Saturday, May 31, 2008
narl pro-choice connecticut
is hosting a cocktail party in new haven on june 12th. if you're in the area, stop on by!
Thursday, June 12
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
116 Crown
116 Crown Street
New Haven, CT
Free Hors d’oeuvres & Cash Bar
For more information or to confirm your attendance, contact Jillian at
860-524-1086 or info@pro-choicect.org.
Friday, May 30, 2008
a very very very bad decision
just because someone is less than 18 years old, doesn't mean the constitution doesn't pertain to THEM too
NY court finds speech made outside of school can be punished
By Larry Neumeister
Associated Press Writer / May 29, 2008
NEW YORK—A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that a high school was within its rights to punish a student for writing critical comments about school administrators on the Internet.
more stories like this
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, Conn., has a responsibility like any school to teach students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior.
"Vulgar or offensive speech -- speech that an adult making a political point might have a constitutional right to employ -- may legitimately give rise to disciplinary action by a school," the court said.
Avery Doninger was disciplined after she used derogatory language to describe the administrators in a blog entry she made outside of school in April 2007.
Doninger's mother filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming her daughter's freedom of speech rights had been compromised. A lower court judge ruled that the school acted appropriately in disqualifying her from running for senior class secretary..........
NY court finds speech made outside of school can be punished
By Larry Neumeister
Associated Press Writer / May 29, 2008
NEW YORK—A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that a high school was within its rights to punish a student for writing critical comments about school administrators on the Internet.
more stories like this
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, Conn., has a responsibility like any school to teach students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior.
"Vulgar or offensive speech -- speech that an adult making a political point might have a constitutional right to employ -- may legitimately give rise to disciplinary action by a school," the court said.
Avery Doninger was disciplined after she used derogatory language to describe the administrators in a blog entry she made outside of school in April 2007.
Doninger's mother filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming her daughter's freedom of speech rights had been compromised. A lower court judge ruled that the school acted appropriately in disqualifying her from running for senior class secretary..........
i'm part of a team presenting a proposal
to allow us (on a regular basis that is) to wfh (work from home) or telecommute at least one day a week. actually, my boss is very flexible on this to begin with. always has been, even prior to this absurdity. i work lots of fridays at home (i AM going in to the office today though). perhaps i'll post my part of the proposal. it's the figures part. a colleague also designed a gas/money savings/earth savings calculator. i'm also taking a picture of the same three gas stations each day to compare prices. i have only been doing this two days. wednesday one station was 4.15, the next was 4.19 and the other was 4.25 (the 4.19 and 4.25 are right across the street from each other. why would someone go to the 4.25 one?????????????). thursday they were, 4.19, 4.25 and 4.32. i haven't gone by them today yet. and of course you realize connecticut has THE highest gas prices out there..
Workers shifting to 4-day week to save gasoline
Andrea HopkinsReuters US Online Report Top News
CINCINNATI (Reuters) - When Ohio's Kent State University offered custodial staff the option of working four days a week instead of five to cut commuting costs, most jumped at the chance, part of a U.S. trend aimed at combating soaring gasoline prices. "We offered it to 94 employees and 78 have taken us up on it," said university spokesman Scott Rainone.
The reason is simple: rising gas prices and a desire to retain good workers. And while so far only the university's custodians are eligible, Rainone hopes the option will be offered to all departments -- including his own.
"In our office, we have people who travel anywhere from five or six miles to a couple who are on the road 45 to 50 minutes," Rainone said. "As the price of gas rises, the level of grumbling rises."
Regular gasoline averages $3.94 a gallon in the United States, up 33 cents in the past month and 88 cents since the beginning of the year, the Energy Information Administration said this week.
The federal government has offered four-day workweeks to eligible employees for years as part of a flexible work program that also includes telecommuting........
Workers shifting to 4-day week to save gasoline
Andrea HopkinsReuters US Online Report Top News
CINCINNATI (Reuters) - When Ohio's Kent State University offered custodial staff the option of working four days a week instead of five to cut commuting costs, most jumped at the chance, part of a U.S. trend aimed at combating soaring gasoline prices. "We offered it to 94 employees and 78 have taken us up on it," said university spokesman Scott Rainone.
The reason is simple: rising gas prices and a desire to retain good workers. And while so far only the university's custodians are eligible, Rainone hopes the option will be offered to all departments -- including his own.
"In our office, we have people who travel anywhere from five or six miles to a couple who are on the road 45 to 50 minutes," Rainone said. "As the price of gas rises, the level of grumbling rises."
Regular gasoline averages $3.94 a gallon in the United States, up 33 cents in the past month and 88 cents since the beginning of the year, the Energy Information Administration said this week.
The federal government has offered four-day workweeks to eligible employees for years as part of a flexible work program that also includes telecommuting........
Thursday, May 29, 2008
i'm going to try to post
pictures of the cost of gas on a daily basis. i'll attempt to get the SAME stations.
here are two examples of what i found yesterday at bishop's corner. i know there are cheaper stations and i'll try to get one of those as well.
connecticut has THE highest gas prices by the way
here are two examples of what i found yesterday at bishop's corner. i know there are cheaper stations and i'll try to get one of those as well.
connecticut has THE highest gas prices by the way
Connecticut Has Priciest Gas In U.S.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
da liebs
at it AGAIN. honoring a man who spouts evil. spouts fear. spouts HATE.
instead of denouncing the lunacy, da liebs is embracing it
(when will they realize these types of 'christians' are praying for the day ALL of the jews are WIPED OUT and they (the 'christians') are left with the 'promised land'? they don't give two flying yoo hoos about jews. they just think god will wipe them (the jews) out along with all of the other infidels and they (the 'christians') will be left with ALL OF THE BOOTY including israel.
when will peeps (like da liebs) realize peeps (like hagee) want all jews dead?
Joseph Lieberman To Headline Upcoming Pastor Hagee Summit
Max Blumenthal
Senator Joseph Lieberman is scheduled to headline Pastor John Hagee's 2008 Christians United For Israel Washington-Israel Summit this July 22. In accepting Hagee's invitation, Lieberman became the most senior elected representative confirmed to appear at the annual gala. Last year, when Lieberman spoke at Hagee's summit, he compared the Texas televangelist to the biblical prophet Moses, dubbing him "an Ish Elochim," or "a man of God." Unless he rescinds his pledge to appear at this year's summit, Lieberman can be expected to deliver another soul-stirring tribute.
Hagee's vitriolic condemnation of Catholicism, his jeremiad declaring Hurricane Katrina divine punishment for New Orleans' hosting of a "homosexual rally," and his generally disturbing apocalyptic theology became national news last February when John McCain accepted his endorsement in a widely publicized ceremony. ..........
instead of denouncing the lunacy, da liebs is embracing it
(when will they realize these types of 'christians' are praying for the day ALL of the jews are WIPED OUT and they (the 'christians') are left with the 'promised land'? they don't give two flying yoo hoos about jews. they just think god will wipe them (the jews) out along with all of the other infidels and they (the 'christians') will be left with ALL OF THE BOOTY including israel.
when will peeps (like da liebs) realize peeps (like hagee) want all jews dead?
Joseph Lieberman To Headline Upcoming Pastor Hagee Summit
Max Blumenthal
Senator Joseph Lieberman is scheduled to headline Pastor John Hagee's 2008 Christians United For Israel Washington-Israel Summit this July 22. In accepting Hagee's invitation, Lieberman became the most senior elected representative confirmed to appear at the annual gala. Last year, when Lieberman spoke at Hagee's summit, he compared the Texas televangelist to the biblical prophet Moses, dubbing him "an Ish Elochim," or "a man of God." Unless he rescinds his pledge to appear at this year's summit, Lieberman can be expected to deliver another soul-stirring tribute.
Hagee's vitriolic condemnation of Catholicism, his jeremiad declaring Hurricane Katrina divine punishment for New Orleans' hosting of a "homosexual rally," and his generally disturbing apocalyptic theology became national news last February when John McCain accepted his endorsement in a widely publicized ceremony. ..........
Monday, May 26, 2008
hmmmm i didn't even know
he had a step-son.
Please wait, your request is processed...
Lieberman's Step-Son: I'm Voting For Obama
There's one less Democrat listening to Sen. Joe Lieberman. Rabbi Ethan Tucker, the senator's step son, offered up his opinion on the difficulties facing Obama in reaching out to the Jewish community:
Tucker, 32, the biological son of Lieberman's wife, Hadassah, opines that an age split is apparent within the Jewish community in attitudes about Obama (as has also been shown in the overall Democratic constituency). Tucker, as paraphrased by reporter Jodi Kantor, asserts that younger Jews "have grown up in diverse settings and are therefore less likely to be troubled by Mr. Obama's associations than their elders."..........
Friday, May 23, 2008
woo hoo!!!
of course this is bitter sweet and i'd rather a replacement DID NOT have to be found, but dang, could you possibly ask for ANYONE BETTER to substitute?
nope!
MIDDLETOWN - When Sen. Ted Kennedy's medical condition cast doubt this week on his plans to give the commencement address at Wesleyan University Sunday, some doubted the campus could field an equally prominent speaker on such short notice.
Then came Barack Obama.
The Illinois senator, presumptive Democratic nominee for president and possibly the hottest speaking ticket in the country right now, will give the commencement address Sunday in Kennedy's place, officials for the senators and the university said Thursday.
In a statement released by his campaign, Obama said Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor this week, had talked to him earlier in the week about taking his place at Wesleyan.......
nope!
Wesleyan Scrambles To Ready Campus For Obama
|Courant Staff WriterMIDDLETOWN - When Sen. Ted Kennedy's medical condition cast doubt this week on his plans to give the commencement address at Wesleyan University Sunday, some doubted the campus could field an equally prominent speaker on such short notice.
Then came Barack Obama.
The Illinois senator, presumptive Democratic nominee for president and possibly the hottest speaking ticket in the country right now, will give the commencement address Sunday in Kennedy's place, officials for the senators and the university said Thursday.
In a statement released by his campaign, Obama said Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor this week, had talked to him earlier in the week about taking his place at Wesleyan.......
although i think he should have been tossed in the can
HERE first THEN deported, i'll settle for the deportation. i'm sorry he's not being punished. he very well COULD do the same thing (and probably will) in mexico
Plainville charged with drilling dog's head is deported
BRISTOL, Conn.—A prosecutor says a Plainville man accused of drilling several holes in a dog's head has been deported to Mexico.
Severino Cruz had claimed he attacked the pit bull at his home in January after the dog bit his 8-year-old son. The dog had to be euthanized because of its injuries.
The prosecutor says the 32-year-old Cruz, who pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges, was sent back to Mexico on May 15.
Cruz still faces two animal cruelty charges. A judge in Bristol Superior Court Thursday issued a warrant to re-arrest Cruz in case he returns to the United States and is stopped by police......
Thursday, May 22, 2008
i've said it before and i'll say it again
don't mess with andy thibault!
the 'douchebag(s)' (i can say that because i don't go to school in douchebag land, i'm older than a teenager AND i'm not running for any school office in douchebag land) appear to be getting their hands slapped (at least their representation is)
from the cool justice report
Commission Orders Douche Bag Lawyer To Produce Billing Records
Chinni, Schwartz Broke FOI Law By Censoring & Withholding Public Documents School Bosses Escape Fines For Hiding Write-In Ballots In Stolen Election U.S. Second Circuit Ruling Way Overdue As School Term Concludes
By ANDY THIBAULT The Cool Justice Report http://www.cooljustice.blogspot.com/
May 22, 2008 EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is available for reprint courtesy of The Cool Justice Report, http://cooljustice.blogspot.com/
Will there be justice for free speech freedom fighter Avery Doninger and all the students who elected her Secretary of the Class of 2008 at Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, CT? How about the taxpayers footing the bill for an incompetent school board lawyer who runs up more and more fees every time she makes a mistake?Perhaps there will be a little justice. Certainly the truth will be told. And, in the course of learning about a welfare system for board of education lawyers in Connecticut, citizens might be moved to do something.The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission issued a finding this week ordering attorney Christine Chinni to produce uncensored billing records for her "work" of behalf of now-retired School Superintendent Paula Schwartz and Lewis Mills Principal Karissa Niehoff. Those records were requested Aug. 1, 2007 and should have been produced then...........
