The parents of Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old girl gunned down just a week after she sang at the President’s inauguration, will be attending the State of the Union Address as guests of the President and First Lady.
Michelle Obama, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Education Secretary Arne Duncan attended Hadiya’s funeral service this past Saturday to pay their respects to Cleopatra and Nathaniel Pendleton Sr. and console the family amisdt reports out of Chicago of January being its bloodiest month in more than a decade due to gun violence. The President is expected to be re-emphasizing his position on gun control during his address to the country this evening.
Is it just me or is anyone else getting the feeling that there’s more to the Christopher Dorner case than meets the eye?
It was was reported that the ex-marine went cra-cra after being fired in ’08 for misconduct by the LAPD (there’s an oxymoron in there somewhere), accused of falsely claiming his training officer kicked a mentally ill suspect in the course of an arrest.
In 2008? He’s just getting fired up about it 5 years later?
He then goes berserk and kills a cop and two civilians, vows to kill other cops and their families and then goes on the lamb for which he disappears off the face of the earth?? He now has a million dollar reward on his head and a War Drone searching for his ass.
And last Friday, the LAPD announced it would reopen its investigation of Dorner’s firing and his claims…the story’s not all here pilgrims…
Seems like there’s some historical inaccuracies in the movie “Lincoln“ by Steven Spielberg. Political representatives from the state of Connecticut contend that their’s was wrongly characterized in the movie as having three of its four legislative forefathers voting against the 13th Amendment, when in fact the delegation voted overwhelmingly in favor of passing the bill that technically ended slavery in all its forms in the United States of America.
Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut, wrote a scathing letter to Spielberg earlier this week emphasizing that although he is aware of the use of artistic license in the movie business, he was still demanding that the film be corrected before “Lincoln” comes out on DVD.
Guess the difference between license and lying was lost on the movie’s screenwriter.
And on a final good note: Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite couple, Veronica & Marcus. Their’s is a story of Love lost and found, that never fails to give me hope, warm my heart and lighten my Spirit, stuff of which we all can use more of…♥
Snoop Dogg is so high, he can’t even think straight. That’s the only explanation to why he has decided to write a book teaching children the “right way” to do weed.
“It’s not that I would ever push weed on our kids…but if they wanted to, I would love to show them how, the right way, so that way they won’t get nothing put in their shit or overdose or trying some shit that ain’t clean.”
That’s what Mr. Dogg had to say to GQ about his latest education project. According to GQ, “It doesn’t even seem so crazy—or at least not as crazy as it should seem—when Snoop tells me he’s thinking of reading a book called It’s Just a Plant: A Children’s Story of Marijuana, to the 8- and 9-year-olds on the peewee football team he coaches. “Believe it or not,” he says, “they need to know.”
Realizing that they are collapsing under the weight of their own foolishness, the Republican Party has begun to sound more and more like “bleeding-heart liberals” than Conservatives.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was on Meet the Press Sunday afternoon, rattling on about poor and unemployed “Joe Smoe”, who along with his family, suffers silently under this terrible economy. And there was the little girl he just met who has cancer but doesn’t have healthcare coverage to pay for her chemotherapy.
With his lower lip slightly trembling, Cantor wanted moderator David Gregory to know that the GOP is terribly concerned over the plight of all those little bitty immigrant children, who through no fault of their own are brought to this country illegally by their mean parents, and when caught, have to face the uncertainty of deportation and being separated from family and the only real home they’ve ever known…then in the exact same breath he claimed not to know what the Dream Act was…
The bird flu has been discovered in two new cases in China in what has become the second outbreak in that country this year.
The cases were discovered in Guiyang, located in Southwest China. There a 21-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man tested positive for the H1N1 bird flu virus over the weekend, the Global Post reported. Both were taken in to a hospital for treatment and were listed in critical condition.
“They are in critical condition and medical workers are carrying out emergency treatment. No epidemiological connections have been found between the two cases,” the Chinese health ministry stated (via Xinhua).
The two began developing symptoms on February 2 and February 3, and investigators believe neither had direct contact with birds before falling ill.
The new bird flu cases have sparked fears of an outbreak in China. From Reuters:
“China is considered one of the nations most at risk from bird flu epidemics because it has the world’s biggest poultry population and many chickens in rural areas are kept close to humans.”
The bird flu cases in Guiyang makes the second major city in China to be struck by the disease. In January, a 19-year-old migrant worker died in Beijing after contracting bird flu.
