And so it begins, or continues, as it were...

It begins. After the revelation of their nuclear reactor and potential for nuclear weaponry can we really be surprised? If the past decade in the Middle East hasn't been enough of a signal then here it is in spades. This world is about to explode. Literally. WWIII here we come.

Selling Electric License plates to a Distracted Public

Really? Do we need more Distractions?

In California, license plates might go electronic

ROBIN HINDERY Associated Press Writer

Posted: 06/20/2010 10:00:39 AM PDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—As electronic highway billboards flashing neon advertisements become more prevalent, the next frontier in distracted driving is already approaching—ad-blaring license plates.

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would allow the state to begin researching the use of electronic license plates for vehicles. The move is intended as a moneymaker for a state facing a $19 billion deficit.

The device would mimic a standard license plate when the vehicle is in motion but would switch to digital ads or other messages when it is stopped for more than four seconds, whether in traffic or at a red light. The license plate number would remain visible at all times in some section of the screen.

In emergencies, the plates could be used to broadcast Amber Alerts or traffic information.

Pharmaceuticals, as proven as Quackery

Pharmaceutical companies make millions of dollars a year off the public yet fail to provide substantial evidence of actual benefit from use of their products while reducing non pharmaceutical medicine to quackery.

Big drug companies constantly introduce unproven medicine with several serious side-effects to the market. Just watching TV for one commercial break is evidence enough.

Almost every break there is at least one ad for some new "medicine" that helps depression, but could make you aggressive, more depressed or even suicidal. Asthma "medicine" that can give you head aches, sinus problems and even fungal infections. Insomnia "medication" that can cause addiction, depression and possibly death, if used ALONE.

There is one thread in common between all these medications, profit.

Huge multi-national corporations make millions a year off all these drugs they introduce to the public. How is medicine beneficial if the laundry list of side-effects include DEATH? Is that not counter productive to the entire purpose of having medicine?

Granted, there are several medications that have been proven to be beneficial, such as anti-biotics, but they too have side-effects and are often ineffective from overuse and resistance. Cough medicines and asprin-type medications do often help with aches and pains but destroy liver tissue after prolonged use.

So why, with all these negative aspects of "modern medicine," do we reduce homeopathic and natural medicine to quackery? Many of the techniques have been around for thousands of years in cultural practice while "modern medicine" has only been around a few hundred.

Using "science" to cloak risky medicines has been the selling point for big pharmaceuticals. They try to discredit natural medications and time honored traditions through ad campaigns and lack of "scientific research" but fail to fairly disclose that their own medications are rarely proven to actually be beneficial. Almost HALF are still unknown to be beneficial or harmful.

Peppermint tea could be just as good as Pepto Bismol, vitamin-c as good as cough syrup, exercise, nutrition and rest as good as Zoloft. You'll never know if you simply believe the ads though.

So before you go to fill your next prescription hastily written out by an overloaded doctor, click through the links here, ask a an expert, just decide for yourself whether those side-effects are worth it.

A Call to Arms for Students

It is time to wake up. Time to get up and do something. To shut your mouth and open your eyes. To put down your books and raise your fists in protest!

There has been much to be indignant about lately. Fee hikes. Course offering cuts. Reductions in services. Overcrowded classes and campuses. In short, the stripping of our public education system. It is time for students to voice their opinions and do their best to reverse these injustices. If those who are most affected are not also the most vocal, then impact is lost when others who are farther removed from the situation voice their discontent. This is the period when we either stand up for our right to education, or let private interest overrun our public education system and destroy accessibility, affordability and opportunity for the vast majority of our society.

We are already importing scientific talent in several different fields, including engineering, chemistry and medicine, from other countries. If we cannot educate our own citizens for the jobs in highest demand, then how are we supposed to rebuild our economy? Factory jobs in manufacturing and customer service have already been shipped overseas to increase profit margins of American companies. Farming communities forced into ghost towns in favor of factory farming run by corporate interests.

There are no jobs left for the average worker. Honest, hardworking people who only wish to support themselves and their families through the strength and skill of their hands. They have all been pushed into substandard salaried positions at fast food restaurants or retail stores. Those will college degrees clogging the endless seas of middle management positions above them. But soon, those too will fade to automation and computer programs.

If people, students in particular, don't shake off their apathy soon, they will only realize their are no opportunities for further education or careers with livable wages when it is too late.

Many talk of the injustices occurring in our society, in their school, in their hometown, but how many actually do anything about it? The apathy does not end with the turning off of the TV, with the overdue trip to the library, with the signed form letter to a congressman or senator, the apathy only ends when ACTION is taken. True action. Not the pointless semantics encouraged by our current administration. The masturbation of bureaucracy. Apathy ends in the streets. In the squares and in the schools. In the presence felt by both leaders and fellow citizens when someone makes the effort to be seen and heard. When a statement is made, not through words, but through that apathy ending action. Through art, through music, through protest. Through action.