(you go andy!!!)
the 'douchebag(s)' (i can say that because i don't go to school in douchebag land, i'm older than a teenager AND i'm not running for any school office in douchebag land) appear to be getting their hands slapped (at least their representation is)
from the cool justice report
Commission Orders Douche Bag Lawyer To Produce Billing Records
Chinni, Schwartz Broke FOI Law By Censoring & Withholding Public Documents School Bosses Escape Fines For Hiding Write-In Ballots In Stolen Election U.S. Second Circuit Ruling Way Overdue As School Term Concludes
By ANDY THIBAULT The Cool Justice Report http://www.cooljustice.blogspot.com/
May 22, 2008 EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is available for reprint courtesy of The Cool Justice Report, http://cooljustice.blogspot.com/
Will there be justice for free speech freedom fighter Avery Doninger and all the students who elected her Secretary of the Class of 2008 at Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, CT? How about the taxpayers footing the bill for an incompetent school board lawyer who runs up more and more fees every time she makes a mistake?Perhaps there will be a little justice. Certainly the truth will be told. And, in the course of learning about a welfare system for board of education lawyers in Connecticut, citizens might be moved to do something.The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission issued a finding this week ordering attorney Christine Chinni to produce uncensored billing records for her "work" of behalf of now-retired School Superintendent Paula Schwartz and Lewis Mills Principal Karissa Niehoff. Those records were requested Aug. 1, 2007 and should have been produced then...........
(you go andy!!!)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
chris murphy gets it right (again)
how we can treat our service members and veterans the way we do AND sleep at night is beyond me. (the we ONLY refers to king george and his court in this instance. seems like MOST of us honor our troops. others of us send them off to die and be maimed in an UNJUST IMMORAL AND ILLEGAL WAR - then f**k them over IF they happen to return)
Conn. proposes updated G.I. Bill
By WTNH Chief Political Correspondent Mark Davis, on May 16, 2008
Southington (WTNH) _ Connecticut today is calling on President Bush to sign a new version of the G.I. Bill, but he’s threatening to veto the measure.
A big crowd turned out at the Aquaturf in Southington today for the annual Armed Services Day Luncheon. Connecticut’s two freshman members of congress used the day to call on President Bush to sign what’s being called the new G.I. Bill.
“The cost of the war must include the cost of taking care of our troops when they come back to the U.S. and that has to include educational benefits,” said 5th District Rep. Chris Murphy.Last night, Republicans joined with Democrats in the house to pass an updated version of the original G.I. Bill which was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II.
“This is a great program, I have troops that I supervise in the Air Force that would benefit greatly for this,” MSgt. Mark Czmyr of U.S.A.F. Reserve said............
let's give our veterans everything they deserve.
Conn. proposes updated G.I. Bill
By WTNH Chief Political Correspondent Mark Davis, on May 16, 2008
Southington (WTNH) _ Connecticut today is calling on President Bush to sign a new version of the G.I. Bill, but he’s threatening to veto the measure.
A big crowd turned out at the Aquaturf in Southington today for the annual Armed Services Day Luncheon. Connecticut’s two freshman members of congress used the day to call on President Bush to sign what’s being called the new G.I. Bill.
“The cost of the war must include the cost of taking care of our troops when they come back to the U.S. and that has to include educational benefits,” said 5th District Rep. Chris Murphy.Last night, Republicans joined with Democrats in the house to pass an updated version of the original G.I. Bill which was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II.
“This is a great program, I have troops that I supervise in the Air Force that would benefit greatly for this,” MSgt. Mark Czmyr of U.S.A.F. Reserve said............
let's give our veterans everything they deserve.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
i have posted about this (the msm coverage of the war)
many times on ravings of a semi-sane madwoman. i just posted this story on 4,500 lies (accepted by msm and consequently by the american public) yesterday.
here's a little somethin' somethin' i got in my email box yesterday. there is some information specific to connecticut at the end
from justin cole at media matters
As you may have already read, on April 20, The New York Times published an article by investigative reporter David Barstow that detailed the hidden connection between numerous media military analysts and the Pentagon and defense industries. Media Matters followed up with a review of how many times the military analysts named in the Times exposé appeared or were quoted on ABC, ABC News Now, CBS, CBS Radio Network, NBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and NPR. The results: They appeared or were quoted as experts more than 4,500 times. Today, we started an action campaign urging people to sign a petition: “Viewers have the right to know if the expert analysis they're receiving is little more than Pentagon talking points; the war in Iraq, our national security, and our foreign policy are far too important.” Below is some information related to Connecticut you might find useful if you decide to blog on this story. Any help you can give to spread the word and join us in calling on the networks to be held accountable and report on this story would be much appreciated. If you have any questions at all, please let me know. Thank you, - Justin Justin J. Cole Deputy Director, Online Communications Media Matters for America jcole@mediamatters.org http://www.mediamatters.org/ Media Matters for America is a not-for-profit, progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
Local Congressional Action: Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), New Haven Wrote letter to Networks that hosted military analysts questioned network policy changes into booking military analysts. (04/20/08) - http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/April/Major_News_Networks_4_24_08.html Wrote letter to Inspector General Kicklighter asking for DoD investigation. (05/02/08) -http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/May/Defense_IG_5_2_08.html Wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin with Rep. Rosa DeLauro questioning if the program violates sponsorship identification in the Communications Act of 1934 and the rules of the FCC. (05/06/08) - http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/May/DeLauro_Dingell_5_6_08.html CT members of Congress who signed DeLauro’s letter to Department of Defense Inspector General Claude M. Kicklighter requesting investigation:o Rep. John Larson (CT-01)o Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02)o Rep. Chris Murphy (CT-05) Useful Links:· NYT Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/washington/20generals.html· MMFA Item: http://mediamatters.org/items/200805130001 · MMFA Petition: http://mediamatters.org/action_center/military_analysts/
Information on the war:234 wounded soldiers from Connecticut, 29 deaths from Connecticut. (http://icasualties.org/)Connecticut’s share of the cost of the Iraq War in FY2007 is $3.4 billion. (http://www.nationalpriorities.org/)Hartford, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.the40yearplan.com/)New Britain, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.citiesforprogress.org/)New Haven, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.citiesforprogress.org/) Press Coverage:Representative DeLauro on Connecticut Public Radio’s Where we Live (5/13/2008)Representative DeLauro on Air America’s The Lionel Show (Tentative 5/ 22/2008)
here's a little somethin' somethin' i got in my email box yesterday. there is some information specific to connecticut at the end
from justin cole at media matters
As you may have already read, on April 20, The New York Times published an article by investigative reporter David Barstow that detailed the hidden connection between numerous media military analysts and the Pentagon and defense industries. Media Matters followed up with a review of how many times the military analysts named in the Times exposé appeared or were quoted on ABC, ABC News Now, CBS, CBS Radio Network, NBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and NPR. The results: They appeared or were quoted as experts more than 4,500 times. Today, we started an action campaign urging people to sign a petition: “Viewers have the right to know if the expert analysis they're receiving is little more than Pentagon talking points; the war in Iraq, our national security, and our foreign policy are far too important.” Below is some information related to Connecticut you might find useful if you decide to blog on this story. Any help you can give to spread the word and join us in calling on the networks to be held accountable and report on this story would be much appreciated. If you have any questions at all, please let me know. Thank you, - Justin Justin J. Cole Deputy Director, Online Communications Media Matters for America jcole@mediamatters.org http://www.mediamatters.org/ Media Matters for America is a not-for-profit, progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
Local Congressional Action: Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), New Haven Wrote letter to Networks that hosted military analysts questioned network policy changes into booking military analysts. (04/20/08) - http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/April/Major_News_Networks_4_24_08.html Wrote letter to Inspector General Kicklighter asking for DoD investigation. (05/02/08) -http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/May/Defense_IG_5_2_08.html Wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin with Rep. Rosa DeLauro questioning if the program violates sponsorship identification in the Communications Act of 1934 and the rules of the FCC. (05/06/08) - http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2008/May/DeLauro_Dingell_5_6_08.html CT members of Congress who signed DeLauro’s letter to Department of Defense Inspector General Claude M. Kicklighter requesting investigation:o Rep. John Larson (CT-01)o Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02)o Rep. Chris Murphy (CT-05) Useful Links:· NYT Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/washington/20generals.html· MMFA Item: http://mediamatters.org/items/200805130001 · MMFA Petition: http://mediamatters.org/action_center/military_analysts/
Information on the war:234 wounded soldiers from Connecticut, 29 deaths from Connecticut. (http://icasualties.org/)Connecticut’s share of the cost of the Iraq War in FY2007 is $3.4 billion. (http://www.nationalpriorities.org/)Hartford, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.the40yearplan.com/)New Britain, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.citiesforprogress.org/)New Haven, CT passed anti-war resolution. (http://www.citiesforprogress.org/) Press Coverage:Representative DeLauro on Connecticut Public Radio’s Where we Live (5/13/2008)Representative DeLauro on Air America’s The Lionel Show (Tentative 5/ 22/2008)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
today at 3:00 at the (civic center) xl center
(what a stupid name by the way, the xl center) - a protest against animals in the circus will be going on. specifically ringling brothers circus. their show is packing up, it's their last day in hartford. i personally have NOT been to a circus with animals since i was a teenager. (and that was LONG ago)
the following is an email i received:
Animal Advocates HOLD SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY PROTEST of Ringling Circus
Appeal asks families to boycott circus
HARTFORD— Activists from around Connecticut will converge in Hartford Sunday afternoon to protest the Ringling Brothers cruelty to animals and urge families to boycott the closing night of the circus.
WHEN: Sunday, May 11, 3 p.m.WHERE: The XL Center (formerly Hartford Civic Center) at Church St. Entrance, Hartford
Protestors will distribute special Mother's Day cards that read "What would you do if your child was taken away from you and you could never see her again?" referring to Ringling's practice of ripping baby elephants away from their mothers so that they can train them to perform.
Elephants naturally form strong family bonds. In the wild, female elephants stay with their families for life and males do not leave the herd until they are in their teens. The entire herd helps to love and nurture the babies.
Ringling is currently being sued in federal court by animal welfare groups for violating the Endangered Species Act with its routine mistreatment of elephants. The plaintiffs include former Ringling employee Tom Rider, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Fund for Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Animal Protection Institute.
This year, Ringling is bringing its Blue Unit to Hartford for the Mother's Day weekend. All of the circus's elephants were torn from their mothers as babies, whether they were wild-born in Asia or from circus breeding facilities in this country. Four of Ringling's baby elephants have died since 1998, and Ringling has been fined by the federal government for injuring babies in the process of separating them from their mothers .
Ringling's elephants crisscross the country on the circus's trains 11 months of the year, logging more than 25,000 miles. They travel in cramped cars without climate control, eating and sleeping in their own excrement;, when not performing, they are chained or in tiny pens. Circus trainers use bullhooks and electric shock to train them, and they perform out of fear that they will be subjected to more pain. The combination of boredom, confinement and extreme stress causes many of the Ringling elephants to develop disease and show signs of neurotic behavior, such as swaying and head-bobbing.
"The natural needs of wild animals cannot be met in traveling shows," said protest organizer Deb Robinson of West Hartford. "Circus elephants lead miserable lives of constant travel and abuse. It is important for people to understand that animals don't belong in circuses and that the price of their ticket funds this cruelty."
the following is an email i received:
Animal Advocates HOLD SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY PROTEST of Ringling Circus
Appeal asks families to boycott circus
HARTFORD— Activists from around Connecticut will converge in Hartford Sunday afternoon to protest the Ringling Brothers cruelty to animals and urge families to boycott the closing night of the circus.
WHEN: Sunday, May 11, 3 p.m.WHERE: The XL Center (formerly Hartford Civic Center) at Church St. Entrance, Hartford
Protestors will distribute special Mother's Day cards that read "What would you do if your child was taken away from you and you could never see her again?" referring to Ringling's practice of ripping baby elephants away from their mothers so that they can train them to perform.
Elephants naturally form strong family bonds. In the wild, female elephants stay with their families for life and males do not leave the herd until they are in their teens. The entire herd helps to love and nurture the babies.
Ringling is currently being sued in federal court by animal welfare groups for violating the Endangered Species Act with its routine mistreatment of elephants. The plaintiffs include former Ringling employee Tom Rider, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Fund for Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Animal Protection Institute.
This year, Ringling is bringing its Blue Unit to Hartford for the Mother's Day weekend. All of the circus's elephants were torn from their mothers as babies, whether they were wild-born in Asia or from circus breeding facilities in this country. Four of Ringling's baby elephants have died since 1998, and Ringling has been fined by the federal government for injuring babies in the process of separating them from their mothers .
Ringling's elephants crisscross the country on the circus's trains 11 months of the year, logging more than 25,000 miles. They travel in cramped cars without climate control, eating and sleeping in their own excrement;, when not performing, they are chained or in tiny pens. Circus trainers use bullhooks and electric shock to train them, and they perform out of fear that they will be subjected to more pain. The combination of boredom, confinement and extreme stress causes many of the Ringling elephants to develop disease and show signs of neurotic behavior, such as swaying and head-bobbing.