Since the first major outbreak in 2003, bird flu has been responsible for 365 deaths across the world, the World Health Organization noted. It is most commonly spread through direct contact between birds and humans, but health experts worry that it could mutate to spread by person-to-person contact.
The Republican party is on a fast track to extinction. That’s why they’re okay with the decision of a Republican Congressman to bring Ted Nugent to the State Of The Union Address on Tuesday? And that’s why the so-called leaders in the Republican party have not put a stop to this disastrous decision?
Last year, it was the same Ted Nugent that said, ”If Barack Obama becomes the president in November, again, I will be either be dead or in jail by this time next year.” That statement got Nugent a visit from the Secret Service.
And Nugent was also heard on a Fox News show suggesting that then-Senator Barack Obama should “suck on” his machine gun. And at one of his concerts in August 2007, Nugent said that the future President Obama was “a piece of shit.”
So why would someone like Ted Nugent get the honor from the Republican congressman to share the same room with the President? According to a statement from Congressman Stockman’s office;
“I am excited to have a patriot like Ted Nugent joining me in the House chamber to hear from President Obama. After the address, I’m sure Ted will have plenty to say.”
When Republicans are put in a position where they have to turn to the likes of Ted Nugent to hear what he have to say about the President’s Address, it is no surprise that people are dumping the far right winged group and turning once again to the President’s party?
A message from former Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords;
One year ago, I was proud to walk onto the House floor for the State of the Union Address.
The next day, after casting my last vote, I resigned my seat in Congress.
Mark and I will be there again tomorrow night, because this is a critical moment in time for legislation to reduce gun violence in the United States.
That’s also why we’re releasing our first television ad on the issue. As one of the first donors to Americans for Responsible Solutions, I wanted you to see it first.
Nine out of ten Americans support universal background checks for gun purchases.
Congress must act. Let’s get this done.
Gabby Giffords
This is a critical moment in time for legislation to reduce gun violence in the United States, and that’s why Americans for Responsible Solutions is releasing our first ad on the issue.
According to this report, Drones are already being used to find former LAPD officer and accused killer, Christopher Dorner.
A senior police source said: “The thermal imaging cameras the drones use may be our only hope of finding him. On the ground, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
Asked directly if drones have already been deployed, Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz, who is jointly leading the task force, said: “We are using all the tools at our disposal.”
The use of drones was later confirmed by Customs and Border Patrol spokesman Ralph DeSio, who revealed agents have been prepared for Dorner to make a dash for the Mexican border since his rampage began.
He said: “This agency has been at the forefront of domestic use of drones by law enforcement. That’s all I can say at the moment.”
Dorner, who was fired from the LAPD in 2008 for lying about a fellow officer he accused of misconduct, has vowed to wreak revenge by “killing officers and their families”.
Yes, many may disagree with the title of this post, especially after witnessing the Grammy’s last night. But absolutely no one on the Grammy was dressed like this! Well, with the exception of Jennifer Lopez. Did you see Jennifer Lopez??? She made Jay Z loosen up his necktie!
LLCool J was the illustrious host for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, looking as fine as ever! He was all kinds of hospitality during his time on stage, even at one point wishing everyone on the east coast safety during the storm Nemo. Luved it!
The show started off with Taylor Swift’s hit “We’re Never, Ever Getting Back Together” with a sort of freak-circus-Alice-In-Wonderland-not-in-your-wildest-dreams stage setting. Lots of fun theatrics that set the mood for the rest of the show. Taylor romped up and down the stage doing a cute, campy rendition of the song. Luved it!
Jennifer Lopez, feeling she stayed within the guide lines of the 2013 Grammy dress code memo that went out to all the stars (her past Grammy outfits were probably to blame for that lol!) rocked the Carpet with a black, single-sleeved wispy gown, strategical designed for one sexy leg to show clear up to the hip-meat at all times. Way to flaunt that post-twins body JLo! You look maaahvelous! Luved it!
So mad that the innovative Miguel only won Best R&B Song and not Best New Song as well. Or, that he wasn’t even allowed to sing in full his monster jam “Adorn” for the audience!! What a complete rip-off! Stay strong Miguel. Hated it!
Fun‘s performance of ” Carry On” was already titillating even before it starting raining on stage! They won Best Song of the Year for “We Are Young.” Luved it!
The glamorous Alicia Keys sang her autobiographical “Girl On Fire”, in a simmering duo with Maroon5 ex-lead singer, Kevin Levine. And something new: Alicia accompanied herself on the drums! Luved it!
Frank Ocean won Best New Song?? I don’t get it. What is all the hoopla-about this guy? He sings like he’s on the verge of suicide or mass murder. Last night his debut song for the Grammys was an ode to Forrest Gump?? Miguel, once again-you was robbed!! Hated it!
