of the entire two-disc set as a free stream. The album will be officially released in stores and online on Oct. 7.
Great few hours of Dylan. The soundtrack to my October 1st.
link
Exclusive Preview: Bob Dylan's 'Tell Tale Signs' covers Dylan's past 20 years, a period that produced the albums Time Out of Mind, Love and Theft, Modern Times and Oh Mercy. Tell Tale Signs offers a rare glimpse into Dylan's creative process, with alternate takes that show the evolution of his work, as his songs take shape lyrically and musically.Here, NPR Music offers a sneak preview of the entire two-disc set as a free stream. The album will be officially released in stores and online on Oct. 7.
Great few hours of Dylan. The soundtrack to my October 1st.
link
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