"The natural needs of wild animals cannot be met in traveling shows," said protest organizer Deb Robinson of West Hartford. "Circus elephants lead miserable lives of constant travel and abuse. It is important for people to understand that animals don't belong in circuses and that the price of their ticket funds this cruelty."
Saturday, May 10, 2008
da liebs
is checking SOMEONE ELSE'S BEARINGS? kettle kettle kettle!!!
Lieberman: ‘I Personally Checked John McCain’s Bearings’
By: SilentPatriot
In an interview on CNN Thursday, Senator Obama said John McCain was “losing his bearings” after he repeatedly suggested that Hamas had endorsed his candidacy, even though their positions on the issue are nearly identical. Now, loyal Democrat (except on the small issue of “the war”) Joe Lieberman is coming to McCain’s defense after the presumptive GOP nominee accused Barack Obama of playing the “age card.”..........
Lieberman: ‘I Personally Checked John McCain’s Bearings’
By: SilentPatriot
In an interview on CNN Thursday, Senator Obama said John McCain was “losing his bearings” after he repeatedly suggested that Hamas had endorsed his candidacy, even though their positions on the issue are nearly identical. Now, loyal Democrat (except on the small issue of “the war”) Joe Lieberman is coming to McCain’s defense after the presumptive GOP nominee accused Barack Obama of playing the “age card.”..........
Thursday, May 01, 2008
i don't think we should wait
for THREE violations before pulling someone's hunting license. ONE STRIKE and YOU'RE OUT is my belief. i'm glad the punishment and fines are higher for illegal hunting, but of course i think they should be more severe.
House boosts illegal hunting penalties
HARTFORD, Conn.—State fines for illegal bear and moose hunting may soon be higher.
more stories like this
The House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that raises the fine from $200 and possible imprisonment up to 60 days to at least $500 and up to 90 days in prison or both. It the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to suspend a violator's hunting license for at least one year.
Repeat offenders face tougher fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in prison. After a third conviction, a hunter's license would be revoked.
Rep. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, said he proposed the legislation because some hunters have been willing to risk a $200 fine...........
House boosts illegal hunting penalties
HARTFORD, Conn.—State fines for illegal bear and moose hunting may soon be higher.
more stories like this
The House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that raises the fine from $200 and possible imprisonment up to 60 days to at least $500 and up to 90 days in prison or both. It the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to suspend a violator's hunting license for at least one year.
Repeat offenders face tougher fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in prison. After a third conviction, a hunter's license would be revoked.
Rep. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, said he proposed the legislation because some hunters have been willing to risk a $200 fine...........
taking the EASY way out
no, they should WAIT to deport him. they should make him do time THEN deport him. once again i ask you WHAT SORT OF 'HUMAN' CAN DRILL HOLES IN A (LIVING) DOG'S HEAD?
Deportation likely for dog death case
BRISTOL, Conn.—A man who allegedly drilled several holes in a dog's head plans to accept deportation rather than stand trial on animal cruelty charges.
more stories like this
Severino Cruz says he attacked the pit bull at his home in Plainville with a drill in January after the dog bit his 8-year-old son. The dog had to be euthanized because of its injuries.
The 32-year-old Cruz has pleaded not guilty to charges of cruelty to animals, as well as maliciously maiming or killing an animal............
Deportation likely for dog death case
BRISTOL, Conn.—A man who allegedly drilled several holes in a dog's head plans to accept deportation rather than stand trial on animal cruelty charges.
more stories like this
Severino Cruz says he attacked the pit bull at his home in Plainville with a drill in January after the dog bit his 8-year-old son. The dog had to be euthanized because of its injuries.
The 32-year-old Cruz has pleaded not guilty to charges of cruelty to animals, as well as maliciously maiming or killing an animal............
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
it's not even
that da liebs got a cheap piece o' shite server for his website (that caused the crash). it's not even that he accused ned lamont (or his peeps) for the crash. it's not even the lack of msm coverage of the fbi findings on that (NO ONE DID IT. as i said, it was a cheap piece o' shite provider and the stupid thing crashed on it's own).
what IT IS, is, da liebs was RE ELECTED. even after knowing he would have our sons and daughters and mothers and fathers and friends and other family members in iraq (and elsewhere) until kingdom come (and i mean that literally).
from media matters
(i can't seem to get the hyperlink to the article itself to work -all the time, it works sometimes and not other times????-, so you'll have to cut and paste this: http://mediamatters.org/items/200804290009)
Media that reported Lieberman's hacking charge against Lamont supporters have yet to report FBI found "no evidence of (an) attack"
Despite having reported the August 2006 allegation by Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign that supporters of Ned Lamont, then his rival in the Democratic Senate primary, had "hacked" Lieberman's campaign website, numerous media outlets -- including ABC, CNN, and CBS -- have yet to report that an FBI investigation reportedly concluded before the November 2006 general election that there was "no evidence of (an) attack." To the contrary, according to an April 9 article in The Advocate of Stamford, Connecticut, an October 25, 2006, FBI email indicated that the FBI had found Lieberman's website "crashed because Lieberman officials continually exceeded a configured limit of 100 e-mails per hour the night before the primary." Thus, despite coverage of the Lieberman campaign's allegations against the Lamont campaign, ABC, CNN, and CBS have yet to report that the FBI not only exonerated the Lamont campaign, but that it was reported this month that the FBI concluded the website crash was the fault of the Lieberman campaign itself...............
what IT IS, is, da liebs was RE ELECTED. even after knowing he would have our sons and daughters and mothers and fathers and friends and other family members in iraq (and elsewhere) until kingdom come (and i mean that literally).
from media matters
(i can't seem to get the hyperlink to the article itself to work -all the time, it works sometimes and not other times????-, so you'll have to cut and paste this: http://mediamatters.org/items/200804290009)
Media that reported Lieberman's hacking charge against Lamont supporters have yet to report FBI found "no evidence of (an) attack"
Despite having reported the August 2006 allegation by Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign that supporters of Ned Lamont, then his rival in the Democratic Senate primary, had "hacked" Lieberman's campaign website, numerous media outlets -- including ABC, CNN, and CBS -- have yet to report that an FBI investigation reportedly concluded before the November 2006 general election that there was "no evidence of (an) attack." To the contrary, according to an April 9 article in The Advocate of Stamford, Connecticut, an October 25, 2006, FBI email indicated that the FBI had found Lieberman's website "crashed because Lieberman officials continually exceeded a configured limit of 100 e-mails per hour the night before the primary." Thus, despite coverage of the Lieberman campaign's allegations against the Lamont campaign, ABC, CNN, and CBS have yet to report that the FBI not only exonerated the Lamont campaign, but that it was reported this month that the FBI concluded the website crash was the fault of the Lieberman campaign itself...............
Monday, April 28, 2008
read this
Woman With A Disabled Husband And Two Disabled Children Fights Foreclosure
Story By HILARY WALDMAN And Photos By Shana Sureck The Hartford Courant
Janet Catucci never planned to build a house big enough for three wheelchairs.She never imagined that the ramp in front, built when her son grew too big to carry up and down the front steps, would also become a gangway for her daughter — and then her husband.But in a life that seems to have thrown Janet and Tony Catucci Jr. quite a bit more than their fair share of bad luck, the house — at least until now — has been a haven, providing a measure of comfort for the family even as the odds of anything resembling a "normal" existence continued to stack up against them.The couple's first child, Tony Catucci III, was born in 1984, deaf, blind, epileptic and mentally retarded, his body crippled by cerebral palsy — the result of what doctors assured the Catuccis was a rare genetic misfire. But two years later, Ashley arrived with the same problem, and it became clear that Janet and Tony would carry an unthinkably heavy load. .......
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
you know what?
the way i look at it is; da liebs is the johnny damon of politics. he's turned his back on those who loved, nurtured and supported him to go over to the dark side.
it's no big deal. johnny was NEVER really a bosox and da liebs was NEVER really a democrat.
it's NOT shocking news. it's not news at all.
(even if he begged to come back - i wouldn't want 'em - EITHER of 'em)
Lieberman willing to star at Republican convention
By Manu Raju
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), the Democratic Party’s 2000 vice presidential nominee, is leaving open the possibility of giving a keynote address on behalf of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) at the Republican National Convention in September.
Republicans close to the McCain campaign say Lieberman’s appearance at the convention, possibly before a national primetime audience, could help make the case that the presumptive GOP nominee has a record of crossing the aisle. That could appeal to much-needed independent voters. McCain has yet to ask Lieberman to speak, either in primetime or elsewhere, at the convention. But if McCain thinks it will help make his case for the White House, as some of his allies suspect, Lieberman would be willing to speak on his behalf.
“If Sen. McCain, who I support so strongly, asked me to do it, if he thinks it will help him, I will,” Lieberman said in a brief interview. .....
it's no big deal. johnny was NEVER really a bosox and da liebs was NEVER really a democrat.
it's NOT shocking news. it's not news at all.
(even if he begged to come back - i wouldn't want 'em - EITHER of 'em)
Lieberman willing to star at Republican convention
By Manu Raju
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), the Democratic Party’s 2000 vice presidential nominee, is leaving open the possibility of giving a keynote address on behalf of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) at the Republican National Convention in September.
Republicans close to the McCain campaign say Lieberman’s appearance at the convention, possibly before a national primetime audience, could help make the case that the presumptive GOP nominee has a record of crossing the aisle. That could appeal to much-needed independent voters. McCain has yet to ask Lieberman to speak, either in primetime or elsewhere, at the convention. But if McCain thinks it will help make his case for the White House, as some of his allies suspect, Lieberman would be willing to speak on his behalf.
“If Sen. McCain, who I support so strongly, asked me to do it, if he thinks it will help him, I will,” Lieberman said in a brief interview. .....
Sunday, April 13, 2008
i think we should all know what procter & gamble
is doing - or in this case NOT doing. they're denying an employee, carl macleod, (who happens to be a disabled veteran) the benefits and coverage that are DUE HIM. he fully disclosed he was a disabled vet to his employer. they knew. f**k them
they make SO many products (from iams pet food to febrize to dawn to tampax it's hard to list them. here's a link to the products listed on their website.) we all know they can AFFORD to cover medical benefits for mr macleod.
p&g DO THE RIGHT THING
An Ill Veteran, A Denied Claim, A Heartless Employer
Susan Campbell
Carl MacLeod enlisted in the Army, and for 20 years he traveled the world. He also accumulated a few injuries.When he was honorably discharged as a first sergeant in early 2001, he got a job as a maintenance manager at Clairol in Stamford. He told the company he was a disabled vet, and enrolled in their employee benefits plan. That same year, he and wife Kristy moved with his three and her two children from previous marriages to a house in West Haven.Later that year, Procter & Gamble bought Clairol, and MacLeod met with two company representatives to discuss benefits. He talked about his injuries, and he was reassured that nothing would change. He enrolled in the new benefits plan, and started paying premiums.And then he got sick. Years as an Army machinist exposed him to a sea of chemicals, and in February 2004, MacLeod was diagnosed with chronic solvent encephalopathy, or CSE, a degenerative neurological disease, something like a cross between MS and Lou Gehring's disease for which there is no cure. In October 2004, the VA upped his disability from 70 to 100 percent.MacLeod filed for disability benefits at work, but within four days — over a weekend, yet — P&G said no. They said his diagnosis was a result of military service, and they were not responsible. This despite their earlier reassurances, and the language of their own package plan.In November '06, a judge said the company should review its denial. P&G asked for more documentation, and then denied him again last August. MacLeod filed suit last month..............
they make SO many products (from iams pet food to febrize to dawn to tampax it's hard to list them. here's a link to the products listed on their website.) we all know they can AFFORD to cover medical benefits for mr macleod.
p&g DO THE RIGHT THING
An Ill Veteran, A Denied Claim, A Heartless Employer
Susan Campbell
Carl MacLeod enlisted in the Army, and for 20 years he traveled the world. He also accumulated a few injuries.When he was honorably discharged as a first sergeant in early 2001, he got a job as a maintenance manager at Clairol in Stamford. He told the company he was a disabled vet, and enrolled in their employee benefits plan. That same year, he and wife Kristy moved with his three and her two children from previous marriages to a house in West Haven.Later that year, Procter & Gamble bought Clairol, and MacLeod met with two company representatives to discuss benefits. He talked about his injuries, and he was reassured that nothing would change. He enrolled in the new benefits plan, and started paying premiums.And then he got sick. Years as an Army machinist exposed him to a sea of chemicals, and in February 2004, MacLeod was diagnosed with chronic solvent encephalopathy, or CSE, a degenerative neurological disease, something like a cross between MS and Lou Gehring's disease for which there is no cure. In October 2004, the VA upped his disability from 70 to 100 percent.MacLeod filed for disability benefits at work, but within four days — over a weekend, yet — P&G said no. They said his diagnosis was a result of military service, and they were not responsible. This despite their earlier reassurances, and the language of their own package plan.In November '06, a judge said the company should review its denial. P&G asked for more documentation, and then denied him again last August. MacLeod filed suit last month..............