Justin Timberlake brought it back Retro-style! The Big Band vibe was large and in effect with the stage lighting creating a nostalgic B&W ambiance. Boy was in rare form I tell you. Didn’t catch the title of the two songs he sang but they were off his new “The 20/20 Experience” CD. JayZ‘s usual ‘Don Corleone’ demeanor was missing last night as he got onstage to accompany Timberlake with a lil rap-a-toire. Luved it!
Good to see Sting up there turning it out with his distinctive use of the English language. He and Latin cutie Bruno Mars sang a string of Bob Marley hits in tribute to the famed Reggae artist. Luved it!
They were later joined by Rhianna and Marley brothers Ziggy &Damian for the finale “Could You Be Loved.” Luved it!
Speaking of Rhianna, I must say I was impressed by this young performer’s expressiveness on the Red Carpet and the dyn-O-mite slow burn jam she performed with some dude I don’t know, who would’ve been better off just continuing to sit in the dark quietly. Rhianna sang like, ‘Hey, I got this!’ Luved it!
Kelly Clarkson made a strange remark while accepting her Grammy about not knowing who Miguel was but that they should cut a record together…? She made up for that awkward moment with her performance tribute to Carol King & Patti Page. Luved it!
Chris White (literally) and his all-girl band on one side of the stage, his rockin’ & rollin’ crew on the other, put on an electrifying mini concert. He sung a duet with a pretty brown-skinned sistah and the contrasts were flying all over the place lol! Luved it!
LL rocked the bells with his finale “WHADDUP!” Chuck D gave him a hand and it was all about Ol’ Skool as he hustled all over the stage, gathering up energy for the last “whaddup! before the lights came up! Luved it!
ON THE CARPET:
Adele, Adele, Adele…you did not represent us full-figured chicks with that hideous dress! What were you THINKING! Ugh! Looked like something from the Piccadilly Circus. And did you see her look when she got out her limo to walk the carpet? It said “I dare any of you skinny bitches to say something about my dress..I DARE YOU!” Love that voice tho’ Girl!!!
Beyonce was dressed surprisingly demure in a simple black and white outfit, her hair pulled back and her signature red lipstick. Poor child-probably still glamed out from the Super Bowl.
Nas‘ “I was ordered to be here or else” stance threw things off temporarily on the Carpet. Loved that light bronzed colored jacket with the old school pocket chain tho’, Way to stay street Nas! Someone mentioned that he cut a record with Amy Winehouse. Sounds like something worth investigating!
Katty Perry had on the best dress for the evening in my opinion, a cloud soft mint green stretch knit with a wild mix of matching sequin applique around the plunging neckline. She held up well tho’ , obviously balking at the Grammys “no puff ” ban on exposed titties parts.
The Purple One, Prince, came out onstage slightly limping with a silver cane and dark remote shades to present Best New Album to the duo Gotye and Kimbra for “Somebody That I Used To Know”. (Prince murmured that he loved that song. Me too!). Rumor has it Prince needs knee surgery but would get it only if it were a bloodless procedure cuz he’s Jehovah Witness and they don’t believe in blood transfusions…well, if that don’t beat all! Them high-heels must have takemn their toll.
Got just one thing to say to Amber Rose, “What in the world are you carrying in that stomach?” It is GI-NORMOUS! even with the black ensemble, which btw was the sexiest mommy-to-be outfit I’ve seen for awhile. She was positively radiant tho’! Her man Khalifa; well–let’s just say, he’s cute and all, but I would’ve said “No” to 1/3 of those tatts he has crawling all over his body!
All in all, it was a fantastic show with tributes to late Greats and short, succinct and humble acceptance speeches. Lots of energetic performances. As far as the who got what award, I’m sure whoever got one deserved it and its too bad that everyone couldn’t get a Grammy. Like I said earlier, I thought Miguel should have walked away with something. There’s always next year!
Watching the Grammys last night I got the sense that the music being created now is going to be less commercial, less hard sell and more “I make music, because I AM a musician and this is what I do! Like it or not, I’ll still be creating it.” LUV IT!
Police in Paducah say they charged a man with manslaughter after he admitted to police that he accidentally shot and killed a 3-year-old boy at his home.
Police spokeswoman Robin Newberry told NBC affiliate WPSD in Paducah that officers responded to the home on North 12th Street on Saturday afternoon where they found the boy suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Emergency workers tried to resuscitate the boy, who was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The boy, whose name was not released, died at 8:30 p.m.