We must use whatever means we have at our disposal to make the boldest statements possible. Gone are the times when mere conversation sufficed. The powers that be have not listened. The UC board of Regents has not listened. The California State Legislature has not listened. Our government has not listened. And if the will not listen, we must make them see. Make them see and feel our discontent, our outrage, our determination in resisting the detrimental changes they are trying to enforce on us. We will have our education. We will rebuild our nation. We will prosper as our forefathers have.

And it will begin as grass roots movements. Help end the apathy. Join clubs at your university, college or high school. Join community organizations. Participate in local politics and civic discussions. Protest what you feel is unjust. Just participate. There are organizations all around our wonderful nation dedicated to preserving education and the well-being our our youth's intellect. Seek them out and offer whatever services you have to offer. It is only then that the Apathy will end. It is time to put up or shut up. Period.

Blackwater Operational in Pakistan

Blackwater’s Secret War in Pakistan: Jeremy Scahill Reveals Private Military Firm Operating in Pakistan Under Covert Assassination and Kidnapping Program

From: DemocracyNow.org, 11-24-09 broadcast

"In an explosive new article in The Nation magazine, investigative journalist and Democracy Now! correspondent Jeremy Scahill reveals the private military firm Blackwater is part of a covert program in Pakistan that includes planning the assassination and kidnapping of Taliban and Al-Qaeda suspects. Blackwater is also said to be involved in a previously undisclosed U.S. military drone campaign that has killed scores of people inside Pakistan. The article says the program has become so secretive that top Obama administration and military officials have likely been unaware of its existence. In a Democracy Now! exclusive, Scahill joins us for his first interview since the story broke."

Yet another example of superb journalistic integrity. Jeremy Scahill is well known for his many articles about the corporate world of mercenaries and private security firms interactions with military operations around the globe. The watchdog role of journalism is still present in his investigative pieces. He is doing everything he can to alert the people of our country to the gross injustices being perpetrated in the world by private interests in war mongering. Democracy Now, with it's impeccable news selections, continues it's vital role as a premier news agency with incredible reporting. Thank you to all involved. Read the full article and watch the interview video at the link below and at DemocracyNow.org.

Blackwater's Secret War In Pakistan - Video + Article

Fox v. Fox

Fox is ridiculous. All the current speculation about it's credibility as a NEWS source is justified if by nothing else but it's own mishandling of the situation. The ignition point was a bland comment questioning the integrity of their reporting. It is true. The talking heads there take more precedence over their actual reporters. Those thinking of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly as news reporters are sadly mistaken. Also, the news anchors pick up on stories that the talking heads bring to light, hurting their journalistic credibility when all they are doing is reporting what their other on air personalities are saying. It's a sad cycle that leaves Fox creating it's own news and own spin in a despicable circle. Fair well balanced news is far from their goal. Their reaction to the statements by White House officials only creates "the war on Fox News" for their own further comment against the president. They are not credible reporters of news. That is a fact. They should be forced to stop purveying themselves as a veritable news station. Period.

Politics spelled O-O-P-S

I hope everyones happy now. I hope he gets it together. I hope it all works out. Overall, I just hope he is good on his word.

I did not vote for Barack Obama. A lot of people did, but the did not see what I saw, still, they are now understanding. There is a lot of things said about our President but many of them are slanderous lies created from ignorance and racism. Those were expected. I am not speaking against anyone. I am simply observing and weighing possibilities for myself.

Photo courtesy of U.I.U.C. College Democrats.

I did not vote for Obama because he was too good a politician. Yes his values are admirable and his story inspiring. But that is not what I want in a President. I want someone with a backbone and fighting spirit. Not fighting in a war like sense. A spirit endowed with courage and conviction with a will to do what needs to be done. Someone who will be steadfast and forthright in his decisions. A doer.

President Obama is a great man and has done wonders for equality in this country. Though many don'y agree and will do their best to bring him down, I think he is doing the best he can. I still do not think this is enough though.

We need a President not a Politician. Someone who will lead with the conviction Bush had, just a bigger brain and a better goal. Someone who will stand by his morals, but for the right reasons this time. If Barack wants to do good for this country, he must do it. Cut the shit and do it. You can not please everyone, even everyone in one party. Diplomacy has its uses, but action is needed in emergencies. We are in an emergency. I just hope he realizes it in time to make the most of his presidency. That his potential for good is not overshadowed by bickering and partisan politics. That real improvement will come. I hope it will.