Thursday, April 10, 2008
more on justin goodman, peta, animal experiments
at unconn. this time from
nbc30
PETA Calls For Investigation Into UConn Cat Experiment
Activists: Animal Died After Holes Were Drilled Into Head
STORRS, Conn. -- Animal activities claim an experiment at the University of Connecticut resulted in the death of a cat.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed a seven-page complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, asking it to investigate possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act at UConn.
Justin Goodman, an animal lover, PETA employee and UConn grad student, said a whistleblower came to him in January and told him a cat bled to death following an experiment on campus.
"They were drilling a hole into her skull so that they could place electrodes directly onto her brain," he said. "And while they were drilling a hole, she had a brain hemorrhage and started bleeding out and died."
He said news of the possible experiment gone bad was alarming.
"When you hear something terrible like a cat bleeding to death after having a hole drilled into her skull, obviously anyone would be taken aback," Goodman said............
and
wtnh, channel 8
PETA wants investigation at UConn
By News Channel 8's Bob Wilson
(WTNH) _ The University of Connecticut is responding to PETA's call for a federal investigation into research conducted on cats.
Justin Goodman investigates labs for PETA. He says an anonymous whistle blower came forward saying a cat was killed prematurely during medical research on hearing at UConn.
"These people are supposed to know what they are doing, and here they are drilling a hole into a cats head and she bleeds out, and has a brain hemorrhage before they can even conduct their experiment," Goodman said.
It is an experiment which is legal and funded by the government. UConn released a statement that says, "The PETA account, provided to the media, has several serious inaccuracies: the truth is that the cat in question was never paralyzed and did not bleed to death and the head veterinarian was present."...............
nbc30
PETA Calls For Investigation Into UConn Cat Experiment
Activists: Animal Died After Holes Were Drilled Into Head
STORRS, Conn. -- Animal activities claim an experiment at the University of Connecticut resulted in the death of a cat.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed a seven-page complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, asking it to investigate possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act at UConn.
Justin Goodman, an animal lover, PETA employee and UConn grad student, said a whistleblower came to him in January and told him a cat bled to death following an experiment on campus.
"They were drilling a hole into her skull so that they could place electrodes directly onto her brain," he said. "And while they were drilling a hole, she had a brain hemorrhage and started bleeding out and died."
He said news of the possible experiment gone bad was alarming.
"When you hear something terrible like a cat bleeding to death after having a hole drilled into her skull, obviously anyone would be taken aback," Goodman said............
and
wtnh, channel 8
PETA wants investigation at UConn
By News Channel 8's Bob Wilson
(WTNH) _ The University of Connecticut is responding to PETA's call for a federal investigation into research conducted on cats.
Justin Goodman investigates labs for PETA. He says an anonymous whistle blower came forward saying a cat was killed prematurely during medical research on hearing at UConn.
"These people are supposed to know what they are doing, and here they are drilling a hole into a cats head and she bleeds out, and has a brain hemorrhage before they can even conduct their experiment," Goodman said.
It is an experiment which is legal and funded by the government. UConn released a statement that says, "The PETA account, provided to the media, has several serious inaccuracies: the truth is that the cat in question was never paralyzed and did not bleed to death and the head veterinarian was present."...............
big baby
turns out it was YOUR own fault all along da liebs
again, BIG BABY
FBI: Lieberman campaign to blame for crash to its Web site
By ConnPolitics.tv Editor, on Apr 9, 2008
Stamford (AP)– Federal investigators have concluded that U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s 2006 re-election campaign caused the crash of its Web site the day before the Democratic primary with Ned Lamont.
The FBI says it has found no evidence supporting the Lieberman campaign’s allegations that Lamont supporters were to blame for the Web site crash.
Lieberman had implied that joe2006.com was hacked by Lamont supporters.......
and THIS interesting tidbit:
Okay, Lamont Didn’t Crash the Servers. But What Did Lieberman Do with His $387,000 Slush Fund?
By: emptywheel
In thoroughly unsurprising news today, the Ned Lamont campaign was cleared of any wrong-doing in the crash of Lieberman's server leading up to primary day in 2006. The Stamford Advocate reports that the FBI determined--way back on October 25, 2006--that Lieberman's campaign bears all responsibility for the server crash.
Case closed, right?
No. Not on the outstanding legal issues arising from the campaign, anyway.
As you might recall, the Lamont campaign filed an FEC complaint, coincidentally just two days before the whole server crash case was closed in October 2006, noting that Joe Lieberman had a campaign finance entry for "petty cash" expenditures that were way beyond the legal limits: $387,000 of "petty cash."
The Friends of Joe Lieberman committee, and Joseph I. Lieberman, individually have violated the clear and unambiguous terms of 11 C.F.R. §102.11 in at least the following three ways.
First, according to the FEC October Quarterly report filed on October 13, 2006, the Lieberman campaign has petty cash disbursements amounting to $387,561.00, which is roughly 8 percent of its total disbursements, or one out of every twelve dollars spent. On several occasions, petty cash disbursements greater than $100 were reported, as supposed payment for “volunteers.” As summary of these disbursements from the Friends of Joe Lieberman report are attached hereto. These disbursements reflect patent violations of 11 C.F.R. §102.11..........
again, BIG BABY
FBI: Lieberman campaign to blame for crash to its Web site
By ConnPolitics.tv Editor, on Apr 9, 2008
Stamford (AP)– Federal investigators have concluded that U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s 2006 re-election campaign caused the crash of its Web site the day before the Democratic primary with Ned Lamont.
The FBI says it has found no evidence supporting the Lieberman campaign’s allegations that Lamont supporters were to blame for the Web site crash.
Lieberman had implied that joe2006.com was hacked by Lamont supporters.......
and THIS interesting tidbit:
Okay, Lamont Didn’t Crash the Servers. But What Did Lieberman Do with His $387,000 Slush Fund?
By: emptywheel
In thoroughly unsurprising news today, the Ned Lamont campaign was cleared of any wrong-doing in the crash of Lieberman's server leading up to primary day in 2006. The Stamford Advocate reports that the FBI determined--way back on October 25, 2006--that Lieberman's campaign bears all responsibility for the server crash.
Case closed, right?
No. Not on the outstanding legal issues arising from the campaign, anyway.
As you might recall, the Lamont campaign filed an FEC complaint, coincidentally just two days before the whole server crash case was closed in October 2006, noting that Joe Lieberman had a campaign finance entry for "petty cash" expenditures that were way beyond the legal limits: $387,000 of "petty cash."
The Friends of Joe Lieberman committee, and Joseph I. Lieberman, individually have violated the clear and unambiguous terms of 11 C.F.R. §102.11 in at least the following three ways.
First, according to the FEC October Quarterly report filed on October 13, 2006, the Lieberman campaign has petty cash disbursements amounting to $387,561.00, which is roughly 8 percent of its total disbursements, or one out of every twelve dollars spent. On several occasions, petty cash disbursements greater than $100 were reported, as supposed payment for “volunteers.” As summary of these disbursements from the Friends of Joe Lieberman report are attached hereto. These disbursements reflect patent violations of 11 C.F.R. §102.11..........
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
from the hartford advocate
a story on animal abuse featuring justin goodman
Me-Ouch!
PETA member Justin Goodman says UConn has been drilling holes in the heads of cats
By Adam Bulger
PETA member and former University of Connecticut graduate student Justin Goodman is alarmed at what he says the school is doing with cats. Goodman, who made headlines (in publications that included this paper) in 2006 for exposing the treatment of Cornelius, a rhesus monkey used in experiments at UConn's Health Center, learned in January of UConn classes and experiments that he believes includes abusive and archaic practices.
An insider at UConn told Goodman about a study in the psychology department at the university's main campus in Storrs.
"This cat, who was being prepared for an experiment, she would have a hole drilled in her head [and] would be put in a sound-proof box for two to four days," Goodman said. "They would put electrodes in her brain and collect electrophysiological recordings from single neurons in her brain."............
connecticut for animals
Me-Ouch!
PETA member Justin Goodman says UConn has been drilling holes in the heads of cats
By Adam Bulger
PETA member and former University of Connecticut graduate student Justin Goodman is alarmed at what he says the school is doing with cats. Goodman, who made headlines (in publications that included this paper) in 2006 for exposing the treatment of Cornelius, a rhesus monkey used in experiments at UConn's Health Center, learned in January of UConn classes and experiments that he believes includes abusive and archaic practices.
An insider at UConn told Goodman about a study in the psychology department at the university's main campus in Storrs.
"This cat, who was being prepared for an experiment, she would have a hole drilled in her head [and] would be put in a sound-proof box for two to four days," Goodman said. "They would put electrodes in her brain and collect electrophysiological recordings from single neurons in her brain."............
connecticut for animals
from the cool justice report
Famous Douche Bag Case Noted In National Muzzle Awards
.....................ANNOUNCING THE 2008 JEFFERSON MUZZLES:Who were the Best Censors of Last Year?...........
.............Lewis Mills High School Principal Karissa Niehoff and Connecticut Region 10 Superintendent of Schools Paula Schwartz for not allowing a student to run for class office because she posted comments critical of school officials on an Internet blog.............
.....................ANNOUNCING THE 2008 JEFFERSON MUZZLES:Who were the Best Censors of Last Year?...........
.............Lewis Mills High School Principal Karissa Niehoff and Connecticut Region 10 Superintendent of Schools Paula Schwartz for not allowing a student to run for class office because she posted comments critical of school officials on an Internet blog.............
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
tell me
how a MERE 13 years is an 'appropriate' sentence for slavery and forcing minors into prostitution?
re effing diculous
Sex trafficker sentenced to 13 years in prison
NEW HAVEN, Conn.—Federal prosecutors say a man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his involvement in a sex trafficking operation that victimized children and young women.
more stories like this
Brian Forbes of East Hartford was sentenced in Hartford federal court. The 43-year-old pleaded guilty last year to several charges including sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nora Dannehy says the prison term is appropriate for someone who victimized minors and enslaved women..............
re effing diculous
Sex trafficker sentenced to 13 years in prison
NEW HAVEN, Conn.—Federal prosecutors say a man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his involvement in a sex trafficking operation that victimized children and young women.
more stories like this
Brian Forbes of East Hartford was sentenced in Hartford federal court. The 43-year-old pleaded guilty last year to several charges including sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nora Dannehy says the prison term is appropriate for someone who victimized minors and enslaved women..............
Monday, April 07, 2008
i work for a large corporation
it is drilled into us, we CAN NEVER throw out ANY information that is sensitive. NONE. EVER. we MUST dispose of it in shredder bins. that has been the case for MANY years. recently, they even went a step further. we have a 'clear desk' policy. when we are away from our desks for more than an hour OR when we leave, we MUST lock our computer screens (in my department we all have laptops and docking stations. those docking stations are locked all of the time the laptops are in them) and we MUST have all sensitive information off of our desks. we even have a laminated piece of paper which states we're gone for the day and if you are going to leave something on the desk, seek out the person's supervisor and give that document to them, do NOT leave it on an open desk. mind you, we have a LOCKED building. it's impossible to get into unless you have a key card. during normal business hours, the front doors are unlocked, but there are security guards at the front desk. you can't get past them without setting off an alarm. (the guards are there 24/7 by the way). we even have some revolving doors at other entrances where you need the key card to gain entrance. those doors are so sensitive, they will back you out if they think there are TWO of you in one compartment (it has a scanner in it. i once tried to get back in after a smoke and i was reading. i had the papers out in front of me. the door, WHICH EFFING TALKS, told me i was a bad bad bad grrrl and it backed me out).
seems to me, people's bank is the one at fault here
Taking bank trash, Fairfield man claims security lapse
BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—A Fairfield man who claims security lapses after taking bank documents from trash bins is headed to court on civil charges that he violated a restraining order won by the bank.
more stories like this
For four months, James Hastings searched through trash bins outside People's United Bank branches in Fairfield County. He pulled out bags of paperwork with private information, including customers' Social Security numbers and account information.
The bank last month won a restraining order against Hastings, 56, requiring him to not discuss the matter or distribute paperwork. He has since been interviewed by the Connecticut Post.