Twenty-one-year-old Nicholas D. Barbee was charged with second-degree manslaughter. Detective Sgt. Brian Laird said Barbee admitted during questioning to accidentally shooting the child.
Eric Cantor and the leaders in the Republican party are on a massive outreach program, trying to get the votes of people they’ve actively tried to disenfranchised over the last few elections. Besides stealing a speech from President Obama where the President talked about different ways to help the middle class, Cantor went on television today and tried his best to convince Latinos that Republicans are for immigration, despite the fact that they unanimously voted against the last immigration bill called The Dream Act.
Representative Eric Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives, said Congress could make quick progress on immigration if lawmakers agreed to give citizenship to children – an idea he opposed when it came up for a vote in 2010 as the DREAM Act.
“The best place to begin, I think, is with the children. Let’s go ahead and get that under our belt, put a win on the board,” Cantor said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Cantor is leading an effort to improve his party’s image as many Republicans worry they will be consigned to irrelevancy in coming years if they do not reach out to the fast-growing Latino electorate, which strongly supports immigration reform.
President Barack Obama has made immigration reform a top priority of his second term in office and a bipartisan group of senators is working to draft legislation that would tackle the issue in a comprehensive manner, rather than the piecemeal approach that Cantor suggested.
Republicans have successfully fooled their base for so long that they now think they can take one position today and change tomorrow. And no one will notice. But I think they’re in for a rude awakening come 2014.
President Obama‘s Administration is looking to secure the same policy to declare war as the George Bush Administration had before him. Whats different about Obama’s policy is that war will be carried out not by soldiers on the ground, dispatching in huge battalions to remote areas of the world risking life and limb, but with the technological advancement of The War Drone.
Will this be our new mode of war, carrying out exempt strikes with laser pinpoint accuracy, taking out the enemy in the middle of the night while the rest of America sleeps soundly?
A new report by Stanford and New York Universities today, claims that just one in 50 victims of American drone strikes in Pakistan are terrorists while the rest are innocent civilians. The study lays much of the blame on the use of the ‘double-tap’ strike–where a drone fires one missile and then another as rescuers try to get to victims.
All is fair in war, right?
Obviously warfare has changed exceedingly from when we used spears, muskets, cannons, and bomber jets, detractors still say that there’s enormous opportunity for abuse in having such a lethal program run entirely by executive order, maybe not with Obama but certainly some future President with a long list of perceived enemies who may use the weapon as a personal means of retribution…
Mark R. Jacobson, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States who served with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, created a 5 point lists of misconceptions about President Obama and the Drone War (abbreviated here):
1. Drones are immoral.
Drones are neither autonomous killer robots nor sentient beings making life-or-death decisions. Yet, with the “Terminator”-like connotations of the term, it is easy to forget that these vehicles are flown via remote control by some 1,300 Air Force pilots. Drones are an evolution in military technology, not a revolution in warfare.
2. Drone strikes cause inordinate civilian casualties.
Armed drones are some of the most precise weapons used in conflict; we hit what we aim for. But any lethal force results in some civilian casualties, and the use of drones beyond “hot battlefields” means that the civilian-combatant distinction is harder to make.
3. Drones allow us to fight wars without danger.
The allure is simple: A drone swoops in while its operator is safe, thousands of miles away, and the precision-guided ordnance hits a target, with little risk to our troops.
But drones should not give us a false sense of security. After all, the intelligence required for targeting may require U.S. boots on the ground. And drone attacks will not improve governance in a nation that offers a haven to terrorists.
4. Drones are technologically complex weapons that only rich nations can afford.
Armed drones are neither as simple as model airplanes nor as complex as high-performance fighter jets. Of course, a remote-controlled helicopter that you can build in your garage is certainly not as capable as the $26.8 million MQ-9 Reaper, the primary U.S. hunter-killer drone. But drones are much less expensive than fighter aircraft, and in an age of increasing austerity, it is tempting for nations to consider replacing jet fleets with armed drones.
5. Obama will be remembered as the drone president.
The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq compelled the United States to boost the speed and accuracy with which it targets terrorists. But it was not until the Obama administration that U.S. technology and intelligence caught up with the need to take down terrorist networks rather than just individual leaders. As a result, there have been three to six times more drone strikes under Obama than under Bush. While the use of drone warfare has come of age under Obama, whether he comes to be defined by this weapon is very much a political question. ~ h/t The Washington Post
Why drones? Better yet, why war period? I’d like to see that discussion on the table one day. In the meantime the Drone War question rages on.
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