People's Bank said Hastings is trying to extort money and claims he asked to be hired as a "fraud consultant." Bank officials also are demanding that the information be returned.
Brent DiGiorgio, a spokesman for People's Bank, said its primary concern is protecting the customers' information that Hastings has taken. The bank promises to provide a year of free credit monitoring to customers whose information was taken and has contacted affected customers, he said.
People's trains employees abut safeguarding customer information and the bank is reviewing its policies, DiGiorgio said.........
seems to me, people's bank is the one at fault here
Taking bank trash, Fairfield man claims security lapse
BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—A Fairfield man who claims security lapses after taking bank documents from trash bins is headed to court on civil charges that he violated a restraining order won by the bank.
more stories like this
For four months, James Hastings searched through trash bins outside People's United Bank branches in Fairfield County. He pulled out bags of paperwork with private information, including customers' Social Security numbers and account information.
The bank last month won a restraining order against Hastings, 56, requiring him to not discuss the matter or distribute paperwork. He has since been interviewed by the Connecticut Post.
People's Bank said Hastings is trying to extort money and claims he asked to be hired as a "fraud consultant." Bank officials also are demanding that the information be returned.
Brent DiGiorgio, a spokesman for People's Bank, said its primary concern is protecting the customers' information that Hastings has taken. The bank promises to provide a year of free credit monitoring to customers whose information was taken and has contacted affected customers, he said.
People's trains employees abut safeguarding customer information and the bank is reviewing its policies, DiGiorgio said.........
Saturday, April 05, 2008
wes craven (whom i love)
is filming a movie in connecticut! why there's such a big uproar over filming a horror movie is BEYOND me.
Wes Craven To Film Horror Movie In Former Tolland High School
By MATT BURGARD And STEPHANIE SUMMERS
Courant Staff Writers
Not surprisingly, Wes Craven likes red sauce on his spaghetti.That's the way the horror movie maestro ordered it when he stopped for a bite locally last month, ahead of ironing out the deal signed Wednesday with the town to film part of his next fright feature, "25/8," at the former high school on Old Cathole Road..........
...........Writer/director Craven and his crew of 80 or so plan to begin work on "25/8" inside and outside the vacant building April 14. He'll pay the school district $37,000 plus expenses for the privilege, Superintendent William Guzman said Thursday.The movie, written by Craven, is about a serial killer who stalks seven teenagers born the night the killer purportedly died 15 years earlier.Craven's Stamford movie company, Lucky Cricket Productions, has assured the school board that violent scenes would not be filmed at the school and a fictitious town name will be used. Filming also takes place in New Milford and Stamford.Scenes shot here will show "kids doing normal kid things," film location manager Mike Nickodem said Thursday. Characters will be filmed in the halls, at biology class and on the soccer field."Nothing on the campus that is going to be done is an untoward event," said Guzman who prefers a "good drama" to a horror flick...........
Wes Craven To Film Horror Movie In Former Tolland High School
By MATT BURGARD And STEPHANIE SUMMERS
Courant Staff Writers
Not surprisingly, Wes Craven likes red sauce on his spaghetti.That's the way the horror movie maestro ordered it when he stopped for a bite locally last month, ahead of ironing out the deal signed Wednesday with the town to film part of his next fright feature, "25/8," at the former high school on Old Cathole Road..........
...........Writer/director Craven and his crew of 80 or so plan to begin work on "25/8" inside and outside the vacant building April 14. He'll pay the school district $37,000 plus expenses for the privilege, Superintendent William Guzman said Thursday.The movie, written by Craven, is about a serial killer who stalks seven teenagers born the night the killer purportedly died 15 years earlier.Craven's Stamford movie company, Lucky Cricket Productions, has assured the school board that violent scenes would not be filmed at the school and a fictitious town name will be used. Filming also takes place in New Milford and Stamford.Scenes shot here will show "kids doing normal kid things," film location manager Mike Nickodem said Thursday. Characters will be filmed in the halls, at biology class and on the soccer field."Nothing on the campus that is going to be done is an untoward event," said Guzman who prefers a "good drama" to a horror flick...........
way to go governor weicker!
i always thought lowell looked like my old boss bill. both very tall, very strong men. unfortunately bill died a few years back. a YOUNG man. cancer. i went to his funeral at an air force base on cape cod. as far as funerals go, it was quite lovely and moving. i miss bill. i HATED working for him. we fought all of the time. others were intimidated by him because of his size and his power. i of course wasn't. i once even walked out of his office durning my annual review, slamming the door. years later, on a business trip we discussed that. i told him if i didn't walk out he would have had to fire me. i would have verbally AND physically assaulted him. when bill stopped being my boss (i started to report to someone else), we became the BEST of friends. one thing about bill i always admired, he treated everyone the same. from the mailroom employees to ceos. i miss you bill!
Former Connecticut governor Weicker endorses Obama
Stephanie Reitz
HARTFORD, Conn.—Former Republican senator and Connecticut independent Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid Friday, saying the Illinois Democrat "has the smarts, quite frankly, to do a damn good job."
more stories like this
Weicker, 76, said Obama's positive outlook, vision for the country's future and common sense made him the obvious candidate to endorse.
"Even though I'm almost 77 years old, I want a fresh start and a young start for this country," Weicker said. "I think we've had enough of the old-timers in both parties."
Weicker, a former U.S. congressman and senator, was elected Connecticut's governor in 1990 as an independent under his "A Connecticut Party" label. He served one term.
Reached by telephone Friday while traveling in Virginia, Weicker called Democratic contender Hillary Rodham Clinton "a very capable individual," but said he did not endorse her because "it's time to get on with some new thinking in this country.".........
Former Connecticut governor Weicker endorses Obama
Stephanie Reitz
HARTFORD, Conn.—Former Republican senator and Connecticut independent Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid Friday, saying the Illinois Democrat "has the smarts, quite frankly, to do a damn good job."
more stories like this
Weicker, 76, said Obama's positive outlook, vision for the country's future and common sense made him the obvious candidate to endorse.
"Even though I'm almost 77 years old, I want a fresh start and a young start for this country," Weicker said. "I think we've had enough of the old-timers in both parties."
Weicker, a former U.S. congressman and senator, was elected Connecticut's governor in 1990 as an independent under his "A Connecticut Party" label. He served one term.
Reached by telephone Friday while traveling in Virginia, Weicker called Democratic contender Hillary Rodham Clinton "a very capable individual," but said he did not endorse her because "it's time to get on with some new thinking in this country.".........
finally!
sit-n-knit has moved from west hartford center (yuk yuk and triple yuk) to bloomfield. i stopped by yesterday on my way home from work. the new location is HUGE AND there is plenty of FREE parking (unlike west hartford center). it's easy to get to, about 10 minutes from the old location (give or take)
so do stop by. no need to rush through the store so you can hop out to feed the parking meter. take your time. sit n knit!
Friday, April 04, 2008
uh oh, know what time it is?
it's time to reveal ANOTHER stupid connecticut criminal!
(b & e, i'm praying this one isn't related to you as well)
Police: Man Arrested After Reporting Vandalism To Stolen Car
WVIT-TV
SOMERS, Conn. - A Somers man was arrested after reporting his car was vandalized. He went to state police Wednesday to report that his 2008 Cadillac sedan was vandalized, police said.
State police determined the car was stolen after the trooper taking the vandalism report became suspicious and asked Duval how he could afford the car, police said.
Police said Duval stole the car from an Avis rental car company in Windsor Locks........
(b & e, i'm praying this one isn't related to you as well)
Police: Man Arrested After Reporting Vandalism To Stolen Car
WVIT-TV
SOMERS, Conn. - A Somers man was arrested after reporting his car was vandalized. He went to state police Wednesday to report that his 2008 Cadillac sedan was vandalized, police said.
State police determined the car was stolen after the trooper taking the vandalism report became suspicious and asked Duval how he could afford the car, police said.
Police said Duval stole the car from an Avis rental car company in Windsor Locks........
Thursday, April 03, 2008
c'mon all of you stupid id-jits
if we don't do EXACTLY what da liebs says, al qaeda won't just be in iraq and iran IT WILL BE IN WEST HARTFORD CENTER (goddess forbid!), AND GREENWICH AND LITCHFIELD AND DUBUQUE AND MINNEAPOLIS AND ORLANDO AND OF COURSE BRIDGEPORT
Joe Lieberman Attacks Barack Obama On Fox News (Video) (click the link for video)
By: Jane Hamsher
There's nothing quite like seeing it live:
LIEBERMAN: Well, I think that - let me say generally that Sen. Obama doesn't come to this debate with a lot of credibility. Basically on the question of Iraq, John McCain has had the guts to stand out on his own arguing for what he thought was right. And it turned out that he was right about the surge working to improve conditions in Iraq.
If we did what Sen. Obama wanted us to do last year, Al-Qaeda in Iran would be in control of Iraq today. The whole Middle East would be in turmoil and American security and credibility would be jeopardized.
On the specific question of the 100 years, I think that's an unfortunate example of the way Sen. Obama has used it, of playing political gotcha with a national security question.........
Joe Lieberman Attacks Barack Obama On Fox News (Video) (click the link for video)
By: Jane Hamsher
There's nothing quite like seeing it live:
LIEBERMAN: Well, I think that - let me say generally that Sen. Obama doesn't come to this debate with a lot of credibility. Basically on the question of Iraq, John McCain has had the guts to stand out on his own arguing for what he thought was right. And it turned out that he was right about the surge working to improve conditions in Iraq.
If we did what Sen. Obama wanted us to do last year, Al-Qaeda in Iran would be in control of Iraq today. The whole Middle East would be in turmoil and American security and credibility would be jeopardized.
On the specific question of the 100 years, I think that's an unfortunate example of the way Sen. Obama has used it, of playing political gotcha with a national security question.........
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
a big ol' shout out to bill earls
i was reading buzzflash when i came across an article he wrote. a GREAT, ON THE MARK, SINCERE, INSIGHTFUL article. a truthful and sad article.
the only thing i would have done differently is cram in the article SOMEWHERE, 'da liebs is a GIANT STEAMIN' PILE O' SHITE'. the end
Bill Earls: Joe Lieberman's hypocrisy and the Hartford Courant's irony
Credit the Hartford Courant's layout editors with a sense of cruel irony.On Monday's front page, there was a four column photograph of Mrs. Autumn Letendre helping her son Dillon, 4, press his hands into cement at the dedication of a New Britain, CT park named in honor of his father, Captain Brian Letendre, who was killed in Iraq.Just to the right of that was the headline "Lieberman's Pain." It was a tie-in to a story about how badly our junior Senator feels about today's political climate.I wanted to reach for the airsick bag and, had Joe Lieberman been nearby, I'd have been tempted to hit him with a rock and say, "Feel some real pain, you hypocrite."Let's walk through it slowly, using short words so that even people who think Lieberman speaks for decency, honor, or common sense can understand.Go online and punch in "Marine, Brian Letendre," and read the many stories and tributes; you'll be awed, impressed, and incredibly saddened. Letendre was a genuine hero, a genuine patriot. We do not have enough people like this. We never will. Letendre was popular in high school, a college soccer star, the kind of boys other boys are drawn to, that girls with values -- honor, integrity, decency -- are drawn to. And he joined the Marines, maybe the world's finest fighting force, because the Marines, above, all represent and live by that warrior code that stresses brotherhood and integrity. He married his college girlfriend, and their son Dillon was born while his dad was on his first tour of Iraq during the invasion of 2003.Go online and punch in "Lieberman." An early track record of supporting Democratic issues - education initiatives, programs to lift people out of poverty, government that helped people -- and then sometime around 9/11, he went dark. By fall 2002, when the Bush Administration began lying about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and wrongly connecting Hussein with the 9/11 attacks, Lieberman was one of the most prominent people buying into it. (Hillary Clinton bought into the same nonsense, and so did John McCain -- so, unfortunately, did most newspaper editors.)...................
my original posting on Captain Brian Letendre
the only thing i would have done differently is cram in the article SOMEWHERE, 'da liebs is a GIANT STEAMIN' PILE O' SHITE'. the end
Bill Earls: Joe Lieberman's hypocrisy and the Hartford Courant's irony
Credit the Hartford Courant's layout editors with a sense of cruel irony.On Monday's front page, there was a four column photograph of Mrs. Autumn Letendre helping her son Dillon, 4, press his hands into cement at the dedication of a New Britain, CT park named in honor of his father, Captain Brian Letendre, who was killed in Iraq.Just to the right of that was the headline "Lieberman's Pain." It was a tie-in to a story about how badly our junior Senator feels about today's political climate.I wanted to reach for the airsick bag and, had Joe Lieberman been nearby, I'd have been tempted to hit him with a rock and say, "Feel some real pain, you hypocrite."Let's walk through it slowly, using short words so that even people who think Lieberman speaks for decency, honor, or common sense can understand.Go online and punch in "Marine, Brian Letendre," and read the many stories and tributes; you'll be awed, impressed, and incredibly saddened. Letendre was a genuine hero, a genuine patriot. We do not have enough people like this. We never will. Letendre was popular in high school, a college soccer star, the kind of boys other boys are drawn to, that girls with values -- honor, integrity, decency -- are drawn to. And he joined the Marines, maybe the world's finest fighting force, because the Marines, above, all represent and live by that warrior code that stresses brotherhood and integrity. He married his college girlfriend, and their son Dillon was born while his dad was on his first tour of Iraq during the invasion of 2003.Go online and punch in "Lieberman." An early track record of supporting Democratic issues - education initiatives, programs to lift people out of poverty, government that helped people -- and then sometime around 9/11, he went dark. By fall 2002, when the Bush Administration began lying about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and wrongly connecting Hussein with the 9/11 attacks, Lieberman was one of the most prominent people buying into it. (Hillary Clinton bought into the same nonsense, and so did John McCain -- so, unfortunately, did most newspaper editors.)...................
my original posting on Captain Brian Letendre
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
it IS imperative we do something
about the cost of home heating oil (and OTHER utilities as well). i have mentioned SEVERAL times before, my father's (who will be 82 this month) last oil bill was over $700.00. who can afford that? even working families. that is a STRAIN.
Fuel dealers say customers can't pay bills, Larson proposes bill
By Susan Haigh
HARTFORD, Conn.—More than 60 days delinquent in paying her oil bill, a desperate Middletown woman recently called Peterson Oil Co., asking for help.
more stories like this
Jim Meehan, president of the Portland-based home heating oil company, said he has other customers who are more than 90 days late in paying their bills. Given the rising price of fuel, coupled with higher food costs and other expenses, many of his customers cannot afford the $1,000 it often costs to fill their oil tanks.
"We try to accommodate. It's tough," he said, adding that some customers owe $1,500 to $2,500 in back heating bills, creating a cash flow problem for his business. "They just have no way of paying it."
Meehan and a group of fuel dealers appeared at the state Capitol on Monday with U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., to support federal legislation that aims to remove the speculation in the energy futures market. An Energy Department official this month said market speculation on energy prices may have added as much as 10 percent to crude oil costs.
Larson's bill would require investors in the commodities market to be able to take delivery of the petroleum product in which they are investing. Such a move, he said, would eliminate speculators from the market.
"I think the government has to step in here and say to speculators, 'No, you're no longer going to be able to do this,'" Larson said. A U.S. Senate hearing on the issue is planned later this week........
Fuel dealers say customers can't pay bills, Larson proposes bill
By Susan Haigh
HARTFORD, Conn.—More than 60 days delinquent in paying her oil bill, a desperate Middletown woman recently called Peterson Oil Co., asking for help.
more stories like this
Jim Meehan, president of the Portland-based home heating oil company, said he has other customers who are more than 90 days late in paying their bills. Given the rising price of fuel, coupled with higher food costs and other expenses, many of his customers cannot afford the $1,000 it often costs to fill their oil tanks.
"We try to accommodate. It's tough," he said, adding that some customers owe $1,500 to $2,500 in back heating bills, creating a cash flow problem for his business. "They just have no way of paying it."
Meehan and a group of fuel dealers appeared at the state Capitol on Monday with U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., to support federal legislation that aims to remove the speculation in the energy futures market. An Energy Department official this month said market speculation on energy prices may have added as much as 10 percent to crude oil costs.
Larson's bill would require investors in the commodities market to be able to take delivery of the petroleum product in which they are investing. Such a move, he said, would eliminate speculators from the market.
"I think the government has to step in here and say to speculators, 'No, you're no longer going to be able to do this,'" Larson said. A U.S. Senate hearing on the issue is planned later this week........
Monday, March 31, 2008
YOU re-elected him
i didn't. he's horrid. the democratic party didn't change da liebs, YOU changed. well not really. i think you're just showing your TRUE feelings a bit more these days
Lieberman Blasts Democrats As Protectionist, Isolationist
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman blasted the Democratic Party Sunday as protectionist, isolationist and hyperpartisan.
Speaking on ABC's `This Week,' Lieberman said it is not the same party that made him its vice presidential candidate in 2000.
"It's not the Bill Clinton-Al Gore party, which was strong internationalists, strong on defense, pro-trade, pro-reform in our domestic government," he said. "It's been effectively taken over by a small group on the left of the party that is protectionist, isolationist and very, very hyperpartisan. So it pains me." ...............
..................McCain, he said, is "a reformer, somebody who understands ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country and remembers the other part of the Kennedy inaugural, which said that we will bear any burden, pay any price to assure the survival and sustenance of liberty. That's John McCain."
Lieberman also blasted Sen. Barak Obama for voting against a resolution to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group.
"These people are responsible for killing hundreds of American soldiers," Lieberman said." Senator Obama voted against that. Now, to me, that was an irresponsible vote. And I give Senator Clinton credit; she voted for it."...........
no da liebs. iran isn't responsible for killing hundreds (make that 4,007) of american troops. YOU, king george and the whole rest of the court ARE
Lieberman Blasts Democrats As Protectionist, Isolationist
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman blasted the Democratic Party Sunday as protectionist, isolationist and hyperpartisan.
Speaking on ABC's `This Week,' Lieberman said it is not the same party that made him its vice presidential candidate in 2000.
"It's not the Bill Clinton-Al Gore party, which was strong internationalists, strong on defense, pro-trade, pro-reform in our domestic government," he said. "It's been effectively taken over by a small group on the left of the party that is protectionist, isolationist and very, very hyperpartisan. So it pains me." ...............
..................McCain, he said, is "a reformer, somebody who understands ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country and remembers the other part of the Kennedy inaugural, which said that we will bear any burden, pay any price to assure the survival and sustenance of liberty. That's John McCain."
Lieberman also blasted Sen. Barak Obama for voting against a resolution to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group.
"These people are responsible for killing hundreds of American soldiers," Lieberman said." Senator Obama voted against that. Now, to me, that was an irresponsible vote. And I give Senator Clinton credit; she voted for it."...........
no da liebs. iran isn't responsible for killing hundreds (make that 4,007) of american troops. YOU, king george and the whole rest of the court ARE
Friday, March 28, 2008
i just turned 55 a few days ago
i have always looked different. from the time i was a child until now - and oh, by the way, i'm NOT going to stop looking different either. i like myself. it took time, but i do. i don't want to blend. i don't want to be the grrrl next door (nothing wrong with that, it's just NOT me). i stand out. i get stared at. i'm NOT seeking that mind you (no matter what you think, i'm not). my friend philip (my best friend for years and years and years, but we no longer are in touch) and i conducted an experiment in nyc once. you figure i'd get stared at HERE but not there, right? wrong. this was years ago (i think we were about 20 give or take) but here's what we did.
in the day time, we went out. i was in a flannel shirt, jeans and construction boots (ok, they WERE silver) and little makeup. he walked away from me and observed people's reactions to me. he was in the state of disbelief. he swore to me he never noticed how many people stare at me. AND i was very low key. then we went out at night. i got all gussied up. full makeup, jewelry (well i wear my jewelry ALL of the time), clothing..... the reactions were JUST the same. neither of us had an answer.
i remember one year my old boss had a friend of his visit him at work. jim (my old boss) introduced me to his friend. at one point the friend came up to me and asked why i looked like i did since halloween had already passed (yes, this DID happen and yes it DID come from an 'adult').
not everyone is cruel and stupid. GOOD things happen to me as well. once at work this older (yup, older than me) woman came up to me and told me she looked forward to seeing me each and every day. i was a bright spot in her day - she loved seeing what i was wearing. another time in the grocery store another woman said almost the same thing, how everyone else looked alike and was rather drab. she was glad to see someone looking like me shopping in that store! and this stands out in my mind as well. i was standing in a very long line in a movie theater one day (afternoon showing). a group of young boys was in another line (it was obviously a birthday party). the birthday boy broke away and came over to me. he was calling his father and saying something like, 'dad, take a look at this lady'..........i was starting to cringe, when all of a sudden he grabbed my hand and said, 'dad, look at all the cool stuff this lady has on' (i couldn't stop smiling for DAYS afterward).
i take the bad with the good. i know i can be rather imposing. i also know if someone took the time to say hello, i wouldn't cast a spell on them, i'd say hello back!
please take the time to say hello to people who are not exactly like YOU. you may be more than pleasantly surprised!
Teenager guilty of goth murder
By Kim Pilling, PA
A 15-year-old boy was today convicted of kicking and stamping to death a young woman in a park because she was dressed as a Goth. Brendan Harris attacked Sophie Lancaster, 20, as she begged him and four other youths to stop beating her boyfriend, art student Robert Maltby. Preston Crown Court heard the assault was totally unprovoked and the two victims from Bacup, Lancashire, were singled out because they looked different to their attackers. Miss Lancaster, a gap year student, died from serious head injuries two weeks after the attack in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in the early hours of August 11 last year, while Mr Maltby, also a Goth, survived. A jury of nine men and three women found Harris guilty of murder within hours of retiring. After the verdict trial judge Anthony Russell QC lifted an order banning identification of Harris and Ryan Herbert, 16, who had pleaded guilty to Miss Lancaster's murder. Harris had denied the murder charge but pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Maltby after drinking two litres of cider, a bottle of Stella Artois lager and "quite a lot of" peach schnapps. ........
in the day time, we went out. i was in a flannel shirt, jeans and construction boots (ok, they WERE silver) and little makeup. he walked away from me and observed people's reactions to me. he was in the state of disbelief. he swore to me he never noticed how many people stare at me. AND i was very low key. then we went out at night. i got all gussied up. full makeup, jewelry (well i wear my jewelry ALL of the time), clothing..... the reactions were JUST the same. neither of us had an answer.
i remember one year my old boss had a friend of his visit him at work. jim (my old boss) introduced me to his friend. at one point the friend came up to me and asked why i looked like i did since halloween had already passed (yes, this DID happen and yes it DID come from an 'adult').
not everyone is cruel and stupid. GOOD things happen to me as well. once at work this older (yup, older than me) woman came up to me and told me she looked forward to seeing me each and every day. i was a bright spot in her day - she loved seeing what i was wearing. another time in the grocery store another woman said almost the same thing, how everyone else looked alike and was rather drab. she was glad to see someone looking like me shopping in that store! and this stands out in my mind as well. i was standing in a very long line in a movie theater one day (afternoon showing). a group of young boys was in another line (it was obviously a birthday party). the birthday boy broke away and came over to me. he was calling his father and saying something like, 'dad, take a look at this lady'..........i was starting to cringe, when all of a sudden he grabbed my hand and said, 'dad, look at all the cool stuff this lady has on' (i couldn't stop smiling for DAYS afterward).
i take the bad with the good. i know i can be rather imposing. i also know if someone took the time to say hello, i wouldn't cast a spell on them, i'd say hello back!
please take the time to say hello to people who are not exactly like YOU. you may be more than pleasantly surprised!
Teenager guilty of goth murder
By Kim Pilling, PA
A 15-year-old boy was today convicted of kicking and stamping to death a young woman in a park because she was dressed as a Goth. Brendan Harris attacked Sophie Lancaster, 20, as she begged him and four other youths to stop beating her boyfriend, art student Robert Maltby. Preston Crown Court heard the assault was totally unprovoked and the two victims from Bacup, Lancashire, were singled out because they looked different to their attackers. Miss Lancaster, a gap year student, died from serious head injuries two weeks after the attack in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in the early hours of August 11 last year, while Mr Maltby, also a Goth, survived. A jury of nine men and three women found Harris guilty of murder within hours of retiring. After the verdict trial judge Anthony Russell QC lifted an order banning identification of Harris and Ryan Herbert, 16, who had pleaded guilty to Miss Lancaster's murder. Harris had denied the murder charge but pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Maltby after drinking two litres of cider, a bottle of Stella Artois lager and "quite a lot of" peach schnapps. ........
anybody else read this in the hartford advocate this week?
why am i NOT surprised the school board in MY town, west hartford, had stuff to HIDE?
why am i NOT surprised our taxes are going through the roof and they ARE INDEED EATING CAKE?
is anyone else as disturbed as i am?
Let Them Eat Cake
How much tax money does West Hartford's Board of Education spend on catered meals for itself? They won't tell us.
By Jennifer Abel
The current West Hartford school budget is close to $118 million, about $11,670 per student. According to the CIA World Factbook, this is more than the per capita income of 141 of Earth's 230 nations.
According to the board of education it's still not enough to teach the kids, so they're requesting an extra $7.5 million next year.
There's already grumbling in town about how taxes, once again, are rising higher than inflation. And since the school budget is over 60 percent of the town's total, much of that grumbling's directed toward school spending. It's mostly off-the-record, though, because people who speak against school spending are branded as selfish.
The budget's not presented in a line-item form that lists individual expenses. So when we first heard complaints about the board allegedly having breakfasts and lunches catered to meetings on the taxpayers' dime, we didn't know if this was a big deal or not because we couldn't go to the budget and read "Refreshments: X dollars."
Are we talking "coffee and donuts" or "five-course banquets"? A woman at the Avon Board of Ed. said she usually makes coffee for meetings; Simsbury said they'll provide a meal if they are scheduled back-to-back during the dinner hour. This sounds reasonable; is that what West Hartford's doing?...............
why am i NOT surprised our taxes are going through the roof and they ARE INDEED EATING CAKE?
is anyone else as disturbed as i am?
Let Them Eat Cake
How much tax money does West Hartford's Board of Education spend on catered meals for itself? They won't tell us.
By Jennifer Abel
The current West Hartford school budget is close to $118 million, about $11,670 per student. According to the CIA World Factbook, this is more than the per capita income of 141 of Earth's 230 nations.
According to the board of education it's still not enough to teach the kids, so they're requesting an extra $7.5 million next year.
There's already grumbling in town about how taxes, once again, are rising higher than inflation. And since the school budget is over 60 percent of the town's total, much of that grumbling's directed toward school spending. It's mostly off-the-record, though, because people who speak against school spending are branded as selfish.
The budget's not presented in a line-item form that lists individual expenses. So when we first heard complaints about the board allegedly having breakfasts and lunches catered to meetings on the taxpayers' dime, we didn't know if this was a big deal or not because we couldn't go to the budget and read "Refreshments: X dollars."
Are we talking "coffee and donuts" or "five-course banquets"? A woman at the Avon Board of Ed. said she usually makes coffee for meetings; Simsbury said they'll provide a meal if they are scheduled back-to-back during the dinner hour. This sounds reasonable; is that what West Hartford's doing?...............
Monday, March 24, 2008
i didn't know about this
and even if i did, i don't know that i could live on $3.00 to $4.00 of food a day. i spend that much on coffee. i'm not being flippant. one just doesn't realize people DO have to live on $4.00 worth of food a day. i will remember that
I'm One Of The Lucky – My Hunger Ends Tuesday
Susan Campbell
Hartford's monthlong Food Stamp Project ends Tuesday, and that can't come too soon for me.For a few days or all month, project participants agree to live on $3 to $4 of food a day, roughly what a food-stamp recipient can expect these days. This is the second year for the Charter Oak Cultural Center exercise. Rabbi Donna Berman, executive director, dreamed it up as a way to make hunger more real to citizens of one of the country's richest states. Yes, people go hungry here. All around the state, clergy urged their congregations to participate, a couple of high school classes signed on, as did the entire staff at End Hunger CT — all without registering formally. "I think," said Berman, "this is bigger than we know." Last year, word spread, and all over the country, people participated, including the governor of Oregon and several members of Congress.This year, the center partnered with regional anti-hunger organizations such as Foodshare Inc., End Hunger CT as well as their recipient charity, Hands On Hartford, the former Center City Churches...........
I'm One Of The Lucky – My Hunger Ends Tuesday
Susan Campbell
Hartford's monthlong Food Stamp Project ends Tuesday, and that can't come too soon for me.For a few days or all month, project participants agree to live on $3 to $4 of food a day, roughly what a food-stamp recipient can expect these days. This is the second year for the Charter Oak Cultural Center exercise. Rabbi Donna Berman, executive director, dreamed it up as a way to make hunger more real to citizens of one of the country's richest states. Yes, people go hungry here. All around the state, clergy urged their congregations to participate, a couple of high school classes signed on, as did the entire staff at End Hunger CT — all without registering formally. "I think," said Berman, "this is bigger than we know." Last year, word spread, and all over the country, people participated, including the governor of Oregon and several members of Congress.This year, the center partnered with regional anti-hunger organizations such as Foodshare Inc., End Hunger CT as well as their recipient charity, Hands On Hartford, the former Center City Churches...........
thanks to the day
for not only realizing they made a horrible error, but for SAYING they did
Connecticut Paper Hits Joe Lieberman -- Sorry for Endorsement?
By E&P Staff
NEW YORK When he ran for re-election in 2006, Sen. Joe Lieberman on Connecticut was defeated in the Democratic primary by a little-known antiwar candidate, Ned Lamont. So he ran as an independent, and won in a three-way race.Since then he has embraced President Bush's stand on Iraq and seems intent on being John McCain's running mate, or at least chief adviser. This was too much for The Day newspaper, which carried an apologetic editorial today noting that it had backed Lieberman then but thought "it was supporting a candidate who demonstrated a history of pragmatic leadership and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions.We wonder what happened to that senator."Sen. Lieberman's open-ended commitment to military involvement in Iraq comes as no surprise. The senator made it clear when running for re-election that was his position. Sen. Lieberman wants the United States military to remain in Iraq until the war is won, whatever that means. It conflicts with this newspaper's position that the time has come for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces."Despite that difference of opinion, The Day editorially backed the senator because of his experience, his willingness to put principle above politics, as demonstrated by his condemnation of former President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and his even-handed political approach.........
and now for the editorial itself
We Don't Know This Sen. Joe
Sen. Lieberman has been too busy burning bridges to build any.
When The Day endorsed Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for re-election in November 2006 it was supporting a candidate who demonstrated a history of pragmatic leadership and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions.
We wonder what happened to that senator.
Sen. Lieberman's open-ended commitment to military involvement in Iraq comes as no surprise. The senator made it clear when running for re-election that was his position. Sen. Lieberman wants the United States military to remain in Iraq until the war is won, whatever that means. It conflicts with this newspaper's position that the time has come for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces.
Despite that difference of opinion, The Day editorially backed the senator because of his experience, his willingness to put principle above politics, as demonstrated by his condemnation of former President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and his even-handed political approach.
But while Sen. Lieberman remains experienced, he is no longer even-handedly principled.........
Connecticut Paper Hits Joe Lieberman -- Sorry for Endorsement?
By E&P Staff
NEW YORK When he ran for re-election in 2006, Sen. Joe Lieberman on Connecticut was defeated in the Democratic primary by a little-known antiwar candidate, Ned Lamont. So he ran as an independent, and won in a three-way race.Since then he has embraced President Bush's stand on Iraq and seems intent on being John McCain's running mate, or at least chief adviser. This was too much for The Day newspaper, which carried an apologetic editorial today noting that it had backed Lieberman then but thought "it was supporting a candidate who demonstrated a history of pragmatic leadership and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions.We wonder what happened to that senator."Sen. Lieberman's open-ended commitment to military involvement in Iraq comes as no surprise. The senator made it clear when running for re-election that was his position. Sen. Lieberman wants the United States military to remain in Iraq until the war is won, whatever that means. It conflicts with this newspaper's position that the time has come for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces."Despite that difference of opinion, The Day editorially backed the senator because of his experience, his willingness to put principle above politics, as demonstrated by his condemnation of former President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and his even-handed political approach.........
and now for the editorial itself
We Don't Know This Sen. Joe
Sen. Lieberman has been too busy burning bridges to build any.
When The Day endorsed Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for re-election in November 2006 it was supporting a candidate who demonstrated a history of pragmatic leadership and a willingness to seek bipartisan solutions.
We wonder what happened to that senator.
Sen. Lieberman's open-ended commitment to military involvement in Iraq comes as no surprise. The senator made it clear when running for re-election that was his position. Sen. Lieberman wants the United States military to remain in Iraq until the war is won, whatever that means. It conflicts with this newspaper's position that the time has come for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces.
Despite that difference of opinion, The Day editorially backed the senator because of his experience, his willingness to put principle above politics, as demonstrated by his condemnation of former President Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and his even-handed political approach.
But while Sen. Lieberman remains experienced, he is no longer even-handedly principled.........
Sunday, March 23, 2008
welcome back!
to 6th Motor Transport Battallion. thank you for serving but boy oh boy, we're ALL glad you're home
Marines come home in time for Easter
New Haven(WTNH) _ Twenty-six members of the 6th Motor Transport Battallion returned to New Haven today after spending about seven months in Iraq.
They were given a warm welcome home Saturday. The reservists were escorted back into the Elm City by the Patriot Guard and a sea motorcycles. Flags, friends and former Marine News Channel 8's Gil Simmons were there to say 'thank you.' "How does it feel to be back?""Best feeling in the world, put a lot of hard work in a lot of build up, got the mission accomplished can't tell you how good it feels, proud to be doing this for my country, my family, my unit here," Marine Reservist L. Cpl. Andrew Plante."Just happy to be home my family is here everyone I just want to go home and spent time with them." L. Cpl. Plante says the first thing he wanted to do was take a nap well deserved rest. ........
Marines come home in time for Easter
New Haven(WTNH) _ Twenty-six members of the 6th Motor Transport Battallion returned to New Haven today after spending about seven months in Iraq.
They were given a warm welcome home Saturday. The reservists were escorted back into the Elm City by the Patriot Guard and a sea motorcycles. Flags, friends and former Marine News Channel 8's Gil Simmons were there to say 'thank you.' "How does it feel to be back?""Best feeling in the world, put a lot of hard work in a lot of build up, got the mission accomplished can't tell you how good it feels, proud to be doing this for my country, my family, my unit here," Marine Reservist L. Cpl. Andrew Plante."Just happy to be home my family is here everyone I just want to go home and spent time with them." L. Cpl. Plante says the first thing he wanted to do was take a nap well deserved rest. ........
Saturday, March 22, 2008
to the family, friends and fellow brothers and sisters
of officer Matthew Morelli, my thoughts and prayers go out to you
Norwalk officer fatally shot
By John Nickerson
NORWALK - City police, the FBI and the state police Major Crime Squad spent the day trying to figure out how city police Officer Matthew Morelli, 38, was shot and killed in a church parking lot in South Norwalk early yesterday morning.For more than 13 hours, state police investigated the parking lot off Lubrano Place and the surrounding area before taking Morelli's body to state chief medical examiner's office in Farmington. Police and city officials said a rifle, described either as an AK-47 or older, military-style rifle, was found immediately next to, or under, Morelli's body when police found him lying in the Calvary Reformed Church parking lot.Chief Harry Rilling said the 11-year department veteran, who served four years in the Marines before joining the department in 1996, called headquarters at 12:26 a.m. to say he was checking suspicious activity in the lot and stepped out of his vehicle............
Norwalk officer fatally shot
By John Nickerson
NORWALK - City police, the FBI and the state police Major Crime Squad spent the day trying to figure out how city police Officer Matthew Morelli, 38, was shot and killed in a church parking lot in South Norwalk early yesterday morning.For more than 13 hours, state police investigated the parking lot off Lubrano Place and the surrounding area before taking Morelli's body to state chief medical examiner's office in Farmington. Police and city officials said a rifle, described either as an AK-47 or older, military-style rifle, was found immediately next to, or under, Morelli's body when police found him lying in the Calvary Reformed Church parking lot.Chief Harry Rilling said the 11-year department veteran, who served four years in the Marines before joining the department in 1996, called headquarters at 12:26 a.m. to say he was checking suspicious activity in the lot and stepped out of his vehicle............
Friday, March 21, 2008
of course there's a correlation
between people who abuse animals and people who abuse people
BOTH must stop
Animal Cruelty task force
By News Channel 8's Bob Wilson
(WTNH) _ Cruelty to animals may lead to violent behavior against humans. A new state task force will be looking into the correlation and what can be done.
Could an abused dog or cat be one of the first signs that someone else other than the family pet is being abused? Lawmakers announced the formation of the task force on animal cruelty and the circle of violence to look into just that."We know that when an animal is being abused, more than likely the children in the house hold are being abused," Diana Urbana, of North Stonington, said. So, while the task force will study the circle of violence -- pet professionals like animal control officers and workers at the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington -- are keeping their eyes open for abused animals.
"If we do find that and we do have the name, telephone number and address of the individual at that point we would call the police in that town and make a report," Alicia Wright, of the Connecticut Humane Society, said..............
BOTH must stop
Animal Cruelty task force
By News Channel 8's Bob Wilson
(WTNH) _ Cruelty to animals may lead to violent behavior against humans. A new state task force will be looking into the correlation and what can be done.
Could an abused dog or cat be one of the first signs that someone else other than the family pet is being abused? Lawmakers announced the formation of the task force on animal cruelty and the circle of violence to look into just that."We know that when an animal is being abused, more than likely the children in the house hold are being abused," Diana Urbana, of North Stonington, said. So, while the task force will study the circle of violence -- pet professionals like animal control officers and workers at the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington -- are keeping their eyes open for abused animals.
"If we do find that and we do have the name, telephone number and address of the individual at that point we would call the police in that town and make a report," Alicia Wright, of the Connecticut Humane Society, said..............
Thursday, March 20, 2008
if i make it to 80
i hope i can be as conscientious as jim barron and caroline bridgeman-rees. of course, there were all ages present at the protest. of course i shouldn't wait until i'm 80 to be conscientious, moral and patriotic.
Protesters gather for fifth anniversary of Iraq war
By DAVE COLLINS
Five people were arrested Wednesday for blocking the front door of a federal courthouse during a protest to mark the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.Among the five were Jim Barron, 80, of New Haven and his minister, the Rev. Kathleen McTigue. Also arrested were Caroline Bridgeman-Rees, 80, of Hamden and father and daughter Mark and Keely Colville of New Haven. Police charged the five with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. They were led to police cruisers amid applause from about 100 other protesters gathered on the sidewalk.Barron has participated in protests for decades, but never risked a trip to jail. He opposed the war from the beginning and has written letters of protest to Congress, but his feelings intensified while hearing the names of the war dead read each week in his church.The final straw, he said, was reading an article about U.S. soldiers who suffered permanent brain damage in Iraq.........
Five Arrested In Iraq War Protest
By HILDA MUÑOZ And NOMAAN MERCHANT Courant Staff Reporters
A protest Wednesday by roughly 200 clergy members, religious activists and citizens marking the five-year anniversary of the United States invasion of Iraq started with prayer and song and ended with the arrest of five protesters in Hartford.
The protesters had blocked an entrance to the federal building in Hartford.
Keeley Colville, 17, her father Mark Colville, James Barron, 80, Caroline Bridgman-Rees, 85, and Rev. Kathleen McTigue were taken into custody. Bridgman-Rees and Barron were released on a promise to appear. Keeley Colville was issued a $500 bond. Her father and McTigue were each issued a $1,000 bond............
ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE START OF THE IRAQ WAR, an interfaith coalition gathered to oppose the war in Hartford. The rally, organized by the New Haven-based group Reclaiming the Prophetic Voice, ended at the Federal Building, where five people were arrested on trespassing charges for blocking the entrance to the building in protest. Hartford police help up 85-year-old Caroline Bridgeman-Reese before arresting her. At right is Jim Barron, who was also arrested. (SHANA SURECK / March 19, 2008)
Protesters gather for fifth anniversary of Iraq war
By DAVE COLLINS
Five people were arrested Wednesday for blocking the front door of a federal courthouse during a protest to mark the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.Among the five were Jim Barron, 80, of New Haven and his minister, the Rev. Kathleen McTigue. Also arrested were Caroline Bridgeman-Rees, 80, of Hamden and father and daughter Mark and Keely Colville of New Haven. Police charged the five with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. They were led to police cruisers amid applause from about 100 other protesters gathered on the sidewalk.Barron has participated in protests for decades, but never risked a trip to jail. He opposed the war from the beginning and has written letters of protest to Congress, but his feelings intensified while hearing the names of the war dead read each week in his church.The final straw, he said, was reading an article about U.S. soldiers who suffered permanent brain damage in Iraq.........
Five Arrested In Iraq War Protest
By HILDA MUÑOZ And NOMAAN MERCHANT Courant Staff Reporters
A protest Wednesday by roughly 200 clergy members, religious activists and citizens marking the five-year anniversary of the United States invasion of Iraq started with prayer and song and ended with the arrest of five protesters in Hartford.
The protesters had blocked an entrance to the federal building in Hartford.
Keeley Colville, 17, her father Mark Colville, James Barron, 80, Caroline Bridgman-Rees, 85, and Rev. Kathleen McTigue were taken into custody. Bridgman-Rees and Barron were released on a promise to appear. Keeley Colville was issued a $500 bond. Her father and McTigue were each issued a $1,000 bond............
ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE START OF THE IRAQ WAR, an interfaith coalition gathered to oppose the war in Hartford. The rally, organized by the New Haven-based group Reclaiming the Prophetic Voice, ended at the Federal Building, where five people were arrested on trespassing charges for blocking the entrance to the building in protest. Hartford police help up 85-year-old Caroline Bridgeman-Reese before arresting her. At right is Jim Barron, who was also arrested. (SHANA SURECK / March 19, 2008)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Raymond Bechard, connecticut cool person of the week
thank you for founding ahava kids and thank you for caring
............Child Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing crime in the world for organized crime syndicates. It is also the most profitable crime simply because a child can be sold for sex multiple times every day for many years. Along with the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), young people are also used for forced labor (cocoa, coffee, diamonds, rugs, silk, etc.), illegal activities (begging, selling drugs), child soldiers, forced marriage, illegal adoption, and in the international trade of organ harvesting. Domestically, child trafficking occurs in every community in America. The FBI has determined that 300,000 young people are trafficked within the United States each year and that the average age for females entering prostitution in America is 13. Young victims are usually runaways or otherwise disenfranchised youth who are then recruited in malls, bus stations, shelters and online........
A mission to save the children of Iraq
Old Saybrook (WTNH) _ In a matter of weeks, an Old Saybrook man will be embedded with U.S. soldiers in Iraq on a mission of his own.
Raymond Bechard founded Ahava Kids in 2003. He will be the first person to investigate the condition of children in Iraq and says human trafficking is often seen where there is war, poverty and economic chaos.
"Iraq has all three," Bechard said. "What we look for are children who look desperate."
Bechard says you do not have to look far and wide to find human trafficking or prostitution. More than 400 women and girls in Eastern Connecticut alone can be found with a click of the mouse on your computer. Bechard's group offers anonymity and a safe place to stay for those who want to leave that life and the people who profit from them. .....
............Child Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing crime in the world for organized crime syndicates. It is also the most profitable crime simply because a child can be sold for sex multiple times every day for many years. Along with the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), young people are also used for forced labor (cocoa, coffee, diamonds, rugs, silk, etc.), illegal activities (begging, selling drugs), child soldiers, forced marriage, illegal adoption, and in the international trade of organ harvesting. Domestically, child trafficking occurs in every community in America. The FBI has determined that 300,000 young people are trafficked within the United States each year and that the average age for females entering prostitution in America is 13. Young victims are usually runaways or otherwise disenfranchised youth who are then recruited in malls, bus stations, shelters and online........
A mission to save the children of Iraq
Old Saybrook (WTNH) _ In a matter of weeks, an Old Saybrook man will be embedded with U.S. soldiers in Iraq on a mission of his own.
Raymond Bechard founded Ahava Kids in 2003. He will be the first person to investigate the condition of children in Iraq and says human trafficking is often seen where there is war, poverty and economic chaos.
"Iraq has all three," Bechard said. "What we look for are children who look desperate."
Bechard says you do not have to look far and wide to find human trafficking or prostitution. More than 400 women and girls in Eastern Connecticut alone can be found with a click of the mouse on your computer. Bechard's group offers anonymity and a safe place to stay for those who want to leave that life and the people who profit from them. .....
Sunday, March 16, 2008
did you know we had 11,000 returning troops
in our state (from the war)? i didn't. that's a HUGE number. did you know that at the VERY LEAST 1/4 of them have symptoms for ptsd? i didn't.
Many Returning Troops Struggle To Reconnect
By LISA CHEDEKEL Courant Staff Writer
From a distance, the more than 11,000 state residents who have returned from war in the past five years have disappeared seamlessly into the Connecticut landscape — back to colleges, spouses, civilian or military jobs.But up close, the transition has not been so smooth.A first-ever survey of returning state troops shows that at least one-quarter of them meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, while many cite problems with a spouse or partner and difficulties "connecting emotionally with family" as major concerns. A state mental health hot line has fielded more than 300 calls for assistance from Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their family members in the past nine months. Recently, the state veterans' affairs commissioner has begun working with the courts to ensure that increasing numbers of recently returned troops who are arrested for domestic violence, drunken driving or other offenses are flagged and referred to counseling programs."There's a lot of real high risks here — not only for the military members themselves, but for their families," said Linda Schwartz, commissioner of the state Department of Veterans' Affairs. "We have people in almost every town in our state who have served deployments, and the VA is just not going to be able to get to them all. We have to do more to reach out to them … to catch them when they fall."............
......The state's mental health hot line for military members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family members is 866-251-2913................
Many Returning Troops Struggle To Reconnect
By LISA CHEDEKEL Courant Staff Writer
From a distance, the more than 11,000 state residents who have returned from war in the past five years have disappeared seamlessly into the Connecticut landscape — back to colleges, spouses, civilian or military jobs.But up close, the transition has not been so smooth.A first-ever survey of returning state troops shows that at least one-quarter of them meet the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, while many cite problems with a spouse or partner and difficulties "connecting emotionally with family" as major concerns. A state mental health hot line has fielded more than 300 calls for assistance from Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their family members in the past nine months. Recently, the state veterans' affairs commissioner has begun working with the courts to ensure that increasing numbers of recently returned troops who are arrested for domestic violence, drunken driving or other offenses are flagged and referred to counseling programs."There's a lot of real high risks here — not only for the military members themselves, but for their families," said Linda Schwartz, commissioner of the state Department of Veterans' Affairs. "We have people in almost every town in our state who have served deployments, and the VA is just not going to be able to get to them all. We have to do more to reach out to them … to catch them when they fall."............
......The state's mental health hot line for military members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family members is 866-251-2913................
this story takes place in maryland
but it's the same in connecticut. my 82 year old father got an oil (heating) bill for $728.00. how are people (working families and like my father, the elderly and retired) supposed to pay that? his electric bill went way up as well.
how can we all afford 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 utility bills? how much longer do you think this is going to go on? i mean how much longer before we all STOP paying our bills because we CANNOT.
(king george has to pay his bills for the crawford ranch, no? doesn't he see we're all f**ked?)
By Kirstin Downey Washington Post Staff Writer
George Mann, an $18-an-hour grocery store clerk in Waldorf, found himself trembling last month as he wrote the check to pay his $644 electricity bill. Still financially recovering from a $549 electricity bill in January, Mann said he noticed he was "shaking" as he paid the bill, full of anxiety about how he would find the money to pay other household expenses for the three-bedroom rambler where he lives with his wife and four children.
"When they deregulated the market, there was supposed to be competition and prices were supposed to go down," he said. "But why did the bills go in the opposite direction?"
That is a question being echoed in households across the region, particularly as heating bills rise in the coldest months of the year. .............
"When they deregulated the market, there was supposed to be competition and prices were supposed to go down," he said. "But why did the bills go in the opposite direction?"
That is a question being echoed in households across the region, particularly as heating bills rise in the coldest months of the year. .............
Saturday, March 15, 2008
i guess he ain't so 'MAGNIFICANT' any more
is 23 years (i'm sure WAY less than that with parole) enough for someone who is guilty of forcing a TWELVE YEAR OLD GIRL into prostitution? my answer is HELL NO
and if you don't think this kind of thing goes on ALL of the time, think again
NY man convicted in human trafficking ring
Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- A New York man pleaded guilty Friday in New Haven federal court for his role in a human trafficking ring that forced adolescent and teenage girls to work as prostitutes and dancers.Corey "Magnificent" Davis, 36, of Queens, pleaded admitted to one count of sex trafficking of a minor before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall. Davis was arrested in December 2006 on several charges including sex trafficking, forced labor and transportation of a minor for immoral purposes. His trial was scheduled to begin on Monday. He has been detained since his arrest.As a result of the guilty plea, Davis agreed to a prison term of 23 years when he is sentenced on June 2. Federal prosecutors said a victims' fund also has been created from profits of the criminal enterprise........
and if you don't think this kind of thing goes on ALL of the time, think again
NY man convicted in human trafficking ring
Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- A New York man pleaded guilty Friday in New Haven federal court for his role in a human trafficking ring that forced adolescent and teenage girls to work as prostitutes and dancers.Corey "Magnificent" Davis, 36, of Queens, pleaded admitted to one count of sex trafficking of a minor before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall. Davis was arrested in December 2006 on several charges including sex trafficking, forced labor and transportation of a minor for immoral purposes. His trial was scheduled to begin on Monday. He has been detained since his arrest.As a result of the guilty plea, Davis agreed to a prison term of 23 years when he is sentenced on June 2. Federal prosecutors said a victims' fund also has been created from profits of the criminal enterprise........
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